NicJan 2, 2023

If someone you're with is wearing a mask, don't ask if they want you to wear one, too. Just put one on.

Masks have become contentious and it's really uncomfortable to be on the side of asking someone to mask. Don't put someone in the position of feeling like they have to give you their personal health history to rationalize their request. Just put a fucking mask on.

#MaskUp #CovidIsAirborne

Show threadSabrina Web  ðŸ“ŽJan 3, 2023
@Nickittynic I've had covid when everyone stopped using masks, now I never go anywhere without a mask. It has other advantages beyond the protection from covid and everything airborne. My only problem is that I wear glasses and with a mask on they get steamy and I can barely see
Show threadNic
@sabrinaweb71 Have you tried the 3M 'Aura' mask? It's an N95. I get very little fogging with them.
Jan 3, 2023 at 11:13amWeb
Show threadSabrina Web  ðŸ“ŽJan 3, 2023
@Nickittynic it depends if I can find them where I live. I'll take note of the name for now
Show threadmindstalkJan 4, 2023
@sabrinaweb71 @Nickittynic I think the Auras are embossed on top, so less water vapor escapes through the mask. (Fogging needn't be a sign of air leakage.) Valved Auras, like the 9211+ in the US, are even better, since most exhalation goes straight out.
Show threadNicJan 4, 2023
@mindstalk @sabrinaweb71 Are the exhalation valves filtered? I haven't seen those! It's important that exhalation valves on any masks be filtered, though.
Show threadmindstalkJan 4, 2023

@Nickittynic @sabrinaweb71 No filter, the whole point of the valve is to bypass the filter and be easier to exhale with. Though one CDC study claimed the valve was about as 'filtering' as a surgical mask anyway.

Personally I won't worry about it unless everyone else were masking again or I were visiting someone vulnerable. My valve in a current store or bus is not the weakest link.

Show threadmindstalkJan 4, 2023

@Nickittynic @sabrinaweb71

Anyway, most Auras (9205+, 9211+ with better/tighter straps, 1870+ with medical coating) don't have a valve. But I think the 9205 gives me a bit more fogging than the 9211.