I apologise for the picture I still think face masks look scary but I think they are here for a while.
With all the new changes in law coming in with face masks I thought I would share a Help sheet on how to make your own mask with a scarf and two hair bands. I improvised and used my buff and I have to say it felt comfortable and covered the nose and under the chin perfectly. When I go out I will have a laundry bag near the front door and I will put All three items in the bag and then in the washing machine. No single use items used and the NHS won’t be bothered by me using my own mask. As I have long hair and love ❤️ Buffs I have about 12 different ones that I have bought over the years so I can be colour co ordinated if I have to go somewhere that I have to wear a mask, I knew there was a reason to have so many buffs I have now been vindicated 😂😂😂.
Good tip for making a face mask, I wonder when parkruns resume all the runners will have to wear a face mask, if a runner turned up at a event not wearing one I wonder if he/she would be allowed to run, I certainly don't fancy wearing one when running.
Thank you. I am not sure I could run in one, I think I would have to train my breathing to stop me feeling a little claustrophobic. Walking is just about manageable.
I was thinking that the other day. perhaps they could insist on them being worn at the start and again at the finish so that people could breathe while running.
Having said that, in February/March we were in Lanzarote during a Calima (sandstorm blown across from the Sahara).
We were wearing our buffs walking back to the apartment and met quite a few runners also wearing buffs. That must have been hot
Love this, thanks for posting it...I have made a load from that site...but have tweaked it to use elastic lace down the side tunnels on mine..I have small ears and ear bands flirt off!!🤣
Mine are Peter Rabbit themed...Mr OF...Harry Potter!
Absolutely brilliant idea to use the Buffs too and you look awesome not scary at all..
There is one small (not small) issue about using buffs.
My first thought had been to make use of my collection (I always carry a couple with me, year round) I'm not sure it is necessary to 'make a mask' out of them rather than simply using over nose and mouth (and care when donning and doffing of course)
Buff themselves were adamant they are not suitable. This may well be due to fears of being sued, and to the distinction between masking for self-protection and masking to reduced transmission to others. (They are also about to bring out a mask...) Ruffnek seem quite keen though.
However, CYA aside, I have seen research suggesting that synthetic fabrics are poor. It's not really surprising: if you put one right over your face - you can still see through it quite well. A two buff layer, less so, but you still can. Better than nothing probably (and members of my family who are entering shops are doing two layers of buff) but possibly not as good as intended. Using buff 'fabric' to make a mask might be better because of the way the layers would work... although I've done the no-sew with bands and a handkerchief and found they slip off my ears so > fiddling. I used a shoe lace to tie them behind my head. Quite comfortable.
I have been trying to get to the bottom of this without success (so far!) As an alternative, I've bought 'handybands' from Seasalt (any excuse!) which are made of cotton or bamboo.
I am still quite tickled that in desperation I might be forced to use the heirloom prize winners buffs from my father which say "British Orienteering Champion".
Have got caught out a couple of times recently on runs and walks with other people not really observing distancing. Outdoors and brief and I resist the temptation to open my mouth to make a verbal reminder, ahem, but still...
I understand what you are saying and before lockdown I was just using a buff covering my nose and mouth sometimes single sometimes double. This method can be 4 times folded And even up to 8 times ( I do find the full on folded four time’s then fully double backed a little hard to breathe) but it is an option. Also you do have the option of putting a filter, ie kitchen towel between layers as well, I’m lucky my ears are right for the hair bands and I have a small button nose Which means I need help keeping anything in place. 😂. I am Still not planning on going out yet as the R rate in London is 0.8 - 1.2 according to PHE and MrRfc still needs to be protected. Take care. Rfc x
The elastic laces work well and I have ordered two full face clear visors... I think small runner in training may find it easier when we do eventually have an outside meet up
I use a shemagh I had forgotten I even owned by the time the "wear a mask" thing started
If you Google "Sandstorm wrap" it should bring up how to wear it so you have anything between four and eight layers - depending on head size lol -over your nose and mouth.
Definitely not as "protective" as an NPR 95 or the like, but IMHO as close as it practically gets.
I grew up in a country with sand storms and they can whip your face like crazy. 😀. In our house I would prefer MrRfc has the heavy duty stuff for a face mask when he needs it and I think the buff is fine for me 😀. From what I have read it how you take them off and either wash them or throw them away That is the most important thing. Take care . Rfc x
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The Running World Cup is back!
Before bed, get my running gear ready!
(not)parkrun / Virtual 5K
Not running again!!
