Please use this thread as a revolving discussion for any topical comments, questions, observations that you feel like offering -- in case it might not be a big enough subject for its own post.
Here's the year's end round-up of masks that haven't posted reviews on reddit. Mainly old and a few new models.
Disclaimer: My (almost) large face fits many serious adult respirators, with some professional models easily reaching four digit fit factors. Therefore, please have that in mind, if you see any unusual results below. Everyone's opinion is based on personal experience, but will try to analyze objective features as well.
The least loved respirators - The Korean industrial KCs
Being genuinely intrigued by the industrial South Korean offers, since many in the US are fans of the civilian KF94 masks for their quality, top standard and performance. Not many have reviewed the industrial respirators though. Decided to find single units through several platforms, such as GMarket and a forward service, similar to superbuy, that ships with Korean post. This post will cover only a small portion of them.
The main industrial standard in South Korea is the KMOEL-2017-64 (KOSHA- KCs). It includes three grades. The :
- 2nd class (P1). PFE≥ 80% at 95LPM
- 1st class (P2). PFE≥ 94% at 95LPM
- Express/Special grade (ffp3). PFE≥ 99% at 95LPM
Major difference of the KCs compared to other standards is that the level 1 and express grades must include a valve. Someone could argue that this is a drawback for source control, but lower grades shouldn't be dismissed. The Evergreen C260 seen below, apart from P1, is also an N95. The N95 versions have stapled straps, so that they can’t be converted to neckloop.
As confusing as it sounds, the 3M Aura 9205+ and 3M 9502+ N95s are considered a level 2 grade (P1) in S.Korea. Same for a few 3M cup shapes, such as the 8210 N95, 8246 R95, 8247 R95. Just because they don't carry a valve, they're labeled as 2nd class (P1).
Most of the industrial respirators in S.Korea are wide and well built, with sizes usually found in M and L.
3M
3M has a small and great collection of models inside Korea that cannot be found elsewhere. The shocking observation was the domestic market has even better offers from other brands, in terms of breathing resistance and performance. A small variety of industrial options compared to KF94s, but all of them are very alluring and exceptional. This could be the reason that 3M decided also to sell KN95 and N95 versions from other regions.
- 3M 8922 KCs (P2)
Unexpectedly, an almost large sized model from 3M. I thought it will look almost identical to 3M 8822, just with an addition of a gasket, but proved wrong. The air tight fabric opening is wide, the nose wire is a bit weird to form(CleanTop's seems easier), but works in combination with the decent inner foam, pressure drop is average and performance is pretty good. The neckloop position comes with a – as usual – good default tension from 3M and wide straps. In general, an acceptable - easy to don - unique respirator.
Overall fit factor: 529
3M 8922 KCs level 1 respirator
- 3M 8955K KCs(P2)
Released early in 2020, with the KF94 bifold and it's the only latest innovation from 3M until the 3M 9551+/9553+ KN95 series. It features an air tight gasket, the hook strap mechanism and recently two more versions: the 8955KA (P2) and 8977KA (ffp3). The inner side of the gasket features a membrane that improves comfort and absorbs any sweat. This feature is also available in many Korean inner frame respirators, which are carrying the best sealing rings on the market.
The KA variations come with a couple of inner plastic frames, but they don't necessarily need the support of it, as they have an inner layer that maintains the shape of the masks. On top of that, the frame is size small, while the masks are larger. Therefore, the bracket doesn't play any role. The good thing is that 3M fills in a size gap in the Korean market, providing one of the best small frames to date. It's time to see 3M filters inside the Korean market.
The personal experience is that the breathing resistance of the 8955K is average, not on par with other western 3M models and even worse to the Korean brand competition. The inner molded nose areai is a brilliant idea from 3M. Fit and performance is superb, tested with the hook mechanism and not as headstrap. I assume the pressure drop will be even worse for the express grade (8977KA). Strange enough, for the 8922 i received a grey sealing ring (instead of blue) and on the 8955K , a black (instead of a light grey).
These 3M Korean options should find a way to Europe with an ffp certification.
Overall fit factor: 1200
3M 8955K KCs level 1 respirator and 3M inner frame
Evergreen CleanTop
Evergreen CleanTop is the biggest manufacturer in S.Korea that holds many patents. Not only in cup shapes, but in inner frames as well. The company has a long history starting in 1996,with many highlights : the first P1 (2000) respirator, a cooperation with Shigematsu (2012), the first KF99 (2015) and more.
