Tell us about the masks you use

[kenny]

First I'll mention that a good mask is only half the battle.
The other half is learning how to, and taking the time to) fit it correctly so air does not leak around the edges.

It's supposed to be hard the breath.
If your mask is easy to breath in I'd worry about its effectiveness.

These are our current N95s.
Hubby-poo bought them at Costco a while back.
They came in a box of 100 (5 boxes of 20) for $100.
I have no idea whether one buck is a good price now, or when he bought them, but I'd say my life is worth a buck.

I hate that counterfeit N95s and KN95s are for sale.
Fakes risks the health of the buyer, and the health of the other 8 billion of us earthlings.

Counterfeit concern is why I'd never trust buying them from eBay, Amazon, etc.
Another place I'd consider buying them is (if possible) directly from a company like 3M.

I've become rather accustom to living, so our masks must be the real deal.
I'll shop for the lowest/best price/value for many things but won't gamble with my life for such a cheap product.

I like that they're from Costco, which I consider pretty trustworthy.
I seriously doubt Costco is going to skip doing their counterfeit-research when selling such an important product.

I just checked Costco online, and they currently sell a different N95.

Here are 8 (Kenny-style geeked-out) pics showing all of the text on packaging and inserts.





















Tell us about your masks.

 

[Tonks]

3M Auras are great. They are N95s and fit a wide variety of faces, and are very comfortable. I purchase directly from 3M.

My kids like KN95s from Armbrust American, and for N95s my son likes Auras and my daughter likes an N95 that we got from Project N95….box is on the other side of the house. I ordered a whole bunch of brands a while back and we tried until everyone found what they liked best. Highly recommend that approach as faces are not exactly standardized. Project N95 is a great place to find multiple styles and brands.

 

[kenny]

Thanks Tonks.

If I was our family's mask-buyer I'd probably buy directly from 3M too.
Why? Nearly zero chance of getting counterfeits.

FWIW, here is the part of 3M's website that sells N95 masks.

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/?Ntt=N95

 

[LilAlex]

I agree that the fit is everything. Most masks I see would not keep out a bumblebee let alone a microscopic virus-laden airborne droplet.

Some N95s come folded flat with a folded metal support that goes across the bridge of the nose. Every one I see in the wild has this same crease that "tents" a half inch over the nose. Unless you have a razor-sharp nose, you need to flatten this metal strip and manually re-shape it into the rough contour of the bridge of your nose. There should be NO gaps around the mask. Usually this means uncomfortably tight elastic straps and the mask will leave a mark on your face after extended wear (think hours).

I wear N95 on planes and in front of potentially-ill [clients]. I wear surgical mask at work and in crowds. I walk around my city and my neighborhood and dine in restaurants without masks.

We have an N95 brand at work that I really like -- I will get the name. It has a three-piece construction (very formal!) and it sits way away from your nose so I do not feel any impediment to breathing. But it sticks out far enough that I lose some peripheral vision (!) when walking down stairs or trying to look down at my phone.

 

[missy]

(Proper) Masking is one of the top infection-prevention methods, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If combined with other protective measures one's risk of getting severe Covid is greatly reduced.

I wear only N95 masks now. In the beginning of the pandemic we used KN95 and a few other different types of masks but now the N95s are widely available and that it solely what we wear. Yes to what posters before me wrote. Fit is critical. I use the masks with straps over my head as those fit my face most snugly.

I have a few favorite brands and always check with consumer lab to make sure they tested well in real life. I now only wear masks with the strap over my head.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B097G7LD9T/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/v101348002/

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b00051022/

These are what I can wear snugly and relatively comfortably for longer periods of time. I found the hard shell unwearable for me but my DH wears those since I ordered many of those too

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/v000585997/

From one of my unbiased sources:
Sharing here in case you might find it helpful

"

CL's Reviews of Popular N95 Respirators:
We purchased and reviewed the N95s listed below.

All of the N95s we reviewed are made in the U.S., and we verified that each has been NIOSH approved (either through full NIOSH approval or emergency-use approval) for meeting the minimum NIOSH requirements. (You can verify the NIOSH approval status of any N95 by searching for its approval number on the CDC's website.)

We also tried each mask for their fit and feel, comfort and breathability, and how well they could be worn with eyeglasses or without causing lens fogging.

