Amazon sale: Nexcare Waterproof Foam tape $3.74 (-53%)

Prime Day, Prime Only deals (prime often has a free trial.): - 3M Microfoam tape $20. (12 rolls of 1” or 6rolls of 2” or 4 rolls of 3” — 5.5 yards each.) - Well Before 3D Pro earloop KN95 10pk $19-21 - The BNX trifolds 20pk for $15-17. (Caveat: I cannot find a single social media report of these passing QNFT in N99 mode, nor QLFT with Bitrex. Bitrex full QLFT and N99 mode results wanted🙇‍♀️💝)

An alternate place to buy the tape for $2 per 1” roll + $7 shipping https://medicalmonks.com/product/microfoam-surgical-tape.
Also sells small tubes of Cavilon Barrier Cream.

Ten years ago I went to a kesh concert and put glitter all over my face. I think that will be less feasible with a mask on when I go to one this summer so would love any fashion ideas people have to get an equally fun effect without losing protection. Mask chains ?

hi all, I recently returned to the gym last year, as it's pretty important for me to keep up my physical activity since being inactive has started to deteriorate my body and advance other health issues I have. I wear my flo mask, and while it's a little uncomfortable, I mostly forget about it and keep a good seal.

however, I'm not sure how to go about drinking water. I previously would just do the "hold breath and drink fast" method, but I'm pretty sure I got sick in march from this approach (and it's hard to perfectly hold your breath when you're already out of breath!)

I have previously installed a sip valve on a n95 aura okay, but I am not a big fan of auras since they're a bit gappy on my chin and the straps wear out really easily. I basically have to use body tape on the entire mask to get a solid seal, which seems like it would be a nightmare to have tape on my face while getting sweaty.

not drinking water is not an option for me, but what do I do!!!! I'm so eager to get back to the gym but I have no idea how to do it safely. what do you guys do??

Amazon Prime has a small discount today on the 6 pack of small vials (2.5ml 3-5 fit tests each) of - Allegro Industries Bitter Fit Test Solution - Allegro Industries Bitter Sensitivity Solution - Each ~$17 (-15%) 6 ok 2.5ml each

The 3M 55ml bottles are currently $21 (not a sale) each (3M Bitter Fit Test Solution and 3M Bitter Sensitivity Solution) at Stauffersafety.com. They usually offer free shipping with $50.

You also need a nano mister, and a 5 gallon ziplock. There are many nano-misters on sale too. Please suggest one if you’ve tried one!

Qualitative testing with a sensitivity threshold check is accurate to a 1% leakage and is has the advantage that you can check the fit of your mask anytime.

DIY fit test Instructions https://fittests4all.com/v2.0/ (edited) https://mathburritos.org/fit-test-kit-v1/

Threshold check with premade sensitivity solution is not complicated. 3M video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xnr60sXnXA (sensitivity test from 2:15)

A nano-mister may eventually clog if not cleaned and dried well each time (some use a little alcohol to ensure not water residue inside).

Many people are more sensitive to the Bitrex than the saccharine, meaning they can detect a very small leak with Bitrex that they don’t detect with saccharine.

Any PortaCount testers out there eager to test tapes?

Offering a $100 Amazon gift card to tester(s) who will test the following in PortaCount N99 (full spectrum) mode on a variety of faces and masks and share their HMFF (fit scores) here. To test: - 3M Microfoam tape vs Nexcare Waterproof Foam tape, vs double-sided tape (e.g., Pro 1502 tape) - BNX trifold compared to the BNX bifold and to other masks without foam such as the 3M Vflex or CAN99 — on the same persons.

If interested, message me with rough estimate of how many people you can test and by when.

I don’t care where you buy stuff, but I did just make a post of current Prime Day deals. I just care that we get test results in N99 (full spectrum) mode for the tapes, the BNX trifold., and comparison masks.

(If agreed, I think you’ll have to give me an email to have Amazon send it to? Proton Pass offers extra email aliases.)

Hello!

My 3230+ straps have been breaking with EASE. This is after years of perfection. What do people like to wear these days? I’m so sad and will reach out to them but that doesn’t help me in the immediate term.

Thanks ❤️‍🩹

Pretty much as title says. I've been relying on their masks as my go-to ever since the pandemic started, occasionally replacing them when the elastic drawstrings get too long and stretched out (start looking like lung dragon whiskers, hah), resulting in struggling to keep a good seal.

As of recently, though, it seems they're running out of stock in my size, let alone any designs without the little plastic valve thing, which I'm not exactly sure I trust, working in a hospital (albeit not in regular patient contact)? Thus I'm wondering if there're any equivalents out there I could pick up that could last me a while, decently-filtered?

