Why are there still people with cloth masks out there?
Also, I've been looking to upgrade my masks. I'm using a kn95 right now (I think the same kind Obiden is using in the comm banner). People on this comm have talked well of the 3M Aura but I don't like the elastic straps that go over your head; I have long hair. Is there anything you guys use that's more hearty than a kn but you either have it around your ears or (for long term) tie a bow behind your head?
Cloth masks are still at least somewhat protective though right? I still mask but I feel really bad using disposable things so I try to have reusable shit whenever I can. The ones I buy aren't just cloth but have a filter on the inside of them. Still I replace them every 6 months which idk just feels better than throwing out so many disposable ones
Based on this cloth mask efficacy ranges from 2 to 38%. So we can say it is better than literally nothing in a similar way to putting your hand over your mouth or simply leaving faster.
Oof, 38% is worse than I thought
How long can you still wear a N95 for before replacing it with a new one? And do you know of a good place to buy them in bulk?
n95s are cheap on amazon right now. like 20 for $12. I think someone over estimated demand and have been trying to dump them.
I'd be kinda worried about counterfeits buying on amazon, tbh.
I ordered mine from Home Depot but they were almost double the price.
That's fair, but I kinda feel like that about everything nowadays.
yeah idk how much it matters. i read that the counterfeits don't come with the electrostatic something or other that makes them work. i don't normally care of something's authentic as long as it functions but this kinda stuff is out of my expertise.
lol, so now I'm super paranoid.😅
Yeah there's some goofy physics going on in the masks. It's not just a sieve. I thought that was cool as hell when I learned about it.
I get mine from Uline. It costs, but if Uline has fallen there is no hope for Western Civilization™ 🗽
From what I was reading counterfeits were being found all up and down the supply chain. Even from official distributers. Apparently it was a real issue for a while. I'm not sure if it is now though. There was also a bunch of FEMA supplies and other similar org PPE that was dumped onto the market for cheap. So I'm not sure if I should be worried or not. But like I also wanna buy HEPA filters so I can DIY a 3d printed room purifier, and I'm not sure if I should go with a good deal I can afford or put myself out there for the higher priced stuff that's likely coming from the same supplier in china.
Depends on your use. Going to the store? You'll probably get quite a bit of reuse. Have a physically demanding job where you'll use them for 8+ hours? You'll probably need to replace.
General rule is toss em when they're dirty, damaged, or difficult to breathe through.
Prior to covid I'd heard you can wear them until breathing becomes difficult. Ie until the filter starts to clog. Idk if that applies to covid though.
I've read that your filter masks can be reusable as long as you let them sit in the air for long enough that the virus dies out, and the thing that really ruins them is moisture. It does seem like a good idea to replace them like you are, and I'm probably overdue at this point.
Okay good, thankfully I live in a pretty dry area so I don't really have to worry about moisture