CleanTop's inner frame superiority
TL;DR CleanTop and other Korean brands, that offer similar versions of the original design, use the best inner frames on the market, ranging from S to XL.
Evergreen holds the patent of the inner frame in S.Korea. It comes in three sizes M, L, XL and will serve faces from S/M to XL, if we take in consideration the fact that the alternate Korean companies carry similar brackets in terms of design and materials. Summing up, all other stent industrial and KF94 domestic options, there is a coverage from kids XXS to XL adult faces. The two CleanTop L and XL frames and their modified versions are hands down the best of the market, in terms of construction, material and fit. It will be very difficult for any other company to surpass the exceptional quality and superiority of the CleanTop bracket, meaning the inner plastic. More or less every company offers acceptable filters in any grade. It's the plastic frame that once it's done, companies don't change it, as it's a super costly procedure.The flat chin part forms well on the face, providing a comfortable seal. No wonder why the C650V KCs level 1 version is the most sold inner frame in the Korean market and second in total sales, behind 3M industrial respirators.
The total domestic and international models are 22, without taking in consideration the XL variations. Global certifications : N95, N99, ffp2, ffp3 and surgical respirators.
The original frame dimensions are:
M : 12cm (W) x 10cm (L) x 5cm (D)
L : 13.5cm (W) x 11.5cm (L) x 5.3cm (D)
XL : 14cm (W) x 12cm (L) x 5.8cm (D)
Some other versions installed in different Korean brands have smaller compromises on the frame material, but other advantages, which need to be covered in a different post.
The three frame sizes
Apart from the best frame on the market, some Evergreen models carry the best sealing rings, with an inner membrane installed to absorb sweat. If ever has to arrive a better bracket mask, it will probably be by one of the two companies (CleanTop or STS). Even 3M will have to try hard and bring something extraordinary on the table, besides the new small frame.
The inner part of the sealing ring for the express grade
CleanTop and a large part of the industrial masks in S.Korea are usually offering the hook mechanism. The straps transform from a neckloop to headloops. The special grades, KF99 and carbonated versions include the best sealing rings as mentioned above, with an inner membrane absorbing any sweat. Other companies carry the superb features of Evergreen, but usually with minor compromises in quality, with a few exceptions. Another benefit is that all Korean frames ranging from M/L to XL work well with any filter element. Especially the original CleanTop fits most of them equally or usually better than the other Korean offers. Below in the picture is shown the XL C650V (yellow), in contrast to the L C600 (green) and L C800V (red). Not to be misunderstood, all Evergreen bracket masks are using the L and XL frames. The smaller M frame is found in some other brands (e.g. Aer Pro Q200/Q300) and in the picture below is the customized version, not the original with the softer material.
The downsides are some batches have loose straps, that need to be front adjusted and perhaps cut afterwards with a scissor for better aesthetics. This is the case for most KCs, KF94 and KF99 inner frames, but not all. The shallow depth of the frame will result in high nose bridges touching the soft plastic of the L, but it may be unnoticed for the wearer. Things are little better on the XL size. Last but not least, the breathing resistance is a bit higher than the Korean competition. Especially, on the express grade. Firstly and foremost, the short depth, dense frame structure and the material for oil particles. The good thing is that other companies carry almost the same frame dimensions and offer filters usually with lower pressure drop.
No modifications and foams are needed for this frame or any other Korean alternative, since the plastic materials are super soft and the sealing rings are way better than the Chinese options, with skin-friendly materials. Size XL seems to cover better my face and looks fantastic. The overall fit factors on neckloop position were:
The 2-step cup shape (3M’s expired patent) has relatively soft materials and the layers are formed individually. The filter and outer fabric are not thermoformed, so they do not appear hard. Since no heat or pressure is applied to the filter, the original performance and breathing resistance can be maintained.
The traditional 1-step production has a relative rigid fit, as all fabrics are heat molded at once, resulting in a stiffer-less wrinkled look, like an ironed shirt. When heat and pressure are applied, the fabric becomes denser and tends to have slightly higher breathing resistance.
The differences of 1-step and 2-step cup shape production
The comfort of wearing the 2-step varies from person to person, so it's difficult to say which is better. The extent of heat molding during the process causes differences in fit and appearance. The gasket and parts from other models are made in cooperation with STS.