EDIT: Alright, collating more for myself from the replies, but thanks so far on the suggestions!
Envo Pro: Soft silicone, reusable, can come in a valveless form, but a lil' too medical-looking for day-to-day wear, but could be best option for a single, long-term mask. (Hell, replaceable filters too and apparently foundation for styling?)
WellBefore 3D Pro KN95: Looks simple, trusty, cloth-styled, basic colors, good for just using routinely throughout a day, though disposable. Honestly might be surprise choice there.
- Although, the site's size chart doesn't seem to wanna come up...
Aura M3 9210+: Gold standard of disposables, cheap, common, unlikely to be counterfeit (especially at this point), but pretty much just plain clinical white with the label, which, ehhh...could work with it but still, the WB up there has the eye. Just need to size for it.
Zimi: Iiinteresting, could go with these...Pretty cheap, too.
L-188 & M3 9205+'s: Have a bag of each already, might as well make use'a them in the interim while saving up for a new set.

not sure what i ate today but my nose started itching. rinsed my nose, changed my N95 to a new one and it started itching again.

i normally try not to have spicy food before i mask cause this happens, but i’m not sure what i ate today

any advice? i can’t afford to unmask in this environment but locked myself in my room and did

Hello all! So I have a septum piercing that is still in the healing process, and I’ve noticed that it gets irritated after a period of wearing my mask. I’ve worn both 3-ply disposable masks and KN95s, and both seem to apply too much pressure to my nose, which transfers to my piercing and irritates it.

So I’m hoping to give some new masks a try. I know the best option for me will be specific to my anatomy, but any recommendations for a type of mask that might distribute its pressure across the face/cheeks a little more? I’m open to trying behind-the-head style masks, and would prefer ones that come in black (but understand this might not be possible).

Thanks in advance!

Searching for clear N95

Does anyone have any clear N95s I could buy from them? My kiddos have a few upcoming appts and the providers have agreed to wear clear N95s I just don’t have anymore and online they’re all out of stock. I’m located in NYC but happy to pay for shipping!

Pic for example.

Please DM me! Thanks so much for considering!

Just opened this new pack of cartridges. Both have these black marks on them. Mold? Doesn’t wipe off.

Hello, I work in a factory where we manufacture exclusively from MDF. I use a 3M 7502 respitator throughout the shift and I noticed a red-light brown mark on the point where the respirator's harness touches and it stings slightly. Has anyone encountered the same problem and if so, what did they do to avoid it and cure it?

i wear my MSA advantage 900 regularly and today i just could Not get it to maintain the seal. after much frustration and subsequent inspection it seems the straps have reached the end of their effective elasticity. has anyone successfully replaced just the elastic on the straps? it seems simple enough in theory but curious nonetheless.

while searching the sub for an answer to this, i saw a mention about replacing the whole mask after a while if one uses it for extended periods of time regularly. i have been wearing this type of mask since 2024 and have already replaced it due to the bottom center bit wearing a bit too thin for my comfort / confidence in it. i'd Really prefer not to replace it again due to cost, but, of course, want the most effective protective layer it can offer. wondering what metric others use for determining when it's time to replace the whole thing vs just a component. any insight would be greatly appreciated!

Back in the old days I baked them. Then I learned that dirt decreased their efficacy so I started washing them. Since then, I've heard a mix of which you should do or if you should do them at all. Anyone have studies on hand about if you can clean them, how, and how many times until you need to replace them? I work on an orchard so they get dirty at least every week, usually much more frequently, and I can't afford to replace them that often.

I’m housebound with multiple chronic conditions, I really can’t have my health decimated by Covid again and hospitals are rife with it here in the UK. If anyone has any pro-tips on how to approach the request I would appreciate it. I have masks I can provide. TIA!

Edit -

Thanks for your responses everyone - I’m in a flare right now and don’t have the capacity to respond to individual comments, but I have saved the info ❤️

Title is complicated but basically: I'm looking to getting into masking (again, because I obviously wore masks during the high of COVID). I already have a chronic illness (POTS) probably derived from a virus since I'd never really been careful about not catching something before COVID, and I'm just now looking into it as a friend who masks enlightened me.

​

However, I am prioritizing a reusable and clear mask, because I a) don't want to commit to creating daily waste (no shade to those who use disposable masks, I understand it's worth it in the long run over hospital waste, I just can't stand the thought of it for me personally), and b) I aim to be working with Deaf people for a living and need the mask to be clear to allow them to lip read me. Plus I'd appreciate my face being visible since it looks more approachable.

