#3M Aura N95

[pandemic-info]

Mask fit factor when lifting mask to eat or drink:

This is interesting. A lot of people do the lift-to-eat method on flights, etc. I always wondered whether you'd potentially trap contaminated air. Scientists even told me that it is a risk, though minimal compared to total removal.

Here's an actual fit test video. Fit factor drops all the way down to 4.6 when the mask is lifted to drink through a straw:

As he says, that's just mildly better than a surgical mask.

—

Compare to 230 with a plugged straw through Sip Valve:

—

And 382 when totally sealed: "That means the air is 382 times cleaner inside the mask than outside."

[aropride]

;-;

[lotus-tower]

Mask recommendations for ordering online (NA)

Note: for consistency, practicality, and simplicity all prices are listed in USD.

masknerd has a comprehensive data set on hundreds of masks he's tested according to his own criteria and methodology (pinned tweet). find his recommendations on his youtube channel. many of the following are on his list as well!

DISPOSABLE MASKS

3M Aura and Vflex: one of the most commonly recommended brands of N95. Where to buy?

- US: see here - Canada: see here - Multiple sizes per model. These suppliers are good for bulk ordering. If you aren't sure if something will fit you, check out the sample kits in the next recommendation - Price point: varies from $1-1.3 USD per mask depending on supplier

Breatheteq (US):

- KN95s that come in small, medium, large, or XS (kids) - Offers sample kits so you can test out what your size is - Comes in a few different colours. shoutout to the lavender - Earloop only - Price point: $69.75 USD for a 50-pack (~1.4 USD per mask)

Canadastrong (Canada):

- The Canadian equivalent to Breatheteq, but also carries N95s of other brands such as 3M Aura and Vflex, Vitacore, and Drager X-plore

Vitacore (Canada and US):

- N95 certified, but actually has 99% filtration - Both earloop and head strap versions (warning that the head strap seems to fit considerably smaller) - Regular and small adult sizes offered, also a kid's size - Price point: $33.99 for a 30-pack (~1.1 USD per mask)

Wellbefore (US, ships to Canada):

- N95s, KN95s, and KF94s - Head straps, normal earloops, or adjustable earloops depending on model - Kids/petite size available for certain KN95 models - Wide range of colours (excluding N95s) - Price point: varies per model, from $0.79 USD to $2.09 USD per mask - Also sells Covid tests, over the counter medication, and medical supplies

Masklab (US):

- This is an indulgent option for if you want to go out and look good, while still staying safe. These are masks that are part of your outfit - FFP2 certified, equivalent to KF94s - Standard size and slim fit series - Many beautiful patterns - Price point: $24.44 USD for a 5-pack ($4.88 per mask) for the patterned KF ones, ~$3.4 USD for the plain KF ones, ~$3.3 USD for the slim fit series, including patterns.

ELASTOMERIC MASKS

Flomask (US, ships to Canada):

- Reusable elastomeric mask (with replaceable filters) that meets KN95 standards - Two adult sizes (low/medium nose ridge and medium/high nose ridge) and a kid's size - Adjustable straps - Price point: $122 USD. 50-pack replacement filters: $81.46 (filters to be changed after 20-40 hours of use, depending on filter type)

A humble P100 elastomeric respirator from your local Home Depot or similar store! Magnitudes cheaper than the Flo mask (both the respirator itself and the filters)--however, I can't offer estimates for how often filters should be replaced. May not look pretty, but the most economical option for the highest degree of filtration if you aren't self-conscious.

General advice:

N95 or higher are the most reliable. They normally come with head straps, which offer better protection by making a tighter seal around your face.

But fit and comfort are the most important! Find a mask that fits your face and leaves the least amount of gap possible. KN95s are often more comfortable and breathable--find what's right for you.

You can wear different masks for different situations depending on risk level!

If you're hesitant to buy online, here's advice on how to tell if your respirator is legitimate.

A SIP drinking valve can be installed on any disposable mask to allow you to drink in public with less risk.

