Face Mask density.

happyhacker

I have read that one should not be able to see a bright light through the mask then it should offer better protection (for others less so protecting the wearer!). So I have decided to make my own from neck tubes folded twice over meets that through light rule. Thinking of adding and under layer. I also carry a flask of hot water and a flannel to wipe my eyes after getting back into my car or if out for a walk go straight to wash hands then face. Anyone got DIY suggestions? PS I am not advising anyone here, just my idea that's all. Looking for more ideas. My observation of people's hygiene and behaviour whilst out leaves a lot to be desired. Supermarket assistant handing out groceries scrubbing her nose for example. Being older of course got more incentive to avoid the covid grim reaper!

Grumpy_chap

This whole mask thing is an issue and I think we will be asked to wear anything just so it looks like something is being done.  I read somewhere it could be any face covering, just use a scarf.

As I understand it, to really offer any protection, it needs to be a surgical face mask to be a proper benefit (because of containing the size of particles that the virus is).  Surgical face masks are in massive short supply there are barley enough for medics, let alone the wider public.

Second, a face mask needs to be renewed fairly regularly, otherwise it just gets saturated with germs and you touch that with your hands etc.  Especially if using a scarf - this does not need any special scientific knowledge to 'get it', just thing about if you wear a scarf on a cold day and pull it up over your mouth and nose what happens then?

So, in my opinion, based upon what I understand to be the case, face masks is pointless unless we are all able to get hold of massive stocks of surgical-grade face masks enough to use several per day.  That needs to be at affordable costs, not £1.50 each as they seem to be retailing currently.  No doubt, we will just be told to use a scarf or similar though.

[Deleted User]

These look like the best reusable face masks available to the public, if you can pay £30 and wait till August!:

https://preorder.cambridgemask.com/

There are guides out there to making your own mask.  I think you need some kind of filter in there, not just cloth.

whizzywoo

If you are going to make your own cloth mask then the best kind of fabric to use is a very closely woven cotton, which can be washed at a minimum of 60 degrees centigrade.  At least three layers thick with a pocket to put a filter in.  With elastic loops to fit over your ears.

There are numerous articles on the web about how to make your own and what to use.  Lots of down-loadable patterns etc.

Wearing a mask will not protect you from the virus.  However it may protect other people from you spreading it as you may not be aware that you have the virus.

PixelPound

Two aspects of mask wearing. Anything like scarf etc will reduce the likelihood of you unwittingly spreading it - so the idea is if everyone wears one then it reduces transmission. To protect you then something that can stop small particles, hence like N95 or N99 masks, which have to be close fitting, so pref no facial hair. Surgical masks aren't close fitting enough.

The problem with DIY masks, in terms of protecting the wearer, is that there is no way to test the effectiveness. A cloth mask with a disposable filter may do it, but is there leakage e.g. breathing air that has gone around the filter.

Mask aside, you mention hot water for washing hands and eyes. The reason they say washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds is to get rid of traces of the virus, a quick wipe probably won't do. The virus can enter via eyes nose and mouth, so goggles would be needed for the eyes.

Putting this into perspective, where you wearing these? If going outside then there is much less need for one as of all the open air, it is more in enclosed spaces such as supermarkets is where protection is needed. Also other actions can be taken, e.g. going when it is less busy, less people breathing out air, also the distancing from others helps in that respect. The reason medical staff need all the PPE is because they have to get close to others to do their job.

Fire_Fox

happyhacker said:

I have read that one should not be able to see a bright light through the mask then it should offer better protection (for others less so protecting the wearer!). So I have decided to make my own from neck tubes folded twice over meets that through light rule. Thinking of adding and under layer. I also carry a flask of hot water and a flannel to wipe my eyes after getting back into my car or if out for a walk go straight to wash hands then face. Anyone got DIY suggestions? PS I am not advising anyone here, just my idea that's all. Looking for more ideas. My observation of people's hygiene and behaviour whilst out leaves a lot to be desired. Supermarket assistant handing out groceries scrubbing her nose for example. Being older of course got more incentive to avoid the covid grim reaper!

Don't try to overengineer it or 'reinvent the wheel'. Work from what the experts are on record as saying. The following is from various reports/ experts on TV news; certain newspapers have featured poor designs and poor advice (seen when 'shared' on social media).

The purpose of face coverings for the general public is to protect others from small droplets leaving the wearer's mouth during speech, coughing, sneezing. A very close weave fabric best achieves this .... but not as much as 'social distancing' does.