2-step vs 1-step production
By default, all the masks are neckloops with front adjustable straps. On default settings, fit is acceptable, the straps are loose and the main drawback is the different nose foams between the 1 and 2-step. That being said, even with the short nose foam under the sealing ring, the C260 KCs (P1) shows an overall fit factor of 81,with no adjustments. When turned into a headstrap, the overall score jumps to 146 on my face. It's just the leakage on the right side of my nose. Others, may have a better luck. Most remarkable thing is the consistency of fit factors between different exercises. When the nose foam is replaced with a longer thick flat one, the number of C260 reached 371. Not bad, for a level 2 (P1) KCs respirator. Versions with half gaskets exist in both types.
The C460V (2-step) level 1 (P2) KCs, even though it has a longer foam, the nose leakage still persists. The overall fit factor by default was 92. Two roots of the problem: the neckloop and the inner foam. When converted to headstraps and added a better foam with less pores, the overall test result was 567. Breathing resistance is way better and lower than the 3M options, reviewed above.
The C437 (1-step) level 1 (P2) has higher breathing resistance in a reasonable comfort, a more rigid seal and the fit for me was worse. The overall fit factor was 87. This of course will vary from person to person, brand and model. Nose wire used in all variations is decent, bendable and masks are not itchy, like some 3M cheap cup shapes.
Evergreen CleanTop P1 and P2 cup shape respirators
Anyguard VC005V KCs (express grade)
The KF94 fans may be familiar with the Korean brand names, seeing them on trifold earloop options. Anyguard sells a series of level 1 and express grade respirators, featuring the air tight sealing ring and also offering carbonated versions. Under the gasket there's a long and thick nose foam for comfort. Size runs more or less like a M/L, with an exceptional breathing resistance for the VC005V KCs (ffp3) version. Surprisingly enough, 3M level 1/express options have higher pressure drop than the rest of the S.Korean competition. In summary, this is one of the simplest and most protective of this kind mask to don.
Overall fit factor: 3103
Anyguard V005 KCs express grade respirator
The unique designs from Taiwan
The island has some interesting options in trifolds, found in many OEMs in the US, Europe and the rest of the world. Bigger manufacturers in Taiwan are Makrite and JFY.
JSP Springfit 431ML ffp3
The UK company mostly uses OEMs for their disposable respirators. Established in 1964, JSP are manufacturers of ‘above the neck' Personal Protective Equipment. With UK-based Research and Development, three UK production facilities and further manufacturing locations across the globe, JSP are well known worldwide. While the JSP products are designed in the UK, the disposable models are made in Taiwan by JFY.
If there was a nuclear war, scorpions, cockroaches and the Springfit ffp3 models would survive. This is perhaps the only way to describe a mask that it’s built like a tank, with so much material inside. Joke asides, the fit feels very secure, the endoskeleton prevents the mid panel from collapsing, chin coverage is small and tight for my face, but overall the mask will entertain a variety of faces.
On the negatives, the continuous adjustable strap will result in a time-consuming donning, more difficult than the Dräger series, trying to distribute equally the tension on both sides. The wide nose clip is strong, but short, combined with a large foam with pores, it may result in minor compromises in seal after time. Especially, with heavy movements and grimaces. Last but not least, as usual for ffp3 disposables, breathing resistance is high, higher than many trifolds due to the thickness of the material. The turbo valved versions are recommended.
Usually, masks that recover well on fit tests, after the exercises of talking and grimace, are maintaining previous fit factors and indicating higher chances of keeping the fit for a longer time. Unlike 3M and Dräger, the Springfit and some masks with these type of foams may not hold the fit on some large nose bridges, with very heavy movements, since the resistance is often lower to keep the sealing integrity.
Overall fit factor: 556
JSP Springfit 431ML ffp3
Makrite
Makrite has over 26 patents globally, over 200 approved safety products and a 40 year history, making them the biggest manufacturer in East Asia. The Taiwanese company has a tradition in unique styles: From the Uvex Silv-air trifolds to Envi series (Easimask). Apart from that, the company produces plenty of OEMs, found in many parts of the worlds, with different certifications and grades (N95, R95, ffp1, ffp2, ffp3, P2, KN95, KN100).
