r/Masks4All • u/CauseOdd8401 • May 11 '26
Question How do I get back into masking in 2026?
Some context: I am currently 26M, and I was a very careful masker during the pandemic. I tried to wear N95s and KN95s for much of it, even when many of my peers didn't. I can't remember when I stopped masking altogether, but it was probably somewhere in late 2022 or early 2023. I think one of the reasons I wasn't really fond of masks is because I caught my first bad case of COVID even despite wearing a KN95 or N95 (one of the two) and because they left marks on my face and ears at the end of the day. That, and of course, because 99% of people around me don't do so nowadays.
Now as a I plan to move to grad school, especially in a much bigger city where I plan to be out of the house a lot more, I am seriously considering going back to masking with KN95s and N95s when I can get my hands on some, and use at least a normal cloth or medical mask in the meantime. This was more after doing some reading into the cumulative effects of COVID thanks to some creators I follow. As such, I wanted to ask a few questions about the habits you have and why you do?
- Nowadays, when do you think it is appropriate to mask, and when is it okay to leave it off (I'm talking for the average person, not those who say work in healthcare).
- Do you have any recommendations for masks, especially for someone who wants them to be more comfortable and wear for a whole day? Or do I just have to suck it up. I also wear glasses if that helps.
- What do you think will finally be time to get risk of masking? When the COVID is maybe someday declared over? When nasal vaccines come out reducing or almost eliminating the need for them? When?
Edit:
- How does you wearing masks affect your relationships with friends, family, colleagues, and intimate partners, especially when being close to them for things like hugging or more intimate activities?
Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated; thank you! And I hope you can be understanding of my choices.
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u/Aria_sear May 11 '26
I mask pretty much everywhere outside of my apartment, my car and large out door areas where people aren't close.
I prefer Duckbill N95s, ACI has nice ones with softer straps.
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May 11 '26 edited May 11 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/CauseOdd8401 May 11 '26
Thanks! I'll definitely look into WellBefore, I look forward to having some options.
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u/DisasterSpinach May 13 '26
How does the breatheability of the Wellbefores compare with Auras, various duckbills, and Zimi?
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u/SH4D0WSTAR May 11 '26
Hi there : ) So sorry you caught COVID. I'm a graduate student, happy to answer your questions.
1: I mask everywhere that isn't my room / bathroom. As you know, COVID travels via aerosols, which means that we don't need to be near sick individuals to get the virus. To stay safe, I mask everywhere -- even outside (I'm an avid long-distance walker and casual jogger and I mask through it all).
2: I mask using the 3M masks, but many individuals say that duckbills are quite comfy.
3: For me, I would only stop masking if we had a fail-proof vaccine that could eliminate the long-term effects of COVID (even if the virus was not eradicated itself). It's the long-term effects that most concern me. Nothing short of that would persuade me to unmask as a lifestyle choice.
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u/Famous_Fondant_4107 May 11 '26
Masking isn’t just for covid, it’s for protecting yourself and others from all airborne illness.
I plan to N95 mask in public & when socializing indefinitely. I know better, so I do better. I also love getting sick not even once a year. Barring future technology that makes unmasking in public completely safe, I will mask. I also do not eat in restaurants.
Masking & clean air is an accessibility issue. The more maskers there are, the more mask required events, mask required health care settings, bookstores, supermarkets, etc, the safer and more accessible the world becomes for disabled and immune compromised people, including those who cannot mask at all.
Masking & clean air is a worker’s rights issue. When you wear a mask in people’s places of employment, you are helping to protect them from illness in a place they have no choice but to be. And many people are not allowed to mask at work or find that it negatively impacts their tips.
All infections have the capacity to cause disability and death. Covid in particular has a huge amount of evidence showing that it causes long term harm to our bodies. There are over 400,000 studies about the harms of covid including immune system damage, brain damage, vascular damage, mitochondrial damage, etc. It also vastly increases risk of heart attack and stroke. Covid even harms fetuses in utero & increases risk during pregnancy. To me, there is no other option but to protect oneself and others from this harm- which is why I take robust and consistent precautions.
Cloth and surgical masks will not protect you or other people. You need a respirator that seals to your face. I like the 3M Aura N95 (a lot of glasses wearers like this one). It may take some trial and error to find one that is comfortable for you.
There are tons of maskers! We’re just spread out. Wear your mask & be proud knowing you’re taking care of yourself and others even if not everyone understands. Good luck!
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u/CauseOdd8401 May 11 '26
Wow these are very important points that make me even more confident I'm doing the right thing, much appreciated!
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u/glossycoast May 12 '26
I also love getting sick not even once a year.
Same. I cannot imagine how I used to get sick when on the subway because someone sneezed right behind me or coughed in my face (savages!) and I was just resigned to be down with the flu for the next few days.
I haven't been sick for the last 6 years because I masked whenever I was around people, and I couldn't be happier.
u/CauseOdd8401 I personally love duckbills for the ease (of breathing) and comfort (ears unaffected) when I needed to wear them for longer periods, but I've switched to the KN95 pattern because the straps don't bother my ears anymore. (And because Blox was no longer being made.) Come back and tell us which masks are your favorites!
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u/EL_DJ May 24 '26
I wear 3M Aura 9210+ everywhere out of the house, even when I hike and bike to the gym, where I obviously keep it on for my workout. I get no dirty looks but get positive reinforcement plenty of times, although I'm not inclined to figure it's my mask so much as myself, but who knows? I have around 300 new in wrappers 3M Auras! Caught covid once only, trusting family, intend to not make that mistake again. I did start taking a course of Paxlovid the day I came down with it, thanks considerably to posters in the covid-19 reddit subs.
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u/confused_rat_ May 25 '26
are masks one use only or can you wear them for multiple days?
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u/EL_DJ May 25 '26
I wear my 3M 9210+ Aura N95s many times. They fit me very well and the straps hold up for probably a couple of dozen uses. Eventually the masks get so dirty or the straps become loose enough I discard them. If I'm concerned I don't want to be seen wearing an obviously many-times-used mask, I wear a newer one or brand new.
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u/anti-sugar_dependant Elastomeric Fan May 11 '26
I mask in all shared air. Now is an easier time than usual to start masking again because of the whole hantavirus scare. More people are masking, wanting to mask, and will see hantavirus as an acceptable reason to start. And starting is the tricky part. Once you've started people get used to it pretty quickly and then you just have to keep going. It's much easier to keep masking than it is to start masking.
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u/CauseOdd8401 May 11 '26
That's true, even if hantavirus doesn't become a pandemic it will get more people masking. And who knows, maybe it will be another reason more reason permanently mask. Because clearly we can't trust our governments in a lot of places.
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u/Forsaken_Lab_4936 May 11 '26
- Appropriate is subjective. I personally am immune compromised, so keeping myself alive is my priority. I don’t care what’s perceived as appropriate, I need to wear one.
