Idea - A simple and effective way for normalcy during covid???

[consider_this]

I have been thinking about this and wonder if it is even possible or logical. Help me out here DUers...

First, some background on my idea, then the idea itself.

During April, I went to spend a month to help care for my dying mom. I had zero confidence that their home was covid free or, even if it might be, that it could stay that way with healthcare workers, etc coming and going. I took the risk with the help of an N-95 mask that we had from some construction, and I wore that thing 15 hrs/day for a month. I did not get covid. I still use that same mask if i need to go anywhere. It gives me some sense of 'self' protection, even though I am sure I have used it far beyond its intended time.

The idea is - is there anyway the govt can source and supply n-95 mask to all. I am aware there is a shortage, etc, but couldn't they put some power behind getting them en-masse. (I'm still not clear if they have yet resolved the shortage for essential workers.) If everyone had one, couldn't we more broadly resume most normal activities (of course not indoor dining, singing, etc, that cannot be done in a mask). Sure there will still be those that won't wear one, but that is their own loss. The n-95 protects the wearer and allows them more freedom.

Is this still just impossible or, if possible, a flawed idea?

[consider_this]

1. I should add...

I am still petrified when going out in my cloth mask seeing how too many misbehave - i don't think i can count on that any longer. I will use my crusty trusty n-95 going forward.

[spinbaby]

2. I use KN95 masks

They’re supposedly the same thing, except made in China. Our local GNC and some pharmacies sell the,

[soothsayer]

5. I do that with cloth mask on top

Failsafe!

[consider_this]

8. I read the k-95 are not as good.

What's the real deal on those?

However, my larger point is - govt, supply the mask that do the job - especially before saying kids/teachers, etc must go back in a school, etc.

[soothsayer]

18. Yes, I often wondered why we didn't send masks when SF and others did in 1918

Dunno, I bought a bunch off a dr dude on home shopping along with extra face shields and a neat little UV light.

I think the fake kn95s aren’t good but legit ones are.

[Ohiogal]

3. How would you convince the stupid anti maskers to wear them?

[consider_this]

7. I would not, but...

who cares! Those of us who DO wear the n-95 mask are protecting ourselves from those ignoramus virus vectors.
Without n-95, yes, they are putting us mask wearers at grave risk. But if we have better masks, at least we are better protected. I guess I would feel more safe in doing things.

[Wicked Blue]

17. Duct tape their mouths nt

[Ohiogal]

20. Great idea.

[dawg day]

4. Is there a good source -reliable- for N-95?

I'm wondering if it would be helpful for a friend in the west-- protecting against smoke too?

[soothsayer]

6. Smoke particles are apparently smaller than Covid

So you need the stronger masks (k99 or something)

[Buckeye_Democrat]

19. Those kinds of masks don't work like sieves.

They're actually much more effective at trapping particles much smaller than 0.3 microns.

The Astounding Physics of N95 Masks

Edit:
But any kind of mask, even cloth masks, are a big help!

[consider_this]

21. WOW - excellent N-95 video!

Thank you, that was super informative.

(I was unable to play the second video)

[Buckeye_Democrat]

22. Yeah, the second video requires going to YouTube...

... to view it for whatever reason.

It's a Japanese video that used special lighting to see the droplets with and without masks.

[consider_this]

23. Oh I have sent that before - excellent as well! EOM

[Buckeye_Democrat]

24. Not to mention the evidence...

... that even if viral particles are inhaled while wearing a mask, the masks also reduce the amount that's inhaled and that leads to less-severe symptoms.

By the way, I don't wear my "extreme" set-up all the time. If I go outside to collect my mail or whatever, I just wear a regular cloth mask (in case I have unexpected encounters with other people).

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

9. It's a reasonable idea,

but won't be fully implemented in this country. Unfortunately.

Too many people here have some stupid idea about their freedom to be infected or infect others should not be infringed upon. And all too often I see people with the mask slipped below the nose. Or they have those neck gaiter things which are less than effective, and may actually serve to spread the virus.

Although you are clearly talking about an n-95 mask for all. Which is different, and would work, especially if at least 90% of everyone wore them properly every time they are out in public.

It's not clear what kinds of masks people in, say, Europe have been wearing, but most of those countries are currently seeing a resurgence in the virus. Not so much because it's almost fall and the virus is somehow gaining strength, but because it's a novel virus, meaning none of us have ever been up against it before, and so pretty much none of us have any immunity.

