Feeling guilty about N95 masks

[TexasProgresive]

I had to go into town for necessities. I went to my shop for a dust mask. I didn’t notice until I opened the package they were N95. I wasn’t the only person masked and gloved but it was maybe 5%. Some were wearing cloth surgical type masks a few had N95s. I just felt bad for those medical person having to scrounge for PPE.

BTW I live in trumplandia. Since their god chooses to not cover his face they won’t either.

[cally]

1. I have them from the fires

And the local hospitals only want unopened ones. I feel guilty every time I wear it especially the one time I went to grocery store and saw clerks and stockers wearing nothing. It’s the main reason I will not go back to store if I can avoid it. My husband is very high risk so I’m being very careful

[dweller]

2. me too

i found a box at walmart of all places, had to buy the box of 10 to get 1
i've offered to my kids but they insist i keep them, as i'm high risk and have
to get my own supplies etc .. they have cloth ones

✌🏼

[dem4decades]

3. I was cleaning my basement cause i have time on my hands and found 3.

I'm impressed i bought the good ones many years ago.

[Baclava]

4. I feel bad I bought a box of 50 surgical masks from Amazon weeks ago for $10

They must be on the slow boat from China, should be arriving in a week or so

[Kaleva]

6. I bought mine in Jan. from a science surplus outlet. They arrived a few days after I ordered them.

Same price. $10 for a box of 50 surgical masks.

[Hangingon]

10. So I hope you guys dropped at least 45 of them off at a hospital

[Kaleva]

14. How many have you dropped off?

Or made at home and then dropped off?

[customerserviceguy]

7. I'm surprised

that you could even find them on a shelf. I had thought that all distributors were routing them to either places where they're needed, or were diverting them to the secondary market where big profits could be made.

Don't blame yourself for the fact that the supply chain doesn't always work in an honorable manner.

[TexasProgresive]

8. I bought these about 6 months ago to keep dust from the router taking up residence in my lungs.

I had no clue they were N95.

[customerserviceguy]

9. Six months ago?

Then, no guilt at all! There were plenty of masks at that time.

I strongly doubt that a hospital would want to be bothered with the small quantities that people have sitting around in a dusty woodshop.

[TexasProgresive]

11. The package was sealed until today.

It was only 3 but I bet they would be welcomed in places like NYC.

[cwydro]

16. Then why did you unseal it?

Why not take it to your local EMS or hospital?

[TexasProgresive]

18. I didn't know they were N95 til I opened it

[Marthe48]

12. I found 7 n95 masks in my basement

My husband had bought them some time ago. ( sent him a heartfelt thanks on angel wings). They were open in the original packaging and unused, in good shape.

I gave 2 to my daughter and 1 to my niece, who are both medical professionals, still going to work. I will send 2 to my other daughter when I can go out, because she can't find any in her area. She and her husband have been working from home, so it isn't as dire as for the other recipients. I'm alternating 2 for my use, which isn't much.

I understand your anguish.

[Blue_true]

15. The mask clean up well in dish detergent and warm/hot water.

They also rinse out well. Just avoid damaging the metal nose clip glue point when you press them dry. If you sit them up off a surface, they basically dry out overnight.

[Marthe48]

17. I give them a spray with anti-bacterial spray

cheap stuff I had here, but it says it kills some viruses too. I spritz them and let them dry. Usually, I only go out in my yard. I've driven away from my house 4 times,since 3/13/ to atm, p.o. letter box and drive through to play lotto. My decontamination ritual wears me out.

Take care of yourself!

[Blue_true]

19. Your method works well.

Take care of yourself also.

[LisaL]

13. Think about it this way. You are going to help medical professionals by not becoming

sick and spreading it around.