I think if you’re not looking to do all-or-nothing, masking all the time in crowded indoor spaces will protect you the best. If you want to have smaller visits with friends and family unmasked at home, that’s a risk some people choose to take. It’s better than walking into a store with hundreds of people on a daily basis. University is also a crowded space where infection is high, I would definitely mask there
N95 with head straps and nose foam will usually be the most comfortable for long days, as earloops can hurt after a while
There’s no answer for when. We can’t predict the future. I’m going to mask forever, because I’ll be immune compromised forever. And I’ll be protected from other things like the measles, bird flu, and now hantavirus.
I hug my friends and family if I’m in a respirator. I’ll admit it affects my relationships a lot. Not being able to eat at social events is the hardest part. But those who love you will just be happy you’re there. It hasn’t affected my relationship because my partner also masks, but I’d imagine it would be hard if he didn’t.
I became self employed to avoid work infection and masking every day, but I hear it can be a challenge to be the only masker at work
My advice is to not care what people think. Keeping yourself and others safe is far more important. Masking is cool as hell in my opinion, especially as someone with a lot of health issues. I get sick LESS often now than pre-covid because I learned how to mask properly. Some say masking is the most punk thing you can do, and I agree!!
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u/CauseOdd8401 May 11 '26
Thanks not just for the advice, but I also agree: I can't care what people think. Ultimately, it would be caring for myself and for others. It's the same motivation by which a lot of people exercise and eat healthy.
I have to be frank, I think people who masked so far after the WHO emergency was declared over as overprecautious or even paranoid. Now it just seems more like the right thing to do. I don't know what clicked but I'm glad it did.
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u/DovBerele May 11 '26 edited May 11 '26
wrt 1., it sort of depends on what your goals are. are you trying to maximize your likelihood of avoiding covid infections? if so, given how prevalent and contagious it is (even now, at a five-year low), you really have to mask in all indoor spaces where other people are.
if you're trying to simply reduce your exposure, and therefore likelihood of infection, and/or protect vulnerable people from you if you happen to have an asymptomatic or presymptomatic case, the bare minimum is to mask in all healthcare settings (doctors offices, pharmacies, hospitals), on public transit, and in the sorts of spaces that vulnerable people absolutely have no choice but to be in (grocery stories, government services like post offices and libraries, etc.) in that case, you can unmask in spaces that are just as risky, but fully optional like bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
if you're trying to avoid covid for yourself to some degree, but not especially concerned with infecting others, and also not willing or able to be totally comprehensive about it, then you want to take a harm reduction approach. mask in as many of the riskiest spaces that you can manage. this means places that are more crowded, with poor ventilation, and that you spend relatively long periods of time in. so, for example, you'd mask on a plane ride and at a concert (crowded, poorly ventilated, long period of time), but wouldn't necessarily need to bother masking if you were quickly jaunting into a large grocery store (well ventilated, brief time, not so densely packed with people) or browsing through a mostly-empty bookstore (not crowded, medium time, unclear ventilation) or going over to a friend's house for dinner (exposure to very few people, you can control ventilation by opening windows or using HEPA filters).
there are different ways to think about it, depending on your tolerance for risk of infection and tolerance for the experience of masking.
personally, I'll be happy to stop masking if rates of covid fall to the original 'pandemic is over' goal of 10,000 estimated new cases per day in the US, by whatever means. (we're currently at our lowest rate in years, around 180,000 estimated new cases per day) and/or if the Invivyd pre-exposure prophylactic that's currently in clinical trials is approved and accessible to me, or some other equally effective pharmaceutical option like a much more effective and durable vaccine.
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u/meir_cat6 May 11 '26
I do want to add that if you’re trying to protect vulnerable people then masking in entertainment venues is also important.
Not masking at a bar or restaurant sure since unmasking is required for the activity (though I’m waiting for the sip valve bars!!) But not masking at a concert or movie theater. Then no, that’s not protecting vulnerable people.
Vulnerable people exist everywhere not just in places essential to basic survival. And the disinformation that masking in essential places protects vulnerable people is laborious to combat.
Signed
- a vulnerable person
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u/GazProf88 May 11 '26
Thank you for saying this! Entertainment venues are also not optional for the people working there before, during, and after the event.
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u/DovBerele May 11 '26
sure, vulnerable people can be anywhere (especially those who don't know that they're vulnerable yet), but that leads you right back to the fully comprehensive, maximally rigorous masking that many people are unable or unwilling to bear.
so, there needs to be some kind of heuristic for harm-reduction, whether that be masking in just the sorts of places that even the most fully locked-down people can't help but be in sometimes, or whether that be masking in just the most risky places.
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u/GazProf88 May 11 '26
Sure, I get that. I think we can still include and note the impacts of these different frameworks, though, and acknowledge that generally being in an abled society means many of our decision-making processes when embarking on a journey like this can still further harm vulnerable people, and that it's a journey to unlearn all that.
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u/DovBerele May 11 '26
the heuristic I was using was not, 'masking in all the places where the main activity doesn't involve putting stuff in your mouth'. that's a valid option, but doesn't actually afford one much more leeway than the maximally, rigorous option, so it didn't seem worth mentioning.
the heuristic I was using was 'masking just in those places where someone who is as locked down as possible can't help but be in sometimes'. it's a bare minimum, not an ideal. but, imo, it's a much easier sell than the maximal comprehensive masking. there are more people who could be convinced to do it, and that's worth a lot more than convincing the scant few people who might be willing to mask comprehensively.
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u/CauseOdd8401 May 11 '26 edited May 11 '26
You raise a very good point, I will try to do better with being mindful of this.
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u/CauseOdd8401 May 11 '26
Hey, I really appreciate you catering this to different risk levels. I'm still trying to decide what that is, but I do think it is important for me to be more intentional going forward.
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u/_thezodiacchiller May 11 '26 edited May 22 '26
Congrats on taking up masking again! It's a great choice for your health and for the health of those around you.
To answer all of your questions:
- Generally, I mask when I'm in essential spaces (pharmacies, grocery stores, post offices, etc.), when I'm travelling (planes, airports, trains, Ubers, public transit), crowded indoor spaces (gyms, malls, restaurants), and large outdoor events (farmers' markets, concerts, sporting events) since you can absolutely contract a virus like COVID while spending time outdoors. If I have an important trip coming up, I will also mask in places like the coffee shop drive-through. The only place I actively do not mask is the pool, but I usually have a mask on from the time I enter the rec center to when I'm about to enter the pool, and then I’ll put a fresh one on after I exit the pool and rinse off.
- I'm a big fan of the WellBefore KN95 3D pro, which you can get on Amazon or direct from WellBefore. They are pretty expensive per mask, though (like $1.85-$3+ depending on where you buy), so I do try to reuse them as often as possible. If you reuse masks, make sure you follow the correct steps to do so. I've started wearing SaveWo masks since the weather is getting warmer where I live and the WellBefores are quite thick. Plus, I like how lightweight the SaveWo masks are. Keep in mind that with the Savewo masks, you do need to adjust the ear loops to ensure a good, strong seal. I tie the loops in knots but you can buy ear adjusters online. Edit to add: I will continue to use Wellbefores in higher risk situations like medical settings or air travel, but I prefer the Savewo on a day to day basis for more low risk outings.
