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Original poster

Will a buff be sufficient?

53 replies

Thewheelsonthebus23 · 14/07/2020 17:02

I’m thinking of wearing a buff instead of an actual mask. Will this be allowed? I’m getting myself into such a state about this.

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 14/07/2020 17:05

Its any type of face covering, doesn't need to be a mask

Celticdawn5 · 14/07/2020 17:05

I bought myself two from Seasalt to use . Easy to wear/throw in a bag and wash.

Original poster
Thewheelsonthebus23 · 14/07/2020 17:08

Thank you. And how often do I need to wash them?

OP posts:
MabelMoo23 · 14/07/2020 17:12

What on earth is a buff?

Celticdawn5 · 14/07/2020 17:16

Well, I think that would depend on how long and how often you intend to be wearing it. Personally, I am still avoiding shops and am furloughed so just want to have one to hand in case I get caught out like car breaking down and having to get public transport.
I probably might be thinking once a week ?
If I was using public transport daily that I’d probably rinse it out more often But the reality is, knowing me, is more like once in a blue moon.

Celticdawn5 · 14/07/2020 17:17

A Buff is a scarf thing you can wear round your neck , on your head, as a hair and etc

Celticdawn5 · 14/07/2020 17:17

Hair band I mean. Sporty people and motorcyclists wear them mainly but SeaSalt do similar

midgebabe · 14/07/2020 17:19

You should wash after every wear.
You should have 2 if you travel to and from work every day

Once worn you should treat as potentially contaminated until washed

Ihaventgottimeforthis · 14/07/2020 17:20

I have a lot of these which I am going to keep as a back-up. And yes I will wear them once then wash.

Windyone · 14/07/2020 17:20

A buff is fine as a face covering and ticking that box but not great in stopping the spread of the virus.

Mrsjayy · 14/07/2020 17:22

Its just a face covering you need to wear I've been wearing masks but I think I'm going to get a snood/buff easier to wear and no faffing about in pockets or my bag. You can isolate them because covid is active for 72 hours so what I've been doing is rotating masks.

winterisstillcoming · 14/07/2020 17:22

I've bought a load from eBay. They go straight in the wash after use. They're great as they stay around the neck - especially good with kids- and you just lift them up as required. I've just ordered scarf type ones with ear loops which look even better to wear as buffs can ride down your face.

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/363013497248

lifesalongsong · 14/07/2020 17:23

It depends on whether you mean will it do to satisfy the rules (yes) or will it do to stop virus particles (maybe?)

Triangularbubble · 14/07/2020 17:23

Wales is specifying must be three layer face covering on public transport, but I guess you could fold it over a few times. England doesn’t seem to specify. Personally I’ve tried the buff type ones and found them the most uncomfortable and claustrophobic, plus prone to slipping. I find a proper fitted and shaped one, or paper disposable, much easier to wear.

Mrsjayy · 14/07/2020 17:25

I'm in Scotland and it is just face coverings but I'd fold it,

midgebabe · 14/07/2020 17:29

Reusing a face covering increases your risk of catching the virus,as you are likely to touch or inhale particles that git stuck on the outside

Original poster
Thewheelsonthebus23 · 14/07/2020 17:43

I’m on about for the guidelines/rules. Not to stop the virus, I know it won’t do that.

OP posts:
MillicentMartha · 14/07/2020 17:46

I read advice that said wear, change and wash them as often as your pants!

puffinkoala · 14/07/2020 17:53

I'd say more often than your pants - if eg you are going to and from work on public transport you'll need two, one for each direction, and a 3rd if you want to go shopping in your lunchbreak.

I have some buffs in the house which I have been using up to now, and some fabric masks on order.

I'm glad I'm not in Wales, that all sounds a bit too prescriptive and more difficult to get hold of (and potentially more expensive).

Original poster
Thewheelsonthebus23 · 14/07/2020 17:57

I don’t get public transport, so it would literally just be coming in and out of shops briefly for essentials. My plan is to do most of my shopping online.

OP posts:
puffinkoala · 14/07/2020 18:00

Just to say I went to Seasalt and they are also doing masks. Not available yet but worth going on their mailing list.

Windyone · 14/07/2020 18:03

Surely if you’re going to wear a face covering you might as well wear one that Helps stop spreading the virus?

Original poster
Thewheelsonthebus23 · 14/07/2020 18:05

@Windyone so covering my nose and mouth with a face covering isn’t enough? I have an anxiety disorder and I find I can breathe easier in them and prefer to wear them as the masks keep slipping off my ears.

OP posts:
WitsEnding · 14/07/2020 18:09

I’ve just bought one for DM, who is worried about losing her hearing aid if she uses a mask. Have seen a lot worse in the last few days.

lifesalongsong · 14/07/2020 18:13

[quote Thewheelsonthebus23]@Windyone so covering my nose and mouth with a face covering isn’t enough? I have an anxiety disorder and I find I can breathe easier in them and prefer to wear them as the masks keep slipping off my ears.[/quote]
I think the poster is asking why you aren't concerned about the effectiveness of the face covering.

Afaik as long as you're covered you will meet the rules but I agree, why not find a covering that offers some protection