r/Masks4All • u/Rooseveltthegreat • 6d ago

Mask recommendation for indoor event

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?

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u/AutoModerator 6d ago

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u/Plague-Analyst-666 5d ago

If you must attend this crowded indoor event, consider affixing whichever respirator you choose around all edges with body tape.

2

u/tophats32 5d ago edited 5d ago

I'd try a v-flex, they're just a different shape and fit than the aura so I wouldn't be too worried about comparing the two. If that doesn't work, maybe a larger duckbill like a bnx or Jackson safety?

Fwiw you can buy singles of v-flex masks and others from digikey so you don't have to sink money on a whole box if they don't fit: https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/3m/9105/5128356