# Let's see your masks **URL:** \ **Category:** The Quarantine Zone\ **Tags:** covid-quarantine\ **Created:** [June 11, 2020, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-see-your-masks/855459 "2020-06-11T15:20:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![robby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robby/32/11048_2.png) [@robby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robby)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2020, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-see-your-masks/855459/21 "2020-06-14T18:47:12Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > This isn’t about eliminating the risk, it’s about reducing it. Cloth masks reduce the risk. They’re worth it. > > If everyone had been wearing cloth masks in public places these last three months, the pandemic would be over by now, or close to it. I completely agree that any mask is better than no mask, so _any_ type of mask, including a cloth mask, is absolutely worth wearing. We are in complete agreement here. With that said, I was explaining why I have chosen to wear surgical-type masks instead of cloth masks. Both are available to me, but I am choosing to wear the surgical-type masks with melt-blown non-woven filter fabric because from what I have read they appear to be more effective than cloth masks. In other words, if I have two options available to me, and one of them reduces the risk more than the other, it only makes sense to use the latter option. I’m still going to hang on to the cloth masks I ordered. There may be some situations where the surgical-type masks won’t be practical to use, like outdoor activities in inclement weather, or downhill skiing next winter. ---
**Author:** ![Rushgeekgirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rushgeekgirl/32/3715_2.png) [@Rushgeekgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rushgeekgirl)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2020, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-see-your-masks/855459/22 "2020-06-14T19:37:15Z")
> [@filmore](#): > > Is there anything he’s interested in that might have halloween-type masks? Like if he’s into dinosaurs, maybe he would wear a dinosaur mask. If that’s the case, try to find one of those masks into which you could add some filtering material. So rather than trying to get him to wear a surgical mask, get a dinosaur mask and find a way to insert a surgical mask into it. I don’t know, it’s really just a sensory thing. He’s practically an adult, he just has sensory issues. I should have clarified! The last mask I got I had made with the trans pride stripes and he loved the way it looked but the straps were just plain uncovered elastic. I’m clueless when it comes to sewing or I’d maybe try to find a replacement for the straps, but the way the mask is made I don’t know how I could even start. He can’t wear pants or long sleeves and his shoes have to be 2 sizes too big for comfort. He says it’s like electric shocks when the material rubs his skin. I am wondering if the material was like his soft tee shirts maybe we could put a filter between two layers and maybe use the same material to make tie strips instead of elastic. I just don’t know how to look for this without paying another 20 bucks for something else that doesn’t work. ---
**Author:** ![Tierce](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ea5d25/32.png) [@Tierce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tierce)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2020, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-see-your-masks/855459/23 "2020-06-14T22:30:11Z")
Anyone know someplace that sells cloth masks in different sizes? I have a not-small head and a longish nose, so the “one size fits most” masks on Amazon or in the bins at Fred Meyer are likely to slip off my nose. And unfortunately, while I have many technical skills, working with cloth is not among them… ---
**Author:** ![Yllaria](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yllaria/32/3452_2.png) [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2020, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-see-your-masks/855459/24 "2020-06-14T23:16:28Z")
> [@Rushgeekgirl](#): > > I don’t know, it’s really just a sensory thing. . . . I am wondering if the material was like his soft tee shirts maybe we could put a filter between two layers and maybe use the same material to make tie strips instead of elastic. I just don’t know how to look for this without paying another 20 bucks for something else that doesn’t work. There are videos on youtube showing how to turn tee shirts into masks. I think they end up with long ties, rather than ear loops. I’ve never tried making one, but if he’s got an old shirt to spare, it might be worth a shot. I bought one [of these](https://www.zazzle.com/rory_face_mask-256049293844481119), and think it’s cool. It’s a synthetic fiber with cloth ear loops. I’ll have to add a metal nose strip if I want to wear it much, though, as it steams up my glasses intermittently. ---