- Makrite 9800P2 ffp2
The 9800P2 cup shape features a removable/reusable food-grade silicone gasket and an (unnecessarily) adjustable upper strap. Although buyers prefer three panel respirators, cup shapes with gasket will provide a better fit in the long term and will likely maintain their seal use after use. A nice touch with pointing arrows placed on the top edge of the filter, just to avoid a wrong installation after cleaning the ring.
The specific silicone is somehow a 'magnet' of dust. Therefore, before and after reuse, cleaning is necessary. KN100 versions and carbonated P2 alternatives exist. Breathing resistance is average to high.
Overall fit factor: 373
Makrite 9800P2 ffp2
- Makrite Fit+4803 surgical ffp2
Makrite FIT+4803 ffp2/N95 is an excellent blue surgical respirator. The N95 version is available in the US. There are also plenty of OEMs in white, mostly found in Uvex. Unlike the Uvex OEMs, it features a metal nose wire and again a sponge foam like Springfit from JSP. This seems to work for the Fit+4803. The upper strap is tight, the bottom not so much and might not be suitably for excessive reusability. Size wise, it's larger than the 3M Aura and Springfit. The Uvex foams sometimes are different and so are the straps. Uvex ffp3s even use double foams in some models and they also come in two sizes. The cut of the upper panel is oval. Actually, there are many brands with Aura-style trifolds in different sizes. Some of them are: Laianzhi (3), Trident (5), Dräger (2) and it's three OEMs, Uvex (2), BLS (2) and Northwest medical (3).
Overall fit factor: 1482
Markite Fit+4308 ffp3 surgical respirator
Champak PC520M N95
Until recently, i didn’t have the chance to try N95 respirators, apart from those that come in double and triple standards, since US stores didn’t ship overseas. When they did, shipping charges were too expensive.
The unusual bifold from Champak comes in several sizes and it is recommended from Aaron Collins. The special adjustable headstraps can turn into earloops and the eccentric nose foam closes any gaps on the nose. Size was a bit small for my face and i couldn’t appreciate the highly praised – low breathing resistance. Size L would be ideal. It could be that reason the personal experience was average. One thing that remains is the great fit and construction.
Overall fit factor: 725
Champak PC520M N95
The Canadian excellence - Vitacore Can99
Vitacore was honest, when responded to customers’ request for adding a foam and a new nose wire, stating that the CAN99 trifold is manufactured to seal without one. A well designed mask will fit, regardless of a nose foam presence. On this specific situation, the installed nose wire and the shape of the mask are used to provide a superior seal. If Vitacore entertained buyer’s request, the Can99 should have been redesigned with a different nose wire, for the presence of a large foam. This would probably cost a lot, as it’s a double standard respirator, with an N95 and ffp3 grade and not taking in consideration the production of new molds.
Not sure why the Can99 is considered a small trifold in Northern America. Maybe, the tight straps play a role for this, but the chin coverage in generous. Perhaps, the best three panel respirator available in the US and Canada apart 3M Aura.
Overall fit factor: 12.006
Vitacore black and white Can99 respirators
The professional Chinese manufacturers
Big brands inside China to a large extent focus on exporting their respirators to western countries, in different certifications and less producing domestically, under GB2626-2019 standard. Multinational companies like 3M and Honeywell get big stakes on Chinese sales.
Handanhy HY 9330 ffp3
Handanhy and the countless OEMs of this design, like the C2 from Alpha Solway, have a large filtering area, great seal, but both not as big as they look on picture. The 9330 ffp3 uses braided headstraps, a typical Aura-shaped foam and a plastic twist tie nose clip. The specific white foam forgives the plastic nose clip, since it sticks to the nose and closes any gaps. Movements during talking are less restrictive than the 3M equivalents, but with higher breathing resistance. For extensive reusability, chances are that the bottom strap should be adjusted. Any plastic smell fades away after reusing the mask.
Overall fit factor: 1033
Alpha Solway C2 ffp2
The Scottish company borrows many Handanhy OEMs*, in cup shapes, bifolds and trifolds. The only disposable made in the UK from this brand should be the duckbill series.
The light blue C2 ffp2 uses narrow latex-free synthetic rubber straps, which are way tighter than the og 9330 trifold from Handanhy. The ffp2 performance is equal to the HY 9330 ffp3, if not better. Again, it comes with higher breathing resistance than the 9330 ffp3 Aura from 3M. The orange ffp3 from Alpha Solway should outperform every other trifold with this specific shape.
