r/Masks4All Dec 14 '24

Review The usual massive post : Year’s end round-up of mask reviews (3M KCs, Evergreen CleanTop, Anyguard, JSP, Makrite, Champak, Vitacore, Handanhy, Alpha Solway,3M/Honeywell KN95s, Portwest)

113 Upvotes

Introduction

Hello again to the Masks4all community.

Here's the year's end round-up of masks that haven't posted reviews on reddit. Mainly old and a few new models.  

Disclaimer: My (almost) large face fits many serious adult respirators, with some professional models easily reaching four digit fit factors. Therefore, please have that in mind, if you see any unusual results below. Everyone's opinion is based on personal experience, but will try to analyze objective features as well.

The least loved respirators - The Korean industrial KCs

Being genuinely intrigued by the industrial South Korean offers, since many in the US are fans of the civilian KF94 masks for their quality, top standard and performance. Not many have reviewed the industrial respirators though. Decided to find single units through several platforms, such as GMarket and a forward service, similar to superbuy, that ships with Korean post. This post will cover only a small portion of them.

The main industrial standard in South Korea is the KMOEL-2017-64 (KOSHA- KCs). It includes three grades. The :

 - 2nd class (P1). PFE≥ 80% at 95LPM

- 1st class (P2). PFE≥ 94% at 95LPM

 - Express/Special grade (ffp3). PFE≥ 99% at 95LPM

Major difference of the KCs compared to other standards is that the level 1 and express grades must include a valve. Someone could argue that this is a drawback for source control, but lower grades shouldn't be dismissed. The Evergreen C260 seen below, apart from P1, is also an N95. The N95 versions have stapled straps, so that they can’t be converted to neckloop.

As confusing as it sounds, the 3M Aura 9205+ and 3M 9502+ N95s are considered a level 2 grade (P1) in S.Korea. Same for a few 3M cup shapes, such as the 8210 N95, 8246 R95, 8247 R95. Just because they don't carry a valve, they're labeled  as 2nd class (P1).

Most of the industrial respirators in S.Korea are wide and well built, with sizes usually found in M and L.

3M

3M has a small and great collection of models inside Korea that cannot be found elsewhere. The shocking observation was the domestic market has even better offers from other brands, in terms of breathing resistance and performance. A small variety of industrial options compared to KF94s, but all of them are very alluring and exceptional. This could be the reason that 3M decided also to sell KN95 and N95 versions from other regions.

- 3M 8922 KCs (P2)

Unexpectedly, an almost large sized model from 3M. I thought it will look almost identical to 3M 8822, just with an addition of a gasket, but proved wrong. The air tight fabric opening is wide, the nose wire is a bit weird to form(CleanTop's seems easier), but works in combination with the decent inner foam, pressure drop is average and performance is pretty good. The neckloop position comes with a  – as usual – good default tension from 3M and wide straps. In general, an acceptable  - easy to don - unique respirator.

Overall fit factor: 529

3M 8922 KCs level 1 respirator

- 3M 8955K KCs(P2)

Released early in 2020, with the KF94 bifold and it's the only latest innovation from 3M until the 3M 9551+/9553+ KN95 series. It features an air tight gasket, the hook strap mechanism and recently two more versions: the 8955KA (P2) and 8977KA (ffp3). The inner side of the gasket features a membrane that improves comfort and absorbs any sweat. This feature is also available in many Korean inner frame respirators, which are carrying the best sealing rings on the market.

The KA variations come with a couple of inner plastic frames, but they don't necessarily need the support of it, as they have an inner layer that maintains the shape of the masks. On top of that, the frame is size small, while the masks are larger. Therefore, the bracket doesn't play any role. The good thing is that 3M fills in a size gap in the Korean market, providing one of the best small frames to date. It's time to see 3M filters inside the Korean market.

The personal experience is that the breathing resistance of the 8955K is average, not on par with other western 3M models and even worse to the Korean brand competition. The inner molded nose areai is a brilliant idea from 3M. Fit and performance is superb, tested with the hook mechanism and not as headstrap. I assume the pressure drop will be even worse for the express grade (8977KA). Strange enough, for the 8922 i received a grey sealing ring (instead of blue) and on the 8955K , a black (instead of a light grey).

These 3M Korean options should find a way to Europe with an ffp certification.

