Are all cotton masks like this?

[MerryChristmas9792]

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?

Ds who is autistic and has sensory issues can only wear surgical ones. And even then the proper surgical ones not the cheap ones from B & M

the school have requested we wear masks on the school run which is all outside. Not great when it’s tipping down with rain

They can request this but they can't insist on you wearing a mask on the school run. In the playground, yes, where a lot of people are gathered together.
I wouldn't be wearing a mask to walk kids to school if I was on my own with my own kids. Put the mask on once you get on to school property or on the street outside if a lot of people there.

I hate the cotton masks too so some of the suggestions on the thread are useful for me too.

There is usually a trade off between breathability and filtration

www.which.co.uk/reviews/face-masks/article/best-reusable-face-masks-awLeA3A6XoZD

Completely with you on this! We use the surgical ones in work, and I can wear one for hours and basically forget I'm wearing one but I find the cotton reusable ones uncomfortable and hot and steam up my glasses endlessly!

My system is that I use the reusable one if I'm wearing regularly for short bursts like going into multiple high street shops, but a surgical one if I'm wearing for an extended period like a shopping centre. It makes me feel marginally less guilty about the waste!

Callowgreys Patches do ones where the band goes round the back of your head and they’re very adjustable. I also have one from Face Dfndr with a hepa filter.

i find having a filter in them helps, without one i end up sucking in the material as i inhale.

[quote Comefromaway]There is usually a trade off between breathability and filtration

www.which.co.uk/reviews/face-masks/article/best-reusable-face-masks-awLeA3A6XoZD[/quote]
I have come to that conclusion.

If they are filtering, then they impede breath.

Either they can be breathed through so are not steaming your glasses up,

or they cannot be breathed through and it comes out the edges and steams your glasses up (unless the top is sealed and it can get out the sides and bottom)

@CatholicKidston

I love Catholic Kidston so much it's now my username

Haha! 😂

I wash the three-layered surgical ones by hand in hot water. The cotton ones vary in the type of cotton material, number of layers - I got some double layered ones which are quite soft, almost like a knitted type of cotton, and comfortable to wear. Others I got were cheaper, single layered and a flatter, woven cotton. I don't feel those ones are much of a barrier so I'd wear them with a lining of tissue or another mask, maybe a single-layered surgical-type one.

Another here who washes disposable ones.