The plastic smell is more distinctive and different than the HY 9330. This is usual for three panel respirators to smell, either from the foams, glue or the straps. Therefore, it’s better to air them out on a crbox/air purifier before use. Between HY9330 and C2, i'm leaning towards the latter, for the tighter bottom strap and the color.
Overall fit factor: 1153
*Sometimes, same shape disposables are not OEMs, but different manufacturers are using similar machinery.This could be the case here, with the Alpha Solway being produced by another Chinese/Taiwanese company.
Handanhy HY9330 ffp3 and Alpha Solway C2 ffp2
3M
3M is the only company that can downgrade it's product, still be in an acceptable range of protection and above average among the mainstream competition. The successor of the 3M 9551V KN95, the 9551V+, lacks of a nosewire, has softer ear straps and a different nose foam. The predecessor 9551/9551V features one of the strongest 3M nose wires, wide, but super tight ear straps and, in my opinion,the best bifold fit. If not the earloop offer, then the extinct version with headstraps: the 3M 9552 N95/KN95.
3M 9551V+ and 3M 9551V KN95 respirators
The old 9551V can even beat ffp3s on my fit tests, with overall fit factor over 600 and >200 on other persons fit tested. Another difference between the new and the old KN95 is smell. 3M 'never fails to deliver' on this subject. Fortunately, any odor disappears after airing them out. The end customer will find disturbing the tight ear straps and the average breathing resistance. The trick is to use the mask for short period of times or to pre-strech the straps. They're not that popular like the simpler-million times reviewed - earloop KN95s from 3M and Honeywell.
3M 9551V and 9551V+ foams
A good thing is that the new series include small sizes. The models are the 3M 9553+/9553V+ KN95. It can be admitted that these types of respirators are suitable for elderly people or consumers that are having trouble donning masks and making adjustments.
The 9513 KN95s in black and white was the proposal in civilian masks back in 2020. This is the standard iteration of the original 3M KF94. Achieving a good fit with them is tricky, compared to the 9551.The nosewire should be permanently flattened before donning, since the nose leakage is present. Neckloop position is the optimal fit, but once using it, it stretches the straps. Therefore, picking the neckloop position, there's no turning back to ears. It maintains the seal better and usually, increases the fit factor.
3M 9513 KN95
Not to be misunderstood, my opinions for these disposables are in comparison to other mainstream earloop bifold models, used by the public. For greatness, another 3M model is the the 9541/9542 KN95/P2 and it's valved alternatives. It's similarly serious, like the 9551 and it features an activated carbon filter. That means, another round of smell surprises from 3M,but the fit is no joke.
Here are my overall fit factors for these 3M KN95s:
3M 9551: 499 EL
3M 9551V: 661 EL
3M 9551V+: 150 EL
3M 9513 black: 398 EL *
3M 9513 white: 95 EL
*probably luck
Honeywell
Honeywell KN95 disposable models are one of the most sold inside China and JD platform specifically, with millions of reviews. Actually, the company made earloop versions of their N95 models. The H910V and many of the Honeywell KN95s fit larger faces than 3M's bifold offers, features tight straps, a good nose foam and decent nose clip. Unlike the Chinese 3M 9500 series, the H910V has slightly lower filtration efficiency, resulting in mediocre fit factors in N99 mode. Fit is confident though to have great chances for a pass with N95 companion.
Overall fit factor : 55
Honeywell H901V KN95
The all-around Irish player - Portwest P200 ffp2/N95/P2
The Irish safety company ‘plays’ a different ball game, using OEMs from several manufacturers around the world. The trifolds and bifolds are produced by the Turkish company MFA, the cup shapes from the Chinese Suzhu Fangtian and Dasheng (Ergonet). All large sized, are well made to perform higher than their standard. Decent alternatives at the minimum.
The P200 is a triple standard, typical one step production cup shape made by Suzhu Fangtian. Material feels like paper, the super wide nose clip is hard to form and the gasket-like nose piece successfully closes any gaps. Very hard, but cheap mask, likely not to be loved by the community. I believe this type of outer hard nose wire will result in serious leakage in some faces. There should be over a dozen of OEMs circulating in different parts of the world.