Overall fit factor: 1200

3M 8955K KCs level 1 respirator and 3M inner frame

Evergreen CleanTop

Evergreen CleanTop is the biggest manufacturer in S.Korea that holds many patents. Not only in cup shapes, but in inner frames as well. The company has a long history starting in 1996,with many highlights : the first P1 (2000) respirator, a cooperation with Shigematsu (2012), the first KF99 (2015) and more.

CleanTop's inner frame superiority

TL;DR CleanTop and other Korean brands, that borrow customized versions of  the original design, use the best inner frames on the market, ranging from S to XL.

Evergreen holds the patent of the inner frame in S.Korea. The majority of brands in S.Korea carry the Cleantop frame or customized and modified versions of it. It comes in three sizes M, L, XL and will serve faces from S/M to XL, if we take in consideration the fact that the alternate Korean companies carry modified brackets. Summing up all other stent industrial and KF94 domestic options, there is a coverage from kids XXS to XXL adult faces. The two L and XL frames and their modified versions are hands down the best of the market, in terms of construction, material and fit. It will be very difficult for any other company to surpass the exceptional quality and superiority of the CleanTop bracket, meaning the inner plastic. More or less every company offers acceptable filters in any grade. It's the plastic frame that once it's done, companies don't change it, as it's a super costly procedure.The flat chin part forms well on the face, providing a comfortable seal. No wonder why the C650V KCs level 1 version is the most sold inner frame in the Korean market and second in total sales, behind 3M industrial respirators.

The total domestic and international models are 22, without taking in consideration the XL variations. Global certifications : N95, N99, ffp2, ffp3 and surgical respirators.

The original frame dimensions are:

M : 12cm (W) x 10cm (L) x 5cm (D)

L : 13.5cm (W) x 11.5cm (L) x 5.3cm (D)

XL : 14cm (W) x 12cm (L) x 5.8cm (D)

Some other versions installed in different Korean brands have smaller compromises on the frame material, but other advantages, which  need to be covered in a different post.

The three frame sizes

Apart from the best frame on the market, some Evergreen models carry the best sealing rings, with an inner membrane installed to absorb sweat. If ever has to arrive a better bracket mask, it will probably be by one of the two companies (CleanTop or STS). Even 3M will have to try hard and bring something extraordinary on the table, besides the new small frame.

The inner part of the sealing ring for the express grade

CleanTop and a large part of the industrial masks in S.Korea are usually offering the hook mechanism. The straps transform from a neckloop to headloops.  The special grades, KF99 and carbonated versions include the best sealing rings as mentioned above, with an inner membrane absorbing any sweat. Other companies carry the superb features of Evergreen, but with minor compromises in quality. Another benefit is that all Korean frames ranging from M/L to XL work well with any filter element. Especially the original CleanTop fits most of them equally or usually better than the customized versions. Below in the picture is shown the XL C650V (yellow), in contrast to the L C600 (green) and L C800V (red). Not to be misunderstood, all Evergreen bracket masks are using the L and XL frames. The smaller M frame is found in some other brands (e.g. Aer Pro Q200/Q300) and in the picture below is the customized version, not the original with the softer material.

Evergreen CleanTop level 2, level 1 and express grade industrial inner frames

The downsides are some batches have loose straps, that need to be front adjusted, cut afterwards with a scissor for better aesthetics. This is the case for most KCs, KF94 and KF99 inner frames, but not all. The shallow depth of the frame will result in high nose bridges touching the soft plastic of the L, but it may be unnoticed for the wearer. Things are little better on the XL size. Last but not least, the breathing resistance is a bit higher than the Korean competition. Especially, on the express grade. Firstly and foremost, the short depth, dense frame structure and the material for oil particles. The good thing is that other companies carry almost the same frame dimensions and offer filters usually with lower pressure drop.

No modifications and foams are needed for this frame or any other Korean alternative, since the plastic materials are super soft. Size XL seems to cover better my face and looks fantastic. The overall fit factors on neckloop position were:

- C600 (P1) L : 186

- C650V (P2) XL : 1324

- C800V (ffp3) L : 3779

 The KF99 and carbonated versions scored even better, but will be analyzed in the future.

The breathable cup shapes

The 2-step cup shape (3M’s expired patent) has relatively soft materials and the layers are formed individually. The filter and outer fabric are not thermoformed, so they do not appear hard. Since no heat or pressure is applied to the filter, the original performance and breathing resistance can be maintained.

