to suggest NOT wearing masks, but instead wearing . . .

[Durgasarrow]

the charmingly named Neck Gaitors? They have been my all-purpose solution to the Great Mask Dilemma of 2020. They're washable, lightweight, stylish, useful, versatile, you can wear them as a scarf and pull them up as needed, or as a hairband or even a bracelet if it's too constricting to keep it around your neck. They're cheap to order from Amazon by the half dozen--they have seriously helped me keep my sanity.

When I forgot my mask the other day I used my Seasalt Handyband.

Just ordered some, great idea!

Teenage boys in my area have been wearing these for years, when they steal cars and mopeds

But how will you get it off without taking it over your head? Are you planning on cutting the back?

cheaper to make one yourself from the arm of an old tshirt.

Keep your sanity? In what way would a surgical or shaped cloth face covering mask jeopardise your sanity?

Thanks op, just ordered some. Looks much easier.

I use something similar but impregnated with ant virus coating . More medical looking .

Definitely ok for shopping etc comfortable and easy on the ears .

@PurpleGoose

But how will you get it off without taking it over your head? Are you planning on cutting the back?

What's the problem with taking it off over your head?

they have seriously helped me keep my sanity.

@Thisismytimetoshine

they have seriously helped me keep my sanity.

Why do this? If OP has found an alternative that's helped her, why be pissy about it?

OP my autistic teen uses these when it's very cold because he's very fussy about things touching his face and neck. He's not been in any shops yet, but when he does, he'll probably end up using one of these.

Are you on commission, OP?

Tbh that's something that I wouldn't ever use other than as a mask.

@PurpleGoose

But how will you get it off without taking it over your head? Are you planning on cutting the back?

Grab the back, pull up and over the top of your head.

I have several buffs which I use as a scarf or balaclava in winter when cycling or walking. Fine to use a a mask.

as a mask even

I’ve been using scarf things like this too OP, so much more comfortable and much easier to breath in.

Jesus I actually can't even write what I want to.

What is wrong with the ego of British people that they can't get their act together and just wear a proper mask?!

@GinDaddyRedux

Jesus I actually can't even write what I want to.

What is wrong with the ego of British people that they can't get their act together and just wear a proper mask?!

Because “they” don’t have to. The guidance says face covering. I pull my scarf up over my nose and mouth. Job done.

Because “they” don’t have to. The guidance says face covering. I pull my scarf up over my nose and mouth. Job done

Exactly

Yes I have a range of buffs plus disposables plus reusables. Buffs are often too big for small faces so keep slipping down they are also much hotter than masks because your neck is also covered. Thinking I’ll use mine more during autumn and winter.

I've used a folded over hygge band when I haven't had a clean mask, and tbh, I found that my masks are far more comfortable, easier to breathe and talk in and less restrictive and needed to be adjusted less than the band. I would always choose to wear a mask rather than a buff type covering. But it's perfectly plausible that people who hate masks have a different face shape which makes scarf type coverings work better for them.

@GinDaddyRedux don’t worry, I’m probably thinking it. I do wonder if it had been marketed as keeping YOURSELF safer how very, very different responses would be.

These are a good idea. I have found using a deep headband also good.

It’s not a question of the British ego’ whatever that is, but that what is tolerable for one person is not for another. I cannot abide the ones with elastic over the ears and I have tried them but find them very painful. We are all different shapes and sizes with different shaped ears and heads so of course what suits one person will not be comfortable for someone else. Let’s have a little tolerance and understanding

What I don’t get on here is all the bullying and unpleasantness that is around.

Gransnet is much kinder!

I look forward to winter when I can disappear into my polo neck jumper.

DD uses these instead of masks. They specifically say, the buffs I buy for running, that they are not sufficient as masks.