We purchased and evaluated many types of N95s, resulting in Top Picks in several categories.

Our overall Top Picks among the N95s, based on quality, fit and comfort, are:

• For everyday wear for small and medium faces: Protective Health Gear (PHG) N95 Model 5160 Disposable Particulate Respirator
• For everyday wear for large faces: Deme Tech N95 cup style (DT-N950CH)
• For extended hours of wear (such on an airplane): Kimtech Kimberly-Clark PROFESSIONAL N95 Pouch Respirator Model 53358
• For wearing with glasses: 3M Aura Particulate Respirator 9205+ Foldable N95

We also evaluated a mask with an exhalation valve for use with wildfire smoke.

You can find the full details about these, as well as the other respirators we tried, below.

Top Pick for N95 Respirator for Small and Medium Faces:

Protective Health Gear (PHG) N95 Model 5160 Disposable Particulate Respirator

NIOSH Approval Number: 84A-PH15 and Instructions for Use

Overall assessment: The PHG N95 respirator is one of our Top Picks among N95s. It is soft, comfortable, and breathable, while providing a snug fit. (It is also foldable, making it easy to fit in bag or pant pocket.) It has a padded, molded nose bridge and the elastic bands are fused onto the mask rather than attached with staples, which can sometimes feel scratchy or snag hair. However, be aware that it's only available in one size, and we found it to be a bit too tight on a larger, broader face, so it's probably best suited for people with small and medium-sized faces. For people with larger faces, we would recommend the Deme Tech respirator below, which is also quite comfortable and is available in a large size.

Interestingly, we found PHG to be similar in size, shape, comfort and breathability to our Top Pick among KN95s (the Powecom KN95, shown on the left), which, according to test results provided by ConsumerLab, has an average particulate filtration efficiency of 99% or higher but costs significantly less ($1.20 for the ear-loop version or $1.50 for the version with head straps) vs. $3.99 per mask for PHG). For these reasons, the Powecom KN95, preferably with headbands rather than ear loops, is our overall Top Pick among N95/KN95 respirators of all sizes.

Cost: $3.99 per mask. Selling for $79.80 for 20 (plus shipping, calculated at checkout)

Website: https://protectivehealthgear.com/pr...160-disposable-particulate-respirator-20-pack

Fit: Fit well on small and medium size faces, but was a bit small on a larger, broader face. This respirator is also sold on Amazon, and a number of Amazon reviews also note that this mask appears to run small, so we would not recommend this N95 for people with larger faces.

Feel: This foldable respirator was relatively soft, and quite comfortable. It has soft elastic head straps that are fused to the sides without the use of staples, but still felt secure even when putting on and taking off several times. It has a moldable nose bridge and a small strip of soft foam on the inside, across the nose bridge, that was comfortable while providing a snug fit. Each respirator is individually packaged in a plastic envelope, making it easy to grab on the go, or store a in purse, backpack or in the car, while keeping it clean.

Breathability: This respirator was easier to breathe through than the Deme Tech dome shaped N95 and the 3M 8511 N95 with exhalation valve, and similar in breathability to the Powecom KN95 (GB2626-2019).

Eyeglass Fogging: Despite the soft, moldable nose bridge and snug fit, we experienced significant eyeglass fogging.

Suggested use and replacement: Single use, disposable.

Where It's Made: Made in the U.S.A. Ships from Paterson, New Jersey.

Top Pick for N95 Respirator for Large Faces:

Deme Tech N95 cup style (DT-N950CH)

Overall assessment: Of the two dome shaped N95s we tried (the other being the 3M 8511 with exhalation valve which is useful to keep particles out but not to protect others) Deme Tech was the most comfortable It is light-weight, relatively soft and flexible, and the elastic bands are fused onto the mask rather than stapled. It also has a moldable nose bridge and inner foam strip across the nose and was easy to put on and remove. It's available in two sizes, small and large. In addition, this was the only N95 respirator that listed its particulate filtration efficiency (≥ 98 %), inhalation resistance (<25 mm H2O) and exhalation resistance (<35 mm H2O) test results on its website (as discussed above, all NIOSH approved N95s must have a particulate filtration efficiency of at least 95%, but some may have higher filtration efficiencies). However, due to its thick outer edge, it's difficult to wear glasses with this respirator.

