Oh for a Decent Covid Mask!

I also have some silicon inserts, like cages over the mouth! They work well as far as helping with breathing and stops the fabric rubbing on your mouth. I just pop one inside as I place mask over my mouth and it stays in place. I can’t comment on how effective it is to prevent glasses from fogging up as I’ve not used one when wearing my glasses yet. But I can’t see how it will help as moist air still gets out around the nose, even with a nose clip.

My DD2 bought us the silicone inserts and they work well. Haven't found them uncomfortable at all. I have bought a few masks from Alder Hey Hospital Trust - brilliantmasks.co.uk and have found them the best so far. You can wear with or without the silicone insert and they don't fog up glasses. I also use a filter inside the mask which lasts approx 40 hours. Lots of shops sell the or Amazon. Mine are also used in rotation but I have about 10 now and keep them singly in supermarket zip freezer bags in my car. Also have a few disposable which I use when childminder brings back DGS2 and health care professionals come to see DH. Not feeling comfortable about posting about DH and health problems yet but have had several visits from physios, speech therapists and OTs recently.

I really think it is trial and error, since everyone has a different shape of face. I have purchased about 10 different cloth masks, but really only use two. They fit best, don't hurt my ears, and don't slip down. So they get hand washed every evening and put into rotation. Mine are not the accordion pleated, but with darts in the middle.
this style, but not actually from here:
www.gapcanada.ca/browse/product.do?pid=662339133&cid=1158590&pcid=1157839&vid=1&grid=pds_11_54_1#pdp-page-content

That is why the official, medical grade masks, are good. They stand away from the face BUT are still tight enough to seal. Mine sucks in and out as I breathe.

I think officially, they are single use, but I have to use them more than once, due to the cost. But I rotate them.

I wouldn't go back to other types now, especially after getting through an outbreak without catching it. I put it down to the quality of mask (and the other preventative measures of course).

BTW I reckon the silicone inserts would be an issue, painful and Mark your face.

I know what you mean! Been out today and driving a friend who has recently had a TIA so can’t drive herself. Both of us wore masks in the car, me constantly having to remove my glasses as fogged up. Windows open etc. Then went in a shop! Do you “not see what’s on offer” by taking your glasses off?

I bought a large box of the N95 masks a couple of months ago. Not cheap, but they got me through a covid surge in school. I was in the company of several students who tested positive for hours (before their results, obviously) and managed to stay uninfected.

If you want to make your own mask and are fairly handy with a sewing machine, Google Joan Fearnley, Masks for Performers. She’s a Canadian singer who has put a lot of effort into researching materials and methods of making well fitting masks which give plenty of breathing room. She has several very instructive videos on YouTube and a Facebook page

go on you tube where you'll find lots of 'make your own ' videos.
also
google face masks, an absolute assortment of various types to buy, washable and disposable/