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hlthe2b

(114,735 posts)
7. I'm a primary HCW, but quick trips to the grocery store (the ONLY kind I make) I simply use
Tue Jul 14, 2020, 03:34 PM
Jul 2020

a two-ply home-made facemask in the same style as surgical masks, but with a pocket in which I insert a single layer of industrial (automotive) "shop towel"--shown to be particularly breathable but fine filtering. I add a single strip of surgical tape when donning it (e.g., Nexus brand) to keep sun or eyeglasses from fogging--and YES, I feel very strongly that wearing of eye protection has been a much ignored, yet important addition to facemasks. (Just ask some of the virologists and ER docs who have acquired COVID from a single plane flight, despite wearing a mask and doing everything else correctly-- except for wearing eye protection).

These masks can be washed in the washer, but I rotate them with some regular surgical masks every 2-3 days by letting them be exposed to the hot (disinfecting) sun on the windshield of my car. By doing that, I extend the life of the "shop towel" filter.

I've not gone anywhere, other than work, that has caused me to be inside for more than about 10 minutes since late March. Were I to be forced to spend an hour or more in a small, crowded environment, I'd likely break out one of my Fit-Tested and much prized N-95 masks I purchased a year before all havoc began. I likely can not replace these any (and obviously am not going to divert mine from work), so I use sparingly and reuse after three days of intense dry heat on the windshield.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

I have about 20 different masks, these are the best by far Green Line Jul 2020 #1
Anything a bit more masculine? Silent3 Jul 2020 #3
The plaid ones have a navy blue that should work Green Line Jul 2020 #5
Maybe try one with ties instead of elastic backtoblue Jul 2020 #2
We're using bandanas or scarves and rubber bands. CrispyQ Jul 2020 #4
A filter would be a must then Silent3 Jul 2020 #6
Amazon sells reusable masks that have filters build in. LisaL Jul 2020 #15
I was out last night& someone was shopping in the store they were just holding with one hand a tra lunasun Jul 2020 #19
The way this is folded it has at least two, maybe three, layers. Ms. Toad Jul 2020 #22
I'm a primary HCW, but quick trips to the grocery store (the ONLY kind I make) I simply use hlthe2b Jul 2020 #7
Thanks I am going to get some tape marlakay Jul 2020 #11
A nose wire will solve that problem. n/t Ms. Toad Jul 2020 #23
My favorite mask is: cally Jul 2020 #8
Do you belong to the site nextdoor marlakay Jul 2020 #9
I like these... jmg257 Jul 2020 #10
You need a mask with nose wire. LisaL Jul 2020 #12
I do a cute cloth mask on top of the nose pinching disposable soothsayer Jul 2020 #14
I found these thinkingagain Jul 2020 #13
I think for your particular issue, it's more about it's affixed to the head blogslut Jul 2020 #16
I notice no one is saying to use surgical masks, which are easy to find these days and Squinch Jul 2020 #17
I did point out that one can now buy surgical masks upthread. LisaL Jul 2020 #18
Good point. Squinch Jul 2020 #20
Make sure you get one with a nose wire - Ms. Toad Jul 2020 #21
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