How many, what sort and where to buy facemasks ?

[frumpety]

I was thinking two each would be enough ?

We have;

• box of cheap disposables (can be handed out to others) and I'm going to buy another so there's one in the car (in case of masks left behind). Might tuck a couple into schools bags as well (not for school, but the impromptu stuff on the way home)

• we each have a cloth resusable, and we shall probably acquire more (to allow for washing or quarantining between uses)

• I have a quite a collection of running buffs that would be fine, plus scarves.

I've got three fabric masks which I made. I pour boiling water from the kettle on it when I get back home and hang it on the line. I keep one on the strap of my handbag which I almost always take out with me and the others are hanging on the pegs with the coats to try and ensure that I don't forget them.

I've also taped a piece of paper to the inside of the front door - "Have you got your mask?" to make sure I remember it.

I have scarfs and my children and Partner have buffs-so in theory we can just use these instead of masks? I do not see the point in buying any if these coverings will do( especially if prices will now shoot up)

Prices aren't shooting up, if anything they're coming down (supply has stabilised)

And buff are fine for as long as the guidance mandates a face covering (as opposed to specifying a mask)

If face masks go the way of toilet rolls, some people won’t be able to leave their houses at all.

You can wear a scarf. The rule is a 'covering'. Not just masks

@pinksoda35 do the buffs stay put on the nose when wearing them ?

Sainsbury's TU clothing sell them: tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/c/face-coverings/face-coverings

Tesco are selling the surgical type masks. A pack of ten for about 6 quid

I've been wearing them for months so have tried a few. I like the ones for cyclists as they are robust but also comfortable and you can buy more filters plus they don't steam my glasses up. I always have a supply of disposables though as well if the regular ones aren't dry or whatever - it's just one less thing to have to worry about.

It depends how often you go shopping or on public transport. I only have fabric ones from Etsy which don't have inserts so I assume I ought to only wear them once so I think three should do.

That is a whole new MN can of worms. How often should we wash our towels duvet covers masks? Eek!

Hahaha yes and you'll get the Thunbergs banging on about single use masks/ wasting water washing the fabric ones.

Have just bought one from Mabel and Mu! £4.99 so pretty good price for a washable one

I'm already banging on about the amount of disposable masks I see thrown on the streets. Washable ones are so easy to get hold of and are cheap enough! And you dont need to wash them separately so you're not using any extra water or energy.

I've seen cheap washable masks in wilko, asda and superdrug. I go to the shops often but also do laundry often so I reckon 2-3 er person should be enough for my household.

Me and the dc's have five each so far. I'm going to buy at least a couple more each. Just for school and shops.

They'll get lost and left in pockets and the elastic will go ping.

I ordered two last night before the announcement and have another 6 on the way. We also have runners' buffs so I think we will have enough. The main issue will be once ds goes back to college as he will be getting the bus so will need two a day.

We have two each, but following the announcement I think I’ll make us a few more each to be sure we’ve always got one.

Amazon. More variation than places like Etsy, cheaper, quick delivery etc.

@megletthesecond do you think schools will insist on them in September? Me and DH have 3 each but the kids (5 and 7) only have 1 as they very rarely go to the shops or use public transport. We think this is enough

Can I add a supplementary question, please?

What are you all putting used masks in before getting home?
I have a couple of clean masks in my bag. When the one on my face comes off, I'm currently putting in a plastic bag until I get home and can wash it. Anyone got an improvement on my system?

I don't think schools will require them. The latest update from school here is that it's all back to normal in September, including wearing uniforms so obviously not required to have different clothes each day (no one owns five blazers surely), and each year group counts as a "bubble". So that's a two hundred person bubble then. Given that the set up flies in the face of every other covid related restriction I doubt they'll go for masks.

Another recommendation for Mabel & Mu.

mabelandmu.co.uk/collections/dog-print-masks-by-mabel-mu?page=1&sort_by=manual

I agree, probably not needed in school. My children are at secondary school though, so I'm going to make sure they each have an extra mask every day for those impromptu shopping expeditions on the way home.

@RedCatBlueCat

Can I add a supplementary question, please?

What are you all putting used masks in before getting home?
I have a couple of clean masks in my bag. When the one on my face comes off, I'm currently putting in a plastic bag until I get home and can wash it. Anyone got an improvement on my system?

I have a couple of cotton bags. I put the used ones in there and then I can wash and re use them.

I seem to have acquired about 20-25 masks between ones I bought and ones given to me. I was aiming for 10 as I use public transport. I tend to keep a couple of spares in my bag just in case I forget to pick one up when leaving the house.

I've made 50 for us to share with a washable bag. Worn once then put into the bag ready for washing.

I have made 4 for each of DH and I after easter from pillow cases. But now I have ordered 2 adults and 2 kids ones with filters from www.homebymuddyboots.com/

I think the latest recommendations are now using fluid resistant fabric for a 3 layer mask. That's why I ordered these online. We work from home and also have a car, order everything online. So I think one is enough for us. But I just made lots because I like sewing!