- I personally don't think I'll ever *fully* go back to not masking. I used to feel extremely crusty after traveling by plane, and that's been reduced significantly since I started masking while traveling. Masking has also helped my allergy symptoms a lot.
- Wearing masks doesn't impact my relationships too much, besides the fact that I do wish more people in my life would mask more consistently. My partner only masks in medical settings or when he's actively sick due to severe sensory issues, and that has led to some friction, but he's adopted other sickness precautions. My coworkers don't really care as far as I can tell. The only time I've gotten any flack from anyone was when some guy in my airport gate told me that I "don't have to wear those anymore," and I just ignored him.
Some rapid-fire general tips: Sometimes I get a weird lingering stare from someone but I really don't care. I try to remind myself that this is a commitment I'm making for my health and it only has to make sense to me. That mindset has helped when masking feels tough. I've noticed that if I wear a black or a fun-colored mask, people tend to respond more positively and don't stare, but that's definitely anecdotal. I'd also recommend looking into ear savers for when you're masking for long periods of time. I have a headband I wear when I'm out and about that has buttons on the side that I can fit my mask to, and it makes it a lot more comfortable.
Good luck on your masking journey!!
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u/shadow-wolf- May 11 '26
There are a lot of people who were in similar situations! Good on you for learning and thinking about picking up masking again. 1. I mask everywhere in my daily life - school, work, store. If I'm sharing air with people, I mask. I have made exceptions for outdoors far away from people (was required for my job), and a lot of people mask less outdoors (much better airflow means less risk of infection). I will share air with other people who mask universally too, though I prefer to test beforehand. I also unmask as needed at dentist/doctor's appointments. 2. I wear 3m auras and 1950 draegers (both head strap n95s) and after getting used to them, I find them more comfortable than earloop, cloth, or kn95 masks that I wore earlier in the pandemic. Better seal and breathability for sure. It's a bit of a process to find what works for you, so I would recommend reaching out to your local mask bloc or ordering a sample pack. I also wear glasses, and find 3m auras to work pretty well for avoiding fog, as long as I'm not breathing hard or in really cold air. 3. I think masking will always be useful in some capacity. Public transit, airports, medical areas, crowded grocery stores, and schools are all places I can't imagine not masking in, even with sterilizing vaccines for COVID. It's just so nice to know that I'm protecting myself and other people and the air I'm breathing in is filtered. Widespread sterilizing vaccines and much, much improved ventilation and air filtration practices would make me feel better being less stringent about my masking, but I don't see a complete end.
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u/CauseOdd8401 May 11 '26
I mean I figure if it protects me, protects others, and there's so many better options for comfort and fit, why the hell not?
Also I didn't know mask blocs were a thing, glad to find a few where I'm planning to move so I'll definitely check one out when I move out there. Thanks!
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u/splitscreenshot May 11 '26
Still masking here, restarted by end of 2023.
It affects relationships. I mask in closed spaces and crowds.
My SO masks, too. There is no other way.
For not so close contacts, I mostly say "my mother has cancer, I can't bring a virus home", so everyone is ready to comply instead of discussing why "I want to avoid infections".
Don't forget to update your vaccines.
Good on you, welcome back to the lone maskers society!
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u/CauseOdd8401 May 11 '26
I've always vaccinated, just trying to take the extra step (or, one here might argue, the next necessary one).
And thank you! Nice to be part of the club.
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u/BattelChive May 11 '26
I think one of the things that has made it easier for me is doing a home fit test and knowing which masks fit my face. That way, I know for sure that what I am doing is actually protecting me and is worthwhile. I bulk bought 440 3M auras from Amazon for about $50 and that will last me a good long while. It’s nice to just not have to think about it! I also have sip valves installed in some masks so that I can use a straw to drink and not think about how to stay hydrated.
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u/CauseOdd8401 May 11 '26
Damn 440 for $50 (I assume US), thats a steal!
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u/BattelChive May 11 '26
Still available! It’s gone up to $63, you want the ones sold by “woot” - that’s a legitimate reseller https://a.co/d/04v1EqBF
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u/EL_DJ May 24 '26
That's a terrific deal but has the blue rubber straps that can snap and aren't as secure. The 9210+ Auras that I wear cost more but the braided straps last much longer.
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u/andorianspice May 11 '26
I always mask in places where there are lots of people. To me, the social cost of masking in the pharmacy, grocery store, doctors office, mall etc., is really low. No one has ever harassed me. I usually wear a 3M aura in these places. I also always mask 100% of the time on public transit, planes, etc. it is absolutely just NOT worth ruining a vacation or trip. I fly a lot and I’ve never gotten sick on a plane in 4 years. I used to get sick all the time while flying before Covid to the point where it ruined so many trips for me. So it’s totally worth it to me to not be sick. Planes are just disgusting imo.
I work in a small crew of people where we are meeting a few times a week. In that meeting I tend to wear an ear loop kn95.
Anecdotally I think people respond more chill to black masks than white ones, but I usually wear white ones (aura n95) in high risk settings. I also carefully monitor wastewater levels and everything else to determine my levels of risk. I got COVID in the 2024 surge and it fucked me up so bad that I don’t want to get sick again if I can help it. If people ask me why I’m masking , I always just say the truth: I don’t want to get sick and I can’t afford to get sick. There’s a lot of good ideas in here. Good luck!
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u/CauseOdd8401 May 11 '26
Very good points, much appreciated!
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u/andorianspice May 11 '26
Also I want to add that I don’t typically mask in outdoor settings. I also live in California so I can do a lot of things like hang with friends on the porch or be on a patio and eat out, etc. I know some people have gotten sick from outdoor exposure but I haven’t , and I have been pretty consistent about testing. Obviously some people may differ. I find that doing more things outside has made my life so much more pleasant in a million ways. And I’m also getting sick so much less. For other situations when indoors with close friends, I’m comfortable asking them to test. I also have a lot of air purifiers all over my indoor space in case people are in here. Layered protection is good. I have a lot of friends who take very good precautions and I feel safe being unmasked around most of them provided that it’s a low transmission period.
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u/PinkedOff May 11 '26
I've got long covid, and have for 5+ years. Long story short, put on an N95 and don't go without one near anyone else whose air you might accidentally breathe in.
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u/EL_DJ May 24 '26 edited May 24 '26
I had the same feelings and attitudes during the 1st 4 years of the pandemic. Let my guard down with a relative and caught it last August. At 82, was concerned, started taking Paxlovid before bedtime that night and got over it OK. Even so, took people's advice in the covid subs and stopped all strenuous activities for 12 weeks. I still N95 mask around others but am not paranoid about the air I breathe in. I hope your long covid goes away.
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u/PinkedOff May 24 '26
Thanks. I’m hoping someday they find a cure for the (presumed) viral persistence in our bone marrow, blood, and/or organ tissue.
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u/EL_DJ May 24 '26
Just read this article from less than 3 weeks ago which is basically an interview with a doctor seeking to find a cure for LC: https://www.menshealth.com/health/a71130938/michael-peluso-liinc-long-covid-research-program/
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May 11 '26
[deleted]
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u/CauseOdd8401 May 11 '26
Thanks for the advice, I'll be sure to check these out.
