Masks - how do I find a really effective reusable mask?

[Anniemabel]

There are so many options, I’m overwhelmed! I’ve been using disposable masks as we bought a box of masks back in March and we hardly go out! Once that box runs out I want to be a bit more eco friendly about it so I’ve been looking to buy some reusable masks.

What should I be looking for, how many layers and what kind of material is most effective? What kind of filters can you put in the filter pocket?

Hoping someone has already researched this and can tell me what I need to consider! I’m hoping to find one that will protect me as the wearer as well as others.

I have been told (by someone intelligent who reads a lot) that getting a mask with a HEPA filter (the type of filter used in vacuum cleaners) is a good idea.

Wearing a face covering is to protect everyone else from you so buying any mask with a valve is pointless as your exhale air is not being filtered. If you are looking for a mask to protect yourself FFP3 will give you 99.5% + filtration but again it will not protect those around you from your exhaled air.
A simple fabric face covering serves the purpose if you are maintaining social distancing. It’s the space between people that effectively reduces infection. It’s probably not a coincidence that the infection rate has gone up since face coverings became mandatory/strongly encouraged. Most people assume they are fully protected and are no longer distancing. Distancing was very effective in the first wave.

I bought these, home bargains had them for £6

www.johnlewis.com/wise-protec-anti-viral-adult-face-covering-black/p5111198

No idea if the anti virus thing is a gimmick or not but I bought them anyway

If you decided on a standard fabric mask, look for two layers of fabric and a pocket to put in a filter of your choice. Also a nose-wire if you wear glasses. Apart from that, it's a matter of personal choice and head shape as to whether you want elastic hooking over your ears, or elastic round the back of your head, and whetehr you want a pleated one or a shaped one. So start by buying one or two and see what you like best. Etsy is probably cheapest for this sort.

The advice is to put a non woven thing in the filter pocket, I think most people use kitchen paper, but I've heard of vacuum cleaner filters being used.

If you want to meet your criteria of "really effective" and to "protect me as the wearer as well as others" then you need the following:

Surely not starfo?! Are you telling me that the sequin mask I bought for £3 from Boohoo isn't actually effective at all?

As restrictions in the UK start to come more in line with what other countries have been doing you might find all these fabric ones that everyone is flogging are no longer accepted.
Here in Italy to go into places where masks are mandatory it has to be one of the approved ones (is one that works)

I second @MadameBlobby recommendation.
These actually pass the flame test as well as the 2R masks I wear at work, we got ours at home bargains too.

I wish U.K. were like Italy @TheSeedsOfADream some of the ‘face coverings’ I see people in are less than useless. It gives the wearer a weird false sense of safety meaning they are closer than ideal whilst wearing a single layer covering that’s practically see-through!

I've been wearing the ones that Seasalt produce and also have a couple I bought from Etsy.

I've been making triple layer cotton ones and ones with a pocket for a HEPA filter, just bought the Henry vacuum bags and cut out the right size piece for the mask

Cambridge masks are reusable and seem to he pretty good x

@TheSeedsOfADream What types of mask are approved in Italy?

@annlee3817 can you wash the Henry bag filters?

I think you throw the filters away after

You can get washable filters. Just not sure if Henry bags are washable.

I bought these for our family. I was looking for a nose wire, adjustable elastic and a pocket for a filter. www.greshamblake.com/mens/accessories/facemasks

They are very comfortable and kids happy to wear them. They come with two filters and I purchased more from Amazon.

@TheFormerPorpentinaScamander I just throw them away, eight pounds for a pack of Amazon, each bag you can get around 8-10 filters cut per bag depending on size.

Thanks. I'm trying to make them as eco as possible so don't want to bin anything if I can help it. I've got some Henry bags in the cupboard so might just experiment and see if they wash.