If anyone has other recommendations, please feel free to add!

[covid-safer-hotties]

Mask Sale!

[agitateandeducate]

Just some reminders because COVID NEVER WENT AWAY! Wearing a N95 grade mask consistently is a baseline level of protection and necessary whenever you're out in public. Thanks covidsaferpdx for creating and sharing these amazing mask graphics! ❤️

-- -- -- -- Image Descriptions -- -- -- --

6 square graphics. ID 1: light pink background with two toned pathogen illustrations in the top left corner. There’s a darker pink rounded rectangle in the middle with white text that reads: Reminder - wearing a N95 or higher rated respirator can save not just your life, but the lives of those around you! Beneath the text is an image of two N95 respirators, one in black and one in pink. End id.

ID 2. light purple background with two toned pathogen illustrations in the top left corner. There’s a darker pink rounded rectangle in the middle with white text that reads: Reminder - anyone can get covid-19. Regardless of their health and vaccination status. Yes, even you. Beneath the text is an image of a kn95 ear loop purple respirator and a purple 100 respirator. End id.

ID 3: light teal background with two toned pathogen illustrations in the top left corner. There’s a darker pink rounded rectangle in the middle with white text that reads: Reminder - wearing a mask is a proven layer of protection; engage in multiple layers of protection during an ongoing pandemic. Beneath the text is an image of a green kn95 ear loop mask and a N95 white respirator. End id.

ID 4: light pink background with two toned pathogen illustrations in the top left corner. There’s a darker pink rounded rectangle in the middle with white text that reads: Reminder - covid is airborne. It will not build your immunity. It will compromise your immune system with each infection. Beneath the text is an image of a pink kn95 ear loop mask and a white N95 3m aura. End id.

ID 5: light purple background with two toned pathogen illustrations in the top left corner. There’s a darker pink rounded rectangle in the middle with white text that reads: Reminder - we’ve been abandoned for profit but we can protect each other by wearing a mask. We keep us safe! Beneath the text is an image of purple N95 3m aura and a dark mauve p100 respirator. End id.

ID 6: light teal background with two toned pathogen illustrations in the top left corner. There’s a darker pink rounded rectangle in the middle with white text that reads: Reminder - Back to normal is a blood-soaked lie We must take care of each other and that means masking up! Beneath the text is an image of a blue p100 respirator and a white N95 respirator. End id.

[swampgallows]

do you have advice on how to find a mask for someone who legit, for real has difficulty breathing through one? i get badly congested because of the build up of humidity/moisture (plus a deviated septum), so then i have to remove the mask to blow my nose every 10 seconds which obvi defeats the purpose. i've tried to do research but i'm having trouble finding answers to this specific query. since you seem knowledgeable i would really appreciate any pointers if you have them. thank you.

hi! first of all thank you so much for wanting to mask despite the difficulties. second, i want to mention that im not a science or medical-type person of any kind, just a high-risk civilian trying to stay alive through the ongoing pandemic.

with the widespread non-industrial use of respirators in dealing with covid, there are manufacturers that have been looking for more comfortable, casual options while still offering adequate filtration. however many of these kinds of masks are either quite expensive, perpetually hard to acquire/sold out, or aren't fully NIOSH-approved (or equivalent standard). so my recommendations will be for only NIOSH-approved headstrap N95s.

since you have a structural condition (deviated septum), finding a breathable mask that fits your face without agitating your sinuses is essential. you'll want to be sure it's large enough that it's not pinching or putting too much pressure on your nose bridge. some users in the Masks4All subreddit have said saline rinses and BreatheRight strips can alleviate congestion issues, along with the right kind of mask. exploring a variety of mask shapes may help you!

finding a well-fitting respirator is difficult because there is no "one size fits all", but the 3M Aura 9205+ comes close! it's available in many areas and fits a wide range of faces. this is the mask i use. the "tri-fold" shape allows me to talk or laugh without compromising the seal or brushing against my face, compared to a typical "cup" shape N95. they also come individually wrapped, so it's easy to keep one in your car or bag, or distribute to others.

