General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsIf you have a mask that has a valve, use it around anti-maskers, around maskers use a surgical mask
I still have a valve masks
TreasonousBastard
(43,049 posts)Response to Demonaut (Original post)
Post removed
Buckeye_Democrat
(14,855 posts)I cover the valve with another cloth mask. If nobody else is even wearing masks, then screw them. Off comes the cloth mask. and I still have N100-rated protection for myself.
Edit: I'll do the right thing and not condone this idea anymore -- i.e., exposing the exhalation valves.
Demonaut
(8,919 posts)Buckeye_Democrat
(14,855 posts)... and I wear a large cloth mask over it, if others are nice.
https://www.trend-uk.com/en/UK/airstealth_usa/
KPN
(15,646 posts)uppityperson
(115,677 posts)Demonaut
(8,919 posts)uppityperson
(115,677 posts)It looks like a valved mask, but the valve is taped shut to protect everyone else from me. I understand the desire to make the non masked understand how bad the disease can be and how they are helping spread it, but won't infect them on purpose by wearing a mask with an open valve. ( I'm a nurse)
LisaL
(44,973 posts)I don't think it's possible to tape a valve on the inside of the mask of an industrial reusable mask and still be able to breathe. The only solution is to cover the valve with a cloth or a surgical mask from the outside.
Buckeye_Democrat
(14,855 posts)Some of the "N95" masks are nylon with carbon and other layers of filters, and I think a person might be able to exhale through them without using the valves to make it far easier.
LisaL
(44,973 posts)Buckeye_Democrat
(14,855 posts)Not easy!
It's obviously super-easy to exhale through the one-way valve. The cloth mask over it doesn't make it much harder. Just like exhaling through a cloth mask without it, except glasses don't fog because the valve is directed downward.
uppityperson
(115,677 posts)cayugafalls
(5,641 posts)unless you had them before all this, I have not been able to find anything but n95 or kn95.
So just have to make do with what we got.
Demonaut
(8,919 posts)You can still buy this mask on amazon.
Trend STEALTH/ML Stealth Air Half Mask, APF10 (Medium/Large)
No replacement filters, though.
Demonaut
(8,919 posts)Buckeye_Democrat
(14,855 posts)The filters are expensive and hard to find, but the filters should be included from various online retailers like woodworking stores.
https://www.trend-uk.com/en/UK/airstealth_usa/
LisaL
(44,973 posts)In stock right now, I just checked. No replacement filters, though.
Buckeye_Democrat
(14,855 posts)They supposedly last a long time unless commonly exposed to dirty environments, though.
Ms. Toad
(34,076 posts)anti-maskers do not live in isolation. They participate in the community at large, they have parents in nursing homes, or they work in nursing homes, their children attend schools with teachers who may be forced to go back to work - or perhaps with your own children.
LisaL
(44,973 posts)Like a cloth mask or a surgical mask. You't still get the same filtering effect.
Demonaut
(8,919 posts)Response to LisaL (Reply #15)
Ms. Toad This message was self-deleted by its author.
OhioChick
(23,218 posts)If valve masks offered that much protection to the user and those they come into contact with, they'd be using them in hospitals and not recycling their 3M N-95's.
Beartracks
(12,816 posts)==========
LisaL
(44,973 posts)Most of the reusable respirators have valves.
Beartracks
(12,816 posts)That is, the mask is strictly for the wearer's protection?
========
Buckeye_Democrat
(14,855 posts)Many of them weren't originally designed with a plague in mind. Originally used for outdoor activities in pollution, woodworking, etc.
LisaL
(44,973 posts)They are designed for working in dusty environments and so on. Or like you said, pollution in countries where air is very bad quality.
So being able to breathe better by freely exhaling unfiltered air was not a concern.
Well, it is a concern now.
Grokenstein
(5,725 posts)Valve masks filter "inbound" air, while the valve lets "outbound" air out sans filtering. Which is great if all that you're concerned about is dust and particulates, but for COVID-19 it will need a second mask or other form of additional filter to protect others.
LisaL
(44,973 posts)Are you going to change the mask depending on who is around you?
Once you put the mask on, you have to keep it on.
How are you going to know who is going to be around you, maskers or anti-maskers?
Put you surgical mask on top of your valved mask, and then you are getting better protection for yourself and are not being an ass.
Buckeye_Democrat
(14,855 posts)I get mad at non-maskers, but it's in the best interest of everyone to block our droplets even if we're "sure" that we're not infected.
Tipperary
(6,930 posts)Some of the stuff I read here.
Arkansas Granny
(31,519 posts)How does that affect the mask?
Demonaut
(8,919 posts)LisaL
(44,973 posts)Is that a homemade mask?
Arkansas Granny
(31,519 posts)with the filter in. I feel like I'm wearing a plastic bag.
Even without the filter inserted it feels like a filter material sandwiched between 2 layers of cloth, plus the filter pocket, so it's actually 4 layers thick over nose and mouth. It fits my face snugly and my glasses don't fog up like with the disposable masks.
safeinOhio
(32,690 posts)shield and a cheap mask. Its the safe way to go.
LisaL
(44,973 posts)safeinOhio
(32,690 posts)the mask. Mask mostly protect the other person. Thats great. Shield protects you. Safer for both. I predict itll be a big thing soon.
Sugarcoated
(7,724 posts)Safety goggles or something like that?
OhioChick
(23,218 posts)In which the staff had issues with fogginess and not being form fitting.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BQUTQS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
They're now using these, anti-fog and are tight around the eyes, which you want.
I purchased some spares for them on eBay.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Radians-Extremis-Safety-Glasses-Black-Gloss-Frame-Clear-Anti-Fog-Lens/122228279871?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
LisaL
(44,973 posts)OhioChick
(23,218 posts)Everyone is still recycling a few N-95 masks and using paper bags.
There aren't enough N-95's and as of now, no more are in the pipeline in the future, so I'm told.
Most healthcare workers are scrambling to buy their own protection, which is costing a fortune. Authentic N-95's can't be found anywhere.
Whenever you hear the idiot or his sidekick on MSM saying we have "so much PPE", assume it's BS just as everything they say is.
Stay safe.