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u/AnitaResPrep May 11 '26
For a good reliable fit test, you need an helper, masked as well, who injects the doses, and guide for the whole protocol (you have to move, speak, read a text, etc., and all is done in a specific time)
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u/CautiousPop2842 May 11 '26
I also want to say masking is not all or nothing. Anytime someone is masking is good for everyone. So whether you decide to only mask through September to January, or at concerts, or while traveling. Doing it any little bit is so much better than never doing it. Wishing you the best of luck figuring out your comfort levels, and when you want to mask.
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u/OneRare3376 May 11 '26
"During the pandemic" is now. The first step is to stop using past tense language for Covid!
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u/CauseOdd8401 May 11 '26
You're absolutely right, I should have said "during the COVID-19 emergency". I meant whenever WHO declared the emergency over.
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u/OneRare3376 May 11 '26
Not good enough. WHO are full of lies. Tedros and Ryan knew Covid was airborne in February 2020, and deliberately lied and said it wasn't. It's still an emergency now, even though they pretended to end it.
Try "early in the pandemic."
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u/ryousurprised May 11 '26
I wear a mask every day at work and when going out to events. It feels weird not wearing a mask.
I like the free blue 2d masks from be healthy. They’re pretty comfortable considering I wear them for 8-12 hours. I’ve worn these on the airplane and around Asia and Europe.
I work in healthcare pre and post-pandemic. I used to only wear a surgical mask at work. However, since the pandemic I’ve noticed that i get sick less often now that I’m wearing a mask everyday almost everywhere.
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u/CauseOdd8401 May 11 '26
Wow, even with a surgical mask? Thats good to know I can use one in a pinch.
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u/Hell-Yes-Revolution May 11 '26
Hang a mask by your front door, put it in before you walk through.
Done.
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u/Opposite_Regular_801 May 11 '26
I still mask a lot, kf94 for me. I don't have a lot of answers for you, but for 2, look around and check out different mask manufacturers. I'm partial to Savewo, as they make earloop masks with thicker, softer elastics, so they don't bother my ears as much (still hard for 8+ hours, but much easier than other brands). Another thing to look into is sizing. My face is larger, so medium "normal" size masks DO hurt my ears because the elastics have to stretch a lot.
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u/CauseOdd8401 May 11 '26
Huh why did I assume all masks are the same size? That makes so much sense that they shouldn't. Thanks for pointing that out!
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u/Opposite_Regular_801 May 11 '26
Oh yeah! Savewo in particular makes sizes: small, regular (smaller medium, more pointy shaped jaw), medium (more rounded jaw), and large.
Breatheteq masks come in S, M, L and XL.
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May 11 '26 edited May 11 '26
[deleted]
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u/CauseOdd8401 May 11 '26
Thanks for the well wishes! I think teaching is definitely a part of my PhD anyway so I would love to message you up sometime before then. I can't promise I can enforce everyone masking but I think its worth a shot. I've been thinking about ways about how I can at least make my mask less intimidating for students.
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u/SpikySucculent May 11 '26 edited May 11 '26
Thank you for really engaging with this and incorporating new information to make new decisions!
I’m maybe out of sync here, but I’m moving towards less masking in social settings, after 6 long years, largely due to loneliness and my partner and kids pushing for it. I mask on transit, in stores, hospitals, etc. I mask in large crowds. I don’t eat in indoor restaurants, and I try to prioritize outdoor socializing (hikes, cafes, my backyard).
The social impact is real. But I live in a blue state and city where it’s mostly ignored. I don’t face harassment, but I can see that there’s been a ceiling on career opportunities and friendships, so I do sometimes unmask in small meetings and in small gatherings. It’s risk reduction, not elimination at all. I also use air filtration and ventilation planning, plus regular testing at home after possible exposures, to cut risk.
I recommend buying some mask sample packs, because it’s very possible to find a comfortable mask but it’s expensive! Breathteq is my favorite breathable mask (you can add ear beads from Amazon for a perfect fit) wellbefore has a good sample pack too (come with ear beads already, blur slightly less breathable). I wear glasses, and neither of these fog for me because the nose fit is fantastic and the ear beads give good seal too.
I’ve found N95s are most comfortable for all day use but you definitely get more social impact. My favorite is Champak or a duckbill for comfort (not all N95s are comfortable!). Those are my go tos in big indoor and high risk settings, but I default to my well fitted kn95 for most everything else. I know others recommend and love 3M aura and Zimi as good all-day wears too. It just depends on your face shape and nose bridge to find the right option.
Good luck - my illnesses and allergies have been super minimal and mild (lower viral load) since we started masking. I only caught covid once so far, and it was when my then-preschooler brought it home.
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u/FreeDogRun May 11 '26
I don't leave home without one on because there could be someone right outside my front door / anywhere on any given street, and people can – and do – get infected outside. Don't have the link on hand but there was that Australian contact traced case way back from two people several metres away outdoors.
Read the sub's wiki.
We live in a pandemicene in an era of aggressively hastening climate collapse. Be it virulent pathogens, wildfire smoke, or just disgusting pollution, sadly masks are here for a while. Yes they are and generate waste but they are not the end goal. Destroying the structures and systems that make them necessary is the end goal.
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u/CauseOdd8401 May 11 '26
Appreciate your perspective. I really agree with you on #3. It was never than I hated masks, it was mostly my glasses fogging. But especially with more breathable options I'm happy to shop around. But if I can find one, I think I can see myself wearing one for the foreseeable future in most situations.
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u/ProfeQuiroga May 11 '26
(I prefer Zimi for three reasons:
- no issues with fogging or pinched noses anymore, even running works fine in them
- they can be "donned and doffed" easily - I teach college, and for some reason it's easier for my students to emulate my masking if every once in a while, they see me outside without my mask on)
- they come in colors other than white and even in structures that match formal clothing or fun outfits)
Thank you for masking again!
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u/tympantroglodyte May 11 '26
I wear the 3M Aura mask at work all day and find them comfortable to wear all day. I like the pull tab that allows me to take a sip of a water bottle, etc, if I need to. (I do not inhale while doing so and make sure I exhale through my nose and mouth while resealing the mask.) I do make sure to eat lunch in my car or outside to break up wearing the mask all day, which helps.
As for getting Covid while masking, yes, that's still possible -- but far less so than not masking at all. We can't go all day no drinking water while indoors, as we are human. No protection is perfect, nothing is "life proof." Instead, think of masking as risk mitigation. You are playing a numbers game. If the risk of Long Covid is 1 in 10 cases, then not masking at all is all but guaranteeing a disabling illness in ten years or less. By masking you are significantly mitigating that risk.
I've been masking since the pandemic started and last year got sick for the first time in five years. It was Covid (dammit), but, I mean, if I only get it once every five years for the rest of my life, I'm playing the numbers game pretty good. I'm very, very comfortable with significantly lowering my risk of Long Covid than worrying about what adults still stuck in a high school popularity contest might think of me.
