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I agree, I have some N95's that I wear when I have to be in close proximity to people but for the most part I use disposable surgical masks. I think overlooked in a lot of these discussions is the importance of eye protection. I don't wear goggles but I do wear glasses whenever I'm in a situation where I need to wear a mask. https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/co...avoid-covid-19
You're smarter than the average bear in recognizing the need for eye protection. Unfortunately, glasses will not stop all droplets and aerosols.
I wear Speedo swim goggles. Ten bucks on Amazon. Not the most comfortable item in the world but it's watertight and fully protects my eyes.
It's good to see that 3M and other American manufacturers are dramatically increasing production of respirator masks and these are becoming more readily available online at reasonable prices. I have been carefully reusing my limited supply of N95 valveless masks for months wearing a cloth or disposable mask over them to keep the respirator clean. I have used up half my supply and am probably using them longer than I should. After wearing an N95, I do not feel safe with a surgical or cloth mask while indoors and yesterday ordered more respirators from a medical supply place - enough to be able to discard the used ones more often.
Even though masks are mandated in public places in my state, it is not unusual to see a few people wearing them like a chin diaper in a store or lowering the mask to sneeze and cough or not keeping a six foot distance. COVID-19 cases are out of control in my area and I expect it to get worse during the winter and that masks will be a necessary precaution throughout 2021 if not longer.
Respirators are better for breathing as they have the value to evacuate the exhaled air, but inconsiderate for use in Covid situation we have. They do not filter the exhaled air, so while the wearer is protected, others around the wearer are not as the wearer's exhalation is not filtered.
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Originally Posted by ocnjgirl
I get that, but most people are not doing this. I complained about a Pearl Vision optometrist who did my eye exam 6 inches from me with a respirator and no additional mask. Next time I went she had another mask over it, but not till I complained. I complained last week about a Kohl's cashier for the same reason. I don't know if average people realize exhalations aren't filtered with them. 'CDC says you can put another mask over it" does not mean most people do, in fact I think it's very, very few who put an additional mask over them. It makes me angry every time I see someone walking around with one of these.
I dunno...the whole point is that you stop aersolizing spittle. Which I think that even with the valve these masks would do fine, for a cashier at Kohls.
It's good to see that 3M and other American manufacturers are dramatically increasing production of respirator masks and these are becoming more readily available online at reasonable prices. I have been carefully reusing my limited supply of N95 valveless masks for months wearing a cloth or disposable mask over them to keep the respirator clean. I have used up half my supply and am probably using them longer than I should. After wearing an N95, I do not feel safe with a surgical or cloth mask while indoors and yesterday ordered more respirators from a medical supply place - enough to be able to discard the used ones more often.
My spouse has been nursing one N95 along since May. I don't know how he does it. I thought these masks were only good for 8 hours use.
Quote:
Even though masks are mandated in public places in my state, it is not unusual to see a few people wearing them like a chin diaper in a store or lowering the mask to sneeze and cough or not keeping a six foot distance. COVID-19 cases are out of control in my area and I expect it to get worse during the winter and that masks will be a necessary precaution throughout 2021 if not longer.
Looks like Arizona is right behind you in the "out of control" category.
I'm not understanding why there should be a shortage, after all this time, of EFFECTIVE N95 masks. We know they (alone) work to block the viral particles, and we're certainly capable of manufacturing and distributing them in sufficient numbers. Theoretically, if everyone wore one, the virus would have nowhere to go and would die out. I can only think the lack of urgency is due to it becoming apparent that it's not that lethal an illness for the large majority (99% survival rate). As for me, I have a couple of N95s that I use when I'm actually worried, such as when I'll be with others in an enclosed area for a long period of time, and also paper surgical masks that I wear when I just need to comply with the request. I also bought a box of the Lowe's version to keep on hand in case it worsens.
I'm not understanding why there should be a shortage, after all this time, of EFFECTIVE N95 masks. We know they (alone) work to block the viral particles, and we're certainly capable of manufacturing and distributing them in sufficient numbers. Theoretically, if everyone wore one, the virus would have nowhere to go and would die out. I can only think the lack of urgency is due to it becoming apparent that it's not that lethal an illness for the large majority (99% survival rate). As for me, I have a couple of N95s that I use when I'm actually worried, such as when I'll be with others in an enclosed area for a long period of time, and also paper surgical masks that I wear when I just need to comply with the request. I also bought a box of the Lowe's version to keep on hand in case it worsens.
I think it’s more due to they simply can’t produce more than they’re already producing and people are still buying them up. Same thing for alcohol and Lysol. If Lysol was able to make enough to meet the demand don’t you think they would be doing that by now? Yet you still can’t get it anywhere. I think the really good masks are almost exclusively going to hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
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