#Washable face mask

[alenasbdesign]

Today is International Day of Epidemic Preparedness!

[vxnuslogy]

– my proxy.

pairing: wise x gn!reader

premise: belle is currently suffering from an incurable disease of watching her brother play oblivious to your obvious hints of affection. she only prays that you confess soon or at least realize that wise actually feels the same.

– warnings: none

– author's notes: i am so normal about wise. whenever he starts talking in game i just burst into a fit of giggles. filler post for now. | ~700 words.

wise despite his name, wasn’t all that wise when it comes to noticing the very obvious hints you throw at him (or maybe he does know, he just isn’t speaking up about it). but belle does, and it sends her into a fit of giddy giggles that she hides behind her fist whenever it happens.

a fond and amused glint in her eyes whenever wise gets flustered after you call him “my proxy”. it wasn’t anything out of ordinary, wise always calls himself your proxy anyways, but whenever you do it on missions or when you go to hollows to accompany the cunning hares, it never fails to flush his cheeks a pretty pink. belle would let out a snicker and kick his feet from under the table and she’s always met with a warning glare. not once has he mentioned the romantic undertones of your words despite picking up on it himself. 

or the times when you would always drop by their store to hangout in his room. more often than not, when belle comes to check on you both, you’d be fast asleep on his bed with a bangboo in between you two. a devious smirk would always creep up belle’s face when she tip toes into the room and quietly open the cap of a washable marker to write on both of your faces. wise, when he wakes up, would come running down the stairs to chase belle around for writing “[name]’s proxy” in big bold letters on his cheek while you laugh. never once wiping the words of “wise’s hollow raider” with a heart on the cheek opposite to wise’s. 

belle isn’t ignorant nor is wise, but it does frustrate her when her brother doesn’t speak up about his very obvious feelings about you. a sudden feeling of irritation blooming within her chest when she sees your crestfallen expression when wise keeps calling you “just a friend” when general cop or the tin master ask what your relationship is. belle doesn't miss the flash of slight hurt in your eyes before you mask it with an awkward smile and wave of your hand, agreeing with what wise said even though you obviously want to be something more than just a friend.

she’s frustrated with you too. the hours the two of you spend in their workspace, curled up on the couch as you vent out your frustration at wise’s obliviousness. eight out of ten times, belle would just urge you to confess directly, however, you would always go quiet and murmur into the bangboo in your arms that confessing isn’t an option. at first, belle was rightfully confused. she saw how you looked at wise; you looked at him as if he hung the sun and moon himself. he was your entire world and you had him putty in your hands with just two words. it wasn’t until the day after when belle finally realizes –when nicole has her arms wrapped around your waist and an angry flush on her face when you enter their store battered and bruised, but still smiling– that this was a first for you too. 

before becoming a regular client, you would recklessly jump into hollows without a carrot or a proxy. barely making it out alive if nicole hadn’t found you and made you a member of her little band of misfits. you were enamored with wise when he first patched you up. you didn’t have anyone before him that cared enough to lecture you about danger, your recklessness, and bad habits. he was probably the first person that genuinely showed concern for you so belle understood for a moment why you didn’t want to confess. she’s watched enough romance movies and read books and comics to know that confessing has its risks. your friendship that you painstakingly built with her brother brick by brick would come crumbling down if you said those three words.

“my dearest proxies,” you barreled into their store front with a bright grin. belle doesn’t miss the twinkle in wise’s eyes when he sees you. “let’s go out for lunch. my treat!”

“what’s the occasion?” wise asks, putting down the boxes of videotapes on the counter to give you his undiverted attention.

your grin reached your eyes as you waved a piece of parchment in front of them both. “it’s paycheck day! and what better way than to treat my proxies to lunch for taking such good care of me.”

“count me in!” belle merrily jogs towards you and gives you a high five.

“what do you say wise?” belle flashed her brother with a knowing look. the boy only shook his head and started leading the two of you out the store.

“well, how can i say no to free food?”

wise stole a laugh from your lungs as you tangled your arms with them both. “that’s my proxy. now let’s go!”

belle never misses the way wise’s cheeks flush whenever you intertwine your arms together; it was as easy as breathing for you. she just hopes that one day you’ll see for yourself that wise also feels the same, he’s just clueless and a little shy to show it unlike you.

© vxnuslogy 2024. do not plagiarize, repost, or translate any of my works without my knowledge or consent in other platforms or websites.

[arjudy224]

The Intern: Small Talk with a Dead Man

After a dramatic realization during Christmas break, Y/N has been peacefully trying to live her life without the influence of the Batfamily. One night after classes, she is visited by an old friend...

*Fluff*

Prequel: Death of a family

The Intern: Day one

The Intern: The Laughing Fish

The Intern: Busy Work

The Intern: Outreach Gala

The Intern: Teachers Pet

The Intern: Visiting an old friend

The Intern: Chemical Valley

The Intern Small Talk with a Dead Man

The Intern: Billionaire Boys Club

I shouldn't have been surprised. TV broadcasts. Google Alerts. The radio guy who complained about Gotham's newest Crime lord during my morning commute. A few local news stations dared to ask, "Is Red Hood more dangerous than the Black Mask?"

