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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:
Bangkokbaby · 14/07/2020 18:16

I used a buff to begin with, but found that they always slipped! I was having to touch my face to pull it up a lot which I didn't like.
I bought fabric face masks instead. We have loads of buffs in the house so could have been an easy option 🙄
My husband still uses one, perhaps he has a bigger head and doesn't have the slipping problems 😂

DamitJanet · 14/07/2020 18:27

I tried a buff, but couldn’t take it off particularly easily without touching it loads (know I can wash my hands) or it touching the rest of my face when removing which seemed unwise.

Original poster
Thewheelsonthebus23 · 14/07/2020 18:37

I do have a big head and they stay up for me. So that’s not an issue.

OP posts:
Windyone · 14/07/2020 19:27

@Thewheelsonthebus23 I’m asthmatic and worried about wearing a mask but I had to wear one recently for 2 hours on public transport. The first few minutes was difficult but I honestly got used to it very quickly.

If you’re covering your face with a buff I’m sure you could mange with a better standard of mask.

Windyone · 14/07/2020 19:31

@Thewheelsonthebus23 as well as your anxiety meds your GP might be able to suggest resources to help wearing a mask easier for you. It’s definitely worth asking.

I did some breathing exercises to calm me down when I put it on.

yeOldeTrout · 14/07/2020 19:35

Even a loose scarf meets the legal requirement.
I hope to mostly use a neck buff myself.

Original poster
Thewheelsonthebus23 · 14/07/2020 19:36

@Windyone is there a real issue with the buff then? As long as I’m covering my nose and mouth so that my droplets don’t enter the air, isn’t that the main thing?

OP posts:
Windyone · 14/07/2020 19:45

@Thewheelsonthebus23 as far as I understand There are better options than a buff. It’s sort of the least best solution. There’s obviously the medical grade PPE which most of us don’t have access to, a mask with 3 layers is recommended for us plebs I think. I’ve got some from ETSY with 2 layers and a filter in between the 2 layers. Easily washable and replaceable filter.

I know that we’ve been told that wearing a mask protects others but I Think it protects us to. That’s how I persuaded my self that it’s a good thing to do.

You can practice wearing it round the house which I did but it was only when I got out onto public transport that I got used to wearing it.

I think we’ll all get used to it. Good luck! 👍🏻

Luckystar1 · 14/07/2020 19:50

OP I have a virustatic shield www.virustaticshield.com/ (Sorry I don’t know how to do a click link)

It’s like a buff but says it contains a special coating to prevent viral penetration.

Both me and DH have one, I far prefer it to a mask.

CaptainMyCaptain · 14/07/2020 19:54

@midgebabe

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

Will you be doing the same with your coat and other outer clothing which may have potentially been exposed?
noodlezoodle · 14/07/2020 19:54

I'm in an area that has required them for the last 16 weeks, I have a variety including a buff. They work as well as other masks - the only issue I find with them is that it can get a bit hot because they cover the back of your neck as well.

Our guidance is to wash at the end of the day OR to leave them for 3 days and then they can reworn as the virus can't survive long on fabric. I tend to just bung them in the wash at the end of the day though. Or a hot iron if that's easier.

labyrinthloafer · 14/07/2020 20:01

I'd be concerned that you can't easily tell the outside from the inside etc so not very hygienic.

You're supposed to try not to touch the front and that will be hard I think.

But they'll meet the requirements.

Original poster
Thewheelsonthebus23 · 14/07/2020 20:20

@labyrinthloafer that’s all I really need, for it to meet requirements. If I touch the front I will wash my hands.

OP posts:
midgebabe · 14/07/2020 20:38

The difference with the mask is that you put it over your mouth, I tend nit to do that with my coat

But many medics do take off all outer clothes and wash them as soon as they get home , so I guess that's actually best practise

MoreW1ne · 14/07/2020 20:50

To be honest, you can just wrap a jumper/hoody/cardigan over your face and you'll be good to go. Will do in a pinch to just pop in a shop briefly to get essentials.

CaptainMyCaptain · 14/07/2020 21:15

@midgebabe

The difference with the mask is that you put it over your mouth, I tend nit to do that with my coat

But many medics do take off all outer clothes and wash them as soon as they get home , so I guess that's actually best practise

I'm not arguing, really, just musing. The face coverings are to stop the wearer spreading it while in public, it's not like a medic treating Covid patients. If your mask becomes contaminated on the bus then everything exposed to the air will also be contaminated but I don't think that is what it's for. It's to stop your coughs and sneezes.
raviolidreaming · 14/07/2020 22:33

I'm going to use a buff. I have loads from running so can change regularly.

Stumpedasatree · 14/07/2020 23:04

@raviolidreaming

I'm going to use a buff. I have loads from running so can change regularly.
Same for me! Much for comfortable for me as well, I have asthma and don't want anything to make me feel like I can't breathe.
WatchingFromTheWings · 14/07/2020 23:16

I have buffs for running but I think I'd find it a bit warm for shopping. I've seen people use them though.

Theyweretheworstoftimes · 14/07/2020 23:25

hyggebands.com

These are great loads of colours really comfortable wash well and don't scare small children as much as the medical ones.

They can be folded to make them thicker and if you decide you want a mask with tapes or ties if you sew button on each side behind the ears then you can pop the ties round the button no sore ears

The company provided loads to the NHS during the pandemic

yeOldeTrout · 15/07/2020 13:08

No need to pay £19 each.
You can buy similar colourful neckbuffs for £3 direct from China, Ebay.

InOutofmymind · 15/07/2020 13:40

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

If you want something to be medically effective, you'll need a N95/ FFP2 or above mask, in other words, masks your local carers or nurses would use in close proximity to someone with CV.

A face covering is just about you, the wearer, limiting your output of virus, whilst asymptomatic, so nothing more than say coughing into the bend of your elbow.

crosseyedMary · 15/07/2020 13:52

www.virustaticshield.com/
These look interesting 👀

Mrsjayy · 15/07/2020 14:35

My husbands work issued those just linked he said they are horrible to wear and they also look like y fronts Grin

crosseyedMary · 15/07/2020 17:27

horrible to wear and they also look like y fronts
thanks for saving me 20 quid:o
but what was horrible if you wouldnt mind elaborating?