I finally got an order of masks delivered...

[Wounded Bear]

Only 20 of them, and they appear to be crap. The ear loops seem to pull off the mask far too easily.



I took one and stapled the corners where the loops were attached to bolster them up a bit. It seems to have worked on the one I just wore to the store. Oh well.

[Grokenstein]

1. Mine's only just shipped but...

Get It Right, a company that makes kitchen utensils, is producing washable/reusable silicone masks--you just replace the filter inside.

https://gir.co/products/reusable-face-mask?variant=31569417666649

Obvious downsides: the filters are slightly pricey at a buck a pop, and those straps better be stronger than they look. Hopefully, it's comfortable but secure. I do not like around-the-ears loops but it comes with a clip to connect the loops and if that's too tight I'll make my own clip.

[smirkymonkey]

2. A friend of mine who works for a chemical company sent me a care package w/

some disinfectant wipes, latex gloves, paper products and masks (only 10 masks). I don't leave my building so I only wear my mask when I go down to pick up groceries/packages/mail, and I consolidate my trips so I try to go down no more than once or twice a week, however I hate wearing those masks. I feel like I can't breathe and they make me feel very hot and stuffy. When nobody is around I pull it down and then pull it back up when I see someone.

Does anyone else have a hard time wearing them? I haven't left my building in a month and a half so I have had very little exposure to anyone. I just find them suffocating. I think I would rather just stay inside that go out and have to have a mask on the entire time. I feel so claustrophobic.

[LisaL]

4. Yes, I also find them hard to breathe in.

Don't know how health care workers do it for many hours a day.

[smirkymonkey]

7. I know! That makes me admire them even more!

It must be hell for them, in addition to everything else they are going through. Here in Boston, the Boston Globe has a link where you can contribute money to buy healthcare workers free meals through local restaurants so I kicked in some money. I figured that was one small thing I could do to help make their day a little better.

[leftyladyfrommo]

8. Me, too. And my glasses fog up.

I just wear them on the store.

[Srkdqltr]

3. I have made about 300 of them the last few weeks.

They are all cute and the elastic works it's magic. I even made some with elastic all the way around the head.
you really should find someone in your area who makes masks. They are all around. I give mine for free.
What did you pay for the ones you bought?
Using good home fabric they cost no more than $2.00 to make not including labor. (Of course if you put in the labor you could not afford mine as my time is precious LOL ...).
Seriously, look in your area for a quilt guild or quilt shop. I would bet they could put you in touch with a group where you could get a good one or many for free or a small donation.

[eleny]

5. I joined the Next Door web group for my neighborhood a while back

Lately I've seen that many have posted offers of free masks or masks for a very decent price. I sew my own for family and friends so we haven't purchased any. But local folks in your area will no doubt be posting offers. Even the free ones look great to me. No one has posted complaints so local might be a good way to go in the future.

www.nextdoor.com

[MerryBlooms]

6. I took my eldest sister to the doc today and his office was

giving out free hand sewn cloth masks of high quality that will hold a filter. You might call your doc and ask if they're doing the same.