Despite all those warning signs, my heart stops when I see him again. A flash of lightning illuminates the man across from me. The signature Red Helmet drips rainwater on my ratty tan carpet. Judging by the watercolors across his knuckles, he must have driven from patrol.

From the corner of my bedroom, my phone vibrates on the nightstand. Dick's grinning face covers the screen. I hurriedly decline the call. Tim's face makes an appearance. The screen goes black. I drag my gaze back to the dead.

"Hatchling?" Jason observes motioning to Tim's contact name, "What's Damien's? Infant?"

I pause to think about it. What did I make Damien's?

"Sassy pants... with several angry emojis." I elaborate showing him the contact.

"Ahh... fitting for a child raised by assassins."

The room feels too small. Stuffy even. After years of dreaming of what I'd want to say to him, I blank. How do you even begin to approach this conversation? A painful silence forms. The helmet drops from his trembling hands with a thud. My heart stings when I hear his voice break.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know where else to go."

That breaks me out of my stupor. Crossing the room, I shush him.

"Take this jacket off before you track any more water in. My landlord is terrified of mold."

Reluctantly, he lets me peel the wet leather away from his goosebumped riddled skin. The hulking man slumps towards my touch. In the darkness, his features soften. He stops my quiet fussing by brushing the side of my cheek with the palm of his hand. For a moment, he takes a labored breath. Slowly, I meet his gaze. I can almost forget how long it has been.

How many nights did we do this? Bruce starting a fight. Jason sneaking in through my childhood window with a devilish grin.

"I figured I've already disappointed one father figure. Why not disappoint them both?"

The image of his charred corpse flashes in my mind. I flinch away from his grasp. Some memories don't age well.

"Go sit in the living room," I command throwing a towel in his direction, "Do you want tea?"

"Yes please." He agrees following my heels, "Do you have-"

"The usual? " I interrupt with a sly backward glance, "Who do you think I am?"

I almost blush at the look he gives me. Good God. My back turns to face him while I turn the kettle on.

Which mug do you give a dead man?

I correct myself.

Which mug do you give a crime lord?

I look past the cluster of random holiday cups to my shining star. A brand new Superman mug complete with a washable cape napkin. Water. Green Tea and chamomile bags. A little bit of honey.

While I set everything up, Jason studies the collage of photos on my wall. Some from Gotham. A mix from school. His eyes fall upon a selfie of Dick, Alfred, Barbara, and I. Encrested on the frame, it reads, "Jason Todd Memorial 2022". My throat gets tight. It seems so meaningless now. Leaning against the kitchen counter, I analyze the man. The new uniform is much more outwardly utilitarian than his Robin costume. No more shorts. The guns are new. He had set a few in a cluster on the coffee table. Jason takes a postcard from the collage in his hands.

"George Clooney?" He muses turning over the card, "Dick always had a flair for the dramatics."

"It runs in the family," I retort setting down his mug on the table.

As I draw near, he smiles at the choice of mug.

"I didn't realize that you picked sides."

"Alfred sent it to me as a peace offering," I shrug.

I motion to the brown patched-up couch. Jason eagerly reclines. His body stiffens at the strange lumps towards the center.

"Courtesy of Ma Kent," I joke, "I'm convinced she lined it with kryptonite, so Clark wouldn't jump on it."

Rubbing his sore shoulders, Jason grimaces sitting up.

"Well, I'm sure this is the only couch that could cause the Man of Steel back pain."

Sitting next to the sweaty young man, I sip on my own tea. The bitterness of the green tea grounds me to the present.

"Do you want to talk about what happened in Gotham tonight?" I question glancing at the freshly bandaged cuts on his arms.

He shakes his head grimacing at the memory. New City. New topics.

Grabbing the remote, I start, "What are you feeling tonight? I've been aching to rewatch "You're Next" for a while."

He eyes me with playful suspicion. Jason folds his arms behind his head.

"What? I've always found scary movies comforting after a long day."

"Like the way you find Ma Kent's Couch to be comfortable?" He teases fidgeting with the coarse fabric of the homemade pillow.

The random stains make him raise an eyebrow. Thunder shakes my apartment.

"It's an acquired taste." I reply pulling the pillow flush against my chest, "Besides, horror is the only genre where your anxiety is always right, but the horror never stays for too long. It’s nice to see the Protagonists survive to the end of their story."

For a moment, he looks like my Jason again. The slight bruising around his left eye causes him to squint ever so slightly, but he flashes me an amused smirk. Studying the man beside me, everything about him feels so familiar yet so foreign simultaneously. He has the same onery smile, yet it doesn't stretch as far as it did before. This new Jason is big... Somehow in the last few years, Jason doubled in size. What were they feeding him?