according to many who are "still coviding", the most breathable masks are the "duckbill" shape like the Gerson 3230+. I personally haven't tried them myself as I'm put off by the shape, but many duckbill wearers say that they easily overcome this "flinch" once they feel how comfortable it is, and that it's their go-to mask for extended wear or strenuous activities like the gym.

a more standard shape said to be close to the comfort of the duckbill is the 3M 9105 VFlex. It still has a larger silhouette than the Aura, but the duckbill look is less pronounced. "bi-fold" mask shapes like the BNX N95 can also put less pressure on your nose and allow more breathing room while keeping a slimmer profile.

you can also try something like the Readimask, a strapless mask that adheres to your face with medical adhesive (think like a band-aid). these can be a little more expensive, but you can order a free sample pack for sizing purposes (free plus shipping, mine was only $5 in the US) and see if it works for you.

if you feel that the humidity/moisture is more of an issue than your septum, you may also want to look into valved masks, but be warned: masks with an exhaust valve only protect the wearer, and not the people around you. reserve these only for situations where you will be one-way masking. particles cannot enter through the valve, but particles you exhale exit into the ambient air. however, if you are in a situation where you find you are the only person masking and everyone else is breathing unfiltered air anyway, a mask with an exhaust valve is fine. reusable elastomeric respirators often have exhaust valves, but there are disposable versions too, like the 3M Aura 9211+ above.

"mask nerd" Aaron Collins has a full demonstration and overview of many of these masks in his most recent video. He also discusses earloop masks if you prefer those:

you can also view AccuMed's Mask Testing Data and sort by lowest to highest breathability (lower numbers indicate the pressure drop = better breathing). This doesn't have every mask on the market (for instance, it's missing the VFlex), but it does have many common brands/models. Aaron Collins also made his own spreadsheet of over 200 masks he fit-tested himself.

i hope this gives you a launchpad to find something that works for you!

[covid-conscious-and-silly]

hi, friends, i need your help! my friend jamie runs Celebrate 845, a crucial COVID conscious organization to the hudson valley area of new york, and they will have to move if they don't find a roommate by january 1st. they need a roommate who also takes COVID seriously, and they really don't want to move. their flier and an image ID are below this. please share this as much as possible (and reach out on instagram to @JamieSanin or email JamieSanin@gmail.com if you're interested and/or have leads!) 😷❤️

Image ID: Jamie, a white person wearing a 3M aura mask, sits against a tree. Text around them reads: "In Search Of: COVID safer roomie! Who am I: Jamie (she/they)! Activist, artist, lifelong Hudson Valley lover, mutual aid enthusiast. Looking for: a COVID-serious roommate to move into my wonderful rented home in Kingston, NY where I've lived for 3+ years. When: December 1st or January 1st. To me, COVID safety means: wearing an N95 in all indoor public spaces, testing regularly, avoiding non-essential indoor spaces, being super honest & communicative about habits & safety needs, etc! Interestee? DM @JamieSanin or email JamieSanin@gmail.com. End image ID.

[natureintheory]

It is that time. 🍂

→ Insert into "what they think I want to wear vs what I actually want to wear" meme

#Goblincore #SweaterWeather ( Why yes that is a black 3M Aura N95 on the last one. Even less possible than the sweaters ;_; )

[i-still-mask-because]

Hey, I currently go to school full time, the first week I wore a kn-95 mask the entire time, but I have sensitive skin by the end of the week the seams where the mask met skin had sores on it and I couldn't bare to continue wearing it. I don't know how to get around this, but I've been double masking with a medical mask and a cloth mask. Is there anything else I can do?

Hey there, thank you for asking, and thank you for your patience!

I've had experience with wearing certain KN95s irritating my skin to the point it's made me want to claw it off my face, so I understand the frustration. My personal recommendation would be the N95 3m Aura, because that's been the most consistently comfortable respirator for me.