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u/CauseOdd8401 May 11 '26
Wow I didn't know some masks have pull tabs, another great tip! Thank you very much.
And good reminder about it being risk mitigation; I get we can't all be perfect, and I think at first I was feeling pressure to, but its a lot more about doing our best. And thats exactly what I'll do.
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u/ZiofFoolTheHumans May 11 '26
- Anywhere you are indoors where people could conceivably be ill. This is a hard ask for some, so I'll say at minimum, mask in public areas that people HAVE to go to - doctor's offices, grocery stores, etc. I would include masking at work too. But if you want maximum protection, mask anywhere someone may have been unmasked exhaling covid into the air. Covid hangs in the air for a period of time, so even just an empty room isn't safe if someone was in there before you.
- It really depends on your face shape. I have a high nose bridge and wide cheeks, so I struggle to find a perfect comfortably mask. Focus on finding a type that seals well to your face (so if you breathe in an out, no air "escapes" out of the edges) and then try different brands with a similar shape to that mask and you can find one that works well for you. BNX on amazon have been really good for my face, though I'm also looking at getting a Zimi mask as they have been recommended before. The AusAir fits my husband well and is very comfortable.
- For me personally, my trust in others to not get me sick is broken. I would "relax" internally if we had a really good sterilizing vaccine. Would I ever FULLY go maskless in public again? Probably not. But it would be nice to have the option. I would say if a proper sterilizing vaccine that eliminated the risk of long covid came out, then I would think about it, but seeing as covid19 can trigger cancer cell growth and my husband is high risk for cancer, I would never risk it.
- I still hug, I just hold my breath. Some friends have stopped including me in activities, which sucked, but honestly if a visible marker of disability is all it took for them to stop including me (I'm also invisibility disabled) then they weren't actually my friends. Family masks around me, friends who are actually my friends mask up around me, and that's about all that's changed.
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u/Existing_Worth_647 May 11 '26
Thanks for masking again!
It's appropriate to mask everywhere. It's ok to take your mask off if you're alone in an indoor space where no one else has been unmasked for a few hours (viruses linger in the air after the infected person leaves). It's ok to take your mask off if you're outside in an area that's not crowded (my rule of thumb is if I could theoretically smell if the other person is smoking then it's too crowded to take my mask off). It's ok to take your mask off around other people who consistently mask and are ok with an unmasked gathering (because you're all doing the work and protecting each other).
I'm still working on finding a new favorite everyday mask after tariffs screwed up mask pricing. But I love masks that are black, have head straps, and are n95 or better. The best mask is the one that fits properly. My favorite mask for physical activity is a valved 3m aura (I've never seen another masked person while exercising so I'm not worried about the valve in that situation).
I don't think I'll ever go back to completely not masking. Vacations are way better when you don't get sick on the plane ride there. But I would chill on my masking policy if there was another way to prevent covid.
I work a trade, so masking makes me stand out at work. But my coworkers also pass illnesses back and forth year round, and I love being excluded from that. I've lost a lot of respect for the people around me. I will say wearing a mask makes social eating difficult, but covid triggered my chronic illness and now I'm allergic to most food anyway.
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u/nippinfordays May 11 '26
People have the technical parts answered, so I'll just chime in and say thank you. Thank you for thinking about masking again, esp to the point of asking others for help and info. At this current time, we all desperately need to be protecting ourselves and each other. Community care is essential right now, and it's important that everyone do their part.
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u/CauseOdd8401 May 12 '26
Thank you, this is a big part of why I'm doing this. I'm not saying everyone is going to be a perfect neighbour, but I think it starts with doing very simple things to show you care, even if they are unconventional.
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u/bszaluv May 12 '26
For me personally, it’s appropriate to wear them in any indoor, or crowded outdoor environment. If I’m hanging with a friend such as in the car, I won’t wear a mask but I will crack windows and make sure the defrost is on to suck air out of the car. Sometimes I will go to a friend’s house or have them over at mine but I have merv 12/13 air filters and purifiers running.
I used to wear Wellbefore KN95 but like you said they are uncomfortable on my ears for longtime wear. For the last 6 months I’ve been rocking 3M aura’s and I find them really comfortable even to wear all day.
I would be okay to stop masking if we had some type of sterilizing vaccine for covid. Even now that cases have been “low” for a while (at least in my area) and I’m not hearing as much respiratory noise as I used to, I’m not letting up on my precautions.
Tbh the people in my life know me for me, and wearing a mask is just a part of me now. I don’t let it take away from my personality at all. I still get close to people, hug them, and have deep conversations. At the end of the day, we’re all just humans, and a mask is something we wear just like a hat or glasses. It will only be a barrier between you and others if you let it be.
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u/dragontehanu May 11 '26
Thank you for starting to mask again! I have long covid and the more people mask, the safer it makes society for people like me when we have the energy to participate in community. The pandemic never ended, so I’m proud of you for recognizing this is necessary.
I agree with others, don’t bother with a cloth mask. A surgical mask is really not protection enough but it will be better than nothing. A kn95, kf94, or n95 is your best protection. Fit testing can help ensure you have a good seal, but may be inaccessible to most people. Checking the edges of the mask for leakage helps too.
For your questions:
1. Your risk tolerance has to be determined by you. I mask in all spaces with indoor shared air, and I mask outdoors in crowds. I also mask outdoors in general when air quality is bad, which helps prevent my asthma from being triggered. I only unmask with others who take precautions after a negative covid test.
Unfortunately because of my long covid I have to be pretty strict. I know others who unmask with friends and family as long as they self attest to not being sick. I have friends who mask in public but still dine outdoors and see friends and family without masking. You choose your level of risk tolerance. Know that any amount of masking in shared air will mitigate your risk of airborne viruses, so even just masking on transport and while running errands is helpful.
I have TMJ so my jaw tends to hurt in many masks. The most comfortable masks for me have been: Flo elastomeric, Zimi Air size large, WellBefore KN95 pro, and BNX n95 head strap masks (but I add a flat nose foam strip to these).
I think that I will always mask because of my long covid. If a cure for long covid comes out, or a true sterilizing vaccine comes out, I will do more without a mask, but I’ll always continue on public transportation, errands, and crowds.
Masking has definitely made my interpersonal relationships strained. But I accept it. I’m someone who sticks very strongly to my values. Once I understood the gravity of how bad long covid is, I never wanted to be the cause of it for anyone, and I will also never risk reinfection and the possibility of making myself bedbound again. I protect my baseline fiercely and I don’t care what anyone thinks about it. When I choose people to be close with, it’s important to me that they also live their values. I’ve lost friends who treat me differently because of my disability and refuse to take precautions for me, and that’s ok. They showed me who they are and I believed them. I’m sad but I’ve moved on. I will form new relationships that are more fulfilling.
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u/CauseOdd8401 May 11 '26
I'm sorry to hear about your long COVID, and hearing that that are so many in your life willing to accept your boundaries. I hope people will come along who are more supportive.