NIOSH Approval Number: TC-84A-9258 and Instructions for Use

Cost: $3.70 per mask. Selling for $73.99 for 20 (additional shipping cost calculated at checkout)

Website: https://www.demetech.us/product/PPE/RespiratorN95CupStyle

Fit: This respirator is available in small and large. We tried the large size, and this fit well on a large male with a broad face. On two women with smaller faces, it was too large and the lower band was too loose.

Feel: The dome of this N95 felt softer, more flexible, and the outer and inner material felt less scratchy than the other dome shaped N95 we tried (the 3M 8511 with exhalation valve). The molded nose bridge consists of thin, bendable metal on the outside of the mask, and a small strip of padding on the inside along the nose, which was quite comfortable. The elastic bands are heat-fused into the side of the mask rather than stapled (so no risk of scratching), and but felt secure and did not break even when stretching and pulling the bands multiple times.

Breathability: We found that breathing in with this respirator was more difficult than with the foldable N95s we tried and Powecom KN95 but slightly more breathable than the 3M 8511 with exhalation valve.

Eyeglass fogging: This respirator has a high profile on the nose bridge and thick edging around the seam of the molded cup which made it difficult to wear with glasses. We also experienced significant eyeglass fogging.

Suggested use and replacement: Discard after every use.

Although we didn't try it, Dem Tech also manufactures a NIOSH approved (84A-9251) folded-style N95 ($75 for 20 or $18.75 for bag of 5).

Where It's Made: Made in the U.S.A. Ships from Miami, Florida.

Top Pick N95 Respirator for Extended Wear:

Kimtech Kimberly-Clark PROFESSIONAL N95 Pouch Respirator Model 53358

NIOSH Approval Number: TC-84-A-9042 and Instructions for Use

Overall assessment: This duckbilled mask is soft and lightweight, provides a good fit, and is the most breathable N95 that we have tried, making it a Top Pick. It has a molded wire nose bridge and soft stretchable head bands. This was much easier to put on over the head than the other pouch/duckbill-style respirator we tried (Halyard), while still providing a good fit.

Cost: $1.10 per mask (which is less than 1/3 the cost of the Halyard mask). Selling for $55.15 for 50 (plus shipping, calculated at checkout) on Amazon.

Website: https://www.amazon.com/Respirator-53358-Headband-Universal-Respirators/dp/B08NVDFB3R/?th=1

Fit: This respirator is available in a regular and small size (which is a different model number, as explained below), and we found the regular size to be a good fit for a regular-sized face, but a bit too loose on a smaller sized face. Be aware that the Kimberly Clark does not manufacture this respirator in a large size, despite sometimes being listed on Amazon as available in a "Large." (According to a Kimberly Clark representative, they are aware of this issue and have reached out to Amazon to correct the size options when ordering, and will be adding a "small" or "regular" label to the package in the future. In the meantime, the representative noted that size can be distinguished by the model number listed on the bag: Regular size is model 53358 and small size is 54066.) A few Amazon reviewers complained that the nose piece and/or head straps began to fall apart after multiple uses, but this is designed to be a single-use respirator.

Feel: As noted above, this respirator is very soft and comfortable, as are the headbands. They are packaged in one large plastic bag and are not individually wrapped.

Breathability: This respirator was by far, the most breathable N95 we've tried, and even easier to breathe through than our KN95 Top Pick) It was much more breathable than the Deme Tech dome shaped N95 and the 3M 8511 N95 with exhalation valve.

Eyeglass Fogging: We experienced only mild eyeglass fogging.

Suggested use and replacement: Single use, disposable.

Where It's Made: Made in the U.S.A. Ships from Charlotte, North Carolina.

Top Pick for N95 Respirator for Wearing With Glasses:

3M Aura Particulate Respirator 9205+ Foldable N95

Overall assessment: We liked this N95 very much — the trouble was getting it on. Everyone who tried this mask remarked that it felt much easier to breathe through than the dome shaped N95s, and slightly easier to breathe through than PHG. However, due its design (including a chin panel that must pulled back and down while pulling over your head) and its stiff outer corners, we found this respirator more difficult to put on, which is a consideration for anyone who frequently removes their mask. It costs less than some of the other N95s that we reviewed (about $1.20 vs almost $4.00 per mask). As its shape accommodates glasses and, in our experience, minimizes eyeglass fogging compared to other N95s, it is our Top Pick N95 for wearing with glasses.

