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Cahatstrophemy absolutely massive pile of good quality disposable masks is finally starting to run low, so i'm considering upgrading to something more permanent/reuseable instead of just replacing the pile of disposables. does anyone have any tips/recommendations?
i've fully just given up on internet searching random queries like this now, it either comes from a real human or i don't want to hear it
mrs information@Cahatstrophe i’d also pass on the resource of breathesafeair.com
@Cahatstrophe the flo mask is expensive but I have had a good experience wearing it this past month
@kqct noted! thanks
@Cahatstrophe i strongly considered the elastomask pro and the envo mask before committing to the flo mask; everyone i know in real life who owns a reusable (non-cartridge) respirator owns a Flo Mask.
@kqct the Flo Mask website is giving me massive red flags but i guess i can ignore that if so many people are finding them okay to use
Texan_Reverend@Cahatstrophe @kqct FloMask is a reasonably reputable company, and lots of folks find them more comfortable than a traditional N95.
It's just important to understand what some of their claims and offerings mean in order to align your expectations appropriately.
The design is a quarter-face respirator which sits on the chin, just below the lips, instead of under the chin like most N95s and half-face elastomerics.
@Cahatstrophe While the material of the Everyday filter may be rather breathable, the exposed filter surface area is still notably smaller than most N95s. So, don't expect it to be much, if any, better than your disposables, depending on what models they are.
The Pro filter is more restrictive and is likely to be a bit harder to breathe through than your disposables, unless they're particularly high resistance models.
@Cahatstrophe The Pro filter scores over 99% filtration, which is what most quality N95s get, as well - models like the 3M Aura, Dräger 1950, Moldex Airwave, etc.
The Everyday filter gets 95% filtration which meets the minimum for N95/KN95/FFP2. However, most reputable models with those certs actually score much higher.
To get near these filtration capabilities in the real world, you have to be careful when mounting the filter, as any wrinkles or folds at the edges can create unfiltered leaks.
@Cahatstrophe While I'm sharing reality checks to offset some of the marketing speak on their website, the Flo Mask is genuinely a decent product that has been far more comfortable than a traditional N95 for many people. I do not discourage its use at all. I just want to make sure folks understand it ahead of time to avoid disappointment as much as possible.
Regardless of what model(s) you try out, I hope you find something that's comfortable, fits well, and gets you what you're looking for.
lee@Cahatstrophe I have a flomask and like it. upfront cost but really good on the low waste front.
@Cahatstrophe and imo pretty comfortable, nose gets a little wear-y with longer periods
@inherentlee good to know! thanks
freak accelerationist@Cahatstrophe i recently got a flo mask w/ cat and have been enjoying it greatly. it gets uncomfortable after ~8 hours of continuous wear but most masks do /shrug
i also really like https://canadastrongmask.ca 's breathteqs, though they're a little pricey (~1.7-1.9$/mask based on quantity ordered). i like that they have different sizes, too; i'm their size medium.
i also really like https://canadastrongmask.ca 's breathteqs, though they're a little pricey (~1.7-1.9$/mask based on quantity ordered). i like that they have different sizes, too; i'm their size medium.
Made in Canada N95, KN95, and 3M Respirator Face Masks, rapid tests
Flu and COVID rapid tests, and Made in Canada N95, KN95, and 3M Aura respirator face masks. Sizes for adults, teens, and kids. Free shipping over $99. Health Canada licensed, CSA Certified, and NIOSH approved. Hand Sanitizer and wipes. PPE recycling available for medical surgical procedural masks and gloves.
elle@Cahatstrophe
what's your budget? are there any things that are important for you, or any musts? amy deal breakers? are you specifically looking for an elastomeric? or just high quality respirators of any sort
what's your budget? are there any things that are important for you, or any musts? amy deal breakers? are you specifically looking for an elastomeric? or just high quality respirators of any sort
@vantiss i'm brainstorming
@Cahatstrophe
icic! what were you using before?
even in brainstorming budget matters for my recs some tho
acetone_kitten@Cahatstrophe
i've used the b2 and the flomask. the flomask has a way more secure seal and feels a little better. most people i know who care about this seem to have settled on the flomask.
i've used the b2 and the flomask. the flomask has a way more secure seal and feels a little better. most people i know who care about this seem to have settled on the flomask.
@acetone_kitten interesting! thanks
@Cahatstrophe The only reusable models that provide N95 comparable or better filtration, and substantively reduce waste, are the cartridge-based elastomerics like painters and tradespeople wear.
Models like the FloMask and Envo Mask use filter inserts which are basically an N95 without straps. If they're a good fit and more comfortable, they can be great options, but their filters need to be replaced just as often as disposable N95s.
I do not aim to discourage their use; I'm just clarifying.
@Cahatstrophe The replacements for flat-filter elastomerics like FloMask and Envo Mask also tend to be the same price or more expensive than many great N95 models.
If it fits you, the 3M Aura 1870 
is actually a great way to reduce waste and is one of the best N95s on the market:
https://amazon.com/dp/B0937JGMY7
These are regularly offloaded by hospital systems and medical suppliers at a deep discount when they turn over warehouse stock during the last year of their manufacturer guarantee.
@Cahatstrophe These can't be used in medical settings after the guarantee date for liability reasons, but they've been independently tested to perform like new even when they're 5-10 years past their guarantee.
The thing that can degrade in that time is the straps which can become a bit more likely to break when donning. But that's 5 years after the printed date, and these get sold on Amazon in the months before said date. So, they have lots of time before that starts to be a consideration.
@Cahatstrophe Using these respirators which will otherwise be thrown in the trash once they get beyond their guarantee date is a great way to reduce waste while getting a phenomenal deal - around 12 cents per N95.
All that said, whichever model of disposable fits you best and works well for you is still a great thing to stick with. Unless you switch to a cartridge-based elastomeric, there's very little change to the waste produced, but there's likely to be an increase in the overall cost.
@Cahatstrophe PS: if you do want to consider a cartridge elastomeric, I quite like the 3M 7500 series. It uses the most comfortable and conforming silicone of any of their models, and it's compatible with a huge range of 3M filters, both cartridge and pancake style.
Apart from clear weight/size differences from an N95, the two main potential downsides or considerations are:
1) It's harder for people to hear what you're saying than through an N95.
2) The exhalation valve means no source control.
@Cahatstrophe PPS: I maintain the Masking Reference Doc at
https://texanalysis.com
In it, you can find specific studies and guidance regarding respirator reuse, total wear time, and the way the degradation of the electrostatic charge necessitates replacement well before there are any visible signs of the respirator wearing out.
(Also info on: safe mask decorations, facial hair accommodations, drinking valves, a size-sorted list of community-tested respirators, and lots more.)
@Texan_Reverend this is very helpful, thank you! "cartridge based elastomeric" is the phrase i needed but didn't know
@Cahatstrophe if you’re interested in more disposables you should also check gcsurplus.ca! they have surplus masks for very cheap.
other keywords if you’re looking for them are full/half/quarter face
other keywords if you’re looking for them are full/half/quarter face