Can you help me buy masks

[Myshitisreal]

Hi there

I work in a very high risk environment in a concert hall. Our work supply us with disposable masks - a picture enclosed.

I would like to buy masks which will protect me as much as is possible (and others as well of course).

I know of FFP2, N95 and Cambridge masks. It just all gets a bit confused in my head - which is the highest level of protection.

My first choice isn't disposable, but i will go with that if its most viable.

Are there washable masks of the same grade? I'm able to practice very good mask hygiene. I just need a bit of help.

Please note, this isn't to discuss the merits of masks, and my choice to want to try to be as protected as possible.

I just need help picking the right /best types. Happy to look at links /specifics.

Very much appreciate any help

Not a clue OP but good on you for caring.

We must wear FFP2 masks where I live. I'm not sure what the cheapest way of getting them in the UK is.

They are not washable but can be reused safely. I have a few on rotation and after each use I hang them up by the window and in direct sunlight if possible, as advised by experts here when they were first introduced.

Sunlight seems to be the best way of 'disinfecting' them between uses.

In the past month for example, I've only used 3 or 4, so around one per week. That includes multiple flights and full days on public transport, where I would've been wearing it for 10-12h a day, so will discard it sooner than if I'd only had it on for shops and local bus.

They protect you as well as those around you. It took me a couple of weeks to get used to the bulkier feeling, and speaking through them, but now I love how 'free' my face feels with them. There's nothing touching your nose or lips, make-up lasts very well. Try a few models until you find one that's really comfortable and doesn't press on your nose or is tight around the ears.

A little info at the end of this article. Basically FFP3 respirator mask is best, then I think surgical, then after that a couple of layers of fabric with a nose wire.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-51205344

www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09473YBLF/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_HJX74V9AHQ6MRAH4DNE8?psc=1&tag=mumsnetforu03-21

These look pretty good in white. I don't like the writing on the front as I'd like to look like my colleagues as much as possible. But maybe i should stop worrying and wear black. Work will let us, that's ok.

Im in bed sick from Monday with non covid, and have a big mask enhaler to use.

I have another thread on that but I just want to protect myself. People with masks in their hands refuse to put them on and I don't want to pay the price for other peoples choices @CloseThePackWithAClickClack

Those look just like normal FFP2s @Myshitisreal, I wouldn't worry about the writing on them because they'll all have some, but then I don't know how unusual they would look in the UK.

FFP3s like in the article are also great, and I'm assuming the guidelines for reusing would be very similar if not identical.

Ahhh people replying as I'm typing 😂

FFP2 FFP3. I don't understand the difference.

This is all great info thanks folks. Bbc link is perfect. I know i could just Google it but i end up going round in circles

I really hope to order a box tonight, my next shift is Wednesday if I'm well enough to go.

I'd like to clarify "paying the price for other peoples choices" does not include genuinely exempt people. I mean people standing gawping at me asking them to put masks on, with their mask on their chin /hanging from their ear or in their hand

The highest is FFP3 mask, they are less available but you could get them from Amazon, they are more expensive obviously. You could get FFP2 from Amazon or even Boots, they are not so different from coronavirus’s point of view and cheaper.
It will be obvious that you are wearing them and not disposable but do you care?
I wore FFP2 mask recently at the show, it’s better actually for my glasses as they were not steaming at all. I felt a bit weird first 5 minutes, then I stopped caring.

Thank you I will look up reusing. I. Never thought that would be possible tbh.

FFP2 and FFP3 are incredibly similar and both highly effective. FFP3 are usually tighter around your face so a bit better overall. If you find FFP2 models that don't leave any gaps between cheeks and ears, and at the bottom of your chin, those would be the next best thing.

Oh I’m with you, OP. People just can’t understand the simple concepts of keeping distance and wearing a mask to cover their NOSE and MOUTH. It’s very annoying.

