Face shields.

[jmsutt73]

A few days ago, I ordered some face 'shields' from Amazon. They arrived today and are just what I have been needing. They are open at the bottom...yay!... and have a clear plastic shield that goes from ear to ear and from chin to mid-forehead. There is a foam piece that stretches across the forehead beneath a nice Wildcat Blue band, and it has an elastic band that stretches across the back. Pd $25. for a pkg of 5.. So $5. each. Much less expensive here than the cloth ones. Thought that I would share this in case anyone might be interested in trying them...J

[HungryHufflepuff]

Thanks for the review. I’m thinking of trying one . I find the mask makes it difficult for me to breathe, but also makes it difficult for talking, I find I try to talk louder to be understood which makes me even more breathless and tired.

[pegbl in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

I was told by a nurse that the shield will not protect you as droplets can still get underneath .....you can only properly protect by wearing a mask

[Burbagegran in reply to pegbl]

I agree with your nurse. Wear a mask or best stay home.

[SORRELHIPPO]

I bought a pack of 5, nearly stopped breathing when my Nurse came to take blood, and I hurried to put a face mask on, ended up coughing my lungs up, and if I had had the Covid, she would have got it, mask or no mask. So decided safer for both of us, if I was at least partly safe for both of us behind a shield.

[Johnsel]

Hi here in Spain I have been wearing a face shield which is much more comfortable, however was told in one supermarket to put a mask on as well and have since read here, since Spain says we have to wear a mask everywhere, that a shield is not allowed.

[HungryHufflepuff in reply to Johnsel]

That's interesting, Norway too specify that it must be a proper mask, though I don't know if any mention is made of a face shield. I've only been in the UK since Monday and still trying to find out and catch up with regulations, but it seems any face covering of any kind is acceptable.

Wishing you and John all the best.

[katieoxo60 in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

The impression I got was any face covering was OK in UK, however the rule does say mask. Another conundrum. If we with lung conditions exercise our right not to wear masks they will blame us if there is a spike. Have to admit its easier to stay home if at all possible. Stay save all.

[2greys in reply to katieoxo60]

"If we with lung conditions exercise our right not to wear masks they will blame us if there is a spike."

This always a minute possibility, of spreading it pre-symptoms, but those with lung disease are probably more aware of infection and take extra precautions, as they should, Covid or not. I think those that do not wear them because of other reasons would present the greatest risk.

The blame for any spike will probably be laid against those who are ignoring all precautionary rules like those attending illegal raves etc and taking the virus back home, to spread even further.

[katieoxo60 in reply to 2greys]

Agree totally, there are lots of aspects to consider , any precaution to reduce infection spread has to be better than no precautions. Keep save.

[peege in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Welcome home HH ☺

[HungryHufflepuff in reply to peege]

Thank you 😊

[starskyd]

Jmsutt73 I too bought these off amazon, they are better, but i have been told when I'm on the ferry or shops its not good enough. I've downloaded the exemption badge from blf. I do try a mask, can probably manage 20 mins at the most definitely not 4 hrs on a ferry.

[oulpete in reply to starskyd]

Hi, be interested in getting an exemption badge, how do you go about getting one? Thanks

[starskyd in reply to oulpete]

Hi oulpete, go to blf website and you can download to phone

[leo60]

I've bought a couple as well, I cant wear a mask! It has been saying on the BBC news site that shields count as "face coverings" for shops, but they change their minds every 5mins! xx

[sassy59]

Pete has shields too but hasn’t used one yet. Hope you find them useful. Take care xxx😘❤️

[gingermusic]

I have bought a face shield rather than a mask, don't forget to remove your protective film from each side of the shield before using

[ldwilliams]

shields aren't as effective as masks remember, as air and droplets enter behind the shield without any obstruction.

As long as you remember that though, also they are not a substitute legally.

[QuietChest3]

Shields are better than nothing but they are open at bottom and you can spread droplets that way, Covid or other respiratory infection. It will give you protection but if everyone else is wearing mask then this is nominal. They are worn by health professionals to protect their eyes

[katieoxo60]

Thank you for info, we were discussing the use of theses types for those who wear glasses and have breathing difficulties as an alternative to the smaller face masks which cause minor uncomfortable problems. Stay safe.

[Oshgosh]

When I went for my face2face,the nurse gave me a visor as my mask was affecting my breathing.

I then had a lecture from the consultant .

He said that droplets can easily get under te visor.

Apparently the safest thing is a mask.