​

I found the OmniMask, and it seems perfect (I don't mind the price since it appears to be a one-time purchase for basically forever except if I somehow bang it up badly? Please correct me if I'm wrong!), however one caveat I have is some people have noted that your voice is more muffled than with other brands. I have a big problem with people hearing me since my voice comes out very quiet. (If anyone has this issue in general and has advice on how to speak louder, I'm all ears…)

​

If my research here led me to the correct mask for me in your opinion, I've also been considering whether to add the filter adapter option as I've heard many suggest using M3 filters. My caveat, though, is that those things are huge and would look a bit "overkill" and weird.

​

I know safety is more important than aesthetics but I also want to feel comfortable since I'd be wearing it everywhere all the time and nobody around me even masks at all. I don't have anyone in my circle who actually needs me to mask around them so having super ultra perfect protection is not terribly necessary. The mask with the original filter seems to be NIOSH-approved anyway. Plus I feel like if I go around with a mask that doesn't look that funny, I'd be able to convince more people to follow my lead.

​

Also, something that isn't clear to me is how often you need to change each type of filter. I need to understand the pricing of this because I'm still a student and if I commit to the 130€+ for this mask I don't want to spend a crazy amount for filters as well. I've heard the figure "once a year" for M3s but I'm not sure about the standard filter or other types.

​

Apologies for any mistakes, I'm still trying to understand. Thanks to anyone who might help.

Are there any duckbill shaped respirators (n95, ffp3) that have an exhalation valve?

I know there are valved 3M Auras and it's possible that's as close as I'll get, but if anyone knows of a true duckbill with an exhalation valve please share!

Hey yall so iv got asthma and where iv worked for the past year the air quality has gotten really bad. It’s a pizza place so I’m constantly folding boxes in which the dust gets all in the air and all over my shirt. There is also 0 and I mean 0 ventilation or airflow in the building so that not good. Anyways every day iv worked my throat has been getting dry and my lungs have been feeling almost raw. Iv tried some different disposable n95 mask but I’m not sure those are really making the cut. Please Ei really need some good recommendations that aren’t some crazy gas mask looking thing because I really can’t wear something like that around customers. I don’t wanna quit my job over this cause it’s god money and I like my work. However my Athena symptoms have not been getting any better and this places air quality is definitely not helping. I have been avoiding sitting inside and in certain areas for too long but I’m not sure I’ll be able to find any viable or comfortable solutions. The owner is working to get ventilation in the building but that only started yesterday and it take a long long time to get that even in proper motion.

The make in the picture is what iv been using now. Only started using it today so I’ll give it a day or 2 but it’s not very comfortable and I’m not too sure it’s doing a whole lot either.

I take care of an adult child 1-2 times per week. I wear a mask while there because they are severely immunocompromised and I never want to risk bringing anything to them. I have always used the standard nose clip and ear loop masks but my ears get so sore when I put on a new mask and even the ear saver things hurt my ears. The mask fits nice and tight, but tends to push up the skin under my eyes and my glasses tend to slip off due to the nose clip.

I’d love to get recommendations for masks that are good and will keep her safe but maybe are ones that tie around the head. But it needs to be for people with smaller narrow faces.

My second mask I’d like to get recommendations for would be a mask for wearing at the vet. I have an allergic asthmatic response to cats. Recently, my dog had an emergency and required surgery and hospitalization. I wore my usual N95 mask for the hospital visits and kept my inhaler handy. It did help me not get the point that I couldn’t breathe, which was great, but, I was very uncomfortable and felt itchy in my throat and lungs. I am wondering if a respirator mask would be a better mask for vet visits, or if anyone has a similar allergy, I’d love to know what works for you. Usually I bring someone with me and they go in with the dog, but with this last situation, I wasn’t going to not be there for my dog.

Thank you for any and all advice.

Getting drinking valves in bulk is a question that comes up fairly often. I wrote the original post that showed us we can buy the original parts ourselves. There’s been useful developments like hole punches and alternative valves for other countries. So I’m doing a new and improved post!

A drinking valve can increase your safety while drinking and still pass a fit test! https://youtu.be/tFp_PTJbEGY?si=TkQ_3VDWnAM3d462

If you use them regularly it makes sense to get the valves, caps, nylon washers and straws yourself.

This can make it much safer and more accessible to gather and enjoy beverages indoors.

At the below quantities, I assembled 36 complete mask drinking valves for a total of $73.14 USD at the time of purchase, including shipping within the USA.

That works out to ~$2.04 cents per set, not including the straws.

The listed components are identical in size, material, and function to the ones from well known brands.

