What's the best face mask?

neilmcl

Where exactly are you working, why isn't your employer providing you with relevant PPE? If customers are getting that close then clearly the establishment's social distancing rules are failing. Perhaps a face shield might be more appropriate.

GDB2222

Most face masks are not really protective for the people wearing them, as viruses can get through tiny holes. A P3 grade respirator could protect you, if properly fitted. But, they are hard to fit well enough. They are also very hot and sweaty. I don’t think you could wear it for more than a couple of hours at a time. 

I have one that I use for DIY, and I cannot wear mine for more than 30 minutes without it being full of moisture. 

Then, there’s your eyes ...  You need a visor.

There are different reasons for shielding. For example, I am getting on a bit, so I try to be careful, but I’m not in anything like the same risk category as someone on immunosuppressive drugs. If you are in a very, very high risk category, you should consider whether it’s worth working at present.

GDB2222

Oh, and one last point. If you wear a properly protective mask, it completely muffles your voice. So, you can’t do a customer facing job, anyway.

Becles

neilmcl said:

Where exactly are you working, why isn't your employer providing you with relevant PPE? If customers are getting that close then clearly the establishment's social distancing rules are failing. Perhaps a face shield might be more appropriate.

Shop floor. It's not possible to keep away from customers as the aisles are not that wide. Some don't say excuse me and approach from behind to reach over me, so they are inches away from me before I realise they are there.

I wasn't given any PPE and chose to wear a home made mask but was looking for something more comfortable.

Becles

GDB2222 said:

There are different reasons for shielding. For example, I am getting on a bit, so I try to be careful, but I’m not in anything like the same risk category as someone on immunosuppressive drugs. If you are in a very, very high risk category, you should consider whether it’s worth working at present.

I'm on immunosuppresants but I need the income, so I've had no choice but to go back.

theoretica

I think the easiest thing to do would be to have quite a few home made masks and change them out after a couple of hours into a sealed bag and wash before rewearing.  Filter masks are only as good as the fit to your face and very many of them you get air coming in/out round your nose or chin and not going through the filter at all.  The old military way of testing masks for fit used to be to get everyone to put them on and fill the room with tear gas - it was soon obvious which weren't fitting properly. 

[Deleted User]

I've ordered these KN95 masks from China:

https://m.banggood.com/10Pcs-KN95-3D-Foldable-Face-Masks-4-layer-Dustproof-Non-woven-Air-Filter-Breathing-Protective-Mask-p-1643753.html

Yes in China they produce a lot of counterfeit masks, but also billions of genuine ones!  And these have 1000+ positive reviews.

Haven't received them in 2 weeks but hopefully I soon will!

GDB2222

Becles said:

GDB2222 said:

There are different reasons for shielding. For example, I am getting on a bit, so I try to be careful, but I’m not in anything like the same risk category as someone on immunosuppressive drugs. If you are in a very, very high risk category, you should consider whether it’s worth working at present.

I'm on immunosuppresants but I need the income, so I've had no choice but to go back.

Have you explained this to your employer, preferably in writing? Whilst you risk them deciding to dispense with your services, they may be quite sympathetic and find you a different job within the shop. 

Becles

GDB2222 said:
Have you explained this to your employer, preferably in writing? Whilst you risk them deciding to dispense with your services, they may be quite sympathetic and find you a different job within the shop. 

Yes they have seen my shielding letter. I was given the option of going to work or choosing to stay off on unpaid leave. I couldn't afford to stay off any longer.

es5595

Please get a response from your employer in writing. Then when you move to a new shop you can publicly shame and denounce them. It might be too late for you, but it could help someone in a similar position. I would avoid shopping somewhere that treated its staff like that, the same way there are other retailers I shan’t be returning to. 

Back to masks, the best ones are a FPP3, if you can get hold of any. I’ve got three that I wear on rotation. I find them very comfortable to wear all day. They have elastic that goes around your head, and a piece of flexible metal over your nose to get a perfect fit.