Face masks
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Freedom56
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In our case, our dentist clinic is located within a hospital complex. You have to wear a mask up to the point where the dentist starts working on your teeth as part of their protocol. Unfortunately hospitals attract a lot of COVID patients and from our last visit to our dentist, we observed a lot of people coughing all over the medical campus.
For us we have to turn up no more than 5 minutes before our appointment, wearing a mask and having rinsed with antiseptic mouthwash before leaving the house. After checking in you sit in reception for 5 to 10 minutes before the nurse arrives to escort you to the dentist’s room, at which point you take the mask off. Afterwards the mask goes back on while you leave and checkout at reception.
Freedom56
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Some reports appearing in medical news sites stating that N95 masks fail after 2 days of reuse.
https://www.myhealthyclick.com/n95-masks-shouldnt-be-used-for-more-than-2-days-suggests-study/
This is a summary of another study.
"Failure rates were 46% after four days of wear, 50% after 10 days, and 55% after 15 days. N95 respirators that failed fit testing were worn a median of eight days and used a median of 18 times, the researchers reported. However, 73% of users with N95 masks that failed testing believed their respirators fit well, while testers believed that 89% of N95 masks with failed fit tests “were of good or like new quality,” the researchers said."
https://www.generalsurgerynews.com/...acy-Deteriorate-With-Reuse-of-N95-Masks/60823
Keep in mind that most people who use these masks do not wear them for 8-12 hours as typically worn by medical professionals on a shift. We have found that from our experience, the 3M 9205+ Aura N95 mask (The type we have currently been using) will fail after about 18-25 trips to the supermarket or doctor. The straps break and can be repaired but they do leak water at the front seams when they fail indicating that they provide little protection. I recently flew to Florida and wore one of these 3M N95 masks to and from Florida (about 20 hours of use total). I tested the mask after I returned and it still remained water tight and still fit well.
The bottom line is these N95 masks, if not abused, last much longer than two uses as these reports are concluding. Also keep in mind, that going the supermarket or flying on a plane will not subject you to the same viral load as a hospital. We are testing these masks for water leaks after one month of use and if they leak, we replace it with a new one.
https://www.myhealthyclick.com/n95-masks-shouldnt-be-used-for-more-than-2-days-suggests-study/
This is a summary of another study.
"Failure rates were 46% after four days of wear, 50% after 10 days, and 55% after 15 days. N95 respirators that failed fit testing were worn a median of eight days and used a median of 18 times, the researchers reported. However, 73% of users with N95 masks that failed testing believed their respirators fit well, while testers believed that 89% of N95 masks with failed fit tests “were of good or like new quality,” the researchers said."
https://www.generalsurgerynews.com/...acy-Deteriorate-With-Reuse-of-N95-Masks/60823
Keep in mind that most people who use these masks do not wear them for 8-12 hours as typically worn by medical professionals on a shift. We have found that from our experience, the 3M 9205+ Aura N95 mask (The type we have currently been using) will fail after about 18-25 trips to the supermarket or doctor. The straps break and can be repaired but they do leak water at the front seams when they fail indicating that they provide little protection. I recently flew to Florida and wore one of these 3M N95 masks to and from Florida (about 20 hours of use total). I tested the mask after I returned and it still remained water tight and still fit well.
The bottom line is these N95 masks, if not abused, last much longer than two uses as these reports are concluding. Also keep in mind, that going the supermarket or flying on a plane will not subject you to the same viral load as a hospital. We are testing these masks for water leaks after one month of use and if they leak, we replace it with a new one.
ABQ2015
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Thanks again, Freedom56, for all the good information. I ordered the 3M Aura 9205+ and the Honeywell H910+ N95's. These are so much more comfortable than the industrial looking 3M 8210's that I bought months ago at Lowes. The 8210 was like wearing a girdle around my head.
Freedom56
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We received our box of 40 Optrel N95 Masks. They are good quality. The straps are much better quality than the 3M 9205+N95 masks. They fit well and are comfortable. The 3M 9205+ masks cover more of the face and have a slightly better seal around the face. Either one will provide some degree of protection from viruses. After giving some to our parents, we should have enough of these N95 masks to carry us into 2022.
retire-early
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I am trying to figure out whether we have enough.
Two excursions outside the home of about 4 hours each in duration each week.
How many masks do we need?
Two excursions outside the home of about 4 hours each in duration each week.
How many masks do we need?
Boho
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I'd probably wear a new one for each trip even though it's only 4 hours per trip, but I'd save them. But I've never seen testing data on how masks deteriorate. I just read once or twice that they last all day but I don't remember a number of hours. Mostly I've read that they're single-use only.
i wear the same one for weeks.
Boho
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I've seen a couple of stories about upcoming mask mandates so definitely keep the used masks just in case. And I think I better buy some now. I have to review this thread. I had great results with my formed ones even while sweat was dripping from my upper lip as I was carrying 35 lbs of groceries home, but I'm willing to get folded if I have to.
