Mask question: do you use filters?

[jlt19]

We've mostly used disposal masks and have a few heavier washable ones. But now that my kids day camp is requiring them as of Monday (finally!) I bought a ton from Target (2 for $4!). They've got two layers but they're pretty thin. It does have a place for a filter.

I looked and filters are pretty expensive, but then saw an article that you could also put a paper towel or coffee filter in the opening.

I'm not sure how helpful those are (I'll research more) but was curious what the "norm" is.

[flygirl]

I don’t use filters-we have double layer masks so I’m hoping that’s sufficient

[TBM]

We do use filters, and just got more masks with the pocket for them. It just seemed like an easy way to add more layers, and couldn't hurt to try it.

ETA: some of the masks we bought early on seem kind of thin, and the latest recommendation that I read somewhere said masks should be at least 3 layers.

[Leeham Rimes]

Only if I spend an extended time some place. A quick trip to the grocery, no. Taking the dog for a walk, no. If I had to wait, say for a dr appointment or something, I’d use a filter there. H uses them when working bc he’s in more places than me for longer.

[susiebw]

DH read something about how the cloth grocery bags are made of similar material to hepa filters (non-woven polypro). So he cut up an old Trader Joe's bag into the right shape for our masks with pockets, and we use them. We put the masks and filters in a lingerie bag to wash them all.

[mrssandro]

I usually double up. Regular two ply mask with a neck gaitor. I have been debating about adding a face shield too because why the hell not.

[jlt19]

Jul 31, 2020 11:18:20 GMT -5 susiebw said:

DH read something about how the cloth grocery bags are made of similar material to hepa filters (non-woven polypro). So he cut up an old Trader Joe's bag into the right shape for our masks with pockets, and we use them. We put the masks and filters in a lingerie bag to wash them all.

Have you noticed these making it more difficult to breathe? Having washable inserts sounds like the best option since the kids will need them 5 days a week, plus backups.

[bugandbibs]

Yes, we already had a stash of PM2.5 filters from pre-covid. They have gone up significantly in price, so I cut of some stuff interfacing I already had to make more filters. They are washable.

I find having a filter masks it easier to breath because the fabric doesn’t get sucked in and out towards my face when I breathe/talk.

[InBetweenDays]

Yes, our masks are double layer with a small pocket for a 2.5 ppm filter. We use those masks when going anywhere indoors in public (which really is just grocery stores). If we're on walks/runs/hikes we just wear buffs around our neck that we pull up as needed.

[Jalapeñomel]

someone told me that they let particles in, but I never bothered to look into it.

[sapphireblue]

I do, I use masks with a filter pocket and I buy the 2.5 ppm filters.

I discard the filter at the end of every day and wash the mask.

I am working full-time with the public though so each mask/filter is being worn for hours per day.

[Susie]

We haven't.  H and I have been WFH, so our mask use has been pretty short term in most cases.  I've sewn 2-layer masks for all of us and that's what we've just been using.

I wasn't planning on doing anything different for DD if she goes to school in person in the fall, but I'm susceptible to being persuaded.

[picksthemusic]

Dried out baby wipe makes a great filter that's cheap (especially if you can get the unscented Costco/Kirkland Signature baby wipes).

[AdaraMarie]

I do not use filters

[tripleshot]

We haven’t used filters so far but maybe when school starts DS and DH should. We have like 30 of the 2/$4 Target masks because they’re the only ones DS and DH like.

[picaflora]

My masks are the double layer with a pocket. I've been using coffee filters cut down to fit as a filter. The masks I got were made locally and without a filter, and felt super thin.

I don't use them long term, just on errands. I don't find adding a coffee filter makes it that much more difficult to breathe.

[sillygoosegirl]

No. Too hard to breath. At least with the materials I was using. Actually, my homemade masks are pretty hard to breath through even without a filter, so I'm assuming they are already filtering pretty effectively. I wish there was a good way to measure this at home.

[revolution]

Currently no. We use 3-layer masks.

I did get the kids neck gaitors for school that have filters. DD said it was what made her feel most safe b

[gretchenindisguise]

When I go to work, I wear the Hedley and Bennett masks and cut a coffee filter for them.

www.hedleyandbennett.com/pages/wakeupandfightmask

If I'm just running to the store, I use a 2 or 3 layered cloth mask with no filter. The kids masks also have no filter.

[Jalapeñomel]

Ok now I’m thinking that what I’ve been calling a filter is actually being called a vent. Lol

[winecat]

Jul 31, 2020 19:15:35 GMT -5 sillygoosegirl said:

No. Too hard to breath. At least with the materials I was using. Actually, my homemade masks are pretty hard to breath through even without a filter, so I'm assuming they are already filtering pretty effectively. I wish there was a good way to measure this at home.

Bill Nye did a test where he tried to blow out a candle with different types of masks.  Not super scientific but it showed which homemade masks were close to surgical masks and which weren't.

[jlt19]

Jul 31, 2020 15:23:54 GMT -5 picksthemusic said:

Dried out baby wipe makes a great filter that's cheap (especially if you can get the unscented Costco/Kirkland Signature baby wipes).

Huh, I actually have a few packs of those because no one in my house has ever learned to close a lid, including DH.

[jlt19]

Jul 31, 2020 19:46:38 GMT -5 revolution said:

Currently no. We use 3-layer masks.

I did get the kids neck gaitors for school that have filters. DD said it was what made her feel most safe b

I want to get these because I think the kids will like them better, but I'm waiting until the school releases their requirements. DD is super excited about all of the 2 for $4 ones I bought at Target though. I also bought little toggles that I put on the sides because they were a bit big and then a lanyard to attach it for lunch and such.

[caddywompus]

I made us a bunch of 2 layer cotton masks, with a pocket for a filter. I just use a coffee filter folded in half, inside the masks.

[whitemerlot]

We use triple layer masks. Even the old navy ones have 3 layers.

[skidunks]

We do not. The boys masks are double layered and at work a wear a KN95 with a level 2 surgical mask over it.

[mustardseed2007]

It depends. We have a line of masks I got from etsy that has a pocket for a filter but they are already double layer and thick, stiffer fabric so I don't use a filter in those.

I have another mask with a pocket that is thinner, more breathable fabric, and I put a filter in that one.

They are all double layer. 

[macmars45]

My masks are made with a filter pocket & came with filters you can put in. I assumed the filters were machine wash and just put them in a zipped laundry bag in the washer. *shrug*

[dexteroni]

I use a filter if I go into a store. If I'm walking the dog or gardening at the community garden, I don't. My masks have three layers of cotton fabric.

ETA The filters I use are like these. They aren't washable, but they can be used a few times.

[chimera]

Daily no - I wear my sewn multilayer heavy quilting cotton masks to work on days I go in for walking in and between my office and the lab. In the gowning room for lab I swap to the appropriate PPE for what I’ll be working on. Face covering is either a surgical mask or n95 w/surgical mask over it.