"You watch too many movies." He remarks offering me half of the blanket.

I pause trying to ignore the pit in my stomach. My Jason had blue eyes. A flash of lightning illuminates the small TV screen. Sitting next to the furnace of a man, I inadvertently inch closer.

"That is probably true." I reply lying my head on his shoulder.

Taking his large, calloused hand in mine, I turn it over in examination.. The skin is torn at the knuckles probably due to some unknown crook starting something he couldn't finish. His swollen splotchy purple fingers wrap around mine.

"Does it hurt?" I ask curiously

He responds with a painful shrug.

"Not as much as dying."

Jason eyes me curiously waiting for my reaction. Against all odds, I laugh until I snort. He turns his head to hide the smile on his face. Eyes on the TV, Jay continues.

"Well, it's true."

Taglist: @nosyrobin,@jjsmeowthie.@epicy0n,@gaychaosgremlin,@rory-cakes,@luna-zendra-star,@b4tm4nn,@anuttellaa,@chibiduck

[covid-safer-hotties]

Also preserved in our archive

Someone asked this question recently. Here's a good source.

by Tyler Vanzo

When masks were in short supply during the Covid-19 pandemic, people started questioning whether N95 face masks expire. Are expired face masks (but otherwise untouched) still effective? Surprising results from a peer-reviewed study have led some to question N95 expiration dates.

Do Face Masks Expire? The answer is yes if you’re talking about disposable masks. Disposable face masks will have a best-by date on the packaging, just like food. While this period is likely to be several years away, it is important to use the masks before then to get the best protection.

Reusable face masks are washable and safe to reuse, making them an excellent choice to stock up on. For the best results, wash the masks according to the instructions on the package and hang them to dry.

Do N95 Face Masks Expire? Researchers at the University of North Carolina and the EPA tested brand new and 10-year-old expired 3M N95 face masks. The oldest masks had expired 11 years before the study. And if the expiration lifespan is 5 years, that means the oldest masks were 16 years old.

Importantly, the researchers tested the masks on real people’s faces, rather than manikins. These fit tests are important because they take into account the part that people most suspect would degrade–the straps and other pieces that influence fit.

Fit tests compare the number of particles inside the mask while a person is wearing it versus the number of particles outside the mask. In this study, the average particle size was tiny–0.05 microns.

10-Year-Old Expired N95 Masks as Effective as New Surprisingly, the expired N95 masks were within one percent as effective as the brand-new masks–essentially indistinguishable.

It’s important to note that this was a small study. The researchers tested two different models of expired masks with three masks for each model.

N95 Masks Have Longer Shelf Life Than We Once Thought However, there is other data suggesting that N95 masks last longer than some people have thought. Our longevity tests found less than a 1% decrease in fit effectiveness in pollution masks worn every day for 30 days.

Why Do Masks Have Expiration Dates? Manufacturers mark their masks with expiration dates. For example, 3M says their masks have a 5-year shelf-life when the respirators are stored in their original packing and proper climate conditions (-4F to 86F, not exceeding 80% RH). That leads some to conclude that masks are less effective after this date.

The motivation behind the expiration date is that mask effectiveness depends on having a good fit. Over time, the elastic bands and nose pieces can degrade. If the straps and other structural pieces degrade, the masks will fit less well.

Bottom Line: Do N95 Face Masks Expire? Fit tests found less than a 1% difference in effectiveness between 10-year-old expired N95 masks and brand new masks.

(Ad segment of this article omitted. Feel free to patronize the author's site for HEPA filters and more.)

Study link: jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2769443

[erik-carriere]

Author’s Note: I do not and will not regret this. Thank you (?) to @brendadaaedestler for the inspiration.

The Snuggie Oneshot

Her shriek at once echoed off his chamber walls.

Erik’s grim face twisted in an expression his decaying features alone could produce; he had expected this tragic outcome and yet seemed to revel in its arrival. His smile was jagged and his eyes fiercely trained on her, a warning of his slow approach.

“My dear.”

Christine gasped and backed from the horrible sight, nearly tripping over herself in the skirts of her robe and costume from Hannibal. “No… no! It’s too horrible!”

“Feast your eyes! Glut your soul!” He cackled monstrously. “Yes, you wanted to see, my dear, you wished to know what lay hidden beyond the veil!” He snapped with reproach, finally darting forward to ensnare her wrist in his dead hand and drag her closer to the sight.

“Erik, no!”

“You wanted to know?! Look!”

Her wide, terrified eyes beheld the sight. A yawning black chasm, sinister wires affixed to a metal rod, hanging there like so many nooses. And on each…

A fleecy, super soft garment to keep you warm and your hands free. The machine-washable fabric seemed to taunt her in the candlelight, so unnervingly versatile enough to be worn anywhere, so eerily lightweight. The perfect, horrifying companion for lazy days.