Also important is that the face covering is put on carefully, taken off carefully, and not touched, adjusted or fiddled with during the period of wear. In other words it should be as comfortable as possible. The more layers you add or the thicker you make it the more likely it is to become itchy, stick to your lips, affect your ability to speak, sweaty .... especially with the seasons changing.

The face covering should be hygienic: disposable or washable at higher temperatures. It should not get damp, so wear for the minimum time possible (indoors not outdoors) and, again, consider comfort. If it traps your breath or causes you to sweat the mask will get damp very quickly.

Older people can be mucky pups, younger ones can have good manners and habits. I am officially middle-aged: a habit I am trying hard to break is using my mouth as a third hand .... entry fob/ house keys, paper bus ticket, debit card, metal hair secures .... 

PixelPound

Fire_Fox said:

The face covering should be hygienic: disposable or washable at higher temperatures. It should not get damp, so wear for the minimum time possible (indoors not outdoors) and, again, consider comfort. If it traps your breath or causes you to sweat the mask will get damp very quickly.

Older people can be mucky pups, younger ones can have good manners and habits. I am officially middle-aged: a habit I am trying hard to break is using my mouth as a third hand .... entry fob/ house keys, paper bus ticket, debit card, metal hair secures .... 

LOL I do that too, even though sometimes you got a nasty metallic taste in your mouth and trying to stop (same with touching nose/eyes). You do see many people out in open air away from anyone but with a mask on! It's best used for enclosed spaces where social distancing may be a problem, and also clean hands before and after putting the mask on or taking it off in case the surface is contaminated or you transfer contamination onto it from your hands.  

RyanHello

Surely, if you can breathe with the mask on, the virus can get through? 
Also, with the mask on your face, you'll be touching it all day long by taking it off and moving it in correct position on your face.
Well there's one thing for certain, I won't be wearing one!

hollydays

Fire_Fox said:

happyhacker said:

I have read that one should not be able to see a bright light through the mask then it should offer better protection (for others less so protecting the wearer!). So I have decided to make my own from neck tubes folded twice over meets that through light rule. Thinking of adding and under layer. I also carry a flask of hot water and a flannel to wipe my eyes after getting back into my car or if out for a walk go straight to wash hands then face. Anyone got DIY suggestions? PS I am not advising anyone here, just my idea that's all. Looking for more ideas. My observation of people's hygiene and behaviour whilst out leaves a lot to be desired. Supermarket assistant handing out groceries scrubbing her nose for example. Being older of course got more incentive to avoid the covid grim reaper!

Don't try to overengineer it or 'reinvent the wheel'. Work from what the experts are on record as saying. The following is from various reports/ experts on TV news; certain newspapers have featured poor designs and poor advice (seen when 'shared' on social media).

The purpose of face coverings for the general public is to protect others from small droplets leaving the wearer's mouth during speech, coughing, sneezing. A very close weave fabric best achieves this .... but not as much as 'social distancing' does.

Also important is that the face covering is put on carefully, taken off carefully, and not touched, adjusted or fiddled with during the period of wear. In other words it should be as comfortable as possible. The more layers you add or the thicker you make it the more likely it is to become itchy, stick to your lips, affect your ability to speak, sweaty .... especially with the seasons changing.

The face covering should be hygienic: disposable or washable at higher temperatures. It should not get damp, so wear for the minimum time possible (indoors not outdoors) and, again, consider comfort. If it traps your breath or causes you to sweat the mask will get damp very quickly.

Older people can be mucky pups, younger ones can have good manners and habits. I am officially middle-aged: a habit I am trying hard to break is using my mouth as a third hand .... entry fob/ house keys, paper bus ticket, debit card, metal hair secures .... 

Firefox, as you appear to be the last person who posted on my thread asking about how long anosmia( loss of smell ) and taste, lasts, can you tell me why that thread has been removed? And while you're there, how asking that question is considered " hearsay" by yourself. As I missed your reply, perhaps you'd like to explain here?

hollydays

Nope Firefox doesn't seem to be able to reply as to why they said my thread was hearsay then the thread disappeared. Perhaps Firefox is not as knowledgeable as they claim. Well, we all make mistakes.

calcotti

hollydays said:

Nope Firefox doesn't seem to be able to reply as to why they said my thread was hearsay then the thread disappeared. Perhaps Firefox is not as knowledgeable as they claim. Well, we all make mistakes.

How is Firefox expected to know why a thread has disappeared - they didn't remove it.