I just can't find one anywhere

[CatsOutOfTheBag]

Ok, I have to wear a mask all day. For 12 hours as a health care worker (new job). I need a really comfortable one - has anyone got a suggestion?

I was told silk was best but I cannot afford to just throw £40 away if it isnt the most breathable

Has anyone go a suggestion? Please?

www.etsy.com/uk/listing/805601968/same-day-dispatch-set-of-3-silk-face?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_uk_en_gb_-bath_and_beauty&utm_custom1=k_CjwKCAiAkan9BRAqEiwAP9X6USCwBMVt2f2GRVUJq7AQJs0WF0oYVqfXUKhAc-1DJM7N4-NdUtGz_BoCMXYQAvD_BwE_k&utm_content=go_11073922980_109610251118_462914649514_pla-314548487700_m__805601968engb_231245808&utm_custom2=11073922980&gclid=CjwKCAiAkan9BRAqEiwAP9X6USCwBMVt2f2GRVUJq7AQJs0WF0oYVqfXUKhAc-1DJM7N4-NdUtGz_BoCMXYQAvD_BwE
Sorry for the long link OP bit there's always these??

I believe all health care/ nhs staff clinical to clerical need to wear surgical masks

We have been issued fabric masks for out of work (including breaks taken out of the building) and these must be worn if commuting by public transport, we have to change in to white surgical masks on entering the building (along with a temperature check and sanitising hands) and then change in to blue surgical masks when on ward and doing general patient work. Our fitted masks are for use in close patient contact and we wear full PPE for aerosol generating procedures.

@CatsOutOfTheBag

I know I canhave one supplied by my health care!!! I want a comfortable one - not a disposable one!!! I dont want to add to the plastic waste mountain when I can have a washable material one.

I have been told silk is good and I would like a silk one, or can someone suggest something that is NOT disposable but very wearable for 12 hours

Thank you

What you want is probably not going to be an option when it comes to PPE and protecting service users. Even if you are not patient facing, you may find whichever healthcare provider you are working for requires you to wear a specific disposable fluid repelling mask if you are in an office rather than a face covering.

What you wear in your own time is up to you, but there will be specific PPE provided and agreed with infection control and within current healthcare guidelines, I don't believe that you would be allowed to wear a random mask you've bought. Plus as others have said, you will need more than one. You can't just take a used one on and off, as soon as it is damp, you need to replace it.

I think it's very unlikely that you will be allowed to wear your own mask to work. You will be given medical grade ones that you will probably need to change multiple times a day after seeing each patient/caree or similar.

As others have said you wouldn't be allowed to wear your own mask. You'll have to use the ppe provided.

For personal life though, I bought some nice cotton masks from gap

I really like the Boden ones. The elastic which goes over your ears is covered so doesn't run and it has a nice long nose wire so you can fit it to your face comfortably. I wear glasses and find them less steamy. Don't know what it would be like for hours on end but I can definitely wear them for long periods around shops. They are about £20 for 3, so not too pricey.

You need to wear a medical grade mask. It isn't about comfort or style, it is about safety. If you require fit testing for a clinical role your Trust will provide it. The mask is about protecting service users, peers, the public and you. You will be fine.

there’s no chance your employer will allow you wear anything other than the hospital issued ones. Unless you’re just volunteering or something in an office only you access. If you’re actually employed, you’re crazy to think you can wear silk!

I got a couple of silk ones from Etsy for about £8 each. I find them much easier to wear than thicker cloth ones. They can be hand washed in soapy water - soap kills the virus- and they dry very quickly.

OP if you are moving between visits you need disposable ones that are changed each time.