**Author:** ![Rushgeekgirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rushgeekgirl/32/3715_2.png) [@Rushgeekgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rushgeekgirl)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2020, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-see-your-masks/855459/25 "2020-06-15T04:27:23Z")
I just found one on Etsy with the trans stripes after I was assured that the cords are soft. For ten bucks it’s worth the risk and if doesn’t work for him I guess I’ll have one more mask for my own collection! I’m really hoping the nose thing will be okay. He wears glasses and I know from my own experience without that strap on the nose your glasses can get fogged up after a while. > **[This item is unavailable - Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/listing/798624904/?ref=market_rv-6)** > > Find the perfect handmade gift, vintage & on-trend clothes, unique jewelry, and more… lots more. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2020, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-see-your-masks/855459/26 "2020-06-15T04:53:13Z")
> [@Tierce](#): > > Anyone know someplace that sells cloth masks in different sizes? I have a not-small head and a longish nose, so the “one size fits most” masks on Amazon or in the bins at Fred Meyer are likely to slip off my nose. And unfortunately, while I have many technical skills, working with cloth is not among them… How about trying a bandana? You fold it in half diagonally and can tie it as tightly as needed around your neck. Will that work for you? ---
**Author:** ![yojimbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yojimbo/32/232_2.png) [@yojimbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yojimbo)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2020, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-see-your-masks/855459/27 "2020-06-15T13:40:05Z")
Here’s me in the face mask/covering of choice. Rewashable and replaceable filter pocket. [[Album] imgur.com ![](https://i.imgur.com/mzf0X07.jpeg?fb "imgur.com") ](https://imgur.com/a/0dA4wQT) I’ve got medical level ones just in case and also a snood type with a filter in it. I wear them as per Ireland’s recommendations, public transport or indoor retail situation. Haven’t been on public transport since this all kicked off but am wearing in all shops etc. ---
**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2020, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-see-your-masks/855459/28 "2020-06-15T13:46:46Z")
> [@Bullitt](#): > > How about trying a bandana? You fold it in half diagonally and can tie it as tightly as needed around your neck. Will that work for you? While there is some benefit to that kind of mask, keep in mind it’s providing almost no filtering. Virtually all the air will pass around the open sides and bottom rather than through the fabric of the bandanna. Some droplets in the air may stick to the fabric, but otherwise you’ll be breathing in unfiltered air. The benefit of that kind of mask is that your exhaled droplets will be impeded by the fabric and won’t travel as far. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2020, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-see-your-masks/855459/29 "2020-06-15T15:12:49Z")
> [@Rushgeekgirl](#): > > I just found one on Etsy with the trans stripes after I was assured that the cords are soft. For ten bucks it’s worth the risk and if doesn’t work for him I guess I’ll have one more mask for my own collection! I’m really hoping the nose thing will be okay. He wears glasses and I know from my own experience without that strap on the nose your glasses can get fogged up after a while. > [https://www.etsy.com/listing/798624904/pride-at-home-transgender-color-glitter?ref=market\_rv-6](https://www.etsy.com/listing/798624904/pride-at-home-transgender-color-glitter?ref=market_rv-6) In my experience, that style mask doesn’t help with fog any more than the “manifold” mask. I’ve had to modify my masks by adding a wire nose piece. You might want to search for one on etsy that already has a wire nose piece. The ones that are sewed all the way around I’ve had to put the wire on the back and then put a Band Aid over the wire to keep it from scratching my nose. If he’s having problems with the straps, consider using [Lock Laces](https://smile.amazon.com/LACES-Elastic-Shoelace-Fastening-System/dp/B007DLVLDY/) instead. They would wrap all the way around his head instead of over the ears. Of course, they wouldn’t work with the design you linked to because you need to be able to string them through the sides (you take out the existing elastics and string the Lock Laces through). I don’t feel the Lock Laces whatsoever but I’ve got a crazy thick head of hair. If he’s got a short cut or a buzz, he’d feel them, so that’s possibly not a good answer. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2020, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-see-your-masks/855459/30 "2020-06-15T15:18:44Z")
> [@yojimbo](#): > > Here’s me in the face mask/covering of choice. Rewashable and replaceable filter pocket. > > [Imgur: The magic of the Internet](https://imgur.com/a/0dA4wQT) Hey, so is the image in your avatar also a picture of you? I could believe it! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Tierce](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ea5d25/32.png) [@Tierce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tierce)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2020, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-see-your-masks/855459/31 "2020-06-15T18:38:20Z")