Look to your local mask bloc and/or covid action group to see if you could request getting a variety of masks to try out for free to see what works for you. These are usually run by folks that have a lot of knowledge about quality masks, so definitely ask them what they would suggest!

I know elastomeric respirators tend to be a good option for sensitive skin too because they're typically hypoallergenic. They can be on the pricey side though, so definitely weigh your options!

I hope this was helpful!

As always, if someone else has any additional information or suggestions to give, please feel free to share!

[fatliberation]

This might be a stupid question but how do you get a mask to fit properly around your nose? I've stopped wearing N95/KN95s in favor of surgical masks because every time I wear an N95, no matter how much I finagle the mask and bend it to conform to my nose, I always get a thin and uncomfortable stream of air that goes directly into my tear ducts and dries out my eyes. Nobody's ever given me a clear idea of how to make my mask actually fit properly, I just keep hearing variants of "oh, just keep molding it to your face." The air blowing straight into my eyeballs every time I exhale is a sensory nightmare and I've yet to figure out how to make it stop.

surgical masks aren’t going to provide as much protection. have you tried respirators? they provide the best protection because they are tight fitting, the elastic bands go over the head instead of the ears for a better fit. 3M Aura, EnvoMask Pro, FloMask Pro, and Laianzhi HYX1002 are good ones to get. you can also try a DIY fit test.

[willowreader]

If you are looking for a good N95 the 3M Aura fits a smaller face and has an amazing nose piece. I will forever wear a mask on public transport and in crowded places. Banning masks is ridiculous.

[pandemic-info]

Not a paid ad (I wish, see cons). Just want to tell you about Champak N95s because I love them and hope they will continue to be available. (Other favs mentioned: 3M Aura 9210+ N95, Bluna Face Fit KF94, Breatheteq KN95 small)

PROS:

NIOSH N95 With good fit-test results. E.g.: https://youtu.be/iIOumUsvUfs?si=L46SfoZlgvNpewWd&t=289

Comfortable & breathable AF Even vs Breatheteq. The straps are a soft, microfiber-y material that doesn't hurt, doesn't dig into your ears over time, and doesn't get caught in hair. They're also adjustable with the plastic bit.

Easy, fast don/doff The sliding straps make it so easy and fast, similar to ear loops.

Fits small heads! Most masks are way too big or leak in various places. 3M Auras are the best fit for me (narrow & small face, tall nose bridge). The Medium Champak (PC520M) fits just as well as Aura and, due to its shape, the seal around the face even feels better. The thick nose pad is also great, no leakage. They also have a large size!

CONS:

Expensive (relatively) A friend recommended these and kindly shared one to try. I held off buying my own for a long time because they're kind of expensive: $45 after shipping for 15 masks = $3/mask. Compared to a 20-pack of 3M Aura 9210+ for $30. But after using my own for a few months, with all of the PROS above, it's the only mask I like to use anymore. (I still opt for 3M Aura 9210+ in unsafely-crowded situations just because I feel more comfortable with one that's tried, tested, and proven its efficacy for me multiple times.) We bought from PurCel Labs, good experiences: https://client.purcellabs.com/n95-masks/Champak-NIOSH-N95-Face-Masks-PC520M

White I get why 3M et. al. don't make N95s in black, but we can still wish. This is pretty much the only plus that black Bluna Face Fit or Breatheteq have over these (and their tri-fold shape is a little nicer). But N95s almost always win out over KF94 ear loops in fit-testing.

[aropride]

i love the look and the concept of the breathe99 mask but i have no idea if its actually effective or not nor do i know how to find that information </3

[pandemichub]

More hurricane relief

Go Fund Me campaign screenshot.

Image of chlorine gas plume coming from facility in the distance. Photo taken from highway. Cars on road driving by.