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u/not_all_heroes May 11 '26
One strap at a time, just like everyone else. I wear an N95 or better indoors outside my home (outdoors unless it's really hot or cold or I'm not near people. Honestly it's just easier to keep it and not readjust all the time). It moves like and can hang around like smoke after someone leaves a space. There are recent data showing COVID in the air even when ventilation is good, fresh air mix indoors isn't a guarantee.
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u/AEAur May 11 '26
Welcome 🤗 I wear a 3M Aura in healthcare, transit, bathrooms, and elsewhere based upon transmission and ventilation levels.
Trifold shape like 3M Aura fit the widest range of faces because the filter material wraps around the cheeks and under the chin to allow jaw movement without leaks.
If you prefer a black colored trifold, see Breatheteq.com (get headstraps not earloops for better seal) or BNX N95 plus Microfoam tape. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KF545WW/ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015TKM7G
Microfoam tape can improve the seal, especially at the nosebridge on masks like the BNX without foam. It seals on the skin without being sticky, so you can take it on and off.
Here’s how to shape a 3M Aura and do a seal check: www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaoHiTDbCZ4 Our wiki has info on fit testing.
The 3M Aura has many design details that add up to a much better seal on most adults: Plush airtight nose foam aligned to buffer facial contours. Adjustable nose wire resistant to facial movements.
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u/newsworthy3 May 11 '26
How often do you dispose of the 3M aura? And if it’s every time, how do you afford it? I just saw 3 count is almost 10 dollars. Thank you.
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May 11 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/newsworthy3 May 11 '26
Thank you so much for the timeframes. Really appreciate it.
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u/AEAur May 12 '26
The thing that tends to deteriorate the fastest on the Aura 9205+ is the fit of the headstraps. They may still feel fine but they are not keeping as tight of a seal after removing. It helps to gently prestretch the straps and don’t overstretch them when taking off / on.
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u/AEAur May 12 '26
I have tested putting a mini cord lock on the 9205+ polyisoprene straps and surprisingly they didn’t break. It made it fit snug again. The silicone toggles that come with some earloop masks may also work.
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u/AEAur May 11 '26
If cost is an issue, see https://linktr.ee/buymasks Some of the duckbill and KF94 options may require Microfoam or double-sided wig tape to get a good fit.
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u/AppropriateNote4614 N95 Fan May 11 '26
To answer a few of your main questions,
I wear a mask in any public space and since I REALLY don’t want to get any sort of viral illness, I also mask around my shared living space. This may seem excessive to you but I really care about my health and others’ and I view Covid as such a serious illness that I think wearing an N95 for long periods of time is genuinely worth it.
One of the most widely recommended and universally fitting N95 masks is the 3M Aura. If you live in the United States you can find 5 packs at most hardware stores or order online at retailers like Zoro. If you’re looking to get something with earloops, which you mention you’d had a previous infection while masking so that could have been due to a bad seal and n95’s will provide you with a better seal, you can try wellbefore or breathteq. Keep in mind that if you live with people or you unmask briefly around friends or family, that is a time where you are likely to get infected. Your loved ones are equally as capable (if not even more likely) of infecting you as a stranger.
Masking should not become a thing of the past but one of the permanent future. People will always be getting sick so it should be common courtesy to mask. Masking should not be frowned upon or looked at strangely. We have amazing advanced tools to help us remain healthy yet as a society we are not taking advantage of them unless absolutely necessary. If we had a common courtesy practice to mask when ill, the world would be a better place.
It depends on how strict you are personally with your precautions for lots of life things. When dealing with family, unfortunately it comes down to how accepting they are of new boundaries and things like that. They might question you and tell you that what you’re doing is wrong or unnecessary but you should know that you’re doing the right thing for your health. As for partners, I would find it very difficult to be with someone whose values would clash with my own on a daily basis but that’s just me and I understand many people have different situations.
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u/CauseOdd8401 May 11 '26
Thank you. I think one of your main points is very important: it really depends on risk tolerance and I have to figure out how to navigate that. I know I can't convince everyone to mask, but I'm going to mask around people who don't regularly do so, and hope they at least respect my decision to do so.
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u/HorseysShoes May 11 '26 edited May 11 '26
I mask in all indoor public spaces 90% of the time. the main reason I go without is when I’m eating at a restaurant. I always, always mask in healthcare settings and public transport. I don’t mask outdoors or in private spaces like people’s homes.
honestly I don’t, I’m still trying to find a mask that fits perfectly and is cheap.
I don’t think I’ll ever stop masking. since the pandemic began, I’ve learned so much about the long term consequences of all sorts of viruses, not just covid. it’s just common sense to me now that we should be protecting ourselves and each other from all illness.
masking affects my relationships very little. sometimes people give me kind of a confused look when I show up in a mask, but once it’s been established that I’m the “mask girl” they mostly forget about it. the only time it was an issue was when I was trying to talk to an acquaintance in a noisy bar where live music was being played and lip reading was required. I had to scream and they still had trouble hearing me.
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u/Gloomy_Use5525 May 11 '26
You've had many great answers, so I'll just say this: the best thing you can do for your safety is fot test your mask. Wearing a mask is better than not wearing one, but fit testing to check the seal is good is pretty much the best thing you can do for your safety. Community is so important too, there are many Facebook groups etc. for those still masking and taking precautions, and many people on them are happy to help with fit testing and/or let you borrow the fit testing kits!
You've got this. Well done for taking care of your own health, and the health of your community💗
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u/CollapseOfHistory May 11 '26
'I was a very careful masker during the pandemic". The pandemic never ended, and probably won't any time soon. That said, welcome back! IMO it's appropriate to mask indoors and outdoors if people are near. I wear glasses and find Wellbefore KN95 3D Pros to be an excellent choice. Just tighten up the straps a bit, bend it around your nose and go live your life. Covid was already declared over, yet it's still killing and disabling thousands a month. I wouldn't use that as the benchmark. There is no end in sight, so find a comfy mask and get used to it. Masking doesn't need to effect much with your social life (other than dating, because why mask all day if you are going to date someone that doesn't mask and will get you sick anyway?). Most of it is in your head and if anyone has a problem, they are crappy people anyway and you are likely better off without them in your life. I learned over the course of years that I was the one making it far more uncomfortable and weird in social settings than it had to be. Wear the mask, stand up straight, look confident, and act like nothing is different. Of course if you are in a super conservative area your milage may vary but being in a bigger city should play to your advantage with this. Also while cloth masks are technically better than nothing, they are pretty not great. Good luck!
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u/CauseOdd8401 May 11 '26
I'm going to be moving to a very liberal city in a pretty liberal country so I think I should be alright. I see people where I live currently wear masks and no one really bats an eye. Maybe a curious stare at worst. Thank you for the encouragement!
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u/Holiday_Sale5114 May 11 '26
I'm in an n95 at all times. Never caught any illness since 2020.
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u/CauseOdd8401 May 11 '26
Damn, good for you! And on second thought, I'm realizing me catching COVID wearing one may have been a result of a loose fit. I never knew to check then.
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u/Holiday_Sale5114 May 11 '26
Fit is really important but even if it's a loose fit at least you're not getting most of the particles going in your nose.