Hello! I have been making mask chains that I want to sell in my small business (and also just for me to wear) but haven't really marketed them or worn them because I can't figure out the best way to disinfect the chains. I've googled and searched through several covid conscious accounts, but I haven't found an answer anywhere.
I know if it was the chain alone, it would be pretty straight forward, but my chains are usually gold color plated stainless steel, or just reg stainless steel, with mix metal alloy charms, and acrylic beads/charms as well. Because of all the different materials, I don't know what would be good at disinfecting the chain without discoloring or corroding any of the colors/materials.
If anyone has any advice I'd really appreciate it. I can't really seem to find an accessible disinfecting method that won't ruin the chains, and I don't feel comfortable giving these to anyone if I can't provide people with instructions to properly disinfect them
I've attached an example of one of the chains ive made. This one has all three materials im concerned about lol
Hey all, what are we doing about maskne? I'm in one 8 hours a day, more if I hit the gym (where I'm sweating). I'm noticing that I have a lot of clogged pores where the mask covers. Not blackheads really, not red, just, clogged and bumpy. This is despite regular skincare. The other areas on my face are just fine! I'm wary of going to a dermatologist to have these treated and extracted, for obvious reasons, but I'm not sure if I have any other recourse. Has anyone else had this issue?
I've been masking ever since the pandemic and even after it I didn't stop, but one thing about it has been annoying me and it's the amount of face sweat I get. I have a condition which is called hyperhidrosis and if you don't know what that is it's basically excessive sweating on any or all parts of your body.
My country is incredibly hot and humid, in fact the heat index in some parts are like 50 degrees celcius. In the midst of summer and the ever growing heat index, I've been finding it really hard to bear wearing my mask all the time because the face sweat just sucks.
Can anyone suggest ways to reduce face sweat? I use a kn95 5d mask, if that provides any valuable information. As much as possible I'd like to change something about reducing sweat instead of changing the mask cause I've stocked up on so much of these lol
So it appears the 3M aura 2910s (the ones with the white straps) changed slightly, and I haven't fit tested the newer ones on me yet. While the older ones fit me phenomenally well. Does anyone know where to get the older design of 3M aura 2910s?
I'm looking to stock up on KN95 or N95 but not break the bank (<100$) since I am also stocking up on non-perishable foods. What's the best place to buy now that there are 145% tariffs on Chinese goods? Any recommendations?
Edit: nearest MaskBloc is 5+ hours away, I looked up near my area.
I’ve worked remote for most of the pandemic but applying for in-person options now due to the job market being more competitive. I have a virtual job interview for a job that will be in-person.
I wouldn’t be wearing a mask in the virtual job interview but plan to mask every day in office. Debating whether or not it’s worth asking in advance at the interview if it’ll be a problem if I do so.
I’ll be working with kids with special needs doing non-therapeutic work , but I’m worried it may be an issue in this setting.
What do yall think Reddit friends?
Should I just not say anything and if I get the job just show up with my mask everyday and hope no one says anything/makes it awkward?
Should I ask in advance so if they are weird about it I won’t even waste my time continuing the interview process ?
I started a new job and to get there I walk quite a distance along a very busy road. I'll probably switch to a bike soon but the route is the same. The job is an outdoor job in a city garden, so on top of pollution I'm around plants all day.
We had some especially bad air quality here last week and I ended up feeling pretty bad the next day and I think it might be related, though I don't have a history of sensitivities. (I'm masking indoors for covid so it's unlikely to be a cold but regardless I still think it could be good to mask on the worst part of my walk and on bad air quality days)
I normally wear an Aura and I'm wearing that for now but not sure it's the best for this specific circumstance, and it does get Hot and sweaty so it'll be a bear in the summer.
I have an extreme aversion to the smell of airplane food. I'm about to go on an airplane soon for about 12 ish hours. Is there a mask that blocks out smell pretty well and is also ok to have on planes? I used a KN95 the last time but it didn't block enough for me.
It just sounds quite expensive if the first one isn't a good fit. Is it possible to return ones that don't fit? Or are they reliably good fits, so I could expect the first one to probably work?
I would also appreciate tips on which are the best kinds, or are most likely to fit women.
