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.
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.
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…
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