“You see, I no longer live by the rules of man,” he explained from behind the mask, letting her go as he straightened and gave a simple gesture towards the open closet. “Man, who has shown me nothing but hate!… Snuggies, on the other hand—“

“Erik!” She cried. “How can you possibly commit such a fashion crime? Why not a sensible cloak, or a long jacket?”

“Jackets show no compassion to me!” He cried like a wounded animal. “Besides, finding a tailor for the sleeves and length is an absolute nightmare. Now, with Snuggie’s one-size-fits-most accessibility…”

Poor Christine moaned with dread, and once more began to distance herself. But a long arm clad in super-soft black material snaked round her waist and held her captive once more.

“There is beauty one can find, Christine, in this life, if only one chooses… you shrink from me! Ah, Christine, you do not yet know the joys of all-day comfort whether you’re watching TV, working from home, braving the cold at outdoor sporting events…”

She was helpless as he led her to an adjoining closet, but she could not look away, no matter how hard she tried; at last, when this fresh nightmare was revealed, it was all she could do to give a squeak of pure terror. Before her stood a mannequin, a bride, unmistakably; the figure bent forward, as if to embrace, wearing a veil…

And a bright, white Snuggie.

She fainted in his arms, and the Angel of Music held her to his breast, looking over her limp figure almost mournfully.

“Jeez. Better not show her the face.”

[regeneratingdegenerate]

@t-errifier is about to begin a bloodbath of epic proportions.

The last thing Deadpool remembered was the sensation: the scrape of a needle beneath his skin. The cool liquid in the syringe muddied his senses as the filthy fingers of the one hand that hadn't been clasped over his mouth had depressed the plunger.

Deadpool's eyes opened behind the opaque one-way lenses in the mask. He felt lopsided but couple of blinks oriented him: he was on his knees, strung up by the left wrist. His right hand -- curiously -- was free.

Reaching behind his back with his right, he found only an empty scabbard. No swords. He patted his thighs and felt the absence of his twin pistols. No guns. Deadpool lifted his head, thankfully the healing factor was pushing the grogginess aside. Next to a large black trash bag were his weapons. Well then, he'd just have to use what he learned in Eagle Scouts to untie this rope.

Gloved hands got to work but whoever tied these knots knew what they were doing, it was tight and he got little purchase. As he fumbled, the mercenary took in his surroundings. Wherever the hell he was it looked like it was set for demolition. A thick layer of dust here, a coating of grime there, and absolutely no voices to indicate any life.

Then the sound of shoes on concrete. The figure that came into sight shouldn't have been a surprise, but it sent a whisper of a shiver down Wade's spine anyway. Of course it was this guy from earlier tonight. This clown. Deadpool's brow furrowed beneath the mask. His face contorted into a grimace that the fabric became a caricature of as it clung to his features. Man, he hated clowns.

The silence may have been golden, but it wouldn't remain intact for very long.

"You did a real shoddy job with the whole kidnappin' thing. Real amateur, what, you mess up the dose? Guy my size ain't gonna stay down with whatever amount you'd use to subdue a chick. I may have some girlish hips but I am one hundred percent manly. Dressin' like that," he nodded his head to indicate to the clown's general vibe, "I'd warrant you ain't got one too many IQ points, but I know what yer thinking: who am I to talk right? Anyways, I hope that black and white get-up of yours is machine washable buddy -- not that it matters 'cause you'll be dead -- see I wear red so the blood ain't noticeable, but you're gonna be more my color scheme than monochrome by the end of this. What I'm gettin' at is that I'm gonna get my wrist here free from this restraint and then I'm gonna use some pointy things t'show you your duodenum."

[zorilleerrant]

Jason was right about the school. Bruce pulled some strings and went on some whole long thing about scholarships. Not to Jason, but he can still see it in the haggard smile on the face of the woman in charge of liaising with all the educational institutions, the way she overemphasizes certain phrases like she’s repeating them word for word.

Not least of all the part where she pushes seventeen brochures into his hands and asks him, with a pained look in her eyes, if he’s thought about college, and work-study programs, and student discounts on all sorts of things. Thin lips biting back the way Bruce obviously wants desperately to pay for it all, as if he isn’t already paying Damian’s tuition out of pocket.

The scholarships are real, this just clearly isn’t one. This is someone paying too close attention to someone who should’ve slipped his view, and now Jason can’t even use his own name anymore. A Jason, sure, there are lots of them, but the one Bruce has gotten so worked up about? Best case, he’ll think Jason’s a plant by some villain who wants to throw him off his game, worst case – worst case he’ll know.

He doesn’t think he can use Peter, either. Not unless he wants to see tears pile up in the corners of Bruce’s eyes while he smiles softly and pretends they aren’t. Not that Jason’s ever gotten entirely used to that one, either, the handful of times he used it.

Fuck, it would all be so much simpler if he really were just some down on his luck single dad, going back to university to learn things he never got a chance to, never having to hide all the things he shouldn’t know. But he’s about as much Greg Cather as the guy who made the fake ID was, if you don’t count the picture. It’s not actually of Jason, but it’s close enough.

