Mask suggestions for future proofing.

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Master Geek
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#2818350 24-Nov-2021 11:22

Any mask should have at least 3 layers.

The outer layer is a mechanical filter to trap large particulates. It should be water resistant to repel large droplets.

The middle layer is an electrostatic filter to trap aerosols. It's manufactured using a process that imparts an electrostatic charge to the fibres.

The inner layer is a mechanical filter to trap aerosols and droplets produced by the wearer. It should be made of absorbent material.

The mask also needs to seal well around the face, including a stiff nose wire that should be shaped to fit the nose and seal against the cheeks. Many disposable masks don't have a stiff enough nose wire, and spread under the tension from the mask straps.

Ideally, the electrostatic filter should be removed before washing. Hot water and detergent damage the electrostatic properties, hence the recommendation to wash disposable masks in warm water without detergent, and no more than 10 times.

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#2818824 24-Nov-2021 21:14

FineWine:

Warm/hot wash only no detergent as per this Consumer NZ here:

Wash your disposable masks, experts say

Group of Kiwi researchers say you can wash a disposable mask 10 times and they still filter better than cloth ones.  

Wow, took nearly 6 weeks from Consumer.org.nz to rnz.co.nz.

I must say, these black & camo masks do look very fashionable.

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#2823373 2-Dec-2021 19:00

Handsomedan:
We just had our order from Swanky Socks (AU based) arrive.

3 Masks (with pockets for PM2.5 filters) and a 10 pack of filters for $60 wasn't too bad.

Took ages to arrive, but they are nice to wear, look good and the filters are a good added extra.

Swanky Socks Facemasks

We received some more masks from Swanky Socks today. First purchased some last year, and find they're more comfortable and better fitting than others we've purchased. Took two weeks to get from Sydney airport to Auckland, but that isn't Swanky's fault.

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openmedia

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#2851565 16-Jan-2022 17:42

So anyone found KN95 or N95 masks that work for people with a large head?

Tried a couple of different KN95 masks recently and they are far from comfortable for even short term use. The pull on my ears and press so hard on my nose I'm getting a headache within 5-10 minutes.

The one N95 mask I've tried snapped as soon as I put it on as the elastic was too short for my head.

Any recommendations?

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Tinkerisk

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#2851706 16-Jan-2022 20:40

openmedia:

So anyone found KN95 or N95 masks that work for people with a large head?

Tried a couple of different KN95 masks recently and they are far from comfortable for even short term use. The pull on my ears and press so hard on my nose I'm getting a headache within 5-10 minutes.

The one N95 mask I've tried snapped as soon as I put it on as the elastic was too short for my head.

Any recommendations?

Search for adjustable mask extender straps. I saw it sometimes in the public.

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#2851708 16-Jan-2022 20:43

I have ordered a few of these KN95 masks from St John... $1.70 each... yet to see what they are like...

https://buy.stjohn.org.nz/first-aid-products/infection-control-hygiene/masks/respirator-face-mask-kn95-single/#Delivery%20Information

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timmmay

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#2851722 16-Jan-2022 21:12

Stuff has an article about the best type of face masks - in summary it says KN95 (which N95 but not as self certified), N95, or P2. Cloth not so good as they're not good filters, surgical not so good as stuff goes around them.

I tried a KN95 from China today, I found even with the nose thing pinched closed all the air went up that way and made my eyes really itchy, and would fog up glasses. I'd love to find a decent mask that ties behind the head and has some kind of exhaust port that is filtered but lets the air out any way other than up past the eyes. The Razer Zephyr Pro for $150 looks interesting but reviews aren't great for comfort - interesting with replaceable filters, speaker so you're not muffled, and a couple of fans.

Geektastic

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#2851796 16-Jan-2022 22:11

3M Aura masks are excellent @timmmay

neb

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#2851799 16-Jan-2022 22:17

openmedia:
Tried a couple of different KN95 masks recently and they are far from comfortable for even short term use. The pull on my ears and press so hard on my nose I'm getting a headache within 5-10 minutes.

Search for mask extender or silicone mask strap or similar, they turn an ear-pulling mask into a neck-strap mask.

For comfortable, and very good, masks, try the Breathe99, they have a neck and head strap and soft silicone gasket that creates an airtight seal around your face.

freitasm

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#2851803 16-Jan-2022 22:46

Gordy7:
I have ordered a few of these KN95 masks from St John... $1.70 each... yet to see what they are like...

https://buy.stjohn.org.nz/first-aid-products/infection-control-hygiene/masks/respirator-face-mask-kn95-single/#Delivery%20Information

I bought some 3M Aura masks last week, waiting for delivery now. Cost a lot more but the mask you found (and some others I found) have this fineprint:

"These are tested by an accredited laboratory (CNAS) in China, which confirms that despite the absence of all required physical markings on the masks, these have meet the performance criteria required by the GB2626:2006 standard. However, Amtech is not able to substantiate that they are specifically to the KN95 standard, as the standard dictates the physical markings must be present on the mask."