Act Now! Gas Mask Fundraiser for Conyers Residents

$3,575 raised of $10,000 goal. 92 donations

We're past 3.5k! Let's keep it going folks! https://t.co/2JP1eY8jX7

pic.twitter.com/Rap7KhOG1D

GoFundMe campaign screenshot

— Jay Byrd 🌈 (@jadafulcher) October 5, 2024

Lots of types of 3,560 N95s & KN95s plus 352 RAT tests headed up to WNC for #HurricaneHelene relief today!

These are needed for both illness and cleanup efforts!

pic.twitter.com/87CY3jIeMD

Open trunk packed to the top with supplies.

— Charlotte Mask Bloc (@CLT_Mask_Bloc) October 5, 2024

Please help us restock since we're running low on Auras!!https://t.co/bWaFH1Sx23

— Charlotte Mask Bloc (@CLT_Mask_Bloc) October 5, 2024

Also a warning, another storm may be brewing!

If you are able to evacuate, please make a plan and get out before the outer rain bands start.

If you are unable to evacuate, please get provisions to shelter in place for days or longer. https://t.co/Ml9km4zDyD

— Sara Anne Willette ♿️🌈👩🏻‍💻𓅆 (@amethystarlight) October 5, 2024

Quoted tweet

Another billion dollar disaster on the way. The time to prepare is now. pic.twitter.com/zt1WrPu6iU

— Ryan Hall, Y’all (@ryanhallyall) October 5, 2024

Just don't turn north and hit Appalachia again. https://t.co/1e270BA7XE

— Sara Anne Willette ♿️🌈👩🏻‍💻𓅆 (@amethystarlight) October 5, 2024

Quoted tweet

NEW: Tropical Storm Milton is expected to make landfall in Florida as a major Category 3 hurricane, NHC says

pic.twitter.com/7TxfOVbiJt

— BNO News (@BNONews) October 5, 2024

⚠️ #Milton is now forecast to become a Category 3 Major Hurricane before striking the west coast of the Florida Peninsula on Wednesday.

pic.twitter.com/Mqu1VwODmO

— Zoom Earth (@zoom_earth) October 5, 2024

ID: Map, forecast and meteorological data constructed video Hurricane Milton, and the area of Texas, Mexico, Gulf of Mexico, Florida, Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi.

ID: NOAA hurricane forecast graphic. Shows Gulf of Mexico and path of hurricane Milton with time and day of week stamps from Sunday to Tuesday (October 8th) just before it makes landfall (Wednesday October 9th).

Officials and reports state this hurricane is a set to be highly destructive and is not survivable. Please seek safety, and help anyone who is struggling to leave, especially without assistance.

Don't forget the disability and disaster hotline!

800-626-4959

[covid-safer-hotties]

Hey there! Do you have any resources on where to buy masks in Canada?

[agitateandeducate]

Resist Covid Eugenics and Legacies of Care shirts now available for limited pre-order! Once pre-orders have been created and mailed, I'll open up orders again. Only 12 left - help me stay housed by getting a rad shirt!

ORDER HERE: https://ko-fi.com/s/3a72694a57

– – – – Image Descriptions – – – –

[photo 1 id] text in top left corner: “Resist & Legacies T-Shirts. Funds go to the creation of your t-shirt & keeping the disabled artist and organizer housed! Available on my Ko-Fi!” Top right corner photo: The model is standing in front of a fenced in garden and tree decorated by summer lights. She is Latine, with brown skin and dark shoulder length hair. She is wearing glasses, a vflex N95 duckbill respirator, gray jeans and purple long sleeves with a black t-shirt over it. The t-shirt has white text across the chest "Resist Covid Eugenics" with each word stacked on top of each other in left alignment. To the right of the words is a white outline of an upside-down black triangle. She has her hand extended to the camera while holding a Makrite N95 respirator, offering it to the viewer. Bottom right corner photo: The model is looking off and smiling at someone off-screen while sitting in their black powerchair in front of a fenced in garden. They are white, wearing an ACI N95 duckbill respirator and black baseball cap that says, "In dog years I'm gay". They have tattoos on their arm and are wearing blue jeans and a black t-shirt with a graphic in the center of the shirt. The graphic is a white paintbrush texture background featuring black bold text slightly angled and flowing in multiple lines: "we are creating legacies of care". Underneath the text are noir style greyscale pressed flowers and leaves with various shadows in bright colors of purple, blue, green and yellow. Bottom left corner photo: The model is standing with their hands in their pockets in front of a brick wall with trees in the background bathed in sunlight. They are white, with shoulder length brown hair and wearing a 3M Aura N95 respirator. They are wearing a silver hammer & sickle necklace, blue corduroy jacket and a white t-shirt. The t-shirt has black text across the chest "RESIST COVID EUGENICS" with each word stacked on top of each other in left alignment. To the right of the words is a black upside-down black triangle. [end id]