Damian can still keep his given name, at least, and Jason can be Baba all he wants, and they have, you know, the things he planned. All the things he planned. They have food, and clothes, and somewhere to stay, and Damian’s going to school soon. Everything but Jason’s rock solid plan to hole up in a safehouse and do who knows what.

Put on a mask and be Robin again. Be Batman, but better. Hell, be a supervillain, maybe, just so long as he got to dress up as someone else for a while, have an excuse to run and jump and climb and stare at the blurry stretch of Gotham under weightless apogee. Drag himself back into the moment when he could fly.

He still has weapons. He just also has Batman’s scrutiny.

There’s something almost as soothing about packing a bookbag for Damian. The bag he had, sturdy canvas dragged all the way from home, and Damian would probably throw a fit if he had to go to school without it, so just as well. Something has to be consistent in the kid’s life. But everything else is from this neat little closet, smelling like artificial flowers over industrial cleaner, someone trying to pretty up another soulless shell. But under that, he can smell the paper scent of brand new notebooks, carboard boxes and plastic discarded to the side.

Everything is new and fresh and unmarred. Jason doesn’t think Damian’s ever used a marble composition book before. He’s used a ballpoint pen, but nothing this cheap, used markers, but never the washable, nontoxic kind. The books are well below his reading level, but he hasn’t studied literature yet, doesn’t know what he’s in for, and Jason finds himself a little jealous. Back to school shopping was always his favorite, just for this, even if the charity bins look a little brighter these days. Bruce’s fault or whatever. At least he’s done something right.

Damian looks skeptical at the neatly packed bag, lighter than he’s used to hauling around, but Jason’s riding his satisfaction high, brushing out the kid’s hair and feeding him breakfast, getting him to his first day of classes on time.

Breakfast is a granola bar and an apple. Jason will go shopping after.

Damian glares at Jason for clutching his hand too tight, but they make it to school without incident, and Jason barely has to juggle pleasantries before he remembers how to sign a form, sign Damian in. Hopefully not consign him to – well, Jason went here, too, and it was bad, some days, and worse others. But Damian is starting sooner, knowing more than he did at that age, and with Jason to back him up if anything goes wrong. So.

So.

“I’ll be fine,” Damian says, with an eyeroll that doesn’t cover the tremble in his lip, but makes Jason smile all the same.

He packed Damian a lunch. It’s not a very good lunch, but it has a note in it, some aphorism he’s already forgotten, just to get the kid through the day.

“I know you will,” Jason tells him, and wonders what he’ll do the whole time Damian’s in classes. Find someplace to hide and watch the school all day, waiting for something to happen? Better at least pretend to look for a job. Better plan how to make his money look legitimate and keep the Bats off his tail.

“Be good for your teacher,” Jason says, because he knows the three people in the office with them expect to hear it, even though he’s never understood exactly what it meant. But it sounds good, fatherly, when he says it, and causes Damian to give him a serious nod.

“I’ll pay attention and take notes,” Damian says, solemnly, with the double meaning Jason can’t break him of, because he’s still convinced they’re undercover somehow. He knows they left, he knows they’re hiding, he knows all the implications of running away, it’s just that Jason can’t explain what that means about their life. What is there to compare it to?

How do you ever explain to a kid that you’ve dragged them into a world they always knew existed but never got a chance to see? How do you teach them to fit in without telling them day after day this isn’t right anymore and that isn’t how we do things and for god’s sake, Jason, you can’t pick fights at school and calm down, it’s just a test.

Damian looks over his shoulder to wave goodbye as the smiling sunshine teacher takes him by the hand, and Jason waves back, fingers stiff as he tries to look casual. It’s easy to be calm in the face of the quotidian. Everything is a test.

[thatonesongyouretryingtoremember]

I noticed that now that school season is coming ever closer, very soon lots of y'all will probably be spending 7 hours for 5 days a week in a very densely populated environment for the first time in a few months because of school, so here's my little mask PSA! Yes, in 2024.

(note: the more reading I did the more this became a GET FREAKIN VACCINATED psa, generally, keep in mind that your risk of getting ANY of the problems described below ((or causing them in others)) is reduced by staying in date with your Covid vax, so keep up with it if that's available to you. The more of y'all that are vaxxed, the more it helps others who can't or won't, and yourselves.)

oh wow doesn't that cute clipart I stole just completely inspire you to read all this

the post is a slight bit longer than intended, but each bullet point is pretty short. the first bit is some facts I read from the CDC after that there's a few tips on masking that I read from various sources and some personal experience.

having been infected with COVID 19 before does not prevent you from getting it again and potentially infecting others, and you may experience different symptoms than before.

having been infected with COVID 19 before definitely will not protect you from an entirely different variant of it.

millions of people have long covid, a chronic disease state potentially affecting multiple organ systems, as a result from being infected with Sars-Cov-2

this link is CDC information on keeping your vaccine up to date

my information above this point is from the CDC, but I definitely implore you to do your own reading instead of just interpreting what I've managed to both comprehend and compile into a rather succinct tumblr blog post.

this one is entirely anecdotal, but the only time I have gotten sick PERIOD in the past four years was when I got COVID from someone I ate lunch with, the only time I am ever in public without a mask is when I'm eating.