This is going to be around for a lot longer than people think, even if a safe and effective vaccine is available within, say six months.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

10. I think the biggest problem is too many people...

... not wearing masks of any kind, in addition to not social distancing whole also putting themselves in poorly-ventilated areas.

There's still shortages of N95 masks for healthcare workers. It surely would've been a far better situation if the Federal government had took measures to improve production, like during WW2 when it helped industries switch to weapons production, but that obviously didn't happen thanks to the science-denying Trump and other Republicans.

I'm with you about feeling much more secure while wearing my N100 masks (a type that healthcare workers usually don't use anyway). Not so much that I'm ignoring other safety measures, of course.

And it's actually easier to breathe through them because they have an exhalation valve, yet STILL easier with another mask to cover the valve because the non-woven or cloth masks don't get sucked in toward my mouth during inhales.

My set-up if I have to be around other people (except the face shield is usually not worn):

[consider_this]

12. wow - I'd venture to Target in that! also...

Yes, govt failed to do this, but why after all this time are they not doing something like this now? It is just impossible or the leadership does not care or both? I can't be sure any more

[sl8]

14. Were you in Aha's 'Take On Me' video?

But seriously, it looks to be a good rig.

[consider_this]

15. good one!

[Buckeye_Democrat]

16. I try to avoid posting pics of myself online.

No Facebook account, etc.

If I do it, then they get the cartoon treatment. Lol.

[sl8]

25. Not a bad idea. Thanks.

Is that a filter? Seems like you could make DIY colring books that way.

Also, a set of family photos given the same treament wiuld be pretty interesting.

[lame54]

11. There was a story yesterday where...

There was a plan for the post office to send everyone 5 masks

The administration killed it

[consider_this]

13. I did see something about that, but no mention if they were N-95.

Is there still a shortage for essential workers??? anyone know?

[Squinch]

26. Of course this is a great idea. Many are saying, "But the anti-maskers" but that is the point.

The N95 protects you from those morons, unlike the other masks which mostly protect others from you.

But this government will not do what is needed to manufacture the number of these we would need.

[consider_this]

27. Exactly my point!

So I am oversaturated from reading articles on covid and political topics for the last 8 months, and between age and self-medicating (alcohol) increases to get through this, I am suffering in memory - please help!
- if the govt wanted to, would they have the means to subsidize or somehow aid production enough so that all who want these masks could get them at non-gouging prices? or are even the essential folks still low on availablity? I can't seem to find any to order, so I am guessing we are still screwn on this front.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

28. The government should help, but we'll probably...

... have to wait for Biden.

In the meantime, the 3M-manufactured N95 masks can be found sometimes for the general public (see link), but they usually have an unfiltered exhalation valve which is irresponsible for the sake of protecting others.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/3M-N95-Sanding-and-Fiberglass-Valved-Respirator-5-Pack-8511H5-DC-PS/203225611

However, a person could wear a regular cloth mask over the exhalation valve and that would be okay!

And it really can make breathing easier sometimes, even while wearing BOTH masks, because the more firm N95 mask helps keep the regular cloth mask from getting sucked toward the mouth and nose!

Sort of like this teacher whose video became "viral" (in the popular sense) awhile back because she bought and later praised one of these brackets to be worn under a mask:
https://www.today.com/today/amp/tdna190588

[consider_this]

30. thanks for link but...

out of stock.

that's what I mean, I have been coming up dry in finding the things.

(Also, FYI read a recent post stating Home Depot CEO (or some other top person) was a big *rump supporter/donator. Not sure i want to support them.)

[Buckeye_Democrat]

31. Ugh, I'm sorry!

I could've sworn it indicated they were in stock just a few minutes ago!

Yeah, it would be nice if the government helped out 3M and other companies with production!

The machinery needed to make them is a big investment, from what I understand, but the government could help if it TRIED! Sheesh, just consider the amount of work and the cost of building aircraft carriers!

Edit: Yep, none available within 100 miles of me either! (Interesting how the default zip code is in Chicago for that link, but maybe that's where my cable service originates?)

[consider_this]

32. no apologies needed.

not from you anyhow!

[Squinch]

29. Yes. They could if they chose to.