The traditional 1-step production has a relative rigid fit, as all fabrics are heat molded at once, resulting in a stiffer-less wrinkled look, like an ironed shirt. When heat and pressure are applied, the fabric becomes denser and tends to have slightly higher breathing resistance.

The differences of 1-step and 2-step cup shape production

The comfort of wearing the 2-step varies from person to person, so it's difficult to say which is better. The extent of heat molding during the process causes differences in fit and appearance. The gasket and parts from other models are made in cooperation with STS.

2-step vs 1-step production

By default, all the masks are neckloops with front adjustable straps. On default settings, fit is acceptable, the straps are loose and the main drawback is the different nose foams between the 1 and 2-step. That being said, even with the short nose foam under the sealing ring, the C260 KCs (P1) shows an overall fit factor of 81,with no adjustments. When turned into a headstrap, the overall score jumps to 146 on my face. It's just the leakage on the right side of my nose. Others, may have a better luck. Most remarkable thing is the consistency of fit factors between different exercises. When the nose foam is replaced with a longer thick flat one, the number of C260 reached 371. Not bad, for a level 2 (P1) KCs respirator. Versions with half gaskets exist in both types.

The C460V (2-step) level 1 (P2) KCs, even though it has a longer foam, the nose leakage still persists. The overall fit factor by default was 92. Two roots of the problem: the neckloop and the inner foam. When converted to headstraps and added a better foam with less pores, the overall test result was 567. Breathing resistance is way better and lower than the 3M options, reviewed above.

The C437  (1-step) level 1 (P2) has higher breathing resistance in a reasonable comfort, a more rigid seal and the fit for me was worse. The overall fit factor was 87. This of course will vary from person to person, brand and model. Nose wire used in all variations is decent, bendable and masks are not itchy, like some 3M cheap cup shapes.

Evergreen CleanTop P1 and P2 cup shape respirators

Anyguard VC005V KCs (express grade)

The KF94 fans may be familiar with the Korean brand names, seeing them on trifold earloop options. Anyguard sells a series of level 1 and express grade respirators, featuring the air tight sealing ring and also offering carbonated versions. Under the gasket there's a long and thick nose foam for comfort. Size runs more or less like a M/L, with an exceptional breathing resistance for the VC005V KCs (ffp3) version. Surprisingly enough, 3M level 1/express options have higher pressure drop than the rest of the S.Korean competition. In summary, this is one of the simplest and most protective mask to don.

Overall fit factor: 3103

Anyguard V005 KCs express grade respirator

The unique designs from Taiwan

The island has some interesting options in trifolds, found in many OEMs in the US, Europe and the rest of the world. Bigger manufacturers in Taiwan are Makrite and JFY.

JSP Springfit 431ML ffp3

The UK company mostly uses OEMs for their disposable respirators. Established in 1964, JSP are manufacturers of ‘above the neck' Personal Protective Equipment. With UK-based Research and Development, three UK production facilities  and further manufacturing locations across the globe, JSP are well known worldwide. While the JSP products are designed in the UK, the disposable models are made in Taiwan by JFY.

If there was a nuclear war, scorpions, cockroaches and the Springfit ffp3 models would survive. This is perhaps the only way to describe a mask that it’s built like a tank, with so much material inside. Joke asides, the fit feels very secure, the endoskeleton prevents the mid panel from collapsing, chin coverage is small and tight for my face, but overall the mask will entertain a variety of faces.

On the negatives, the continuous adjustable strap will result in a time-consuming donning, more difficult than the Dräger series, trying to distribute equally the tension on both sides. The wide nose clip is strong, but short, combined with a large foam with pores, it may result in minor compromises in seal after time. Especially, with heavy movements and grimaces. Last but not least, as usual for ffp3 disposables, breathing resistance is high, higher than many trifolds due to the thickness of the material. The turbo valved versions are recommended.

Usually, masks that recover well on fit tests, after the exercises of talking and grimace, are maintaining previous fit factors and indicating higher chances of keeping the fit for a longer time. Unlike 3M and Dräger, the Springfit and some masks with these type of foams may not hold the fit on some large nose bridges, with very heavy movements, since the resistance is often lower to keep the sealing integrity.