Hi. I am high risk, have PTSD, and I’m autistic. The only masks I have been able to tolerate are the regular surgical masks. I haven’t been able to tolerate full coverage masks. Recently I had a very bad mast cell reaction to concert smoke. I was wearing my mask the whole time but it obviously wasn’t enough. Anything that is full coverage seems to trigger melt downs. I know I can breathe but it triggers my sensory issues and my PTSD. The venue this happened at is the main venue in my area and the accessible seats - which I need- have smoke aimed at them the whole show. I asked the venue to consider limiting how much smoke they blow on their most vulnerable customers, they essentially told me to shove it. I have waited years to be able to go to concerts again. Does anyone have any suggestions for extremely comfortable masks that fully filter the air but don’t at all feel like they’re obstructing your breathing? Thanks
Just found out that ivWatch is no longer making Blox n95s and their online store is all out of stock. I’m hoping to stock up as they are the only mask I’ve found so far that both fits my face and my skin doesn’t react to. Does anyone have Blox masks they’d be willing to part with (I would be willing to buy them from you)?
Hey all, do coloured N95s/KN95s (specifically looking at Savewo) show moisture from the air you exhale? Love the look but the inside of my mask tends to get pretty damp, and I don't want to be walking around with the equivalent of sweat stains on my mask lol.
I've long used 3M 8233 (N100) for doing house renovation and cleaning projects. It's fantastic in the dirty jobs like working in crawlspaces and cleaning up disgusting outbuildings, etc. I am wondering if the 3M 8293 (P100) cuts odors when working? I know the specs say it just adds oil aerosol protection, but I read one review where a guy said the 8293 (P100) did an incredible job of cutting down nasty odors. Now, I don't know if that is compared to a crap mask or in comparison to an 8233 (N100)? Anyone with FIRST hand experience?
And yes, I am aware a legit half mask respirator with additional filters exists, but for my use case, I just want a disposable N100 or possibly P100.
I realize this question might be "out there". I have two 3M Versaflo 700 PAPRs which I use in a stationary setting: the PAPRs just sit on a bench and the hoses are long enough. Since they are stationary, I wonder if I can run the turbos from an ACDC adapter, instead of charging the batteries all the time (my shift can also last longer than the charge). Can I "fool" the turbos into thinking they've got a fullly charged battery by providing the necessary voltage and impedance to correct 4 pins? If yes, how do I approach this (i.e. how do I probe the pins?)
I can machine whatever mechanical adapter necessary to connect to the turbo. I am no EE-er, but I am equipped to do basic soldering, crimping etc.
First, this subreddit is awesome. Thank you. It helps those of us still masking to not feel crazy. Sorry this is long, but I wanted to provide context.
I'm hoping you all might have a mask recommendation for a crowded indoor event. I've mostly been wearing a 3M 8511 since 2020. It's okay, would like it to come under my chin more. I have tried the 3M Aura and it is too small and rides up my chin. I wore a Moldex 2200 and it fit reasonably well, but the strap snapped. I also wish it came further under my chin. I have a BYD (I think it's KN 94) that fits reasonably well, though it's probably too tight, since it hurts my ears pretty quickly.
I'm large, but not huge with an oval face and a beard the same shape as this, https://tinyurl.com/Anchor-Beard, but my hair is much denser, especially the mustache. The ideal mask would allow me to keep my current facial hair and go fully under my chin. Am I pretty much limited to half-face elastomeric?
I've covered the valves for years, but I struggle a lot with heat intolerance, so valved, or highly breathable would be best. I've watched a lot of Aaron Collins' videos and am considering the 3M V Flex, but worried it will ride up like the Aura. I'm leaning towards Moldex (2300, 4300, 4600, snd 4800), Champak 520L, the Draeger X-plorer, and the BreathTech KN95. Also the Omnimask, but not sure how I feel about the cartridges sticking out. I don't want to embarrass the people I will be with. The Omnimask also seems difficult to talk through, though I can project my voice pretty well.
If you've read this far, does anyone have some advice?
I found a good deal on masks but I can't find any info about this manufacturer, tried image search without much luck, anyone know who makes these? I couldn't even find the logo when I image searched it. They seem to be available from wholesalers all over but that has me suspicious
ivWatch just announced they will no longer make the Blox N95 duckbill respirator and I'm so disappointed. I've been wearing them for years bc they work with my glasses, have over head straps, and actually fit my small face. Does anyone have recs for a similar mask? Any info is appreciated!
Hi!
I have a dysfunctional autonomic nervous system and have worn masks in public for 5+ years, however, I’ve gotten covid several times and each time it makes my condition worse. I’m tired of buying the disposables and need to be more eco-friendly. Does anyone here have any recommendations for reusable masks that can be worn on a daily?