NIOSH Approval Number: TC-84A-8590 and Instructions for Use

Cost: $1.20 per mask when purchased on 3M store on Amazon for $23.99 for 20-pack. Also sold as $8.63 for 3 or $17.92 for 10. Also sold at Home Depot ($9.97 for 3 or $20.47 for 10).

Website (for information only): https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b00051022/

Fit: This respirator appears to be available in just one size but provided a snug seal and stayed in place on small, medium and larger faces. It has a lower profile (around the nose and under the eyes) designed to accommodate glasses.

Feel: Some people might find this respirator a little tricky to put on the first time, due to its 3-panel design. Unlike traditional dome-shaped or folded style N95s, you have to pull the head straps up and away from the mask and pull down the bottom chin panel before placing over your head. We also found the stiff outer corners of the respirator and the staples that attached the head straps to be scratchy against the skin while putting it on. However, it feels very light, comfortable and secure once in place. It has a moldable nose bridge and includes a strip of padded foam that runs the length of the mask, across the top of the cheeks (as opposed to just the nose bridge area) which creates a very soft, comfortable and snug fit.

Breathability: Among all of the N95s we tried, this was the easiest to breathe through. Breathability was slightly better than the PHG foldable N95 and the Powecom KN95 (GB2626-2019).

Eyeglass fogging: According to 3M's website, this respirator's low profile helps to accommodate eyewear, and is designed to direct exhaled air away from the nose area to reduce eyeglass fogging. Although we did experience some slight eyeglass fogging with this respirator, it was significantly less compared to the fogging we experienced with any other N95, making it a good choice for people who wear glasses.

Suggested duration of use and replacement: No suggested duration of use is noted, but the packaging notes "If respirator becomes damaged, soiled, or breathing becomes difficult, leave the contaminated area immediately and replace the respirator."

For Wildfire Smoke

We purchased and tried one N95 with an exhalation valve intended for protection from wildfire smoke. (Be aware that the CDC advises against using N95 respirators with exhalation valves for COVID-19 as valves can allow virus particles to escape into the air, putting others at risk). See the Masks for Wildfire Smoke section for more information about this type of use.

3M N95 Particulate Respirator 8511 With Exhalation Valve

Overall assessment: This N95 with an exhalation valve can provide protection from wildfire smoke, but should not be relied on for protection from, or for protecting others from, COVID-19. Interestingly, we found this N95 less comfortable and moderately more difficult to breathe through than the other dome shaped N95 we tried, the Deme Tech, which did not have a valve. It has a moldable nose bridge, but no inner foam strip on the inside of the mask. On the other hand, unlike Deme Tech, the edges of the mask are flat, not ridged, making this respirator easier to wear with glasses (although both produced significant eyeglass fogging). People with glasses who need to wear an N95 with an exhalation valve for wildfire smoke protection may want to consider using mask tape to help reduce fogging.

NIOSH Approval Number: TC-84A-1299 and Instructions for Use

Cost: $3.99 per mask. Selling for $7.97 for 2 (additional shipping cost calculated at checkout)

Home Depot: https://www.homedepot.com/p/3M-8511-N95-Respirator-with-Cool-Flow-Valve-2-Pack-8511PA1-2A/202670465

Website (for information only): https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/v000057511/

Fit: This respirator appears to be available in one size only. However, in a small fit test study, this N95 was found to properly fit more participants (3 out of 7 participants) than the other N95s that were tested (3M 8200, Aero Pro AP0028 and Makrite 9500) (O'Kelly, PLOS ONE 2021). We found it to fit well on small and medium size faces, but was too tight on a larger, broad face.

Feel: Although the dome of this N95 is relatively soft and flexible, it is quite thick, and seems to dent easily. In fact, even though it comes in plastic molded packaging, several were dented when they arrived. The outer shell is rougher and somewhat scratchy compared to the Deme Tech N95, but the inner lining is soft and comfortable. The elastic bands are attached with staples, and felt very strong and secure, and provided a tight fit. The molded nose has a small, bendable aluminum bridge on the outside of the mask, but not padding on the inside of the nose bridge.

