Oh for a Decent Covid Mask!

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/

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

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.

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?

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

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).

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

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 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.

2020convert

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 one of these
www.superdrug.com/Health/Eye-Care/Eye-Wipes/The-Ab-Mask-Eyeglass-Anti-Fog-Cloth/p/801608
whilst it isn't 100% effective it does a great job allowing me to see "fog free"

Try Brilliant Masks. They have been designed by a surgeon at Alder Hey Childrens Hospital and a donation from sales go to their charity. They fit well, dont move about and dont fog up your specs also very pretty designs.

I love the triple layer fitted masks at Redbubble. I tried sewing my own, but its so slow (Im so slow at sewing) there are things Id rather be doing and I prefer these!^

Another here for BrilliantMasks- they had an offer on recently too.

Me too for Brilliant no fogging and I wear glasses all the time.
brilliantmasks.co.uk/

I bought masks with double thickish cotton and a single fine cotton layer that the plastic inserts slide inside. Bought some cloths that were supposed to stop specs fogging but they haven’t worked.

Oh for the day when I can have a ceremonial burning of all the blasted ?!

I don't mean to be negative, but I'm not sure we ever will be able to burn them.

If covid mutates as much as people think, then the investment in fabric masks will be worth it. Usually my immunity is pretty bad, but the year that's just gone, I've been a lot healthier during the colder months than usual and I am sure it was down to wearing a mask in the shops or perhaps taking good quality vitamins.

You could be right Onward
There are already mutterings about next winter and mutations.
My bonfire is on hold!

Message deleted by Gransnet. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Vosaie, were you trying to quote Gagajo’s post?

I agree Jennifer, they are horrible - hot and stuffy. I dread what it's going to be like if we are still being forced to wear them in the hotter weather. I am in and out of the supermarket as quick as possible, all the time having to lift the thing to wipe my nose or get some fresh air to try and stop my nose running, and certainly won't be going to other shops etc unless vital until we can go without them.

JenniferEccles

You could be right Onward
There are already mutterings about next winter and mutations.
My bonfire is on hold!

This is not something I want to be right about, believe me!
Much as I hate wearing them, I've found that the disposable ones seem a lot hotter? Has anyone else found this? I tried the N95 ones too, but they were so uncomfortable and I didn't think the virus protection quality was very good as they let in air through a big vent in the side!

Fortunately the pretty masks I've invested in have got a lot of life left in them, now I just need to remember to wash them!

I have numerous different kinds, the throw away ones, ones with elastic loops, ones with material loops, home made ones medical ones and none are comfortable I wear contacts so no glasses problems but they always ride up into my eyelashes if I loop the elastic round twice they re too tight round once they’re too loose
I will be burning mine not going through another season after the majority of us are vaccinated and hopefully we’ll have a booster jab each autumn / winter I m not going to use them a moment longer than necessary

I am vaccinated too, good point Bluebelle. As I understand it, we are vaccinated against this strain but will need boosters because it will mutate.

Masks and vitamins certainly worked for me as I was more healthy than before, but I will be glad to stop wearing them in the warmer weather.