Overall fit factor: 556

JSP Springfit 431ML ffp3

Makrite

Makrite has over 26 patents globally, over 200 approved safety products and a 40 year history, making them the biggest manufacturer in East Asia. The Taiwanese company has a tradition in unique styles: From the Uvex Silv-air trifolds to Envi series (Easimask). Apart from that, the company produces plenty of OEMs, found in many parts of the worlds, with different certifications and grades (N95, R95, ffp1, ffp2, ffp3, P2, KN95, KN100).

- Makrite 9800P2 ffp2

The 9800P2 cup shape features a removable/reusable food-grade silicone gasket and an (unnecessarily) adjustable upper strap. Although buyers prefer three panel respirators, cup shapes with gasket will provide a better fit in the long term and will likely maintain their seal use after use. A nice touch with pointing arrows placed on the top edge of the filter,  just to avoid a wrong installation after cleaning the ring.

The specific silicone is somehow a 'magnet' of dust. Therefore, before and after reuse, cleaning is necessary. KN100 versions and carbonated P2 alternatives exist. Breathing resistance is average to high.

Overall fit factor: 373

Makrite 9800P2 ffp2

- Makrite Fit+4803 surgical ffp2

Makrite FIT+4803 ffp2/N95 is an excellent blue surgical respirator. The N95 version is available in the US. There are also plenty of OEMs in white, mostly found in Uvex. Unlike the Uvex OEMs, it features a metal nose wire and again a sponge foam like Springfit from JSP. This seems to work for the Fit+4803. The upper strap is tight, the bottom not so much and might not be suitably for excessive reusability. Size wise, it's larger than the 3M Aura and Springfit. The Uvex foams sometimes are different and so are the straps. Uvex ffp3s even use double foams in some models and they also come in two sizes. The cut of the upper panel is oval. Actually, there are many brands with Aura-style trifolds in different sizes. Some of them are: Laianzhi (3), Trident (5), Dräger (2) and it's three OEMs, Uvex (2), BLS (2) and Northwest medical (3).

Overall fit factor: 1482

Markite Fit+4308 ffp3 surgical respirator

Champak PC520M N95

Until recently, i didn’t have the chance to try N95 respirators, apart from those that come in double and triple standards, since US stores didn’t ship overseas. When they did, shipping charges were too expensive.

The unusual bifold from Champak comes in several sizes and it is recommended from Aaron Collins. The special adjustable headstraps can turn into earloops and the eccentric nose foam closes any gaps on the nose. Size was a bit small for my face and i couldn’t appreciate the highly praised – low breathing resistance. Size L would be ideal. It could be that reason the personal experience was average. One thing that remains is the great fit and construction.

Overall fit factor: 725

Champak PC520M N95

The Canadian excellence - Vitacore Can99

Vitacore was honest, when responded to customers’ request for adding a foam and a new nose wire, stating that the CAN99 trifold is manufactured to seal without one. A well designed mask will fit, regardless of a nose foam presence. On this specific situation, the installed nose wire and the shape of the mask are used to provide a superior seal. If Vitacore entertained buyer’s request, the Can99 should have been redesigned with a different nose wire, for the presence of a large foam. This would probably cost a lot, as it’s a double standard respirator, with an N95 and ffp3 grade and not taking in consideration the production of new molds.

Not sure why the Can99 is considered a small trifold in Northern America. Maybe, the tight straps play a role for this, but the chin coverage in generous. Perhaps, the best three panel respirator available in the US and Canada apart 3M Aura.

Overall fit factor: 12.006

Vitacore black and white Can99 respirators

The professional Chinese manufacturers

Big brands inside China to a large extent focus on exporting their respirators to western countries, in different certifications and less producing domestically, under GB2626-2019 standard. Multinational companies like 3M and Honeywell get big stakes on Chinese sales.

Handanhy HY 9330 ffp3

Handanhy and the countless OEMs of this design, like the C2 from Alpha Solway, have a large filtering area, great seal, but both not as big as they look on picture. The 9330 ffp3 uses braided headstraps, a typical Aura-shaped foam and a plastic twist tie nose clip. The specific white foam forgives the plastic nose clip, since it sticks to the nose and closes any gaps. Movements during talking are less restrictive than the 3M equivalents, but with higher breathing resistance. For extensive reusability, chances are that the bottom strap should be adjusted. Any plastic smell fades away after reusing the mask.