Breathability: Despite the exhalation valve, we found it more difficult to breathe through this N95 than the Deme Tech N95, the foldable N95s we tried, and the Powecom KN95.

Eyeglass fogging: We found it much easier to wear eyeglasses with this respirator than with the Deme Tech N95, but still a bit awkward, and, much less comfortable than with the folded-style N95s or the Powecom KN95. We experienced significant eyeglass fogging.

Suggested use and replacement: Packaging states, "Replace the respirator when it becomes dirty, damaged, or difficult to breathe through."

Other: Made in the U.S.A. with "globally sourced materials."

According to the CDC, KN95 respirators can also provide protection from wildfire smoke, and advises looking for a KN95 that meets requirements similar to those set by the CDC's NIOSH (see our Top Pick among KN95 masks).

Other NIOSH-Approved N95 Respirators

Halyard Fluidshield Level 3 N95 Model 46727 Particulate Filter Respirator and Surgical Mask

NIOSH Approval Number: TC-84-A-7521 and Instructions for Use

Overall assessment: The Halyard N95 respirator is much less comfortable than the other pouch/duckbilled- style N95 we tried (Kimberly-Clark N95 Pouch Respirator), although it does provide a snug fit and is quite breathable. It has a molded wire nose bridge and tight elastic head bands giving a very secure fit. However, the tight bands also made this respirator more difficult to place over the head, and once in place, created an uncomfortable amount of pressure across the top edge of the mask across the nose and under the eyes, so probably not the best option if you need to wear a respirator for a long period of time. [Note: As noted above, the CDC advises that surgical N95s (which provide splash protection) be reserved for healthcare workers at this time.]

Cost: $1.70 per mask. Selling for $59.49 for 35 (plus shipping, calculated at checkout) on Amazon.

Website: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EI9A75Q

Fit: Although it's important to have a snug fit, we found the regular size to be almost painfully tight, even on a small face. Several Amazon reviews also note that this mask felt uncomfortably tight across the nose, and, as it is only available in regular or small sizes, we would not recommend this N95 for people with larger faces.

Feel: Although the ask is comfortable and soft, the elastic headbands were almost too tight, making it difficult to put on, and once in place, put a lot of pressure on the bridge of the nose. They are packaged in a small box with a cut-out on the lid (like a tissue box) for easy dispensing, but they are large and not individually wrapped, so not ideal for storing in a purse or in the car.

Breathability: This respirator was easier to breathe through than the Deme Tech dome shaped N95 and the 3M 8511 N95 with exhalation valve, and similar in breathability to the Powecom KN95 (GB2626-2019).

Eyeglass Fogging: We experienced only mild eyeglass fogging.

Suggested use and replacement: Single use, disposable.

Where It's Made: Labeled as "Product of U.S.A." Ships from Trenton, New Jersey.

General Precautions
Be aware that, as noted by the FDA, people with chronic respiratory, cardiac, or other medical conditions that make breathing difficult should consult with their healthcare provider before using an N95. Also be aware that having facial hair can compromise the fit and protection provided by N95s (see below for more about this), and that N95s are not designed to be worn by children. N95s with exhalation valves should not be relied upon when sterile conditions are needed, and are not recommended for protecting from COVID-19.

Fit and Use
In healthcare settings such as hospitals, people using N95s have to undergo regular fit testing using sodium chloride particles to ensure the N95 they use is the proper size and provides a tight seal to prevent air leakage. This test cannot be performed at home, but to ensure the best fit possible, make sure the N95 you choose fits snugly, without gaps, around your nose, mouth, cheeks and chin. Some manufacturers also suggest holding your hands in front of the mask and above the nose bridge (without touching the mask) once it is in place exhaling to check and see if you feel air leakage. You may find instructions for doing this user seal check on the packaging of some N95s.

Facial Hair and N95s
As noted above, facial hair can interfere with the fit, and therefore the protection provided by, N95s. Being clean-shaven while wearing an N95 is best, but facial hair may be acceptable if it does not come between the skin and the edge of the respirator where a snug seal should form. The CDC provides an infographic of facial hair styles for clarification.