> [@Bullitt](#): > > How about trying a bandana? You fold it in half diagonally and can tie it as tightly as needed around your neck. Will that work for you? If you mean “bandito style”, I’d like something that encloses the chin too, to at least pretend to block things a little more thoroughly. You don’t mean that the corners would be on my nose and the fold on the diagonal would be under my chin, do you? ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2020, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-see-your-masks/855459/32 "2020-06-15T20:24:10Z")
Yes I do mean “bandito” style. My bandanas are large enough that the bottom tucks into my shirt collar. I’ve had a few of these since my military days. They were handy to keep much of the sand and dust out of my nose and mouth while on desert convoys. What I like about the bandanas is that it stays around my neck all day, and is easy to pull on or off as needed. Here are the two colors I use — [Camo bandanas, a sign of the times (2020) - Album on Imgur](https://imgur.com/a/0xVADCr). They are not effective as filters, as pointed out upthread, so I also stay distanced from others. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2020, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-see-your-masks/855459/33 "2020-06-15T20:26:22Z")
NM — double post. ---
**Author:** ![GESancMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gesancman/32/2923_2.png) [@GESancMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GESancMan)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2020, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-see-your-masks/855459/34 "2020-06-16T04:30:49Z")
My daugter loves the _Alien_ movies, so we got her one of [these](https://www.syfy.com/sites/syfy/files/styles/1170xauto/public/2020/04/91817464_134808871427916_9165644549660344320_n.jpg). ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2020, 9:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-see-your-masks/855459/35 "2020-06-16T09:09:04Z")
> [@GESancMan](#): > > My daugter loves the _Alien_ movies, so we got her one of [these](https://www.syfy.com/sites/syfy/files/styles/1170xauto/public/2020/04/91817464_134808871427916_9165644549660344320_n.jpg). Awesome! ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2020, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-see-your-masks/855459/36 "2020-06-30T15:54:27Z")
I got a pack of neck gaiters as well, in the early days when masks were still available at Amazon but were showing inflated prices. I have one from Decent Exposures (I have the deluxe style, in plain white): > **[Washable Face Masks - Decent Exposures, Inc.](https://decentexposures.com/Cushie/Face-mask)** > > Organic Cotton Latex-Free Face Mask Made in the USA ---
**Author:** ![Ashtura](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ashtura/32/2963_2.png) [@Ashtura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashtura)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2020, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-see-your-masks/855459/37 "2020-06-30T18:50:14Z")
I’m sticking to disposable masks until there’s an effective vaccine, or effective treatment, or until I get it, whichever comes first. ---
**Author:** ![Yookeroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yookeroo/32/323_2.png) [@Yookeroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yookeroo)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2020, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-see-your-masks/855459/38 "2020-07-01T00:07:06Z")
I have this one: [![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2679/6204/products/SNAKEEYESNEW_720x.jpg?v=1593208013) ](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2679/6204/products/SNAKEEYESNEW_720x.jpg?v=1593208013) (Not me in the picture) ---
**Author:** ![Leftwix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e274bd/32.png) [@Leftwix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leftwix)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2020, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-see-your-masks/855459/39 "2020-07-01T01:03:40Z")
There are a number of videos on YouTube that show how to make a no-sew mask from an old tee shirt. It might be worth a shot. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2020, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-see-your-masks/855459/40 "2020-07-01T01:14:58Z")
Here’s my current favorite. [![Imgur](https://i.imgur.com/yTEWmiO.jpeg "Great Face Mask - "We") ](https://imgur.com/yTEWmiO) [https://printshopnorthwest.com/collections/masks/products/all-in-this-together-face-mask-buy-2-get-1-free](https://printshopnorthwest.com/collections/masks/products/all-in-this-together-face-mask-buy-2-get-1-free) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-see-your-masks/855459.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-see-your-masks/855459.md?page=3)