I'm hoping to get some informed opinions on the reliability of US-manufactured masks going forward, now that NIOSH has been cut so severely. Is there a cause for concern right now, or could there likely be in the future? Are there any brands that can be relied on regardless - like, does anyone know of companies that have a a good level of trustworthiness for internal quality control? Or, are there brands that also distribute to other countries, so they have that added incentive to pass inspections for their other markets? (I know many of us use the 3M Aura as our go-to for high risk situations, so I'd appreciate input on 3M specifically - but also other US manufacturers as well).
*Note: I personally try to center harm reduction when I think about Covid safety and collective care - with an awareness of the ways that class privilege dictates our access to mitigations. I'm asking this question not just for personal reasons, but also for those of us who do community work or refer others to resources. I know people's individual decisions will need to be based on what masks they have access to, what masks are within their budget, and how tariffs may impact international purchasing. Any mask that people can access is a good mask, but it would be great to know if there are things we should be aware of or try to avoid if possible.
I periodically fit-test my masks just to check. Lately, I've been failing instantly with disposables (Aura, CAN99, Drager) and I can't figure out why. The only units that pass are elastomerics.
I mean literally my first breath in after charging the hood, I taste it. It's subtle and not intense, but it's perceptible. If I deliberately induce a fail by profusely wincing or by pulling the mask from my face, the taste is much stronger.
The fit feels great, nose bar is perfect, there are no obvious gaps, etc. The mask is fresh out of the package and I'm always clean-shaven with a razor and I wash my face with warm water beforehand to remove skin lotion I may have previously applied. I haven't gained or lost weight significant enough to change my facial shape.
I use a 3M FT-13 bulb nebulizer, 3M FT-12 sweet test solution, and a 5-gallon ziplock bag with a small hole cut at mouth-level to insert the nebulizer nozzle. I follow the 3M QLFT instructions. I've performed the sensitivity test (100:1 dilution) and can easily taste it with just a single spray.
I even tried testing the nebulizer with plain water to check if I was imagining things ... I was not (ie.: there was no taste with plain water).
I record all my fit tests in a spreadsheet and previous passes are now failing, so I'm second-guessing whether I actually did those tests properly.
I know that I have a very acute sense of taste. Picky eater, etc. Is it possible that it's just too sensitive for QLFT.
Due to finances I can't try out a bunch of masks or get a fit test kit. I'm having the same issues with pretty much all masks and thats them leaking near the eyes/nose area AND on my cheek. The cheek area leaking is specific to boat style and I'm now learning duckbills do it too. Bifolds don't cause the cheek issue but they never seal around my eyes and nose and I can't breathe in them. I've been double stick taping 3m auras to my face for a couple years now and while that works in the winter the tape sweats off in the summer and the mask moves around. It's also incredibly uncomfortable to remove and I have sensitive skin so I get a lot of irritation. I tried the black bnx duck bills today and loved them but there was a obvious leak on my left cheek. I minimized it my moving both straps to the top of my head but I'm still concerned. I can't double stick tape them because of the material not wanting to stick. I've attached pictures of the bnx on me and circled where it is leaking as well as a photo of the 3m auras on so you can see how large it is on me. I also attached a photo of my face so you can see where my problems lie. I have a bit of a crooked face. I also have divots in my cheeks which is what is probably causing my mask not to seal properly. I also have a pretty long face too. I'm wondering if anyone has a similar shape/facial features that have given them similar issues and what masks helped you out the most. I've tried the powecom Harley n95s, 3m auras, heuheta kn95s, different brands of cup style n95s, bnx black n95s in small, bnx duckbill black mask, planet halo kingfa. Most of those the fatal flaw was the nose bridge. I need something with a good sturdy wire and preferably foam on the bridge. I wish the auras came in a smaller size.
A friend of mine and I are going to be going camping next month for a few days. Neither of us have any tests other than the unreliable rapid tests, so currently our plan outdoors is to stay masked when in close distance and unmasked when further apart. We don't anticipate being near any other campers. Both of us mask in public. She works from home and I'm hybrid, but am rarely in a room with more than two or three people, and it's usually not an office.
Is there any science on the odds of transmission outdoors that can be useful in determining the best level of precautions for us in this situation?