Data I found for my state indicates a currently low COVID rate (i checked a few places to be sure), however data is only collected from hospitalizations and presented as ratios in any of the sources I've found, which does not help me get an accurate number of confirmed cases to give y'all. Nevertheless, I recommend looking up what data you can for your own region, I wish you luck that it is more informative.

wearing a mask can prevent the spread of other airborne diseases besides COVID 19, so certain times of the year with an increase in airborne contagious diseases as well as time spent in a building with hundreds of other people whose hygiene and vaccination status are completely out of your control and knowledge are especially important times to wear a mask.

I am sure to keep a few paper masks (still individually wrapped bc they come that way and it keeps 'em clean) in my car in addition to the masks I have inside that I put on before going out, just to make sure I'm never caught off guard. toss it when you're home and replace to leave again. (I think same rules for taking it off for an extended period of time- since the side that would go pressed up against your face is now also exposed to the air)

if you don't drive, leave them in your purse or coat pocket, or keep a fabric one on your keyring bc some of them are made to fold up n do that.

KN95 masks are supposed to be even better at preventing disease spread!! same rules as paper masks.

if nothing else, a set of fabric masks is a one time purchase, however the filters must still be changed out daily(though apparently there are also filters that are washable and reusable, though I've only ever used single-use filters in fabric masks before), the mask itself should also be washed daily, or thrown in the wash each time you come home to be replaced with another in your rotation before you go back out.

personally, I intend to go back to double-layering a paper and 3-layer/fabric duo soon, and I actually learned some new information while reading up to make this post.

even if you can't keep up with every single rule, masking at all is better than not, and keeping up your hygiene helps too! wash with soap when available and keep hand sanitizer on hand, etc.

[water-pokemon-appreciator]

Hey. Don't just yell at her, it was partially my fault to. I was talking to her when she was doing it, and it didn't occur to me to make sure the markers she was using were washable ones. So, yell at me too.

I'm sorry. I told Alex how to clean it off, she has the stuff. I'll get you guys some face masks you can do together after, how does that sound? Make your skin feel better?

I really don't care anymore honestly.

I'm done yelling. I'm just gonna sit here and get this marker off my face.

[bagunasmarilyn]

2022: Aéropostale Philippines (Product Banner via Shopify): AERO Face Mask (3-Ply Washable Face Mask with Filter Inside -- with 9 Colour Variants) 😷 --- @aeropostale via @shopify

[alenasbdesign]

Happy Constitution Day, Spain!

[maximumsongcandy]

Medical Textiles Market Overview: Innovations, Growth Trends, Applications, and Future Opportunities to 2030

The medical textiles market has emerged as one of the most transformative and rapidly evolving sectors in the global textile industry. As healthcare demands increase and technological advancements reshape the landscape, medical textiles are playing a pivotal role in improving patient outcomes, enhancing hygiene, and supporting sustainable healthcare systems. From wound care dressings and surgical gowns to implantable devices and smart wearable fabrics, the applications of medical textiles continue to expand, offering vast opportunities for innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship.

What Are Medical Textiles?

Medical textiles are specially engineered textile products used for medical and healthcare purposes. They include a wide range of materials designed to offer performance benefits such as antimicrobial protection, fluid resistance, durability, and biocompatibility. Medical textiles are broadly classified into non-implantable textiles (like surgical drapes and hospital linens), implantable textiles (such as vascular grafts and meshes), extracorporeal textiles (used in devices like artificial kidneys), and healthcare or hygiene textiles (such as face masks, wipes, and adult diapers).

Market Drivers and Growth Trends

Several factors are driving the growth of the Medical Textiles Market, including:

Rising Healthcare Demand: An aging global population and increased incidence of chronic diseases are creating a higher demand for advanced healthcare solutions, including medical-grade textiles.

Technological Advancements: The integration of smart technologies like sensors and conductive fibers into textiles enables real-time health monitoring and therapeutic delivery, fueling interest in wearable medical textiles.

Pandemic Preparedness and Infection Control: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased the demand for personal protective equipment (PPE), face masks, and other antimicrobial textiles. This trend continues post-pandemic as healthcare systems focus on infection prevention.

Sustainability and Reusability: The shift toward sustainable practices is encouraging the development of reusable, washable, and eco-friendly medical textiles, especially for gowns, PPE, and hospital linens.

Regulatory Approvals and Investments: Supportive government policies and increased funding in healthcare infrastructure have also stimulated growth in the medical textiles sector.

Key Applications of Medical Textiles

The versatility of medical textiles allows them to be used across multiple domains, including:

Wound Care: Advanced wound dressings made from hydrocolloids, alginates, and nanofiber materials support faster healing and reduce infection risks.

