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.

these are great - i wear one and it seems to fit more snugly over my cheeks and the bridge of my nose so my specs don't steam up so much!

also hides my jowls and crepey neck so what's not to like, can I keep wearing it after covid please!

They aren't ineffective They aren't as effective as medical masks and are less effective than face coverings made of less flexible material.

But they are better than no face covering at all.

If wearing one means more people wear some sort of cloth face cover and stop buying medical masks, especially when we all know could be from an NHS or care setting, then all to the good.

@Thomasina79
I cannot abide the ones with elastic over the ears and I have tried
them but find them very painful.

Use a mask extender.

We used hygges before our (reusable) masks arrived. I folded them over around a piece of kitchen towel so that there was three layers of material. Worked fairly well, but I prefer the masks as they have a bendy metal strip over the nose that helps to keep my glasses non-steamy.

@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.

I wear a gaiter on my bike to stop insects, and for that purpose they are brilliant.

But you could easily suck a virus through a piece of paper. Gaiters are very easy to breathe through, and they would offer very little protection.

Better than nothing. But not as good as a mask.

But you could easily suck a virus through a piece of paper
I’m getting fed up of saying this now. They aren’t to stop you inhaling the virus. They are to stop droplets from your (possibly) infected lungs getting out for other people to breathe in. Anything which reduces moisture flow is effective. You are protected by other people wearing face coverings, not so much by your own.

@GinDaddyRedux

Guidelines say face covering not mask

And whichever option it’s doing bugger all to contain anything. Pretty much like the rest of the Boris shitshow.

They're like wearing a polo neck, much too hot for this time of year, especially indoors in shops.
I wear one in winter on icy days as the cold makes me cough and fine for that.
If people feel claustrophobic wearing a mask they'll feel worse with a gaitor. Also very little protection for the wearer and other people as breath goes easily through the fabric when it's stretched over mouth and nose.

@uniglowooljumper

Waste of time as they're apparently ineffective. If you're prone to skin tags I'd also think they'd increase the likelihood of those forming.

Are you still of the belief that its supposed to protect the wearer? Because its not. Its to catch your own emissions! It is effective and its the ONLY tool we have to protect against transmission. Other than social distancing

Back in April I used to wear the Seasalt version of this. Admittedly it was quite a warm Spring, but found I was a bit hot by the time I reached the supermarket with that around my neck (luckily they didn't temperature check me!). They will be great in Winter.

After a couple of outings with a cotton mask and adjustable elastic I am used to them.

Masks are uncomfortable in some ways. They make your face sweat and your glasses steam up so you can’t see properly. Still wear one though.

I do the same. Wear a gait or around my neck and carry a traditional face mask for close interactions. Suggest getting a bait or with a pocket for a filter for it to be effective.

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

Anti virus coating? Do tell!

I have visions of soaking my mask in 70% alcohol.

I ordered some the other day, still waiting for them to arrive, have masks as well.
Your comment or as a hairband or even a bracelet if it's too constricting to keep it around your neck sound worrying - if you double and twist the band around your wrist, the external facing parts will be scrunched up with the internal facing parts, then you're going to untwist it all and put it back on your face?
I do put masks back in a bag, but only where the inside of the mask isnt going to be pressed up against the external contaminated bits.

Wear what you like. Or don’t bother. It’s not going to make much difference. There’s as much medical research on the ineffectiveness of non-medical grade masks as there is on the effectiveness of them. The whole issue is completely inconclusive.
I was on the phone last night to a lung consultant friend who’s been front line during the pandemic. Her opinion: it’ll make very little difference if the public wears non-medical masks and face coverings. Her main concern was the mixed message the government is giving that it is now safe for the vulnerable to go out shopping with everyone wearing masks, when there is v little to substantiate this.
So buy whatever you like, if it makes you feel better.

@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?!

Claustrophobia means I struggle with anything over my face or neck - I can't even wear a polo neck. So that I comply with the guidelines I have some 2 layer cotton face coverings which I will wear when I go into a shop (not that I'm planning to go shopping as I don't need to) or to walk around the office. If the mask stasi, who I presume are the shopping stasi with a new cause, don't like it, they can fuck off.

Doesn't this rather defeat the object of wearing a mask? Which is to protect yourself and other people from coronavirus. Especially if you put it on and off your face.

I use these, simple and effective. Easy to keep one or two in the car and easy to clean.

.

I have a sneeking suspicion that bickering about face coverings is a complete red herring to distract from other matters.

@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?!

This. Everyone’s always trying to find an excuse or a way round of actually using them.

@randomer

I have a sneeking suspicion that bickering about face coverings is a complete red herring to distract from other matters.

I think you’re absolutely right. We’ve had so many of these ridiculous nonsenses for people to be distracted by.

I was so desperate the other day when I was away without a mask that I considered wearing clean pants. I have big knickers