Best and worst masks Covid-19

@cindiwass, I looked at a gaiter face mask but didn't like the idea of something around my neck in the hot weather. I did just seen an article in USA Today that discusses your question. I'm still looking for the perfect one because I have a feeling they will be around for awhile and I'm in the at risk category. So far the best one I have is a cloth mask with ear loops but I am looking a transparent/silicon with filters and exhaust valve to see if that might be a long term solution for me.

People are using gaiters as face masks—but are they as effective? https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/reviewedcom/2020/07/30/neck-gaiters-vs-face-masks-they-effective/5544515002/

NPR also had a recent article - A User's Guide To Masks: What's Best At Protecting Others (And Yourself): https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/07/01/880621610/a-users-guide-to-masks-what-s-best-at-protecting-others-and-yourself

@cindiwass- Good morning- I saw the article yesterday in the NY Post. Some people seem to be getting very lax with wearing masks. And no matter how pretty they are if you aren't wearing the correct kind you could get COVID-19. And no matter how pretty they are if you aren't wearing the correct kind you could get COVID-19.

And just a reminder from Mayo:

How to wear a cloth face mask

The CDC recommends that you wear a cloth face mask when you're around people who don't live with you and in public settings. They do not take the place of social distancing. If you aren't wearing the correct mask you could get COVID-19.
Here are a few pointers for putting on and taking off a cloth mask:

Wash or sanitize your hands before and after putting on and taking off your mask.
Place your mask over your mouth and nose.
Tie it behind your head or use ear loops and make sure it's snug.
Don't touch your mask while wearing it.
If you accidentally touch your mask, wash or sanitize your hands.
If your mask becomes wet or dirty, switch to a clean one. Put the used mask in a sealable bag until you can wash it.
Remove the mask by untying it or lifting off the ear loops without touching the front of the mask or your face.
Wash your hands immediately after removing your mask.
Regularly wash your mask with soap and water by hand or in the washing machine. It's fine to launder it with other clothes.

And, here are a few face mask precautions:

Don't put masks on anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious or otherwise unable to remove the mask without help.
Don't put masks on children under 2 years of age.
Don't use face masks as a substitute for social distancing.

I don't even own a bandana.

@cindiwass You ask a good question and l certainly see a lot of neck scarves and bandanas being used as face masks. One doctor said, they’re not as good at preventing the spread of droplets, but if you are good at wearing it, and following social guidelines, then it’s good enough. The best face mask/bandana/scarf/gaiter/etc is one that you’ll use! There is no easy answer, just wear it!

@cindywass, @johnbishop, @merepreb,and @becsbuddy, I had to look up the "gaiter mask". At the beginning of the pandemic, I had a few hospital masks bought earlier before pandemic and saved if I needed for car excursions and also had scarves and bandanas to wear in the yard and on walks. Eventually, I ordered a tightly woven cloth mask with removable filter and additional replacement filters from Etsy. Wish I had ordered more than one mask but wanted to try it first. It is not a gaiter but what makes it so successful for me is that it is light weight and has a velcro band that fastens behind the head. It is great because you can remove the ear straps and the mask can remain around the neck.

Last Friday was a Double Whammy Day for me. After four months of strict self-isolation, no 3 1/2 week haircuts nor carryout food, I bit the bullet and as it turned out, I started the day with an overdue, unsatisfactory kidney doc visit and concluded with my 1st, since early March, haircut appt. with my longtime hair stylist. When stylist said she thought I'd deserted her, I laughed and assured her that when she saw me, she'd know she'd not been deserted.

I shampooed ahead and drove to the appointment with a wet hand towel draped over hair (like one of the Arabian Knights), wore sunglasses, mask, long sleeved blouse and slacks. I must have been quite the sight! We'd made my appt the last of her day and she knew of my virus vulnerability. I knew I'd have to uncover my face when she cut around ears and we lifted the plastic sheet over the mask which remained around my neck. I closed my eyes and was stunned Speechless when she proceeded to blow with her Mouth stray hairs around my ears and neck. Never before had she or any other stylist not used a blow dryer to whish off any stray hair. I could not get out of there fast enough!

After drops in eyes, nose, mouth, and ears, a long shampoo and shower, I made only one colossal mistake. I should have topped off the day with a verrrry stiff drink of Makers Mark or Vodka...(which has more alcohol??? smiles) Felt like 4 months of precautions blown so might as well indulge with my first carryout dinner order. My new 14 days of caution will end the day after my birthday.

In the meantime, I will continue wearing my velcro mask in public but as Becky reported, "the best mask if one that (you or others) use". May take a swig of Berringer wine before a trip to the liquor store or Best Buy but hey! Even the best laid plans....can go awry! Taking recs for a new neph and stylist; any suggestions???? Best to all.

@fiesty76. Hi. I'm not particularly afraid of going out, but I do have to be careful when I go into a store and see adults without masks, also if they have small children, even in a carrying basket, without a mask, I wonder -- what are they thinking? Since I am inclined to tell people off I have to be careful. Who knows what they're capable of? I do feel safer wearing a mask, right now I'm basically making my own, very simple. But I was wondering.
I have learned to cut my own hair, by the way. It's not hard but then I've had to adjust my hairstyle also. However, it's easier than getting up and going to the hairdresser every 4 weeks, not knowing if she'll give me a good cut or not. I have a pretty good idea of how to cut a straight line at the back of my head, I do it by feel. Of course it's not for everybody. And now my hair is generally one length. No more layering. 🙂 Best to you.

fiesty76, about that mask you bought on etsy, I might try looking.

Hi. The article I read about gaiter masks really didn't explain anything about why they were not as good as other masks. I'm not talking about the effectiveness or lack thereof. Or droplets, etc. I'm talking about the material or structure and why they're not as good as whatever other masks there are. Same with bandanas. (It's not making sense yet to me.) And here I just bought my first gaiter mask. -- but haven't used it yet -- I made masks from the sleeves of stretchy shirts. I cut off the sleeves and cut holes in the piece and it matches the shirt. 🙂 Don't know how effective they are, but I like them and I wear them. And the patterns are nice. 🙂 Usually they're doubled over so I get maybe (?) more protection, but I am thrilled as soon as I get out of the store to take it off and breathe whatever air there is.

Hi, cindiwass, You are braver and probably much more coordinated than I in cutting your own hair...very big grin. I did check out some videos on how to cut one's short hair but beyond managing my bangs, too much the sissy to attempt it. However, I also shake my head in utter confusion and consternation at seeing so many out without wearing masks. Thanks for your response and kudos for managing your own hair cuts. I'll just resort to finding a new stylist and be prepared to run if she/he isn't taking necessary precautions.

@cindiwass- Hello. You bring up a good point. Making sure that your mask fits properly is imperative. If your hair gets in the way of a proper fit that's not good. Even if this wasn't the reason for your "self- cut" I'm impressed that you took the initiative to make yourself comfortable and avoid a risky place. I do go to my salon. It's very small and I'm the only one in there.

There are many youtube videos to help show people how to trim or cut your hair. Did you learn this way?

hi again, @cindiwass, i just went through paperwork and found the Etsy mask I ordered that is so comfortable and breathable. I also like it because it is light weight and because of back velcro strap, ear loops can be removed and mask can drop down around neck in car, etc, without having to remove it. With the removable/replaceable filters, addt'l pkg ordered separately, and light, bendable nose wire, I am going to order a couple more. At $13 ea. and washable, it was a lucky purchase for me. Made by Empress Flora. https://www.etsy.com/listing/813425809/purple-dare-active-wear-sports-face-mask