I am trying to buy masks for the staff at my work. Why is it so hard to find information on what to get? There are tons and tons of options. But they are all different and none seem to be certified by the CDC. Anyone have any idea? Or recommendations?
Re-Usable Masks...It shouldnt be this hard...
- Thread starter TheSiege
- Start date
Based on what is presently known, the most important thing is to halt droplet transmission. Given that, damn near anything will get you to 95% effective, to include disposable surgical masks and simple reusable cloth masks. This is what I bought for the family.
Amazon.com: 2PACK Cotton Unisex Face Shield Washable Reusable Cotton Fabric for Cycling Camping Travel for Men Women Kids Teens: Clothing
Amazon.com: 2PACK Cotton Unisex Face Shield Washable Reusable Cotton Fabric for Cycling Camping Travel for Men Women Kids Teens: Clothing
www.amazon.com
Charmonium
Lifer
- May 15, 2015
- 10,393
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Yeah, I ordered KN95 masks from China that took about 3 weeks to get here.
I did some research and every country has their own mask standard. N95 for US and KN95 for China. Fortunately, the specs on both are virtually identical.
Something else I use is a nose filter. That catches anything that gets past the mask check it out.
You need to get the sample pack for your nostril shape and see which size fits. Then you order them in boxes of 6.
I did some research and every country has their own mask standard. N95 for US and KN95 for China. Fortunately, the specs on both are virtually identical.
Something else I use is a nose filter. That catches anything that gets past the mask check it out.
Amazon.com: WoodyKnows Super-Defense Nasal Filters: Home Improvement
Buy WoodyKnows Super-Defense Nasal Filters: Allergy, Sinus & Asthma - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
smile.amazon.com
You need to get the sample pack for your nostril shape and see which size fits. Then you order them in boxes of 6.
Scarpozzi
Lifer
- Jun 13, 2000
- 26,391
- 1,780
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I'd probably go the triple layer cloth mask route and not worry about disposable masks. A group of people in my office are using a scarf material that allows them to just pull the mask down to their neck while in their offices...then when they leave the "safe space" and go into common areas, they just pull the scarf up over their mouths.
About the nose filter...I see sooo many people that have the mask over their mouth, but not their nose. They are helping prevent the spread, but are subjecting themselves to risk by not covering their noses. We have fewer cases in my area, but they are going up every week. A few restaurants have had employees test positive around here.
About the nose filter...I see sooo many people that have the mask over their mouth, but not their nose. They are helping prevent the spread, but are subjecting themselves to risk by not covering their noses. We have fewer cases in my area, but they are going up every week. A few restaurants have had employees test positive around here.
PowerEngineer
Diamond Member
- Oct 22, 2001
- 3,598
- 774
- 136
Yeah, everyone and their mothers (literally) are making reusable masks these days, and there aren't any reliable reviews out there to help decide which are "best". FWIW, I have sampled a few and these are the best ones I have found so far. Seemingly aiming to be more effective than most, well made, comfortable to wear, but perhaps a bit expensive. YMMV
Headcovers Unlimited
Good luck! 😷
Headcovers Unlimited
Good luck! 😷
lxskllr
No Lifer
- Nov 30, 2004
- 59,511
- 10,028
- 126
My cool weather mask came today...
My hot weather mask is the same, but with a white base.
My hot weather mask is the same, but with a white base.
snoopy7548
Diamond Member
- Jan 1, 2005
- 8,241
- 5,318
- 146
I'm going to start making face masks out of Hermes scarves, and charge $2k for each one! @ponyo won't be able to contain his wife! I'll be rich! 
balloonshark
Diamond Member
- Jun 5, 2008
- 7,041
- 3,522
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I think I've only seen one or two FDA approved KN95 masks posted on slickdeals in 4 months time. I'm not even sure they were legit.
Whatever you do you proabably want to stock up now while masks are available. Starting tomorrow in WV masks will be mandatory do to an increase in cases. Other states may do the same.
Whatever you do you proabably want to stock up now while masks are available. Starting tomorrow in WV masks will be mandatory do to an increase in cases. Other states may do the same.
ponyo
Lifer
- Feb 14, 2002
- 19,688
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My wife received another package of masks from South Korea today. So we have plenty of masks. We got some cloth masks with disposable filter inserts. The disposable filter turns the cloth mask into KF94 equivalent.I'm going to start making face masks out of Hermes scarves, and charge $2k for each one! @ponyo won't be able to contain his wife! I'll be rich!
South Korea still has ban on export of KF94 masks. So most normal people wouldn't be able to get these.
shortylickens
No Lifer
- Jul 15, 2003
- 80,287
- 17,081
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I got a pack of cloth masks off Amazon cheap and quick. They are white. I wash them, with bleach, after one day's use.
Not sure why so many other people are having issues.
Not sure why so many other people are having issues.
