Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Covid

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Masks for teachers recommendations?

26 replies

Goingdooolally · 31/10/2020 07:32

From Monday I need to teach in a mask (Scotland senior years). I am really upset, panicky and worried about this.

Can anyone recommend a mask that is good for talking/communicating in?

I know there’s been lots of mask posts but I haven’t seen one particularly on this.

OP posts:
SweepTheHalls · 31/10/2020 07:34

The plastic sheilds allow for better communication imo.

billybagpuss · 31/10/2020 07:36

We’ve been having our kitchen done so have had disproportionate number of takeaways.

Every time wearing a mask the order has been wrong. I really don’t envy you, are visors acceptable?

Original poster
Goingdooolally · 31/10/2020 07:38

No it’s masks only.

OP posts:
Original poster
Goingdooolally · 31/10/2020 07:39

God knows how I’m going to manage. I have been in tears about this since I heard. The thought of looking out into a class of masked pupils too Sad

OP posts:
billybagpuss · 31/10/2020 07:42

What do you teach? Can you compromise, maskless whilst explaining at a distance and put it on when going up close?

TheSeedsOfADream · 31/10/2020 07:43

Sadly you get used to it.
I find the papery surgical ones the most comfortable. I teach languages and though initially you feel you can't properly communicate pronunciation etc, you actually can.
I know you can get those with plastic bits round the mouth but I'm not sure how "safe" they are.
In my school you can only wear a surgical or a white beaky one. No fabric ones, and very definitely no handmade ones. You can wear a visor only if you have a mask as well obviously.

Goldistheanswer · 31/10/2020 07:44

I sympathise with you OP. I read this article from Spain the other day and it makes sombre reading about transmission in 3 different settings (workplace, schools and socialising)
I hope the link works. t.co/niG5TanOZe?amp=1

Original poster
Goingdooolally · 31/10/2020 07:45

@billybagpuss

What do you teach? Can you compromise, maskless whilst explaining at a distance and put it on when going up close?
No it’s a mandatory rule.
OP posts:
LeGrandBleu · 31/10/2020 07:46

If schools accept them, the Cambridge Masks with valve are quite comfortable to wear for long time.
A visor wouldn't protect you unless you are also wearing a mask.

Original poster
Goingdooolally · 31/10/2020 07:47

@TheSeedsOfADream

Sadly you get used to it. I find the papery surgical ones the most comfortable. I teach languages and though initially you feel you can't properly communicate pronunciation etc, you actually can. I know you can get those with plastic bits round the mouth but I'm not sure how "safe" they are. In my school you can only wear a surgical or a white beaky one. No fabric ones, and very definitely no handmade ones. You can wear a visor only if you have a mask as well obviously.
Thank you. Teaching languages must be even more of a challenge!
OP posts:
LividLaughLurve · 31/10/2020 07:47

My school currently has a ban on teacher masks which is worrying me for opposite reasons (currently mat leave).

Been looking at the plastic panel ones for lip reading but reviews suggest the fog easily and they don’t look at all practical. Genuinely looked into those full-on astronaut hoods...

Thatwentbadly · 31/10/2020 07:49

@SweepTheHalls

The plastic sheilds allow for better communication imo.
Without a mask they are useless and don’t make anyone safer.
Original poster
Goingdooolally · 31/10/2020 07:49

[quote Goldistheanswer]I sympathise with you OP. I read this article from Spain the other day and it makes sombre reading about transmission in 3 different settings (workplace, schools and socialising)
I hope the link works. t.co/niG5TanOZe?amp=1[/quote]
I know I read this too. Ventilation is a big issue in one of my classrooms but they’re going to try to improve it since I flagged it.

OP posts:
Goldistheanswer · 31/10/2020 07:53

I don’t know how many offices or classrooms will be well ventilated in winter, certainly not many in my experience.

Original poster
Goingdooolally · 31/10/2020 08:54

@Goldistheanswer

I don’t know how many offices or classrooms will be well ventilated in winter, certainly not many in my experience.
I’ll be opening the windows! The rooms I teach in are all pretty good ventilation wise except one. To be fair the school is going to now try and free up the windows better. Unfortunately that’s my senior teaching room so the most risky.
OP posts:
RiaRoth · 31/10/2020 08:56

I have been teaching in a mask since September. It is fine. The more you wear it the easier it gets, it is second nature now.

There have been no communication problems. Students have also been wearing them since October. If anything I think it makes the students concentrate more , a bit like talking quietly when they are noisey Smile

It really does NOT affect teaching and as teachers we have had way more challenging things than to wear a mask all day.

It will be and is fine.

peridito · 31/10/2020 08:58

Someone on another thread suggested mask frames ( ignore the homemade ref ,the frame is the thing)

www.amazon.co.uk/Silicone-Homemade-Comfortable-Breathing-Washable/dp/B08931ZQZC?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

I honestly feel for you OP .Teaching must be so hard anyway .Good luck .It is amazing what you can tolerate when you have to .

Flowers to make up for useless cliche .

RiaRoth · 31/10/2020 09:03

Oh re types of masks. I found the plastic see free masks harder to wear and more uncomfortable. 3 layer cloth masks with a nose band and adjustable ear straps have been the best for me. They move less when you talk. When you put them on do fit them when you have an open mouth and they then tend to stay put during the day and I do not have to touch them at all.

I have two masks a day am and pm. Pop them in a bag and wash and repeat.

Original poster
Goingdooolally · 31/10/2020 09:10

Thanks all and thanks too for the Flowers 💗

@RiaRoth I appreciate your response and I’m sure I’ll feel more positive by Monday. However as someone who has issues around masks this is my big deal. Please don’t make me feel like I’m making a fuss.

OP posts:
SleepymummyZzz · 31/10/2020 09:19

I’ve been wearing a mask all day every day since returning in September. You do get used to it and so do the kids. I ordered a couple of Cambridge masks, very comfy and come with extra head strap to take pressure off ears which is a thing when you are mask wearing for 8 hours a day. Surgical paper masks a close second in comfort stakes. Absolutely not cloth or handmade, feel so stifling in comparison. You will be fine 😊

SleepymummyZzz · 31/10/2020 09:21

For what it’s worth I was really worried about wearing one. I am badly asthmatic and have always had regular nightmares about suffocating 😔 since regular hospital admissions as a child. It really has been fine once I’ve got used to it xx

RiaRoth · 31/10/2020 09:55

@Goingdooolally

Thanks all and thanks too for the Flowers 💗

@RiaRoth I appreciate your response and I’m sure I’ll feel more positive by Monday. However as someone who has issues around masks this is my big deal. Please don’t make me feel like I’m making a fuss.

I was just trying to reassure you sorry if it came across in any other way.

You also do not know my background or issues with face coverings

Rockpapershoot · 31/10/2020 10:22

If your concern is comfort the. Get one that ties around the back of your head. If you're worried the kids will have trouble hearing you then you can get transparent ones. You adjust. You need to be louder and only speak when facing front. You really will get used to it. Remember to bring more water. Your throat will get drier.

Original poster
Goingdooolally · 31/10/2020 10:30

Thanks all for the reassurance and the tips. I’m going to buy a few different types and see how I get on. I’ll need to get some for my children too. I’m particularly concerned about my hearing impaired child and will need to speak to school about that.

We’ve had no guidance on this yet (hearing issues), just “you’ll need to adapt your teaching” Hmm

Having gone for a good hard run I feel better.

OP posts:
SweepTheHalls · 31/10/2020 22:00

The plastic ones are what my school have been handing out 😳. Back to fabric mask for me.