Implantable Devices: Biocompatible fabrics are used in cardiovascular patches, hernia meshes, and artificial ligaments.

Surgical Textiles: Sterile, breathable, and impermeable materials for surgical gowns, masks, and drapes protect both patients and healthcare professionals.

Hygiene Products: Nonwoven fabrics are crucial in making sanitary napkins, adult incontinence products, and baby diapers.

Smart Medical Wearables: Textiles embedded with sensors can monitor temperature, heart rate, and other vital signs in real-time.

Challenges in the Medical Textiles Market

Despite its promising outlook, the Medical Textiles Market faces several challenges:

Stringent Regulatory Requirements: Compliance with medical-grade safety standards and certifications can increase production costs and complexity.

Nanoparticle Safety Concerns: The use of silver nanoparticles and other antimicrobial agents has raised concerns about environmental and biological impacts, leading to stricter regulations.

Raw Material Volatility: Fluctuations in the availability and cost of high-quality medical-grade fibers can affect supply chains.

Technology Integration: Incorporating electronics and smart features into fabrics without compromising comfort or durability requires sophisticated manufacturing processes.

Regional Insights

North America leads the market due to strong healthcare infrastructure, ongoing R&D, and widespread adoption of advanced medical products.

Europe follows closely, with a strong emphasis on regulatory compliance and sustainable healthcare solutions.

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, driven by large populations, improving healthcare access, and booming textile manufacturing industries in countries like China and India.

Future Outlook and Opportunities

Looking ahead, the Medical Textiles Market is expected to grow substantially through 2030. Key opportunities include:

Expansion in Home Healthcare: With a rising trend toward home-based care, there is growing demand for easy-to-use, wearable medical textiles for elderly and chronic care patients.

Personalized Medicine and Smart Textiles: The fusion of AI, IoT, and textile engineering will drive the creation of personalized, intelligent textiles capable of delivering real-time diagnostics and drug delivery.

Biodegradable Medical Textiles: R&D in eco-friendly, biodegradable medical textiles is gaining momentum to reduce healthcare waste.

Startup and Investment Opportunities: With relatively low entry barriers in product development and a high demand for innovative materials, startups can thrive by offering niche, tech-integrated solutions.

Conclusion

The medical textiles market is poised for dynamic growth, fueled by healthcare advancements, sustainability trends, and innovations in textile engineering. As the industry evolves, the focus will increasingly be on smart, safe, and sustainable solutions that meet the diverse needs of global healthcare systems. For manufacturers, startups, and investors, this market offers a unique blend of technological potential and societal impact.

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3 Ply face mask with 7 layers

Cotton reusable face mask with elastic straps. The seven-layer mask (Five-layer filter with Melt Blown SSMMS filter) has a bacterial filtration of 95%. Washable at 60 degrees. Non-medical.

[covid-safer-hotties]

Hi! Sorry if this is a dumb question, but what do you know about reusable covid-safe masks? I've never stopped wearing the fabric masks, but I'd like to step up my protection. I'm also just worried about all the trash single-use masks will produce -- I want to be environmentally responsible too -- but a lot of mask resources don't seem to specify much on reusability/washability. I'd be really grateful for anything you can send my way.

First off, reusable filters don't offer enough protection. You need at least n95 rated material, and washing it breaks it down and removes its electrostatic charge, rendering it less protective. There's no 100% earthy-crunchy green way to give yourself adequate covid protection. What elastomeric masks do, however, is reduce the amount of waste in reducing filter size. This also brings the cost of filters down in most cases. Some companies exist that recycle masks too, but I only have links Canadian examples and I don't know where you are.

There's a lot of elastomeric masks out there. 3M has over 3 dozen n95 or p100 models to choose from. There's even forced-air options if you wanna go for the absolute best protection, but in all but the highest risk and research covid scenarios, it's major overkill.

Because I don't know you or your measurements, I can't tell you what mask will 100% fit you. Personally, my everyday wear is a big-nose model Flo Mask, and for high risk scenarios, I break out my MSA Advantage 300. There's dozens of models and levels of protection out there ranging from full face, forced air respirators to the thong-like B99 B2 that only barely covers my mouth and nose. The zero covid reddit might be a great place to ask people for recommendations based upon your concerns with fitting an elastomeric to your specific face type: low/high bridge, shallow/chubby cheeks, and chin size all impact which elastomeric is likely to get and keep a good seal in use. You might have to buy 2 or 3 before you find *the one* is a problem you may encounter, but of all the elastomerics I've seen, Flo Mask has the best general fit and would be a good starting point.

