Surgical masks?

Parents Forum Parent Cafe
206

I think that depends on how long your plane ride is…

207

Well, there’s the flight from NY to San Diego that I just canceled . . .

I’m still scheduled to fly from NY to Charlotte – a two-hour flight – for GD’s third birthday, but that’s starting to look unlikely.

208

Yes, I heard that too. They don’t address it, though I didn’t read the official report, just this summary.

209

what site was that? thx .

210

100% if my husband and I are flying first class! :rofl:

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211

Got my order of Lutema masks! :slight_smile: I need my ear loops shortened, by Mr. B says his mask fits well! :+1:

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212

That table doesn’t take into account HEPA filtration that all modern airplanes use. :wink:

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213

I appreciate that chart as I just booked a flight. Fortunately, I have a fit tested N95. Maybe will add a face shield, which I did wear flying back in March 2021.

214

The table was pre-omicron as well, so unclear how well these masks and respirators are effective against this more contagious variant.

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215

Good point. But then there’s all the time waiting in the airport and so forth. I’m scared of other people right now.

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216

Not to put too fine a point on it, but I think we’re veering into the realm of scientific debate, here. :wink:

218

I sent you a PM.

219

Probably, but there’s good data on disease transmission on airplanes even pre-COVID without masks. My point was reassurance rather than debate. If I have to spend prolonged time in contact with someone I don’t know, I’m far safer sitting right next to them on a modern large plane with my well fit N95 and safety glasses than I would be in almost any other environment, especially a restaurant.

221

Thank you for clearing that up. You can understand how the post below might be subject to all sorts of interpretation:

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222

Posts are getting flagged because the topic is about which masks people recommend and what the differences are among them. The thread is veering off topic to areas discussed in other threads.

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223

Just what I was about to post!

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224

Oh I was wondering about the flagging.

I’m a little overwhelmed by all the mask recommendations. I had been wearing cloth masks till I recently read that they are not much protection. So I switched to disposable ones. Not sure of the quality. What is the top recommendation. I go back to work Tuesday after having a positive COVId test last Thursday. I have to wear a mask for 5 days and not sure what to get. I used N95 on a flight to FL in the summer and they really hurt my ears! (I have a big head!)

(FYI my doc does not approve of the CDC 5 day recommendation and thinks I should quarantine 10 days).

225

From most to least protection:

  1. Being outdoors (not enclosed or crowded).
  2. N95, KF94, KN95 (well fitted and not counterfeit). There may be others not labeled as such, but which have similar filtration. But in the absence of testing (like Aaron Collins’ tests) there is no way to know for sure.
  3. Surgical mask with “mask hacks” to close the gaps on the sides. “Mask hacks” include wearing a well fitted cloth mask over the surgical mask, using a “mask improver” that closes the side gaps, or even just flipping the ear loops if you have no other ways to do so.
  4. Surgical mask. The typical gaps at the sides are where airborne virus may avoid going through the mask.
  5. Well fitting two layer cloth mask.
  6. Loose fitting cloth mask.
  7. No mask.

Note: N95 masks with outlet valves do not protect others and may not be accepted in “mask required” places where the intent is at least partially to protect others. But putting a surgical mask over the outlet valve may allow use of such if that is what you have.

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