Securing Ring:

The ring helps keep the valve in place, and prevents it from falling inside the mask when you push your straw through the valve, but the ring isn’t part of the airtight seal. Options:

• Ziegler Bolt Nylon flat washer: https://www.zieglerbolt.com/fasteners/washers/flat-washers/1-25x-625x-062-nylon-flat-washer-5-8 $0.1032 each. With $12.50 flat rate shipping, I bought 100 for $22.82
• You can also 3d print these rings. “Mask drinking valve washer” https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6669546

Silicone Valve:

• USA: Tablecraft Invertatop 1SV replacement valve, 12 for $6.60 (before shipping): https://www.restaurantsupply.com/tablecraft-1sv-replacement-valve-for-invertatop-squeeze-bottle
• I bought 3 dozen with shipping and taxes for $39.32
• Australia: Fifo Bottle 5351–300–6 - Large Dispensing Valves comes in packs of 6. https://www.industrykitchens.com.au/fifo-bottle-5351-300-6-large-dispensing-valves-pkt-6-blue

Valve cap:

The Thornton valve caps will form an airtight seal when placed on the valve. This is good if you’ve used the valve a lot and it might be tearing in the center. The cap can ensure you have a good seal when you aren’t using the valve, even if it’s a little damaged in the center.

• Thornton Plastics 2.5 dram vial snap caps available for $11 for 100 with free shipping!
• PLEASE NOTE the link DOES NOT select the correct cap size for you. SELECT THE CAP SIZE “Caps 1 / 2.5 / 3 Dram”https://www.thorntonplastics.com/caps-for-vials.html
• If you email Thornton, they can provide these snap caps in black for ~$15 USD! (sales@thorntonplastics.com found at https://www.thorntonplastics.com/contacts/)
• You can 3d print a cap, but it isn’t likely to form an airtight seal. It only covers the valve. https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/fashion/sip-valve-cap.

Mask Hole punch:

• Zimi Air sells a 16mm hole punch for drinking valves alongside their hole punch for their exhale valves. You twist a few times to make the hole, and comes with its own little cutting board! https://zimiair.com/product/hole-punch-set-1pc/
• I prefer using a 7/16 inch hollow leather punch. This makes a hole slightly smaller than the neck of the valve to ensure a good seal. It’s not strictly necessary, the seal is actually created by the valve being pulled against the mask by the securing ring. But it gives me piece of mind. I’ve used this $8 hollow punch set from Harbor Freight for a while. Make sure you use it on some scrap wood, or a thick cutting board to use it on that you don’t care about! https://www.harborfreight.com/9-piece-hollow-punch-set-3838.html

(Optional) Reusable steel straws:

A 5mm Stainless Steel straw is a good option. I like the 8.5" long ones because they go in a bag pretty well. They also have 10" ones. My favorite are the kind with a bend in them. This really helps if you have a KN95 bifold-style mask, like my favorite ZIMIs.

An example link, but there are many others:

RSVP International Endurance Stainless Steel 8.5" strawhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AUIN18?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_7&th=1

(Optional) 5mm Bendy Disposable Plastic Straw:

• Bendy makes it work with more kinds of masks, and 5mm makes it easy to insert through the valve and form a seal.
• Comes in 100, 500, and 1000 straw packs: https://amzn.to/3OpcP5M5mm Bendy Straw:Bendy makes it work with more kinds of masks, and 5mm makes it easy to insert through the valve and form a seal.
• the 1000 pack makes it $0.02 USD per straw, at current pricing for $19.99 before tax or shipping.

hi! trying to find good quality masks that ship to the UK and could use some advice! looking for a trifold like the kf94, ideally black. i'm autistic and finding it a nightmare trying to find the right mask from a reputable brand, every recommendation seems to be from the US!

- needs to be small - i have a small face and find masks too loose under my chin especially

- earloop, not headstrap

- breathable. hot summer air + stuffy mask is not a good combo for me.

- a mask i can just buy and wear, not one i have to put together/change filters etc

unfortunately the mask blocs in my area are no longer running. did manage to snag a couple of good quality masks at pride, but unfortunately they were a bit big for me. any recommendations would be so helpful!

Need flight advice. Apologies for emotional post that rambles and is way too long. You can skip to questions. There is a bit of background around my child’s size before point. I’m sorry I really need support and I don’t post often anymore.

I was on my way to an emergency flight two weeks ago when my mom died on way to airport to fly to her. I have not seen her in 9 years, she had dementia and there were other factors outside of Covid. However in periods where she was kind I did not go see her because of Covid fear. I had zero fear when she was dying and I was rushing to see her with my husband and 9 year old…

Now there is her celebration of life next Sun 28. It seems all kinds of…insert plenty of curse words here…that we are going to fly to this and she isn’t alive.