Basically, even disposable masks will prevent you using even more resources and plastics and such by keeping you healthy and out of the hospital. Someone who uses and throws away 2 or 4 masks every couple weeks (depending on your specific needs, could be a little more if you like sweat at work a lot or something) is far less impact than a ICU stay for covid. Also, you could help prevent covid *and* offset everyone's mask waste by eliminating Taylor Swift since she flies two private jets to all her events which spread more covid than any other superspreader event. (For legal reasons, I am joking)

[hiteshmehtasuspire]

Introducing our Rose-Printed Facemask, the perfect blend of style and protection. Crafted with eco-friendly rose print on hemp viscose fabric, this face mask not only keeps you safe but also adds a touch of elegance to your ensemble. Our machine-washable and reusable design ensures convenience and sustainability. Available in both large (7 x 11 inches) and small (6 x 9 inches) sizes, this facemask provides a comfortable fit for all. Stay safe and stylish with our Rose-Printed Facemask.

[mandrakebrew]

Something Fragile

Pairing: Shi.shido x Palmer Words: 832 Rating: G Content Warning: oc x canon

Masterpost

Summary: Shi.shido shows up late to Palmer's apartment in need of first aid and a washing machine.

Their apartment was becoming a second home to him. He started crashing there when he didn’t feel like making it all the way to his place. Like tonight, he was covered in blood and filth and needed to wash up. Not to mention patch up a shallow cut on his arm.

“Hey,” He grunted when he opened the door. They were on the computer, the glow of the screen the only thing illuminating the room. He flicked on the ceiling light.

“Hey Kosei.” They turned and froze when they saw him. “What the hell happened to you?”

“Job got a little messy, no big deal.” He made his way to the bathroom to start cleaning up. His face was splattered with blood. Normally, he had his mask, but it got torn off in a scuffle. His shirt and white pants weren’t much better. He suddenly felt his arm being grabbed. Turns out that Phoenix had followed him.

“Not a big deal, huh?”

“What? It’s not that deep.”

“Yeah, sure. Hang on, I’ll get it.” Phoenix pulls out the first aid kit from under the bathroom sink.

“I can do it, you know.”

“It’s on your arm. It’ll be easier and faster for me to do it. Go ahead and rinse your arms off, though.”

He hesitated a moment before listening and washing off the blood on his hands and arms, careful of his cut. After he dried them off, Phoenix took his arm and applied antibiotic ointment to it before wrapping a bandage around his arm. It felt… Strange. Shishido wasn’t sure how to respond to the gentle treatment of his wounds. He’s used to taking care of it himself, or by a doctor. The way Phoenix touched him wasn’t clinical. It was like he was something fragile.

Shishido just stood there a moment once they were done. Phoenix glanced up at his face, then grabbed a towel. They switched on the hot water and started soaking it. “Sit down, I’ll get the blood off you.”

He could clean himself off; there was no reason not for him to. Yet he sat down on the toilet seat lid and waited.

Phoenix ringed out the towel and gently began wiping away the blood, starting with his forehead. He shut his eyes, enjoying the warm, damp towel on his skin. It had taken him a while to unlearn that all touch was violent. Just a tap on the shoulder made his body react as if he were in the arena or alone with Nishitani.

Once he was in the Watase family, he started to slowly relax. He isn’t fully “there,” he thinks. Where everyone else seems to be with touch. Even if he’s learned to control his reactions very well, internally he still struggles.

This is entirely new, though. Being gentle cleaned up by someone else. It makes his skin tingle. One of the first actually pleasant forms of touch he got used to was sex. He isn’t aroused, though, which happens often when he feels his partner’s hands on him. No, he feels relaxed, safe even.

Shishido cannot fight the wave of disappointment he feels when they pull away, telling him they’ve gotten it all. He glances down. All the blood left is on his clothes, none on his skin.

“Are those machine washable? If they are, we can wash them before the blood sets in.”

He grunts in affirmation while taking his shirt off. Many of his clothes are dry-clean only, so Palmer’s gotten into the habit of asking. He hands his shirt and pants over, leaving his belt on the bathroom towel rack.

“Oh, gotcha good there, didn’t they?”

Shishido follows their gaze down to his stomach, where an ugly purple blot sits.

“Damn, didn’t think they hit that hard.”

Palmer laughs through their nose. “C’mon, it’s late.” The sun was starting to peek through the windows.

They walk over and turn their computer off while he climbs into their bed. Soreness was starting to set in, he’s going to feel it in the morning. His partner soon crawls into bed next to him. They lay together in silence, save for the white noise of the fan running in the corner.

“What was that about?”

“What?”

“I can clean myself, you know.”

“I know.”

He frowns, though in this dark he’s sure they can’t tell. “Then why’d you do it?”

“Maybe I just wanted to.”

A hand reached over and touched his head, carding through his hair. He closed his eyes in response.

About a handful of seconds pass, before Palmer spoke again. “Did you not want me to?”

There are some things about his past nobody understands. Things he does not talk about. Palmer understands, though.

“No, it’s fine.”

The bed shifts as his partner moves closer to him. They slip their arm under his and rest their hand on his back. They both fell asleep like that while the rest of the city was just starting to wake up.

Taglist:

@cybotgalactica @devilzfruit @tulaytullahs @alice-nineteenth @hexusproductions @deregirls @frozenhi-chews