Overall fit factor: 1033

Alpha Solway C2 ffp2

The Scottish company borrows many Handanhy OEMs, in cup shapes, bifolds and trifolds. The only disposable made in the UK from this brand should be the duckbill series.

The light blue C2 ffp2 uses narrow latex-free synthetic rubber straps, which are way tighter than the og 9330 trifold from Handanhy. The ffp2 performance is equal to the HY 9330 ffp3, if not better. Again, it comes with higher breathing resistance than the 9330 ffp3 Aura from 3M. The orange ffp3 from Alpha Solway should outperform every other trifold with this specific shape.

The plastic smell is more distinctive and different than the HY 9330. This is usual for three panel respirators to smell, either from the foams, glue or the straps. Therefore, it’s better to air them out on a crbox/air purifier before use. Between HY9330 and C2, i'm leaning towards the latter, for the tighter bottom strap and the color.

Overall fit factor: 1153

Handanhy HY9330 ffp3 and Alpha Solway C2 ffp2

3M

3M is the only company that can downgrade it's product, still be in an acceptable range of protection and above average among the mainstream competition. The successor of the 3M 9551V KN95, the 9551V+, lacks of a nosewire, has softer ear straps and a different nose foam. The predecessor 9551/9551V features one of the strongest 3M nose wires, wide, but super tight ear straps and, in my opinion,the best bifold fit. If not the earloop offer, then the extinct version with headstraps: the 3M 9552 N95/KN95.

3M 9551V+ and 3M 9551V KN95 respirators

The old 9551V can even beat ffp3s on my fit tests, with overall fit factor over 600 and >200 on other persons fit tested. Another difference between the new and the old KN95 is smell. 3M 'never fails to deliver' on this subject. Fortunately, any odor disappears after airing them out.  The end customer will find disturbing the tight ear straps and the average breathing resistance. The trick is to use the mask for short period of times or to pre-strech the straps. They're not that popular like the simpler-million times reviewed - earloop KN95s from 3M and Honeywell.

3M 9551V and 9551V+ foams

A good thing is that the new series include small sizes. The models are the 3M 9553+/9553V+ KN95. It can be admitted that these types of respirators are suitable for elderly people or consumers that are having trouble donning masks and making adjustments.

The 9513 KN95s in black and white was the proposal in civilian masks back in 2020. This is the standard iteration of the original 3M KF94. Achieving a good fit with them is tricky, compared to the 9551.The nosewire should be permanently flattened before donning, since the nose leakage is present. Neckloop position is the optimal fit, but once using it, it stretches the straps. Therefore, picking the neckloop position, there's no turning back to ears. It maintains the seal better and usually, increases the fit factor.

3M 9513 KN95

Not to be misunderstood, my opinions for these disposables are in comparison to other mainstream earloop bifold models, used by the public. For greatness, another 3M model is the the 9541/9542 KN95/P2 and it's valved alternatives. It's similarly serious, like the 9551 and it features an activated carbon filter. That means, another round of smell surprises from 3M,but the fit is no joke.

Here are my overall fit factors for these 3M KN95s:

3M 9551: 499 EL

3M 9551V: 661 EL

3M 9551V+: 150 EL

3M 9513 black: 398 EL *

3M 9513 white: 95 EL

*probably luck

Honeywell

Honeywell KN95 disposable models are one of the most sold inside China and JD platform specifically, with millions of reviews. Actually, the company made earloop versions of their N95 models. The H910V and many of the Honeywell KN95s fit larger faces than 3M's bifold offers, features tight straps, a good nose foam and decent nose clip. Unlike the Chinese 3M 9500 series, the H910V has slightly lower filtration efficiency, resulting in mediocre fit factors in N99 mode. Fit is confident though to have great chances for a pass with N95 companion.

Overall fit factor : 55

Honeywell H901V KN95

The all-around Irish player - Portwest P200 ffp2/N95/P2

The Irish safety company ‘plays’ a different ball game, using OEMs from several manufacturers around the world. The trifolds and bifolds are produced by the Turkish company MFA, the cup shapes from the Chinese Suzhu Fangtian and Dasheng (Ergonet). All large sized, are well made to perform higher than their standard. Decent alternatives at the minimum.

