The disposable/re-usable mask schism is the new cloth/disposable nappy turf war

[TheKarenWhoKnocks]

... with added shouting at the back from people who want neither and are happy to shit on the floor.

Eh Karen this won't go well. I don't care what kind of mask it is as long as it worn - and socially distancing isn't forgotten either.

As a cloth nappy user I am 'get it' re reusable masks. But other than understanding how to wash them well, I don't see what the two have in common.

No. I use reusable nappies but have used disposables in the past and fully understand the numerous reasons why they don't suit all families, and don't ever judge others or even bring it up unless people ask.

I absolutely judge those who use disposable masks on a regular basis, given that there's no big initial outlay and they can easily be washed with regular washing or quickly by hand.

Besides, disposables do a better job of filtering virus particles (plenty of studies available online). 3-layer cloth masks are next best. I can, of course, see that disposables are causing a littering/refuse issue, and only use them when I visit a hospital environment. Other times - such as supermarket shopping - I wear my homemade 3-ply masks.

I wear disposable ones as I find them more comfortable. It has nothing to do with cost or washing them (I happily use washable sanitary pads). I don’t care what other people are using or what they think about my choices.

I don’t understand why there needs to be the ridiculous manufactured “one side versus another” arguments about petty details like what kind of nappies people use, masks, breast versus bottle etc. Just make your own choices and allow others to make theirs.

I used reusable nappies, and I am using washable masks.

Can't stand the littering and am worried about the environmental impact.

I wear the fabric mask in hospital settings as well, and there are HCP who use them as well.

Re: using disposables in hospital settings - the reason I choose to do this is because I'm particularly immuno-compromised, and hospital makes more concerned than usual. It's most likely unfounded and backwards, but there you are

I don't really care as long as they are worn and disposed of properly.

Personally I prefer reusable and actively try to reduce plastic waste (although haven't committed to cloth nappies) but couldn't bring myself to care that much about anyone else unless I saw them throwing a used mask on the ground for example.

What schism? Does anyone really care what type of mask other people use?
Goady post

Big difference between using disposable masks and disposable nappies (or sanitary protection).

Mask = wear, handwash in hot soapy water, hang on line.

Nappies/sanitary protection - deal with urine/poo/blood - big mess to wash. Much bigger job and more of them, too. And it's week in week out, month in, month out. Not everyone wears masks every day or even every week if they don't go into places where you have to.

@TheClaws no, the studies show that specially made ones do a better job than 3 layer cloth. The thin paper / plastic disposables that most people are using, with no shapeable nose bridge and big gapes at the side are at best equal but likely worse.

I used disposible nappies with my son as we didn't have the money to buy a set of cloth nappies. They were very convenient and I totally understand why people choose them even if they can afford cloth. With my daughter we had enough to buy cloth nappies and tbh I don't find them hard to clean or use. But the barrier to entry for cloth nappies is quite high because a) they're expensive b) there are loads of different types and brands to choose from and c) the wash routine can be a bit gross if you're squeamish about poo. So no judgement whatsoever to people who use disposibles.

With masks the cost is almost nothing, I got a pack of 2 for £3 in asda. Sure there are some people who can't afford £3 or don't live near a supermarket, but realistically many people can and do. There's no barrier to use as you use them exactly the same as disposibles and they just go in the wash like any other clothing item. So I really don't understand why anyone would use disposibles unless they had a genuine financial reason or a complete inability to order cheap ones online or go to a supermarket. The vast majority can get reusable ones easily and cheaply so I don't know why anyone would choose not to.

3.99 for a pack of 50 masks on Amazon vs £6 ish times 5 for a family of five is a very different initial outlay. Many people won't be able to cover the cost reusables all in one go..

Turf war? Really? Are you on a local lockdown and bored?

I use them all so no judgement on anyone here. Cloth nappies for at home/nursery (although that may change when I go back to work.) Disposable nappies for over night/long days out. I'd rather go all cloth, but my toddler isn't comfortable in anything that's big enough to be absorbent enough for a decent period.

We use cloth masks mostly as I make them myself, but the odd disposable from a bunch we were given as sewing time is a rare treat and we occasionally find the cloth ones are all in the wash. But as I make more we'll hopefully use them less.

I'd rather use reusable everything personally. I hate throwaway culture and especially seeing used masks and gloves littered around. I do judge people for throwing them on the ground when they're finished with, but couldn't care less what type they have on their face.

The environmental impact worries me. It is awful how many disposable masks and gloves are left lying around. How hard is it to put them in a bin?

Washable masks are very cheap, the outlay isn't massive (like it is with cloth nappies). You dont need to wash them in any special way.

I dont think it will be the same at all. Cloth nappies are pretty niche- I know a lot of people with babies and toddlers and only know 3 families who use cloth nappies. Masks on the other hand it's about 50/50 around here.

The initial outlay for cloth nappies is huge whereas for masks is not that much, as you only need 1 or 2 masks versus 20 nappies. Also you can make your own masks even cheaper but not make your own nappies.

I made my own 3 layer masks as I already had all of the stuff, so it was cost effective and I have enough I can rotate and wash together- not overly for ethical reasons but I guess if it helps lessen the environmental impact then great. Used single use nappies though, and don't regret it.

@Thisdressneedspockets

3.99 for a pack of 50 masks on Amazon vs £6 ish times 5 for a family of five is a very different initial outlay. Many people won't be able to cover the cost reusables all in one go..

Are they £6 each? Our Aldi have a pack of 3 for £3.99

I use one of those stretchy tube scarf things because I already had one and I like to look dead cool and gangsta naturally but I tried washing a friend's disposable mask the other week. Just by itself in the sink. It came out looking exactly the same as it was before and still had the same resistance to breathing so I assume it would still do its job, Please try it for yourself and see what you think rather than binning after each use.

I don’t care what other people do, but I really, really hate seeing masks lying about the streets. Just take them home and bin them.

(I have a selection of washable masks to match different outfits.)

I've made washable masks. I've spent money on a fiddler style of washable mask. Even with nose wires, none of them work with my glasses.

So I'm using the disposable ones (and muttering under my breath as little as possible, no matter how scratchy and sweaty they are)

@PickAChew - I’m a part time cloth nappy user, and try to be environmentally friendly. However, I also can’t seem to find a decent reusable mask that works with my glasses! The paper ones with nose wire work a million times better for me.

Any recommendations for cloth masks that work with glasses?

That last question was general, by the way, and not aimed at you, Pick!