Masks which don't make you feel you are boiling alive?

[JollyRogerandDiane]

I've made my own cotton ones but they are so hot and sweaty. I'm loathe to use the disposable ones for environmental reasons (although can someone tell me if we wear them, take them off at home and quarantine them for 48 hours is there any reasons we can't wear them again?)

Anyone found the gold standard of bearable masks yet?

Just to be clear I will always wear them, despite the boiling/sweaty face problem but just want to find a better alternative!

Thanks

www.amazon.co.uk/GRESAHOM-Bandana-Washable-Headband-Protection/dp/B089QFHDPX?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

These also look interesting

@ivykaty44

I wear a bandana tied behind my head at ear level & popped over my nose, it’s covering a lot but lose

I look like a dick Turpin wannabe

I use a shemagh the same kinda way.. security guards at Halifax hovered very close to me... 😂

I agree, the Seasalt ones are good

Surgical masks are nice and airy (or as much as poss). N95 are miserable so I guessed the cloth ones would be horrid.

I use the disposable ones. They arent having it both ways.

People in boiling hot countries cope with masks, people working in hospitals cope with masks, wearing any mask to go round a shop or on a bus or train ride should be bearable in British temperatures!

I have some nice ones from eShakti which are comfortable and not as hot as some of the others I have tried. They're the pleated type with adjustable ear loops and a bendable nose strip. They don't make my glasses fog up.

www.eshakti.com/shop/Dresses/Colorblock-poplin-face-mask-CL0074369

Out of stock in this colour but others are available and I guess they will come back in at some point.

It's strange because I suffer from heat intolerance but I don't find the masks too hot at all. The only ones I've found a bit uncomfortable are the ones doctors and nurses need to wear - the FFP2/3 (N95/99) type.

The paper surgical ones are probably the most lightweight.

Japan sells cooling masks. Perhaps it's possible to buy online from a Japanese store?

I use really soft stretchy cotton ones with kitchen roll folded inside. I've never found them hot.

Boiling hot countries have air conditioning

People working in hospitals choose a job that involves masks

Having said that there are several on here who work within the NHS who say they wont be doing non essential shopping due to the fact they want a break from the masks as they have to wear them so much.

Didnt think of that did you! Try to open your mind just a little.

Not all boiling hot countries' Inhabitants have air con.

41 degrees here today. No air con. But I will wear a mask all the same. Because it's the right thing to do.

The UK embarrasses itself further with every day that passes. It's becoming the tantrumming toddler of the western (and not only) world.

First lockdown, then schools, now masks.
Stomp stomp wah wah. Can't Shan't Won't.

You could, you should, and you would if you gave a fuck about society as a whole.

I'm surprised at your comments about people working in hospitals Helena. I thought you were better than that, nasty little swipe there. Bit like saying to someone living in poor housing "move if you don't like it" no?

I have seen a few people wear visors instead.

I buy masks that have been tested for breathability and filtering capacity.
Your home made cotton ones probably need to be thinner.
Try to buy a non woven fabric instead, that is suitable for masks.

Jeez Louise, they're not that bad.

I have one from Newt that I am really pleased with.

B&M do some in various designs that I found surprising comfortable. Will be going back for a couple more. Cheap as chips as well.

I'm worried that breathability might mean "not effective"? I don't know how to check for particle filtration etc.
I want masks I can wear at work and need to provide my own - have lots I've made but none strike me as comfortable for longer sessions.

@Lweji could you share some info about choosing masks as you seem knowledgable

@ScorpioSphinxInACalicoDress no one on here is refusing to wear a mask your comments are ridiculous! We are all (mostly) compliant with masks doesn't mean we all have to feel comfortable when doing so. I hate wearing a mask but i will continue to do so until its no longer nessessary not sure what's embarrassing about that

I've found Vida masks are the best, but not sure if they ship to the UK.

I wear them with glasses and they don't steam up.

(And they just announced we've just had our hottest July on record - and no, we don't have A/C most places.)

@ScorpioSphinxInACalicoDress Yes a consultant is totes the same as a low income tenant in social OR private rent with no choice of where to go. Key workers on our estate who work nights are struggling to sleep because of the roofers who are taking their sweet time doing the roofs Its like having a jumbo jet in the ceiling. But when ive brought it up its tough shit. Thats just how life is blah blah

Amazing how corporates can get away with not caring.

Incidentally there have been some NHS workers on twitter using their position to mask shame, which has contributed to the abuse people with medical conditions who cant wear masks have received. 50+ incidents to date and rising.

I have the utmost respect for them and what they do but i dont believe they are infallible. Thats a very dangerous road to go down. Going on Twitter and saying there are no reasons whatsoever that anyone cant wear a mask is short sighted at best , There are many people who cant due to medical conditions, trauma and PTSD.

Does the NHS have a social media policy? My friend went to work for a supermarket and had to sign one as part of her contract. If a supermarket has one, the NHS should surely.

[quote Mistressiggi]@Lweji could you share some info about choosing masks as you seem knowledgable [/quote]
I hope this helps.

www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/masks-diy-coronavirus/2020/04/01/20830f5e-7420-11ea-85cb-8670579b863d_story.html

smartairfilters.com/en/blog/nonwoven-pp-shopping-bag-diy-face-masks-effective-covid-19/

If you're making your own, test 3 things:

• can you breathe through the material when you wear it as a mask with no gaps around your face?
• you should not be able to blow a candle through the material
• the mask itself is water repellent. It means that if you drop water on it, the water won't go through, or it will slide out, rather than getting wet immediately.

The reasons behind the rules:
The masks are supposed to keep droplets from passing through. Droplets are water based.
They are also supposed to have a decent filtering capacity for particles.

Fortunately, I live in a country where I can buy non-medical masks that have been certified, and don’t have to rely on myself.

Thank you that is really useful I've gone down a rabbit warren now of different mask materials

donnamaylondon.com/collections/face-coverings

I also struggled at first with the face masks but then I bought these and I know the style might not be everyone’s cup of tea but they are really soft and comfy to wear. Also a pack of two for £12 which I thought was a good price.

Also, I wore them with sunglasses and no steaming up as I could put them over the top of the mask. I don’t wear prescription glasses but I assume they would be the same.