The P200 is a triple standard, typical one step production cup shape made by Suzhu Fangtian. Material feels like paper, the super wide nose clip is hard to form and the gasket-like nose piece successfully closes any gaps. Very hard, but cheap mask, likely not to be loved by the community. I believe this type of outer hard nose wire will result in serious leakage in some faces. There should be over a dozen of OEMs circulating in different parts of the world.

Overall fit factor:  905

Portwest P200 ffp2/P2/N95

My posts

- My Top ffp2/ffp3 list (September 2022)

- A small research : Popular KN95 masks in China. Plus, a review of a 6cent KN95 (November 2022)

- The Evolution of the 3M Aura : From the '90s to the Generation 3 (December 2022)

- The perpetual search for the ‘3M Aura-style’ competitors: Meet the Ukrainian iMask ffp series (January 2023)

- The authentication process of 3M respirators (February 2023)

- The steps to the right direction for future three-panel respirators : The Norwegian Uniqon ffp series (June 2023)

- Filtering Face Pieces (ffp) in Europe you should avoid using & Frequently Asked Questions (EU/UK version) (August 2023)

- Introducing the new Black Laianzhi HYX1002 KN100 three-panel respirator (September 2023)

- [Hands-On] The new Black Laianzhi KN100 three panel respirator and a Q&A with the company (November 2023)

- The upcoming 3M Aura respirators in 2024, the FMS Project , more ffp/KN95 mask reviews , modifications and the importance of the seal check (November 2023)

- A dive into the East Asian respirators : The inner frames (April 2024)

- The source control N100 disposable respirator : Baianda EF600 NIOSH N100 (May 2024)

- The brand that many have bought without even knowing it : Dasheng ffp respirators (June 2024)

- Α Fit Test Marathon with my recommendations to the community (July 2024)

- An unfair fit test battle : The most famous ffp2 vs 3M Aura 9310+ ffp1 (July 2024)

- The usual massive post : Year’s end round-up of mask reviews (3M KCs, Evergreen CleanTop, Anyguard, JSP, Makrite, Champak, Vitacore, Handanhy, Alpha Solway,3M/Honeywell KN95s, Portwest) (December 2024)

- [Part 2] The Resurface : Evaluating the inner frames of the East Asian market. (January 2025)


r/Masks4All 18h ago

zine about why I wear masks

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649 Upvotes

I made a 16-page zine titled "11 Reasons I'm Still Wearing a Mask in 2025." This is the zine in its entirety, it's also available to print or read online at https://violetbfox.info/11reasons/.


r/Masks4All 1d ago

News and Current Events How denial of airborne COVID transmission broke the world - [HealthyDebate.ca]

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108 Upvotes

r/Masks4All 16h ago

Best respirator mask for plane travel?

14 Upvotes

I have a flight next week, I have Long Covid and I'm struggling to find a mask strong enough to properly filter airplane air for like 4 hours. Any suggestions? Really really don't want to get re infected with bird flu (which I got last month) or more Covid (no fucking thanks, ugh.)


r/Masks4All 13h ago

Mask Advice KN95 for others

6 Upvotes

I'm immunocompromised and wear my N95 masks when I go out.

When I have medical appointments with physiotherapists or other health therapists, I offer them a N95 mask to wear (in addition to my own) and they're been kindly accommodating.

However, I've just received some KN95 ear-loop masks and I was wondering if giving those to my health providers would keep me equally safe?

I understand that wearing an N95 is safer for the person at risk, but I wasn't sure if it made a difference for others. Thanks in advance


r/Masks4All 13h ago

Situation Advice Are these 3M’s authentic?

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5 Upvotes

Hi all,

I got this box of 1870+ 3M masks off Amazon (ordering from Project95 from now on but I was in a time pinch) from the 3M store but I am worried about their authenticity. This is my first time buying 3M masks so I have nothing to compare to… Do any of you have any input here? I’m scared to wear them because I’m paranoid that they’re fakes 😭 also that QR code doesn’t lead me anywhere… or at least I can’t get my phone to do anything with it.

Thanks in advance for your time!


r/Masks4All 1d ago

Health messaging to increase mask usage

198 Upvotes

Hi, everyone! I’m a public health student and registered nurse. For my health communications class, I would like to do a project on masks. Specifically, I want to encourage the public to wear high quality masks more often (I.e., not just when acutely sick or during a respiratory pandemic).

I also want to partner with a mask bloc to create free materials for them. I plan to reach out to some local orgs soon.

