Masks (NOT a moaning thread!)

[QuestionableMouse]

Need to order some masks but I'm honestly not sure what kind to buy - washable or disposable. Leaning towards the washable ones but they all seem so flaming expensive! I have sensory issues so the cloth ones are probably going to be better for me than the paper type but they all seem to have ear loops which I can't bear!

Any ideas? If you've bought washable masks recently and they're decent, which did you get?

Thank you 😊

You could use a buff type thing - no ear loops. They’re not super cheap though.

I've bought a few types (all washable) to try and found the curved ones with the nose wire the best for not fogging up my glasses, and those with soft elastic better than ties, but none are especially comfy. They are getting softer with each wash though and I think it's just a matter of getting used to them. I've bought them from local sellers via Facebook and from eBay. I think 3 for £10-12 is about average, which seems fair given the time it takes to make them and the number of wears I expect to get from them.

Kosette all in one from Korea are excellent. UK agent sent ours next day by courier. Worn for hours, close fitting but very breathable, comfortable and easy to wash.

Thank you! Least I have some idea where to start. There's suddenly so many choices it's a bit overwhelming.

You could use a buff type thing
I've just bought 2 lovely ones for £20 (free postage) from Seasalt (not cheap but I'll use them beyond Coronavirus - if we ever get there!)

A local maker was selling fabric ones for a £1 each so nabbed a few - three layer fabric which definitely improves with washing! Obviously local to me but assume other fabric ones the same.
I also got a few multi packs of the blue paper type ones (sold in supermarkets and pharmacies) as they are cheap just in case - my son has a summer job in retail and imagine he will go through them quick as they are cooler than the fabric ones and he can dispose of them rather than me keep reminding him not to lose them! All have elastic though as I find it easier and less an issue with hair.

I’ve just ordered a couple on Etsy.

If you buy fabric ones that have channels for the loops you can swap them to jersey/elastic ties for behind your head (jersey is much softer just a one inch strip off the bottom of a cotton t-shirt then stretch it so it curls)

I have a couple of re-usable fabric ones but find they don’t stay on as easy and I’m quite often fussing with them, particularly if I’m wearing my glasses or sunglasses

Ordered a pack of disposable ones online and they stay on well but the plastic in them is sweaty 🥵

We got ours made from a lovely lady locally. 3 layers c9tton with metal nose shaper

I’ve tried quite a few, mostly ok - much prefer the over the ear elastic kind. All mine so far are from Etsy until I got a family pack from Gap yesterday which are the best we’ve had. Really comfortable and good nose wire.

I got a pack of three floral print from Gap for £13 and they’re quite comfy. They have a nose wire too and more than cover my double chin.

I got some from a local sports clothing supplier who are making them.
Great fit, no gaps and stay in place, so I'm not constantly having to touch it.
It cost £6.95 and is washable, and seems very well made and designed.

I think you probably get what you pay for, and some home made ones might not be as good a fit.

Look for a local mask tree - masks are for a donation - you can try a few different types and then when you know what you like ask someone who makes to do some as you like in fabric you like with tie you like - should be 4 to 5 pr item or less for say half a dozen all the same

Baukjen, Wolf and Badger and Callowgrey Patches have nice ones.

I've tried using a buff, but find that it slips down easily so I was needing to pull it up a lot. Have found shaped cotton masks the most comfortable so far.

I’ve made a few ‘no sew’ masks using old TShirts. They are really comfy and tie round the head rather than over the ears. I know they aren’t hospital standard (although they are double layer), but as I’m only really going to be wearing them round Tesco, I’m ok with that. DD particularly likes hers are I managed to keep the logo’s on for her, so she’s got a Levi’s one and a Nike one!

We have masks with elastic that goes around the head rather than ears.. much more comfortable

I have washables

Mine were expensive because I wanted a particular style but now every sewing artist seems to have made a face mask locally for about £5 max

Go on Facebook at ask if anyone makes them

I also have ear savers as I don’t like them around my ears

I got a couple from Etsy , handmade in uk , 3 layers and pure cotton and in pretty floral prints , however not cheap at a tenner each!

DH got his from Amazon (China) man made fibres and horribly sweaty but cheap. I suppose you get what you pay for.

Lots on etsy - I bought 5 for £30 a month or two ago, but they may have gone up in price now. Also do you have any local dry cleaners? Our local one is selling ones made by the guy who does clothing alterations and I think many others are doing the same.

Mine were from Etsy..and are Gorjuss from Santoro

These are them with the ear savers too

Ive made them with ties which go round my head rather than ear elastic, much more comfortable. I had to wear a blue disposable one for a medical apt the other day and it was horribly sweaty - much prefer cotton.