Face masks

[Rafaina]

Does anyone have any info/recommendations on face masks - not necessarily MSA connected but given that they are now compulsory on public transport and it might continue for some time. I presume disposable ones are the way to go ?

[FredaE]

better not to clutter the world up with anyting disposable unless you must.

washing at 65 degrees and or ironing well on hot are enough and cheaper,

bearing in mind that we are not talking about top grade surgical masks but a tightly woven washable fabric in two or three layers pleated or gathered to provide a good tight fit round the edges.

There are all sorts of patterns on line

[Rafaina in reply to FredaE]

If I had the ability and time to make some I would. I think I will have to buy some as you can only use once before cleaning thoroughly. I never wash anything more than 40 degrees - I hadn’t considered ironing instead. Is that really as effective ?

[FredaE in reply to Rafaina]

Boil them up in a saucepan with soapy water no need to do a whole machine load

[Rafaina in reply to FredaE]

Thanks - hadn’t even thought about that !

[TK-67]

There are a lot of seam stresses and local groups making masks now too. They're becoming very easy to buy as demand rises. My only worry from seeing how people behave in supermarkets wearing them is that it seems to make them think they're super human and they don't have to follow any kind of social distancing! The guidelines aren't to wear masks, it can be any kind of facecovering. My sister lives in London and shes using a lightweight 'snood' that comes up over her mouth and nose, then you don't have the issue of something around your ears which some people find really uncomfortable for more than a few minutes.

[Hidden]

Hello, if you scroll down this bbc article it gives links how to make very easy face coverings. It also has a link on the correct process to take them on and off for reducing risk to yourself. The latest guidance seems to be that they can be washed with other washing, in whatever cycle you use, even 40 degrees. The main thing being that as an envelope virus, the outer shell gets broken down by soap. (It really doesn't like soap.) best of luck. K

bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52930245

[IvyRose64]

Hi, my sister is a tailor for the army and she's been commissioned to make 20,000 face covering for them. The material they re using is a polyester cotton mix, she said that whatever material you use you should not be able to blow a naked flame out through it. I've also seen from my window a lady whose using long scarfs draped quite elegantly around her head and covering her nose an mouth and it's tucked under her chin. I tried to copy it but the scarf kept falling down so either I'm doing it wrong or she's using pins to hold it up. Hope that helps.

[Paul_and_Sue_Wood]

Hi

Most face coverings only stop you from touching your mouth which is one of the ways the virus is transmitted. The only way to stop airborne ( sneeze) is with nhs approved surgical masks.

For outside or shops a face covering is perfect, just keep the 2m distance and wash hands throughly.

Paul