Midpack
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+2, so do we. We use disposable surgical masks mostly, but we use N95’s when we feel more exposed - we keep two of each in both cars so we never “forget” to take them.
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How many of those excursions result in close proximity extended contact with others? If none, then you don't even need N95's by most estimates.
I go out grocery shopping and stuff with a washable reusable non-N95 mask. I bought a couple so I have one in the car, and one on me. But it's simpler for me to just keep risk-behavior low (no indoor restaurants, gyms, movies, little "discretionary" shopping stuff, visits/social with only family who are behaving similarly).
pacergal
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Same here--use my washable fabric masks. One in each car, one in my purse and one hanging by the door for my walks in the neighborhood. I have a bunch of filters to use with them if I were to be out around others for extended time (shopping, which I do from home now anyway)
I have a box of KN95 masks and a few US N95from work that I keep to wear hereat home if we have a positive covid, as that would be the safest for us, for prevention of transmission in close quarters, I believe.
I have a box of KN95 masks and a few US N95from work that I keep to wear hereat home if we have a positive covid, as that would be the safest for us, for prevention of transmission in close quarters, I believe.
Boho
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I just ordered 20 Makrite 9500-N95 masks from Ebay for $66. There are several sellers of these but the one I bought from mentioned the expiration date. You can get just 10 for less money if you're willing to less a seller open the bag and put it in a Ziploc bag, but the sellers who do that don't mention the expiration date so I got the full box of 20 from someone else.
These are the non-folding style that I've had a good experience with, and the kind you used to be able to find at Home Centers for construction workers, so I'll be using it for drywall and wood sanding, etc. And they're on the list of approved masks.
These are the non-folding style that I've had a good experience with, and the kind you used to be able to find at Home Centers for construction workers, so I'll be using it for drywall and wood sanding, etc. And they're on the list of approved masks.
Boho
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MrsHaloFIRE
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I wear an n95 because i dont casually go to places. If I go its for a darn good required reason (medical) and will prob last more than a few mins. Im not browsing at TJ Maxx or squeezing fruit just to get out the house. 99pct of thigns i can get online, or curbside.
I would also rate my level of caring about what people think about my n95 in those situations somewhere between zero and less than zero. I wear it with a regular mask over it to prolong its life.
I would also rate my level of caring about what people think about my n95 in those situations somewhere between zero and less than zero. I wear it with a regular mask over it to prolong its life.
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W2R
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+1 That is my approach too, although we do eat at restaurants but we haven't had any social visits with family or others besides the two of us. We don't engage in close proximity extended contact with others.
I probably would have bought N-95 masks if they had been available at a reasonable price back in March or April. But they weren't.
At this point, I have been using my washable fabric masks for 8 months without even catching a cold much less any bad viruses. I hate wearing masks, but will continue to use them or stay home until going maskless is acceptable to authorities, businesses, and the general public. They say that masks don't protect the wearer, and only protect others. Who knows and as always I am skeptical. However I refuse to freak out other customers at stores (I prefer behaving like a polite and civilized person!), or put businesses in jeopardy of fines or closures.
I don't see much point in paying for N-95 masks at this point. If I didn't catch anything in 8 months, I doubt I am in grave danger of catching anything now.
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That was certainly the commonly accepted position months ago, but recent studies have shown the wearer also receives some protection, and the CDC recently updated their findings.
Basically, the mask acts as a filter both in and out, and reducing viral load and droplets "IN", you reduce your risk of getting sick if you are close to someone who might be infected even if you/they aren't aware.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/masking-science-sars-cov2.html
Out-to-Lunch
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The CDC changed that guidance recently.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/masking-science-sars-cov2.html
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Sunset
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I missed/forgot, where & who did you buy them from, as they look pretty good.
Freedom56
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I wouldn't worry about what others think. The focus should be on people who don't wear masks or wear masks like chin diapers.
Freedom56
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I bought them from Bakergas.com for $96 plus tax.
https://bakersgas.com/products/optrel-4190010
They ship via UPS and it arrived in 3 days. They also gave me a $15 coupon for the next purchase.
Freedom56
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For those who are interested Lowes has N95 masks in stock now (at our local Lowes).
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Dasheng-5-...d-Fiberglass-Disposable-Respirator/1002826938
These are Chinese made NIOSH approved N95 Masks. The Swiss made Optrel are better value and probably better quality and lower price.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Dasheng-5-...d-Fiberglass-Disposable-Respirator/1002826938
These are Chinese made NIOSH approved N95 Masks. The Swiss made Optrel are better value and probably better quality and lower price.
Boho
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Yes, I had to check three Lowes in NYC. Two in Brooklyn were out of stock and delivery wasn't available but one in Staten Island had low stock with delivery available. 5 for $20. But I just got my new masks in the mail today so I don't need these now.
Montecfo
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
CDC guidance has certainly been all over the map.
It never made sense that masks protected others but not the wearer, but that is what they were saying until very recently.
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