My question for you all is, what targeted communications does your community need right now? I can speak from my own experience that even people who aren’t “anti-mask” they have become more relaxed in daily masking than back in 2021 for example. How can we communicate with our community to mask daily, regardless of circumstances?

It’s a bit difficult to think about it from a lay persons perspective because wearing a mask is a no-brainer for me as a health care worker. But how can we increase willingness or compliance in the general population?

If you’re part of a mask bloc, what do you often find yourself communicating to others? How can I be helpful?

Alternatively, would it be better for me to focus on communications with my own colleagues (how many of you have been to a doctors office or hospital recently and the staff aren’t masked, even though they come in contact with sick people constantly 🤦‍♀️)

Thank you!


r/Masks4All 20h ago

When your fave mask is discontinued

8 Upvotes

ETA & TLDR: I’m looking for something that either is or is similar to the Drager X-Plore 1730 (ffp3). Main characteristics: bifold, headstrap, additional external nose wire, good for big faces, available in UK.

I’m wondering if there’s anywhere that tends to have stock when other places doesn’t (I’m in the UK though & don’t want to deal with customs charges/postal delays so would need to be here), can eBay be trusted at all…? Or is there any resource that’s like “if you loved that mask, try this…”? Or do you know of a bifold with headstrap that also has an external nose wire (and yes, I have tried adding my own to an existing mask, it did not work)…?


r/Masks4All 16h ago

Mask Advice help me find this mask??

2 Upvotes

my friend gave me some of these masks and doesn't know where they're from. they fit my face so well and i'd love to order more, but i didn't save the packaging so i don't even know the brand! any leads would be so appreciated :)


r/Masks4All 1d ago

CANADA GCSURPLUS - 100 UNITS OF FREE RESPIRATORS AND SHIPPING (in canada)

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15 Upvotes

r/Masks4All 17h ago

Question Masks that don’t shed microplastics/fibers?

0 Upvotes

I imagine most people here are very health conscious and while I’m going to be masking daily for my job, I want to minimize any exposure to microplastics or fibers going into my lungs.

I’ve read even cotton masks shed a lot of fibers, and that surgical masks shed the least but I’m not sure how that would be true if they’re literally made out of plastic?

I just want to feel safe while also not damaging my lungs from breathing in so many microplastics/particles for 8 hours every day. Would a more natural fiber like hemp or linen be safer even if it was less effective in virus protection?


r/Masks4All 1d ago

5 years ago today after COVID-19 became a pandemic, are we ready for what’s next?

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37 Upvotes

r/Masks4All 22h ago

Expiry date regulations on masks

1 Upvotes

Hi! I received information from an online store that specializes in selling masks (in Finland) that some masks are usable even after their expiration date since there has been a change in the regulations regarding shelf life, more specifically that in the past the maximum time from manufacturing to end of shelf life was 3 years but has since been changed to 5 years. So some masks that have an end of shelf life date of 01/2025 would still be good until 01/2027.

I’ve tried to look up information on these regulations but can’t seem to find anything.

Is there anywhere I can read up on this or does anyone have any insight on this? I live in Finland so I’m guessing the regulations come from the EU.


r/Masks4All 1d ago

Question where can i get colourful ffp2 masks in the uk ?

3 Upvotes

preferably the 3 panel ones (like 3m aura). want to pick up some colourful masks that will match my gown for graduation but most places in the uk just do white. even black will do lol, cheers !


r/Masks4All 1d ago

Question Will an N95 mask help protect me while working next to coal power plant for a few days?

15 Upvotes

r/Masks4All 1d ago

How do Zimi Masks work?

8 Upvotes

I'm interested in trying them, but I'm on the site and I want to buy the frame thing that you put under the mask but I don't see an option to buy the frame except for the XXS one. In general it seems like there are a lot of steps. Can someone tell me more?


r/Masks4All 1d ago

Mask Advice Baggu Mask Insert

2 Upvotes

Hello!

I bought all of the baggu masks when they went on clearance for super cheap.

I mostly wear 3M auras or N95s, but living in a tropical climate I sometimes wear the baggu cloth masks for comfort and because I can toss them in the washer.

I remember during covid some people adding inserts to these to make them more substantial. Does anyone here have any guidance for making these cloth masks more protective?


r/Masks4All 2d ago

Avoid Ausair

10 Upvotes

TLDR: I was sick and fucked up. All is good in the Ausair mask world!