[photo 2 id] text in top left corner: “Unisex Soft Style and 100% cotton. Pre-orders receive a surprise gift of new resist eugenics goodies (only 15 pre-order slots available). Multiple colors/designs!” Top right corner photo: The model is kneeling on one knee and petting their brown and white cocker spaniel pup in front of a fenced in garden. They are white, wearing an ACI N95 duckbill respirator and glasses. They have dark hair pulled back in a loose ponytail and are wearing blue cargo pants and a black t-shirt. The t-shirt has a circular white logo in the chest area, with an upside-down black triangle. in the center. Typewriter style white text goes around the border three times: resist covid eugenics. Bottom right photo: Four anti-eugenics masked models hanging out together in a backyard in front of a fenced in garden and tree decorated by summer lights. Three of the models are standing to each side of and behind a person in a powerchair. They are each wearing a different t-shirt design. On the left is a Latine model with brown skin and dark shoulder length hair. She is wearing glasses, a Vflex N95 duckbill respirator and standing with her hands in her back pockets. She is wearing gray jeans and purple long sleeves with a black t-shirt over it. The t-shirt has white text across the chest "Resist Covid Eugenics" with each word stacked on top of each other in left alignment. To the right of the words is a white outline of an upside-down black triangle. There is a white model on the right of her who is giving a peace sign, standing behind the person in the wheelchair. The model standing is wearing glasses and a Blox N95 duckbill respirator. They have bangs and a mullet undercut with dark hair. They are wearing a sapphire blue t-shirt over a collared printed shirt. The blue t-shirt has a circular white logo in the chest area, with a black border. In the center of the logo is an upside-down black triangle. Typewriter style white text goes around the border three times: resist covid eugenics. There is another white model in front of them in a black power chair, wearing an ACI N95 duckbill respirator and black baseball cap that says, "In dog years I'm gay". They have tattoos on their arm and are wearing blue jeans and a black t-shirt with a graphic in the center of the shirt. The graphic is a white paintbrush texture background featuring black bold text slightly angled and flowing in multiple lines: "we are creating legacies of care". Underneath the text are noir style greyscale pressed flowers and leaves with various shadows in bright colors of purple, blue, green and yellow. To the right of the model in the powerchair is another white model, standing with their arms behind their back. They are also wearing an ACI N95 duckbill respirator and glasses. They have dark hair pulled back in a loose ponytail and are wearing blue cargo pants and a black t-shirt. The t-shirt has the same circular resist covid eugenics logo with the upside-down triangle as the blue t-shirt did, except there is no black border because it blends into the t-shirt color. Everyone is smiling under their masks and looking at the camera. Bottom left photo: The model is kneeling on one knee in front of a fenced in garden while facing the camera. They are white, wearing an ACI N95 duckbill respirator and glasses. They have bangs and a mullet undercut with dark hair. They are wearing a sapphire blue t-shirt over a collared printed shirt. The blue t-shirt has a circular white logo in the chest area, with a black border. In the center of the logo is an upside-down black triangle. Typewriter style white text goes around the border three times: resist covid eugenics. [end id]