I have bought these Masks several times
PP3 is highest level of protection.
Quite comfortable to wear.
Need to have fairly tight so all air is going through filtered mask and not around edges.
Hope this link works. I'm new to Mumsnet!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08HMZT584/ref=cmswwrsmssapiglttfabcNJS6S5SM26BCK485560M??encoding=UTF8&psc=1

You can also get FFP2 and FFP3 from builders shop that sells protective equipment e.g Screwfix.

By the way it’s preferable to buy valved mask ( easier to breathe) especially if you wear glasses.

@alexbury

I have bought these Masks several times PP3 is highest level of protection. Quite comfortable to wear. Need to have fairly tight so all air is going through filtered mask and not around edges. Hope this link works. I'm new to Mumsnet!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08HMZT584/ref=cmswwrsmssapiglttfabcNJS6S5SM26BCK485560M??encoding=UTF8&psc=1

PS - you can wear each one multiple times, you do not have to dispose of them after each use

I leave them in the sunshine in order to kill off any virus and then use again.

@greenlynx

You can also get FFP2 and FFP3 from builders shop that sells protective equipment e.g Screwfix.

By the way it’s preferable to buy valved mask ( easier to breathe) especially if you wear glasses.

Valved masks are actually harmful to those around you because they don't filter the air going out. They only filter on the way in.

They're banned in many countries including mine because they protect you, but if you were to be infected, they wouldn't protect those around you.

Valved masks do not work with viruses, they are good for certain jobs though. I would not be buying valved masks if you care about others OP.

FFP2 and FFP3 are classifications that refer to the capability of the filter. FFP2 should filter 95 percent of particles and FFP3 filter 99 percent of particles and are the type that are worn in icu the aura brand are brilliant but have a head strap and the FFP3s are expensive but also more comfortable than their FFP2s. The Cambridge ones are good to and a cheaper option per wear. Be aware that valved masks only protect you and don’t protect those around you. You can buy the Cambridge ones without valves, my DH wears these for work and finds them really comfy and a good fit.

Valved masks are not preferable.

They are poor for infection control- i say that as a HCP

I also wouldnt say a concert hall is a very high risk area 🙄

For the area you work in disposable surgical masks are fine .

As a nurse it's what we wear and our jobs are more risky than working in a concert hall.

The masks you are talking about are for HCPs that carry out aerosol procedures.

I wear FFP3 in high rush indoors environments with close contact, and FFP2s indoors where distancing is maintained. Medical masks - the ones in your picture OP just if low risk - quick in and out of a shop, or mask required but sitting in an empty waiting room etc. You can reuse all of these if you rotate

I wear FFP2 for everyday and FFP3 on public transport/aeroplanes. Has worked for me (and DS) so far.

The Cambridge masks are nothing to do with Cambridge, they are made in China, and the guy has obviously made an absolute fortune selling masks that are prohibited in many countries because they do nothing to protect those around you. That company really makes my blood boil tbh! Seems really poor behaviour on their part to be selling masks that they know are not suitable for a pandemic (though might be good for, e.g., a plasterer or a cyclist).

Probably better going with a double mask and having a layer fabric one underneath a surgical.

I would wear whatever mask you have been using so far when you are our and about shopping etc.

The key aspect of FFP2/FFP3 is what FF stands for - face fit.... If it isn't tight around your face then it isn't working.

You may have to try several different ones depending on your face shape. Easiest way to test it is using a smell of something strong that you know. If you can smell it then it's not fitting you well.

FFP3 are good. Don't get anything with a valve! If you'd prefer a fabric mask when in low-risk areas or if you're struggling to breath with FFP3 masks, charcoal filter masks are available and recommended by professionals.

I also wouldnt say a concert hall is a very high risk area 🙄

It’s very low risk if the ventilation system has been upgraded to the latest, safest one on the market, people are all wearing their medical-grade masks properly and vaccinated or negatively-tested, there is staggered entry… I work in one like that. It’s extremely safe.

But in the OP’s workplace people are wandering about without wearing masks properly, getting way too close to people, and I assume they’re in the UK so no rules being enforced anyway. Coming into contact with 1 or 2 thousand people each night is risky too.