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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Are all cotton masks like this?

85 replies

MerryChristmas9792 · 03/12/2020 10:00

Hi all, I would just like to add first I’m not anti mask.

When masks were becoming compulsory I bought a pack of 50 or the blue/white surgical type masks. We haven’t had to wear them too much. I get my shopping delivered mainly, don’t use public transport and don’t them at work so they are only just stating to run out. I have had no
Issues wearing this type.

I ordered some cotton face coverings from next to be more environmentally friendly and save money. We also need to wear them on school run now so need more.

But oh my. I’m not sure if it’s just because I’m not used to wearing them but the ones I bought are awful. I don’t find them breathable too (I know I can breathe fine just feels awful), I feel like I’m sucking back fabric and I hate the feel of it and on the school run this morning I felt awful. It was raining, the mask was wet and I was sweating and I couldn’t wait to whip it off yet with the first type I mentioned I can keep them for ages.

Aibu to just carry on using the surgical type? I feel they are an awful waste and expensive!

Can anyone recommended some nice cotton masks that are breathable?

OP posts:
bestbefore · 03/12/2020 10:35

I've got these ones from ASOS and they are nice - soft and def breathable. www.asos.com/4th-reckless/4th-reckless-3-pack-face-coverings-in-multi/prd/21034135?colourwayid=60135553&SearchQuery=&cid=50035

LaMadrilena · 03/12/2020 10:37

I got some really light material ones, and they're awful because as the OP says, you suck them into your mouth and nose. It's counter-intuitive, but thicker cotton is better, as it holds its shape and doesn't cling.

stopringingme · 03/12/2020 10:37

I wear the pleated fabric ones as I find the shaped ones too uncomfortable and suffocating.
I have bought a few off of one seller on Etsy and they are the most comfortable I have worn.
The disposable ones I wear to the hairdressers.

Derelictwreck · 03/12/2020 10:38

I agree with PP. Get the Neqi ones from boots.

Which did a big review and found most 'high street' ones are useless Hmm. But these came out highly scored and are very comfortable

AmaryllisNightAndDay · 03/12/2020 10:38

I have an assortment of cloth masks (though I haven't got any with metal yet so they all steam up my glasses). My favourite is cloth but a satiny artificial fibre not cotton, shaped not pleated - I bought it at random in Waterstones. It's small and lightweight and not as nasty as cotton when it gets damp.

CounsellorTroi · 03/12/2020 10:41

I have just ordered some cotton masks from my Avon man. Will be interesting to see if they are any good.

LaceyBetty · 03/12/2020 10:42

I have really liked the cotton masks from Baukjen. Pleated with wire for the nose. I don't end up sucking them in when I breath like the more silky style. I also agree that pleated masks work better for me than the other versions.

viques · 03/12/2020 10:44

French advice is that surgical type masks should be worn for a maximum of 4 hours before changing for a clean one, but that they can be washed up to 10times .

longtompot · 03/12/2020 10:46

I have the disposable ones too, as the fabric ones I made I felt like I was suffocating wearing them. I also reuse them, whichI know you aren't meant to.
Does anyone have any recommendations for washable fabric ones that a glasses wearer can wear?

Mochudubh · 03/12/2020 10:49

I made some silk ones from a scarf I bought online for £5. I got 6 x 3-layer masks out of it, they are light and breathable.

Lilmzsnowflake · 03/12/2020 10:49

I have some thicker cotton pleated ones that a friend made, they look lovely but suck in all the time. I find the cheap polyester ones with a seam straight down the front fit me better, that’s probably a personal choice. Also steam up glasses less as there’s more of a gap to let air out.
At work I have to wear surgical ones and while they are a bit rougher, they don’t suck in and I can wear them for 4 hours without a problem. Interesting that they can be washed, might bring them home and try it!

TheCrowsHaveEyes · 03/12/2020 10:50

I was fine with cotton masks in the summer but since the temperature has dropped, I'm finding the same as you OP. I'd forgotten my cotton mask and wore one of the disposables the other day and it was much better. I could see! I wear glasses and they steam up usually And there wasn't the sucking feeling. I have a few different types of recycled masks and so far none have been as good as the disposables in this weather.

MrsMiaWallis · 03/12/2020 10:52

I bought the black jersey Maskies masks - they are horrible and suffocating. I am quite happy with the disposable type, find them very comfy so I wear those. Don't throw them away after one wear either

Springersrock · 03/12/2020 10:54

I struggle with the cotton ones too

I’m extremely claustrophobic and the fabric ones feel really oppressive and like I can’t breathe and make me panic

The disposable ones feel much lighter and I am fine with them.

I’ve also accidentally washed them when they get left in pockets and they come out like new

BuggerationFlavouredCrisps · 03/12/2020 10:56

Cotton face masks? It’s no different to buying clothes. One size fits all definitely doesn’t work for face masks.

I’ve made my own cotton face masks since March and experimented with different pattern shapes and types of cotton fabric. I now use a cotton gauze as a liner and a soft quilting cotton for the outer layer.

I also make adjustments to the shape to fit the recipient’s face exactly. I mostly sew for myself but have sewn some for friends and family.

I think your best option is to pay someone to make you a customised fitted face mask or keep experimenting with shop bought ones until you find a comfy style that fits you well.

UpTheLaganInABubble · 03/12/2020 10:57

I was struggling to wear cotton ones too until I bought some of these, they've made a huge difference

Are all cotton masks like this?
yetanothernamitynamechange · 03/12/2020 10:59

I asked someone at the doctors surgery about the disposable masks they hand out to wear. Apparently you can get a second days wear out of them if you spray them well with alcohol spray and leave to air dry so theres that!

Zilla1 · 03/12/2020 11:00

Might just be the seamstress has used a material that is not breathable. The ones we made for ourselves feel fine. Hope you find one that suits.

yetanothernamitynamechange · 03/12/2020 11:01

But also, I managed to clog my washing machine filter when I accidentally washed jeans with a mask in the pocket and it escaped - so if you do wash them maybe put them in those net bags for washing smalls in or hand wash them instead.

Zilla1 · 03/12/2020 11:01

Regarding disposable, I wouldn't spray with chemicals as may fundamentally change. Leave in sunlight for a few days and you can permanently cycle 3-4 until look worn - uv sterilisation.

redtiger1079 · 03/12/2020 11:06

Look at silk ones instead. The silk is more breathable and for the best protection combine with cotton inserts.

SNStoday · 03/12/2020 11:10

I bought the Uniqlo ones and they are great. They even have a filter inbuilt but they are so cool against your skin and very breathable. I've recommended them to various family & friends who are also happy with them.

ineedaholidaynow · 03/12/2020 11:12

I use the seasalt ones, as does DS who has to wear them on and off at school and we get on pretty well with them, although some days I do feel I am breathing them in

ChickensMightFly · 03/12/2020 11:12

I found the shape makes a difference, the first lot I bought draped round my face like my knickers do my bum! Every time I took a breath in I got a mouthful of fabric, it felt horrid. The next lot I bought have a firm seam down the middle which makes them stand off my mouth more and also don't crease inwards easily and they are much better.

Flibbertigibbet2211 · 03/12/2020 11:13

The 'disposable' blue & white ones are machine washable, you don't have to throw them away!

I did try it once and it went a bit fuzzy, but I think there are slightly different types. I'll give it another go, thanks!