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Tinkerisk

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#2851804 16-Jan-2022 22:55

freitasm: … that they are specifically to the KN95 standard, as the standard dictates the physical markings must be present on the mask."

In the EU the markings and standard MUST be present, otherwise they can‘t be sold (or imported). We had a lot of issues at start of the pandemic with fake or damaged masks putting medical staffs at risk.

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neb

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#2851805 16-Jan-2022 22:55

freitasm: Cost a lot more but the mask you found (and some others I found)

The thing with buying a more expensive mask is that it's OK to go for the cheapest thing out there if you need to strap it on once a blue moon, but since it's now become pretty clear that we'll be wearing masks for a long time to come, you want to spend a bit extra and get one that doesn't make you think "Do I really need to go out if it means wearing this horrible uncomfortable thing again?". So the Breathe99 is expensive, but it's also one mask I've found where the (dis)comfort vs. need to go out is pretty much a no-brainer.

bazzer

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#2851815 16-Jan-2022 23:41

freitasm:
Gordy7:

I have ordered a few of these KN95 masks from St John... $1.70 each... yet to see what they are like...

https://buy.stjohn.org.nz/first-aid-products/infection-control-hygiene/masks/respirator-face-mask-kn95-single/#Delivery%20Information

I bought some 3M Aura masks last week, waiting for delivery now. Cost a lot more but the mask you found (and some others I found) have this fineprint:

"These are tested by an accredited laboratory (CNAS) in China, which confirms that despite the absence of all required physical markings on the masks, these have meet the performance criteria required by the GB2626:2006 standard. However, Amtech is not able to substantiate that they are specifically to the KN95 standard, as the standard dictates the physical markings must be present on the mask."

What's the problem? Only if you don't trust the "accredited laboratory". If it meets the criteria, it's as good as, isn't it? Until we require certified masks.

sudo

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Ultimate Geek
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#2851817 17-Jan-2022 00:06

freitasm:
Gordy7:

I have ordered a few of these KN95 masks from St John... $1.70 each... yet to see what they are like...

https://buy.stjohn.org.nz/first-aid-products/infection-control-hygiene/masks/respirator-face-mask-kn95-single/#Delivery%20Information

I bought some 3M Aura masks last week, waiting for delivery now. Cost a lot more but the mask you found (and some others I found) have this fineprint:

"These are tested by an accredited laboratory (CNAS) in China, which confirms that despite the absence of all required physical markings on the masks, these have meet the performance criteria required by the GB2626:2006 standard. However, Amtech is not able to substantiate that they are specifically to the KN95 standard, as the standard dictates the physical markings must be present on the mask."

The problem with KN95 masks is they were designed in China for smaller Chinese faces.

I picked up some KN95s in China before the pandemic (for pollution), and they were small. The locals who had bigger faces said they buy the Western (3Ms) etc for that reason.

Things have probably changed, but if you go for the KN95, then make sure it explicitly says very large size.

+1 on the Aura. I just tried a 1870+ (my wife had a spare) and it fits my oversize western face :)

It doesn't cover 3/4 of your face and unfolds so most of it is away from your skin, so your whole face won't sweat, and has a wider foam trim to make a good seal.

I can't see myself wearing it in a place more than 15 minutes. As like any non-valved N95's, it's harder to breathe.

Going through the supermarket, I will still wear a surgical mask (for hygiene theatre) during off peak times

timmmay

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#2851823 17-Jan-2022 06:46

neb:
freitasm: Cost a lot more but the mask you found (and some others I found)
The thing with buying a more expensive mask is that it's OK to go for the cheapest thing out there if you need to strap it on once a blue moon, but since it's now become pretty clear that we'll be wearing masks for a long time to come, you want to spend a bit extra and get one that doesn't make you think "Do I really need to go out if it means wearing this horrible uncomfortable thing again?". So the Breathe99 is expensive, but it's also one mask I've found where the (dis)comfort vs. need to go out is pretty much a no-brainer.

@neb where did you get yours from? Their website says US$71 delivery using DHL, which makes mask $191 inc delivery or about $235 including an overlay.

Reviews are pretty good on their Facebook page, but there are a lot of reviews with people saying it didn't work for them.

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