A study that investigated the effects of beards on the filtration efficiency of an N95 (3M Model #8210) found that average filtration efficiency decreased from 98.9% when clean-shaven to about 95% with beards of various lengths (a little less than ½ an inch up to 1 ½ inches in length). Despite this, it found that the N95 still offered better protection than KN95s or surgical masks for beard lengths up to ½ inch. KN95 filtration efficiency also decreased from about 95% clean-shaven to about 40 - 70% for the longest beard length of 1.2 inches but provided better protection than a surgical mask with ear loops (Medline Industries) or a 3-ply 100% cotton mask with ear loops and adjustable nose piece (Hanes). Covering beard hair with a large yoga-style exercise resistance band underneath respirators improved filtration efficiencies, however these bands appear to be quite large and may be uncomfortable or not practical to wear (Chen, Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 2021).

How to reduce air leakage around a mask
Air leakage around a mask reduces the level of protection it provides you and those around you. There are several ways to reduce air leakage, as discussed below. Also be aware that if you are infectious, the area of your face beyond a leak, including eyeglasses, may become contaminated due to exhaled droplets, as demonstrated in OSHA study (Stephenson, medRxiv 2021 -- preprint).

Knotting ear loops
The fit and filtration efficiency of medical procedure masks with ear loops can be significantly improved by knotting the ear loops and then tucking in and flattening the extra material close to the face (see illustration), according to research conducted on manikins by the CDC. This was shown to reduce exposure to aerosols from a cough by 64.5%.

Double masking
Wearing a medical mask (i.e., a blue "procedure" mask) under a cloth mask improves protection, (likely by minimizing leaks between the medical mask and skin), but wearing a medical mask over a cloth mask has less benefit. A study found that wearing a medical mask under a cloth mask increased the filtration efficiency of cloth masks (which, alone, were 41 to 44% efficient), as well as medical masks (which, alone, were 43 to 62% efficient). Adding a medical mask beneath a cloth mask increased fitted filtration efficiencies to 66% for a simple cotton ear-loop mask, 77% for a cotton bandana, and 81% for a gaiter. Doubling a medical mask was not as effective, nor was doubling cloth masks — which also reduced breathability (Sickbert-Bennett, JAMA Intern Med 2021).

Nose wires
Be aware that, while adding a nose wire to masks can improve their fit (and therefore, possibly reduce air leakage and improve protection). They seem to be of benefit with stiffer masks but; but not with masks made with stretchy or more flexible material (O'Kelly, medRxiv 2021 -- preprint).

Try not to bend over while wearing a mask
Researchers at Columbia University who were fit testing N95 respirators found that normal breathing and talking did not negatively affect mask fit, and turning the head from side to side slightly improved fit (perhaps due to tightening). However, moving the head up and down slightly worsened fit, and bending over decreased proper fit by as much as 50%. The researchers suggested kneeling rather than bending over when wearing a mask (Chen, medRxiv 2020 -- preprint).

Mask fitters
Masks fitters are a "frame" that can be placed over masks to improve the fit and "seal" of the mask against the face to reduce air leakage and increase inhalation filtration efficiency. Using mannequins that could "breathe" (as shown in the image below), researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that placing either of two marketed mask fitters over a variety of masks increased inhalation filtration efficiencies from just 7% without the fitter to 26% for a 4-ply cotton mask, from 52% to 63% for a 3-ply spunbond polypropylene mask, from 44% to 91% for a surgical mask, and from only 18% up to as much as 95% for a 3-ply disposable non-medical mask with a melt-blown polypropylene center. Fix the Mask ($30 for a 2-pack) tended to be slightly more effective than Badger Seal ($9.99 for 1 or you can make one at home), but the difference was not statistically significant (Rothamer, medRxiv 2020 --preprint).

Using modeling scenarios, the researchers estimated that, if everyone in a classroom were to wear a mask with moderate to highly effective filtration efficiency, the probably of infection from aerosols could be reduced up to 100 times more than using a typical ventilation system with no one were wearing a mask. (For information about air filtration, see our article about Air Purifiers and COVID-19.)

"

 

[Begonia]

I have a hard time wearing the medical and N95 masks, they seem to lead to fluid build up in my lungs (?), and coughing. Wearing them a full day at work is really difficult with the running around I do. If I'm in a crowd, I'll put one on PDQ and then remove myself just as quick.