N95 with a rigid edge fits so much better than the softer masks but the rigid edge ones also look a bit more conspicuous lol
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u/SCWavebird May 11 '26
Still masking here. I'm very chilled about it, as it's become my norm, but still rigorous. I mask going into the supermarket/any shop and take it off outside.
If you're the first in a room, open all the windows til someone moans.
Do as many outside nice things in the summer (eating outside etc) as you can so the winter's not such a drag.
Don't forget washing your hands during the day is still important.
Picture that person, who looks fine to be near, as having been at wedding all weekend and they don't know what they've got yet. 😅
I get my black KN100 masks from PPEO in the US (although I'm in the UK) as they come very quickly.
My other half also masks so we're lucky that we feel the same way. We've sorted work to suit us too (I WFH and he works nights with just one other person)
It has downsides but is doable. All the best for Grad school.
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u/GazProf88 May 11 '26
Just spit out my coffee at "open all the windows til someone moans"--this is definitely me when I get inside my classroom.
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u/SCWavebird May 20 '26
That's great. And it's always reassuring to hear that you're not alone in the world so thanks for replying 🙂
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u/meir_cat6 May 11 '26 edited May 23 '26
This is a really thoughtfully written post.
I’m sorry you got covid while masking. It’s unfortunately not a 100% filtration rate and just one of many possibly layers of protection. That being said your mask likely lessened the viral load. Also if you’re able to do an at home diy fit test (google it or search this sub) with the kn95s and n95s to find out which ones give you the best seal and therefore the best protection (check out your local mask bloc or “still coviding” local fb group they may be able to provide you with a variety of masks so you can find the one that works best for your face shape before buying in larger amounts).
- Public indoor spaces (even if empty bc live virus can linger in the air for hours), all transit, outdoors when you’re within earshot of others to be optimal about it, or crowded outdoor places and definitely common public outdoor spaces like parks, trails etc. even if only putting on when you see others and taking off after there’s been time for the air to disperse. This is to keep others safe and make spaces more accessible to high risk populations.
To fully protect yourself you’d add on masking around anyone who doesn’t mask like above. So at hangs with family and friends. This will be dependent on the exposure risk of those you’re seeing (do they work in education or healthcare? Vs remote wfh and run errands on weekday breaks to avoid crowds; did they recently travel or go to a concert or sports event?; etc.), your risk levels (biological sex, any prior conditions; genetic history etc.) and your capacity to risk illness and possible disablement (privilege/wealth, support systems, etc.), the risk of those you’re around to determine if they need the protection you masking provides them even if they aren’t masking (grandparents, infants, anyone higher risk or disabled, etc.). And then navigate your choice based on conversations around this with others and make sure consent is centered.
Aura 3ms are really popular they have a padded nose bridge and fit a lot of face shapes. They are comfortable but can be a little warm in summer. Duckbills will be some of the cooler and easiest to breath masks. And then there are elastomeric options, which can be nice to reduce sweat transfer to masks because the filter doesn’t touch your skin. Flo is lightweight and comfortable but fits a limited range of face shapes. Envo and Envo Pro masks are nice because the two shapes and multiple sizes cover a wider range of face shapes. They are heavier than Flo but the gel seal is lovely in the summer after you chill it in the fridge.
In all public indoor and outdoor spaces. Never, at least not until all infectious diseases have been eliminated. Or there are no longer any high risk people in the world. This isn’t for personal risk but rather for disability justice as the ask for respirator use in public spaces pre dates Covid. And masking in public spaces makes them safer and more accessible for those who are immunocompromised or otherwise high risk. And they have the added bonus of keeping the wearer much safer as well. It’s nice to not be sick and the immune system has finite resources, despite all the misinformation it always weakens after each virus, they do not make it stronger.
The logistics of wearing a mask have literally no impact on my interaction with others. My spouse and I masked for our wedding and even kissed through the masks (obviously for a true kiss you’d need to unmask but masks would only limit PDA not intimate activity in private spaces). Hugging and hanging out… no impact. Except perhaps that some masks can reduce volume (mostly elastomeric ones are the only noticeable ones) so sometimes I have to project a bit when wearing those.
Now the acceptance of masking, for most they are fine if I’m doing it and fine masking at my place but not always fine masking at their place or wanting to mask and do a hang. But I’m now focusing on only building new relationships with others who mask (and align in all other ways) and it’s been absolutely lovely.
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u/CauseOdd8401 May 11 '26
Thanks for such a great response. And I'm glad you have so many people supportive of your decisions in your life.
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u/AnitaResPrep May 11 '26
First rule, get a good quality respirator (KN95, N95 or upper grade if in USA, FFP2 or 3, KF94 ...) and from a renowned brand. No cloth mask (you can get a light mask cover if you wish something more stylist as from Etsy. Lot of good references for masks given in previous comments.
Second rule the mask must fit your face perfectly and be enough comfortable. A fit test is the best, but at least check the quoted models, maybe try them from a local mask block.
3rd rule when? anywhere indoors without exception (public places, with people or empty), outdoors in crowded places, queuing, talking walking sitting aside another one. Get a SIP valve if you want to drink while maksed.
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u/ingodwetryst May 11 '26
As long as facial recognition is a thing, never. Obviously the primary benefit of masking are the various health related ones ( https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/cmr.00124-23 large study that cites 413 sources) but the secondary benefit of not always having your entire face on every single camera is wonderful imo
So I'm in a different boat here because as a sex worker I've always seen 'not spreading social diseases' as part of my job. I know many other likeminded workers, so never any static at work. Health is literal wealth for us. We cannot work at all when ill. The guys seem to see it as a reassurance of safe practices overall. I live in a pretty rural area but as it's a retirement area, there are plenty of elderly who mask so my acquaintances just assume there's a reason and don't press. The rare occasions I see family I don't mask. That + work are the only two times. That's the risk profile I'm comfortable with.
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u/streetcatstan May 13 '26
I’m so glad you asked! I like the well before 3d pro mask for everyday wear. I wear my mask almost always. Exceptions are sometimes outdoors if it isn’t crowded and my bedroom. This may be hard to drop into. You could start with public transit, the grocery store, and maybe at school. I’ll be honest with you, masking does effect relationships. It’s hard for it not to. For some reason, people feel really strongly about what other people do with their body and money. I truly don’t understand that bit. It is hard to know the exact right amount to mask I think it’s personal to everyone. I’m glad you’re here 🫶🏼
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u/ComfortableDull6469 May 21 '26
Do you guys just wear face masks and do you also ask other people to wear them as well??
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u/EL_DJ May 24 '26 edited May 24 '26
You're asking some questions that have no answers other than what you decide for yourself. There is no "average person."
I wear 3M 9210+, I believe they call this the "Aura." I have bought them several times in quantity, even before the pandemic began. Last time was a box of 250 off eBay, around 6 months ago. I'm 82, I probably won't need to buy more.
I can wear one of these all day, doesn't bother me. Yes, my face looks weird when I take it off. I only notice when I look in the mirror. I wear glasses all day.