Midwayman
Diamond Member
- Jan 28, 2000
- 5,723
- 325
- 126
I wouldn't trust any Chinese mask to work at the rated level. That said standard surgical masks are where its at for non-rated masks. They have the best filtration to effort required level of cloth types. The important bit is more than 1 layer for home made types. I think the biggest choice is just finding masks that are comfortable. Many are made with ear straps that are far too tight. I've also had issues with many patterns being too small. Hanes recently started making masks. You can find them on their website. Unsurprisingly they are the most comfy ones I'd worn.
snoopy7548
Diamond Member
- Jan 1, 2005
- 8,241
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sdifox
No Lifer
- Sep 30, 2005
- 99,466
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I'm not sure how much I'd trust any mask as far as rating. But literally anything is better than nothing so you can't go wrong with at least doing something (hell just wear your tshirt pulled up over your nose). Yet that's still a burden too high for way too many people. Of course you can easily do a decent enough job that should work quite well.
Yeah its a crapshoot. I bought a bunch of different styles (prices all over the place). And have been using some balaclava/gaiter type ones for work. They were like 6 for $20 or something. I bought two different sets, one is just too small and tight, the other had a seam that I could undo to loosen up the bottom that goes around the neck - as it was uncomfortably tight on my neck otherwise). I've had to fuss more than I'd like with every mask type I've tried unfortunately. Not sure if I have a weird shaped head/face or what. Probably need to get some nose clips which should help. I wash my hands plenty (always have, but go the extra step of limiting touch with unclean surfaces - its actually part of our work requirement to use disposable towels entering and leaving places and before we use kitchen at work; they provide lots of the disinfecting wipes which is what I use).
Plus wearing glasses and them fogging up happens some. Some site (think the Verge) had a worthless article about preventing your glasses from fogging up wearing a mask. It was "you could pull it up over your nose higher" and some other shit that probably everyone has tried, while they go "there's sprays and other treatments that are supposed to prevent fogging up but we didn't test any of them". Then I think it says to put soap on it and let the soap dry. Which, great idea there, then you'll end up with soap film instead... Just total what the fuck dumbass article that offers nothing worthwhile.
Why am I suddenly hearing Bane's voice from Dark Knight Rises? And why is it somehow less laughable with someone wearing underwear over their face?
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Captante
Lifer
- Oct 20, 2003
- 30,342
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Link to acceptable quality/size masks you've apparently found?
My issue is I have a big fat head (close to 8 hat-size!) and every cloth mask I've tried to far tries to tear my ears off!
shortylickens
No Lifer
- Jul 15, 2003
- 80,287
- 17,081
- 136
Ohhhhhhh, nevermind.
My head is apparently quite small. The masks I got just barely fit me, but they do fit.
Amazon.com: VTER Cotton Face Breathing Mask - Pack of 5 - Comfortable Washable Cotton Mask (White): Home Improvement
Amazon.com: VTER Cotton Face Breathing Mask - Pack of 5 - Comfortable Washable Cotton Mask (White): Home Improvement
www.amazon.com
balloonshark
Diamond Member
- Jun 5, 2008
- 7,041
- 3,522
- 136
I wonder if these would help. https://www.ebay.com/itm/US-10Pcs-F...ap-Extension-Cover-Fixing-Buckle/293589869852
I've been thinking about getting a set since I have a small head and because they should provide a better sit/seal for the cheap masks I have.
- Mar 20, 2000
- 102,395
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target has washable cloth masks with filter pocket, 2 for $4 assuming a $40,000 rolex wearing, range rover driving karen hasn't destroyed the display.
@Captante might need the large if he can find it. the small/medium one is just a touch too small for my face, imho.
the one problem i have with the cloth mask i've bought so far is that they lack the metal strip to conform it to the bridge of your nose.
@Captante might need the large if he can find it. the small/medium one is just a touch too small for my face, imho.
the one problem i have with the cloth mask i've bought so far is that they lack the metal strip to conform it to the bridge of your nose.
Midwayman
Diamond Member
- Jan 28, 2000
- 5,723
- 325
- 126
They have a couple styles. They aren't exactly sexy tho.
Mostly people shouldn't spend $20 a mask thinking they are getting a real n95 level mask.
I haven't tried it on glasses, but when I dive I found sea drops pretty effective for mask fogging
Amazon.com : McNett Sea Drops Scuba and Snorkeling Mask Defog - 2-Pack : Sports & Outdoors
Amazon.com : McNett Sea Drops Scuba and Snorkeling Mask Defog - 2-Pack : Sports & Outdoors
www.amazon.com
Honestly its probably a waste of time on glasses. Breath deflection is the ticket, not coatings.
If you have a 3d printer, this is really neat.
How to Make Bellus3D's Face Mask Fitter | Bellus3D: High-quality 3D face scanning
How to Make Bellus3D's Face Mask Fitter
bellus3d.com
purbeast0
No Lifer
- Sep 13, 2001
- 53,551
- 6,375
- 126
I got some of these arriving tomorrow. I am anxious to try them out as I might try going to the gym with these. Apparently they are a lot more breathable but we'll see.
Captante
Lifer
- Oct 20, 2003
- 30,342
- 10,860
- 136
Mackerel-scented ???
Went for a 3-pack of the blue ones.(black = sold out)
I have high hopes ...will report back after receipt.
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