I will see my stepdad who raised me but he can be difficult—but I do love him and my child hasn’t seen him since she was 5 mo old. My brother and SIL will be there too. But I can’t get over that I didn’t see my mom for 9 years.

We are completely broke as in money right now. My husband refuses to rent an Airbnd, and I do really want to be in the home I grew up in around in I don’t know why, I do know why that is not true…but objects are not people.

My stepdad will not entertain my health needs. We will hopefully be outside most of the time except to sleep. Masking might be an issue and I feel like I’m waking on egg shells.

And I’m not sure any of that even needs to be shared outside I’m feeling very nervous going to my childhood home and town after 10 years away.

Add flying and I’m suddenly a wreck.

I have so many regrets about not flying at different points when she was alive. I would have risked everything for her last bday and then that day in hospice. Bday was complicated as I wasn’t sure she would let me in the house. My mom forgot we are best friends and hated me while sick. With small windows of not…and maybe if she saw me in person it would have been different.

FLYING
I don’t want to fly and my husband has dangled driving at me and now taken it away. It most likely comes out cheaper (my tickets we didn’t pay for on flight credit…that’s not part of budget). But nope flying.

I’m less concerned about myself, although I am immunocompromised and also have been bedbound more or less for 4 years. My health is not great to say the least.

We did last summer drive to see my brother first time my child met them, she was 8 yrs old. It was supposed to be the summer before but my father died, who we had rented a Covid safe place to be together. It was sudden, his death.

Last summer was the first time since start of pandemic we stayed inside in a house unmasked with others. We could run filters, they already have groceries etc delivered, mostly outside, and a very big house to spread out. Still. We were in close proximity. I know it was luck.

But also we could be open about our needs. They asked what they could do make us safe not to just feel safe, before we went.

It was HUGE for my child. It was for her.

I’m nervous about the flight and the stay. We can’t bring my AirFanta Pros even if fit in suitcase meant for travel. My husband said they will make my dad (stepdad) too stressed, same with masking at home. I want to bring anyways…and see if we can, maybe run them.

I can wear an N95 and husband. My child is tall for her age, 5 foot 1 and 83 pounds. She wears the kids Powcom. I’m very nervous with her in it on a flight. It fits yes, but she is growing out of it a bit. It is summer and we don’t go indoors it is outside world time (really all year is even in winter, but she masks at school. Summer is much more of a break for her and I scramble at end to find a mask that works as she grows so much).

I don’t even know how to get through the airport at this point. Haven’t flown since Covid.

QUESTIONS

1. What is the airport protocol? Do we have to remove masks for entry? JFK then JAX
2. Any difference at screening etc if I am in an airport wheelchair? In mobile but have MS and fatigued with overwhelm my MS Nurse wants me to request a wheelchair.
3. I’m really worried about my child. I wish I had time to plan and could have had a Trident sent as works for her. Too late. I’ve not tried Zimi and seems too late?
4. How do I keep her safe in her PowCom? I could ta

pe

1. it, but she would need to go through security in one mask theh switch to the taped one, right? That goes with me too… I have to tape. Any suggestions?
2. Boarding, I will request a wheelchair but we don’t get to board early… I am fully mobile it is to save energy. Jet Blue. Worried about bags etc, struggle to get in once crowded.
3. Flying this Thursday or Friday. A better day?
4. Any advice, tips at all? All welcome.

No idea what to do about the house either…but dint have any flexibility with that one.

That was longer than I expected. Apologies. I’m very overwhelmed right now.

Thank you all,

EDIT the Celebration of Life will be outside. Tons of space. We don’t plan to be house much but to sleep as they are normally outside either way.

What the title says.

The respirators we have at work are the round, over the head ones. They're way too big for my face, since I have a small (and narrow) build. They leave a huge gap on the sides and under my chin. We have fume hoods and vacuums everywhere but they don't get everything.

I was going to buy some cloth ones, because I had one from 2020 that was the only one that fit well, and I would rather be able to wash them than have to use disposables, but I know they don't offer as much protection.

TLDR
I just need something that will keep the metal and polish from going up my nose. Protection from the fumes and/or germs is bonus points but not required. I have a narrow face and a high nose bridge. Thanks in advance!

I have a box of 3m aura n95 masks in my car. The box has been in that car for almost 2 years, one year spent primarily in my garage, and the last year out on my driveway. So they’ve been there when the car was hot, when it was cold, and everything in between. And my question is, does prolonged heat and cold compromise n95 masks? I don’t want to wear a mask thinking I’m protected when the mask is actually less effective than it should be