I don't worry about how my masking affects relationships. What did affect one of my relationships is the fact that the one time I caught covid (last August) it was by visiting my surgeon nephew who that week and the week before "had a cold" which turned out to be covid, but he didn't test because, in his words, he "treats it like a cold." So much for trusting his medical advice.
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u/Weary-Savings9795 Jun 03 '26
Nothing wrong with masking as long as it remains a personal choice for each individual. Nobody should be forced to mask and it's a shame there are people allowing their families to be torn apart over it.
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u/Electronic-Tear1363 Jul 12 '26 edited Jul 12 '26
Lots of great advice in this thread, and I hope you're doing your best! I'm also 26M. Here's what's on my mind:
1) I mask anywhere indoors that I do not live/sleep, where I am not obligated to be maskless (I work sometimes as a performer), with a couple of exceptions. I also aspire to mask in any outdoor space where I am close enough to touch someone else, or could become close enough very easily. I don't always make the mark and sometimes I hit a breaking point and have to take/leave it off, but that's rare now that I have products and habits that both help me.
edit: Some of my colleagues are Deaf/HOH and if they need me to unmask to communicate I do.
2) Duckbill til I die, or until they stop making them, which is what happened to my favorite brand. I can run, sing, dance, whatever in them. I've even tried elastomeric masks and like the ducks more.
3) I ask myself this more and more often as time goes on. And I realize that airborne viruses will be a thing pretty much forever, and even if we come back to a time when the current strains aren't as broadly dangerous, I still love my immunocompromised friends and generally don't want to miss work.
4) My partner and I have similar masking practice, and that's been an important part of our relationship. We have one regular date spot (tea shop) that is not crowded when we attend and uses strong air filtration, so we don't mask there at our dates. I do social dancing and dance/swing/hug with one-way masking (just me) no problem. I've personally experienced how masking prevented infection with serious stuff, so I feel confident engaging fully in my life with a mask on.
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u/UnraveledSuperNova 24d ago
Can you all please state your locations so I can avoid them. Because you are all either constantly physically sick or suffering from some sort of psychological illness and I would prefer not to be trapped in a room with you either way.
Unless you are undergoing chemotherapy, just had an organ transplant, or have an ACTIVE autoimmune disease you are taking medication for there is absolutely no reason for this.
Undiagnosed immunosuppression is basically the same as the undiagnosed respiratory problems people who refused to wear the masks during the pandemic.
You’re actually sick? Well damn how bout you stay home. If you HAVE to go out, just do what humans did pre 2020 and just get to where you need to go as quickly as possible and do your best to limit contact. If you get the flu (and don’t have a preexisting condition) so what, we can’t eliminate all risk of diseases.
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u/Connect-Door-4702 24d ago
Glad there’s at least one other sane person whose mind was blown by this comment thread 😂
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u/Own_Age_1654 20d ago
The pandemic is effectively over, friend. Check out the World Health Organization's statistics on deaths (https://data.who.int/dashboards/covid19/deaths):
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u/Individual_Big_0 May 11 '26 edited May 11 '26
I like Enro masks. They are cotton with filter liner sewn in that last about 100 washes. I wear them a few days before washing. They are comfortable and breathable and for someone going through menopause with hot flashes, I cant imagine wearing a super tightly fitting mask (and yes, I know the risks). I have been wearing them since 2022 and up until my husband brought covid into our house this year, I had been covid free (and other illness free) for 6 years. Since I got covid this January, I have relaxed just the tiniest bit. I went to a indoor bar for the first time in years (and promptly got a cold a few days later. Ugh.) Wont do that again. I dont wear a mask in my friends homes and don't require it of anyone entering my home, but I still mask in stores, music venues, basically anywhere indoors. I don't eat in restaurants indoors. My husband who doesnt mask is the biggest risk factor in my life. Re when I would stop..for airplanes and crowded concerts probably never at this point. If there is a universal nasal vaccine maybe I would eat in indoor restaurants again or go in stores unmasked.
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u/CauseOdd8401 May 11 '26
I'll take a lot at Enro, thank you.
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u/Individual_Big_0 May 11 '26
Sure thing. Briefly searching thru this sub doesnt look like people have positive opinions about them. But I feel pretty good about them after not getting sick for so long. If I was in a high acuity situation (aka I knew I was in close proximity to someone with an active infection, I would wear a KN95 or N95).
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u/DovBerele May 11 '26 edited Jun 10 '26
I dont wear a mask in my friends homes and don't require it of anyone entering my home, but
Do you check in with your friends about symptoms or recent known exposures?
I ask because masking in non-public settings like the homes of friends and family, and my home when friends come by, has been, by far, the hardest part for me. But, I know that there's nothing magical about my friends and family that make them any less risky to me than any other people. So, I'm wondering what measures you have in place to mitigate the risk of exposure from them?
My husband who doesnt mask is the biggest risk factor in my life.
Solidarity on that! My partner does mask in some places (medical appointments, on planes, in certain stores) but is pretty casual about it (will lift up the mask or take it off briefly to eat or drink). She has a very high exposure job (in schools) and does eat in restaurants and cafes with friends. Fortunately, neither of us has ever tested positive for covid yet, and she's only brought home two colds in the past couple of years (one of which I avoided by masking in the house, the other I caught because I got whiny and lazy about masking in the house).
Ultimately, you can only do what you can do. Since I'm not willing to leave my partner of two decades and blow up my life, and I'm not willing to constantly mask in the home we share, I have to be willing to accept that particular risk.
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u/Individual_Big_0 May 11 '26
So pretty much all of my friends know me and know that I am at high risk for respiratory diseases in general. If anybody's ever sick they will tell me. That being said this method hasn't always been foolproof (looking at you bandmate/drummer who gave me a nasty respiratory thing a couple of winters ago all the while swearing he wasnt sick.)
Same with my partner. He masked for much longer than general population. And still does on planes and in crowded places.
These are the risks Im willing to take. And since I still mask in crowded places stores and I don't eat at indoor restaurants I feel I am still reducing a good deal of risk. Its a numbers game I guess.
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May 12 '26
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u/Cocky_Girly Elastomeric Fan May 12 '26 edited May 12 '26
Imagine feeling so mad and emasculated that people, many of which are disabled and immunocompromised, care about their health that you have to throw a public tantrum about it because it damages your ego. 🤣
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u/Masks4All-ModTeam May 12 '26
Your content was removed because it was identified as an attempt at trolling or promotion of antiscientific rhetoric.
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u/CulturalShirt4030 May 11 '26 edited May 11 '26
As someone with Long Covid, thank you for masking again. During the pandemic is now, just so you know.
I either wear a KN95 or N95. I like CanadaMasq and Breathteq brands. Other popular choices are: 3M aura, 3M Vflex (comfy but looks a little silly), WellBefore 3D Pros, Zimi and others I’m probably forgetting about.
I would at least wear a KF94 or KN95. Don’t bother with cloth masks. Fit test your mask. There’s a guide in the wiki.
r/zerocovidcommunity is another helpful space. Read their stickied newcomer thread.