For extended wear, I ordered 4 layer mulberry silk masks from a local seamstress from Etsy. Silk is tightly woven and slightly hydrophobic. The design I buy is good on my small face and they have a decent nose wire. I wear glasses and getting a tight fit to prevent fogging is essential. If things get significantly worse again tho, I'll switch to N95 for short periods when needed, and stay home more often.

 

[oakleaf]

I wear these at work. The straps don‘t hurt my ears and they are very breathable.

SAVEWO 3DMASK ULTRA KF94/FFP2 (White) - Medium (M) Adults

SAVEWO 3DMASK ULTRA Three-dimensional Adult Protective KF94 Mask30 pieces/box, individually packaged Color: White Size: Medium (M) unfolded: 175 x 110 mm earloops: 170 mm suitable for the average adult face Overview: Our most popular mask, the 3DMASK ULTRA brings you exceptional protection with...

www.family-masks.com

 

[LilAlex]

^ These are the ones I really like. I guess they are 3M. There is no "nose contact" (I mean apart from the bridge of the nose) and they are very roomy inside! The straps loosen over time -- they are initially tight on my big head.

^ And these are the ones that are always (always!) worn wrong -- and probably even here by the model because it looks like if she cried, the tears would roll right down into the mask without even touching it. The metal strip at the nose needs to be unfolded until completely flat and then manually re-bent into a "U" shape to fit snugly across the bridge of the nose.

 

[vintageinjune]

The two I purchase and wear are the 3M Aura Particle Respirator 9210+ (the 9205 with the blue straps is a bit too loose for my small head) and the Halyard duckbill style pouch.

The Halyard is more comfortable for long term wear for me, as it has a nice, tight seal, and good breathing room. They are best suited for those with smaller faces though, and I disapprove of how cheap the straps are (they break pretty easily). My face is small enough I can wear the smalls, but the regular size works too.

I like the 3M Aura 9210+ due to the fit and it is much easier to get a level 3 surgical mask over it (I switch out my level 3 after every patient and use one N95 per day, unless something gets on it/it breaks, etc.). The downside for me is that it causes me to protrude my lower jaw when wearing for long durations which is aggravating TMJ issues.

For the record, I've purchased most of my masks through Amazon (although I did a big order through 3M last year which lasted me a while), and I've never received counterfeit products. I have a few masks we received early in the pandemic directly from our dental suppliers I use to check against though.

 

[pearlsngems]

We use these:

Airgami Origami Mask - Breathable, High Filtration, Reusable

Airgami® breathable, high-filtration, origami mask. Winner of the 2022 & 2021 BARDA Mask Innovation Challenge. Winner of the 2021 Good Design Award. Winner of the 2019 Johnson & Johnson - JLABS Reimagining Respiratory Protection Quickfire Challenge.

www.airgami.life

 

[jaysonsmom]

Night time mask:
Contains collagen, peptides, different vitamins and moisturizers…..amazing for a dewy fresh faced look!

During the day I just wear a black disposable mask:

 

[kenny]

Where are your two cucumber slices?

 

[jaysonsmom]

Where are your two cucumber slices?

I switch between used tea bags and cucumber slices

 

[AdaBeta27]

Powecom KN95 from BonaFide Masks, with ear loops. That and surgical masks are what I've never quit wearing. But I don't work with the public, nor huge numbers of people, and I'm not in healthcare. I'm in am office with basically the same 2 co-workers, they are only in the office about 4 hours of an 8 hour shift, and my desk is on the opposite side of the room and facing away from them. We also have several slider windows that open/close as workers drop off their paperwork, so it's drafty with lots of incoming fresh air to dilute any viruses.

I think both my mother and I caught the original covid19 in December 2019 before the public was even informed yet. I haven't caught covid or anything else since. But I worked in the chemical industry for eons and I probably can use masks better than the untrained public, even if my masks aren't the absolute best protection available.

 

[MamaBee]

We wear Wellbefore KN95 masks. I knot my loops at the very ends. Mine fits very tight. I get an indent on my face when I take it off. My husband and son have rounder faces so theirs fit perfectly. They also get the indent after wearing them.

 

[whitewave]

A lot of people I know like the flo mask but I prefer the 3M aura