Where are you getting masks from?

[Ghostlyglow]

Now they are going to be compulsory. I'm just wondering what to buy?

I've been wearing them in shops all the time - mine are cotton bandanas folded into 3 with kitchen roll filter inside and a hair scrunchy at each end - plenty of YouTube vids - and drop it in wash bag (minus filter!) as I come in the front door. I bought bandanas off ebay /amazon for a couple of quid each.

This public Facebook group was created by medics in the US when the contagion was at its highest and PPE was lacking www.facebook.com/groups/611013049478306/ they shared, especially in the earlier posts, a lot of design and tutorial and studies on which material were best.
If you struggle finding them , it might be worth looking at DIY version, some do not even require sewing.

There just seem to be so many available, huge differences in price. I'm guilty of not giving it much thought up to now, I admit that!
Time to do some research

The post office (but they are expensive but it does say they are washable!)

Also lots of places like cat rescues have people making home made ones for them in exchange for a donation so I've got some lovely ones from there including "cute" kids ones x

Loads of local groups here are making them for a small donation - they're just cotton re-washable ones.

I'll just be using a buff or similar. You don't need an actual mask, just a face covering.

You are never going to be able to get medical grade ones and they are disposable anyway - I'd feel guilty taking resources away from places that need them more and I've heard before any kind of face covering even if it's home made is suitable

I have a friend who makes them so I ordered some from him

Work out whether you want ear elastic or ties.

I have little slightly sticky out ears, ear elastics make me look like baby yoda and then pop off after 15 uncomfortable minutes.
Ties I can happily wear for three hours.

Oh I wasn't going to try to get surgical type masks, although that's what I seem to see around here or ones that look like that anyway (mainly chucked on the pavements and grass verges )
I haven't been anywhere much since all this apart from walks but I will have to at some point soon.

MIL made ours, they are cotton ones and she got the pattern online

MIL gave DH a huge pile of cotton hankies years ago, they are still in the drawer. I’ve experimented and they are a perfect size with hair bands around the ears. No expense and washable.

Mine are from the chemist - 10 for £10 throw away ones - the ones you see everywhere.

I do work for the NHS but not on a ward, so I need these for outside.

Work, work in a care home.

I'm shielding atm, but thought this morning that when I'm 'allowed' out, I want a funky patterned one. Or cats
Any ideas?

There are lots of patterned cotton ones on Etsy.

I bought some handmade fabric ones from a seller on etsy. Really please with them. Not used yet but they are washable.

A seamstress down the road. All cotton, they just go into the laundry at the end of the day. Buy 2 or 3/person in your household and wash after each use. Ours have lasted weeks so far.

My friend is a tattoo artist so has a wholesale account with a tattoo supply company. We get masks and gloves through him.

I'm making mine. Google Craft Passion for a good pattern, I also add zip ties in the lining which gives more structure and keeps it off my face. I'm wearing them for work. I can say that after a few hours of wearing I'm very glad to take it off, newfound respect for NHS staff wearing PPE fur hours on end.

Etsy is full of them. I wanted one from Celia Hammond Animal Trust. Pink with sheep motif, but they sold out. They have more in stock today, a bit pricey but worth it as a donation.

I've bought some disposable masks from Home Bargains, £3 for 6 or you can buy washable masks but I've not tried them yet.

Boden are selling them now.

Have a look on eBay. I managed to get a few on there. Material ones that are good quality.

Lots of fabric ones on Ebay.