What's the best face mask?

GDB2222

Becles said:

GDB2222 said:

Becles said:

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.

How long have you been working there?

4 years.

I did claim sickness benefits but it's not enough to cover our basic living costs as the mortgage holiday runs out soon. There's no help for housing costs if you have a mortgage.

I think you should speak to an employment lawyer. Find one that will give you an initial free consultation over the phone. I am not an expert, but I think the logic is:
1. The employer has a duty for your safe working, and they know about your immunosuppressant drugs.
2. They have not done this, so you have a claim for constructive dismissal.
3. You have been employed over 2 years, so you are entitled to take this to an employment tribunal.

Anyway, I suggest you run it past a lawyer.

I also suggest you speak to your lenders, as you should not be working without proper PPE.

[Deleted User]

Hasbeen said:

Poster_586329 said:

These masks look amazing, but you'd have to wait till August to get one:

https://preorder.cambridgemask.com/shop/pro-mask/preorder-the-admiral-pro/

Yes they look amazing and so is the price LOL

Sorry if you shop around you will get similar for less? Google!

Something perhaps not so good looking but cheaper:

https://www.arco.co.uk/products/1E2500?BV_SessionID=@@@@1498194847.1591549509@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccdadhmdiefkfdcflgcefkdgkfdfjj.0

Thanks for the FFP3 link.   I wonder when they'll be back in stock.

Although the Cambridge mask is reusable, so probably wouldn't work out any more expensive than those 5 disposable masks.

bigpappa

Any mask that has a valve to let air escape well isn't going to helpful in controlling the spread of the virus?

Masks might become like gloves and scarfs, just another accessory!

Hasbeen

bigpappa said:

Any mask that has a valve to let air escape well isn't going to helpful in controlling the spread of the virus?

Masks might become like gloves and scarfs, just another accessory!

That's true. The non valved masks are better at protecting others, as the valve only filters the air going in, not out. Great for you as easier to breath. And is still maximum protection for the wearer.

But as you say if the wearer has the virus they could still spread it, when breathing out.

But are hard to get. We had a selection of both, using the valved version, but looking to get more of the non valved ones.

EDIT: Had a quick look, various sellers with the FFP3 non valved version, but as ever still expensive.

https://facemasks.uk/Item/purvigor_ffp3_n99_face_mask

theblagger

Just searching through this thread , as my company are looking for decent face masks, so many over priced ones
I did stumble across these , as apparently most decent masks are made in South Korea
https://bonneair.co.uk/
Seem pretty reasonable 
I did do a search on https://www.ebay.co.uk/b/Face-Mask/21022/bn_7023595333 but they dont seem to be that good , after buying one which was so badly made 

sweetsand

NB: Please do your own research before buying but my pennies worth. We have FFP3 maks from Screwfix they are a grade better than the NHS masks the N95 aka P2 in the UK. It's how you wear them fits over you face, the P3 are good but down side big for women and steams up glasses. So you can buy p2 or P3 with disposalble filters they are very good as my children have them, tight adjustable fit over nose and mouth and you can get ones with intergrated Google - we got our before the lockdown/etc.

Read up FFP1, FFP2, FFP3 masks and if buying buy from a good source if possible,

They types not only protect to a great degree those around you but you as well to a good extendt but practice SD as well and wash your hands, face etc.

sweetsand

Btw, when we bought the ffp3 they were 250 or 299p for pack of two. The childrens ones nose and mouth with disposable filters inc filters cost 18/19 pounds not on webistes for 30 to 100 pounds in filters last 8 hours I think so 8 shopping trips ie when you are inside - but do your own research before buying.

ToxicWomble

The “paper” surgical masks are more than adequate.
Otherwise, why wouldn’t our hospital staff and patients be given anything better.
Anything else is most probably unnecessary as the clear evidence is still not there.
Whatever makes you feel best imo - it’s your money

unforeseen

Ffp3 masks are only any good for this if you know how to fit them properly, otherwise they are a total waste. 
As pointed out paper masks are sufficient for general use both in public and at work apart from some special areas. 

welshbabe88

Currently I'm not going out but have some of the blue paper masks here ready.
The choice online is mind-boggling - with so much stuff being made in China.  I have the disposable filters too to add in if I buy a cloth mask. 
Does anyone have any recommendations for good quality UK items?