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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask how many facemasks you have?

247 replies

sugarlost · 30/07/2020 21:10

I've ordered another 8 and have my eye on another 5 pack....when in reality how many reusable ones do I need...am I getting obsessed?

I can't even leave the house without one in my bag due to current rules so I guess it's not a bad thing!

OP posts:
VainAbigail · 31/07/2020 16:22

None. I use a thin scarf.

Oldraver · 31/07/2020 16:22

Cut up the belt

To ask how many facemasks you have?
Original poster
sugarlost · 31/07/2020 16:30

@Oldraver loving the print and matching outfitGrin.

Some fashion companies are selling matching outfits and masks now....

OP posts:
cologne4711 · 31/07/2020 16:39

We've got 20 between three of us. Although some have come with little buckles instead of being on elastic so query how much they will get used. I also have a runners' buff in each car for emergencies (along with a small bottle of non-flammable hand gel).

cologne4711 · 31/07/2020 16:41

We don't need that many at the moment but once DS goes back to college he'll need one for the bus and more if he ends up needing one for the college day too. At the moment it's easy to rinse and dry on the line outside but in the autumn and winter it won't be so easy to get them dry.

QuestionableMouse · 31/07/2020 16:53

Iron them rather than washing them each time. As long as they get good and hot they'll be fine.

cariadlet · 31/07/2020 17:19

@QuestionableMouse I think somebody was slapped down on daytime tv recently for advising people to iron masks instead of washing them. A telly dr reminded people that they should only wear masks once and that they should be washed after each use - not just ironed. It came up on my Google feed and I can't remember any more details.

TwoZeroTwoZero · 31/07/2020 17:24

1 mask and some filter things for it. I hate wearing it and so have been avoiding anywhere where it's required unless it's absolutely necessary.

BiBabbles · 31/07/2020 17:52

I have 4 fabric masks and 2 face shields. I'd probably buy more fabric masks if I was going to be in those types indoor environments far more often than I am, but I find this amount works for me.

purplegayle · 31/07/2020 18:12

At least 50 at home, 50 in the car. Im a carer and have to change them every 30 minutes so I get through them a lot.

InMySpareTime · 31/07/2020 19:04

You can carry a wide-necked water bottle, half-filled with soapy water, and add used masks to it through the day, then when you get home they're already clean and ready to rinse & hang up to dry.

wolfmom · 31/07/2020 19:37

I've made 2 reusable each and have another 2 part finished for each of us (12 in total)

wolfmom · 31/07/2020 19:48

You can make little bands so the elastic doesn't rub on the ears. It's just a bit of ribbon with a button each end. Works well for me as I have eczema behind my ears

WhoWouldHaveThoughtThat · 31/07/2020 20:19

Who wastes money buying them? You can just pick them up lying about in supermarket carparks. There's load of them... Grin

CraftyGin · 31/07/2020 20:20

I have made about 80.

WeirdCatLady · 31/07/2020 20:27

We have three washable (homemade) ones each, but dd is vulnerable so we aren’t going out much. I can sew more if required but at the mo we don’t go outside much so three is more than enough.

lljkk · 31/07/2020 20:37

I'm surprised at the person who has to change every 30 minutes. Don't nurses in hospitals only have one mask for their entire work shift (one mask for 8 hours)?

ViveLEntenteCordiale · 31/07/2020 21:09

I have one washable and a nearly empty box of disposables. Not in the U.K. and have been obligatory in shops for a while now here.

The reusable one was from Etsy and is double layer cotton with a pocket for a filter and a nose piece. It's very soft but now it's in the 30s most days it's too hot! I also have to wear one for physiotherapy and feel like I am struggling to get enough air in.

I saw a PP ask but didn't see an answer - I'd really like to find some soft disposables with a decent bendy nose piece, as I find them easier to breathe in. They are so variable and of course no trying before you buy.

hayfeverhellish · 31/07/2020 22:09

@lljkk in hospital on a wars you change them every 4 hours or sooner if they are damp etc.

If you're in the community, you would probably change your PPE in full between patient visits (mask, gloves and apron)

Dominicgoings · 31/07/2020 22:17

About a dozen in various car doors, key drawer, coat pockets etc.
Teen DD spent a portion of her birthday money on some steam punk ones and I want to steal them Grin

Chocolateandamaretto · 31/07/2020 22:19

6 between the two of us. One to wear, one to wash, then a spare to leave in your bag so you don’t get caught out. But tbh we’re not in places where you need masks enough that it’s ever been an issue. We would’ve been fine with 2 or 3.

Carlislemumof4 · 31/07/2020 22:50

30 washable cotton ones for myself, around 10 each for DH and DCs all in different prints to wear in all shops and indoor venues, public transport, possibly office and schools.

Having found comfortable, quality ones that wash well from small UK businesses wanted to buy plenty plus spares now. Have gradually purchased them over the last two months. Can replace the ear elastics periodically so should last years, expecting to be wearing them for the next couple at least.

TAKESNOSHITSHIRLEY · 01/08/2020 07:38

zero
as a family of 4 we are all exempt

im wales so not compulasry

BertieBotts · 01/08/2020 07:40

6 washable for 3 people.

BertieBotts · 01/08/2020 07:41

That's in a country where we've had masks for 3-4 months now. DS1 needs them every day for school too. It's enough.