Ready for an N95? Here's how to find a high-quality one that fits you well

Post by cjonas » Sun, Jan 16, 2022, 6:20 AM UTC

dv_dt wrote: post #52

cjonas wrote: post #47

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This is spot on. I'm really hoping omicron will be the wave that finally helps achieve some level of "herd immunity". It's sad that we had the opportunity to do so via vaccination but failed to capitalize. However a variant with high transmission and low chance of severe symptoms is the next best thing

There likely is no herd immunity to be had. Omicron infects those with previous delta infections, and there are cases being studied further from South Africa of omicron cases getting reinfections of omicron. I think our best chance is faster vaccine cycles and better targeting of the sequences to impede transmission.

Post by tommiegannert » Sun, Jan 16, 2022, 6:58 AM UTC

javajosh wrote: post #72

quanto wrote: post #58

Fit is critically important. There is no point in having an advanced filter material if the mask fit itself is leaking air everywhere. >"An N95 is more protective because it has a better face seal in general than a KN95 or a KF94," N95 does not require manufacturers to test for fit. However, the headband normally ensures a better face seal. KF94 has a fit-test requirement, but it's bar is low -- 11% leakage to pass t…

>and is easy to breathe in with My understanding is that for Covid your mask is expected to filter exhalation, protecting others from any virus you may have in your system. My understanding is that masks do very little to protect you from inhaling unwanted virus carrying particles. Of course, it seems to me that a good mask should really be doing both jobs at once, with a good seal. Which means no beards and headband…

Post by dmix » Sun, Jan 16, 2022, 7:13 AM UTC

horns4lyfe wrote: post #194

For whatever reason, people in this site seem to be cloistered in places that have mask mandates, when in most states this is a moot point because most states don’t have mask mandates. And at some point people will start leaving places with these mandates for places without them, because for some reason no one wants to admit that wearing a mask is really annoying.

Post by dmix » Sun, Jan 16, 2022, 7:22 AM UTC

frogpelt wrote: post #57

daveevad wrote: post #31

> N95s aren't regulated for children, so if a mask says it's an N95 for kids, don't trust it. This makes me think we're still floundering at the basic protections. Our kids' school in the Bay Area recommends N95s for kids which, if this statement is true, don't exist.

From the beginning it has been obvious that the decision makers did not know what to do about this pandemic. I am not convinced that lockdowns and masks have decreased the positive cases based on comparisons between places that were heavy on lockdown and mask mandates and those that weren’t. Almost no one is wearing N95 masks. And many of those who wear masks only wear them some of the time or incorrectly. On a fligh…

Post by AnonC » Sun, Jan 16, 2022, 8:31 AM UTC

khuey wrote: post #6

The 3M Aura N95s are pretty comfortable and cost a couple dollars each at Home Depot. They're also pretty good about directing your breath away from the top so your glasses won't fog up when wearing them.