What's the best face mask?

Pollycat

I've not used a mask yet, I've hardly been out.

But when I do need to use one e.g. on public transport, I will use a cotton scarf, simply folded and tied behind my head. Gov.uk and my local bus company have said that is acceptable.

Or I will make my own using a large gent's hankie and some tubular elastic I've rescued from some trousers.

That way I can be sure it fits.

I have a small head and would be concerned that any mask I buy would not fit.

RobM99

"(it's probably worth checking that you can get your head into the armhole before you cut!)"

This we'd like to see!    

koru

Have a look at this one, which filters 99%, in and out:
https://totobobo.co.uk

Not cheap, but reusable. I could not get mine to seal properly, but perhaps I just have a weird nose.

Sapphire

welshbabe88 said:

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?

I ordered some cotton ones, which are washable, from the link below, sent to me by a relative.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/HMCFaceMasksUK
They are UK made (I refuse to buy anything from China, especially, given the problems with contamination, and other things).

whizzywoo

Sapphire said:

welshbabe88 said:

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?

I ordered some cotton ones, which are washable, from the link below, sent to me by a relative.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/HMCFaceMasksUK
They are UK made (I refuse to buy anything from China, especially, given the problems with contamination, and other things).

There are absolutely loads of sellers making cloth face coverings for sale on Etsy.com.  You can search on there for just UK sellers and it means you will also be supporting a small local business.  
https://www.etsy.com/uk/search?q=cloth+face+mask&order=most_relevant&ref=auto-1&explicit_scope=1&locationQuery=2635167&entry_point=local_search

If you can sew you can also download a pattern to sew your own face coverings, which is what I did.

[Deleted User]

I have one of these from when I removed some poison ivy from my mum's garden for her. Depending on what filters you add on they are not far off the protection offered by a military CBRN mask. You might find that they would freak people out in Waitrose though, and they are a bit hot!
https://www.jspsafety.com/link/en/respiratory-protection/force-10-typhoon-full-face-mask/force-10-full-face-masks/force-trade-10-typhoon-trade-full-face-mask-medium/bpb003-004-000/p/?parm=CAT1JSP&prdcod=BPB003-004-000

hb2

HeidyD said:

I think that each mask which his made home, from natural ingredients, is a good one. I make one with avocado and banana. I like how my skin looks after this mask. I have dry skin.

I think you might have mis-understood the question!

Fire_Fox

People are muddling up a face covering which is for the benefit of others, and is intended to block/ slow/ redirect the droplets produced if you coughed or sneezed.

WITH a PPE-quality face mask which is for the benefit of the wearer and others. It is only effective if the correct product type is selected for the situation, if it is fitted correctly, if it is not touched or moved or adjusted with, if it is changed frequently enough, AND if it is removed safely.

If you don't know what you are doing with PPE it becomes either useless or, worse, becomes high risk for cross-contamination. Healthcare and social care professionals, and others who wear PPE type masks at work are trained in their use and practice wearing them.

For the purposes of using public transport etc. a feeling of security and comfort in the fit is a key factor so that you avoid touching/ moving/ adjusting the face covering. If it itches like crazy or makes your glasses steam up, or shifts off your nose or your mouth whenever you speak the face covering is not suitable.

I have breathing issues and reactive skin issues, so limit my bus journeys to the unavoidable (groceries every few weeks). In my 'kit' at home I have paper masks, real silk scarves (wrap and tie), kitchen paper towel, my inhalers, and an 'exemption card' from the travel company in case I need to remove or change my face covering. But this would be total overkill for someone else.

Hasbeen

For those that prefer a mask to comply with shopping or transport? Costco have these:

https://www.costco.co.uk/Business-Office-Supplies/Cleaning-Care/First-Aid/BYD-3PLY-Single-Use-Face-Mask-50-Pack/p/6157967?utm_campaign=FY20P12W1c&utm_medium=email&utm_source=email&utm_content=Half-5&utm_term=masks

Pollycat

Fire_Fox said:

People are muddling up a face covering which is for the benefit of others, and is intended to block/ slow/ redirect the droplets produced if you coughed or sneezed.

WITH a PPE-quality face mask which is for the benefit of the wearer and others. It is only effective if the correct product type is selected for the situation, if it is fitted correctly, if it is not touched or moved or adjusted with, if it is changed frequently enough, AND if it is removed safely.

If you don't know what you are doing with PPE it becomes either useless or, worse, becomes high risk for cross-contamination. Healthcare and social care professionals, and others who wear PPE type masks at work are trained in their use and practice wearing them.

For the purposes of using public transport etc. a feeling of security and comfort in the fit is a key factor so that you avoid touching/ moving/ adjusting the face covering. If it itches like crazy or makes your glasses steam up, or shifts off your nose or your mouth whenever you speak the face covering is not suitable.

I have breathing issues and reactive skin issues, so limit my bus journeys to the unavoidable (groceries every few weeks). In my 'kit' at home I have paper masks, real silk scarves (wrap and tie), kitchen paper towel, my inhalers, and an 'exemption card' from the travel company in case I need to remove or change my face covering. But this would be total overkill for someone else.

Is silk as effective as cotton?