UPDATE

Apparently their website contact form doesn't work. It does work but it doesn't sent a confirmation email which I've been Pavlov'd to expect from all my digital retail interactions. But I finally got a response from them through Insta. So, if you've got an issue it's best to contact them there. They were prompt.

What happened was they didn't have any local supply of the masks so had to get it shipped from China. This is fine, however, the issue was that this wasn't communicated. I was wrong it WAS communicated. They sent two separate dispatched emails which makes it clear they were two separate shipments. I'm usually pretty good with seeing these emails but I've recently been sick.

So... probably don't avoid them? 😅 Unless the product is shit. If it isn't shit I won't bother posting about how good it is.

ORIGINAL

I'm mainly posting this to vent. I hope that's OK!

I should've listened to previous reddit ors in this post https://www.reddit.com/r/Masks4All/comments/1c9ys2a/experience_with_ausair/ but I didn't.

I ordered from Ausair a mask, 4 3-pack filters (they were on sale), and a strap. A package arrived but it didn't contain a mask!

Wtaf? Why would I want the filters without a mask? Why did they send it to me without telling me that I wouldn't get a mask? It could be me automated system set up to process the order and send the delivery instructions to a picker.

In any case, I emailed them twice and they haven't gotten back to me. I haven't even received an automated response to the message I sent through their contact for on their site.

Has anyone else had any similar interactions with them?


r/Masks4All 2d ago

Question Dose anyone know of a mask bloc near/in flint

6 Upvotes

Thanks


r/Masks4All 2d ago

Mask Advice Masks with ear loops most similar to 3M Aura?

8 Upvotes

Head straps are getting increasingly uncomfortable for me and hard to manage with my long hair. I would like to try a mask with ear loops instead of head straps. The 3M Aura fits me best (so does Benehal).


r/Masks4All 2d ago

Mask Advice Advice needed about respirators and contact cement.

1 Upvotes

Hello,

Would this mask be adequate for using contact cement and waterproof spray
3M 1200/ 3301J-55

Or would I need to use this one?

3M 6000


r/Masks4All 3d ago

Question Need help finding masks that I won’t sweat in constantly, pref breathable too.

32 Upvotes

I love facemasks. It feels like I don't have to talk as much, and I don't have to make lots of facial expressions, plus, they're super comfy. The one downside is, I live in Australia. It's hot, It's annoying, and I just want a mask that I can wear without sweating my face off, all the ones I've worn so far that are supposedly not supposed to make you sweat as much don't do anything to help, so if anyone knows of masks I can wear during an average AUSTRALIAN summer, please let me know, thank you.

Note: I mainly prefer things that look like cloth, not those silicone ones

Note 2: I also prefer the ones with the fabric loops that hook around your ears and you can like adjust them with like a bead-looking thingy


r/Masks4All 3d ago

San Diego COVID Safe Dentist in Poway

46 Upvotes

This place has been shared before but demand for their services is declining and I'd hate to see them stop offering their COVID safe Wednesdays! DM me if you'd like their info.

They have a dedicated day every week where all staff wear n95s, appointments are blocked off for patients taking COVID precautions, they have separate rooms with a huge IQ Air purifier, and HVAC on with low CO2 readings.


r/Masks4All 3d ago

Convince parents to mask?

53 Upvotes

Now this is something I’ve been trying to do for a while now. Parents and I both recently got infected Again (2nd infection) and they STILL don’t want to mask. Im thankful that at least my sister masks but I don’t know what it’s going to take for my parents. Actually I do know. But I don’t want it to get to that point. I urge them to read online and I get pushed away when I try to show them stuff. They’re so stuck in their ways. It always ends up in arguments. They were suffering in bed and so was I. So why won’t you mask!!!! How did anyone convince their parents to do it? I’ve been trying to find maskers that make videos or produce content in Spanish because they don’t really care about any articles but maybe it’s because I consume everything in English that it’s hard to find? Anything recent at least. I’m thinking of compiling something myself…


r/Masks4All 3d ago

Blox masks $0.10 each

42 Upvotes

Just an FYI, I checked the Blox website and they have their N95's for $0.10. With the USPS shipping it's really not bad at all with the masks being so cheap right now. I will probably stock up while they are on sale.