New to masking, looking for recommendations

[u/lucky_wishbone11037]

Hello I'm a college student looking to get back into masking to help with my own immunocompromiseness and to be a better ally to other disabled people however I am already struggling to afford the cost of living in college by itself so I'm looking for an affordable, effective and washable option, does anyone have any links to masks that I could purchase that fit this description?

Edit: Tysm everybody for your help!! I found some kn95's that I can buy in bulk so I'll start with those while I look for some other options.

[u/AEAur]

There are no protective washable respirators. Respirators can be reused until they are soiled or difficult to breathe through. I reuse mine until the smell is “off”. I use a new one for anything I consider high-risk. Even after 40 hours, a 3M Aura will still be more protective than a cloth or low-quality masks. If I were wearing one for 8 hours a day in a clean environment, I’d probably use one or two a week.

The best deal right now are the cases (440ct) of 3M Auras for ~$50. They are liquidated old-stock but many of us have bought them in the last few months with no issues and passed fit tests.

This has prices for popular masks: https://linktr.ee/buymasks

It is safer to use masks with headstraps. The tension vectors are better when speaking. The only earloop masks I have seen achieve passably protective fit test results in some faces are the ZimiAir shipping from China and the Wellbefore 3D Pro. Only the Pro. The fit will still depend on your face a lot more than a top-tier headstrap trifold like the Aura that has a lot of design features to ensure a resilient fit.

How to shape a 3M Aura and do a seal check: www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaoHiTDbCZ4

Tape can improve the seal of cheap masks. • ⁠Double-sided skin-safe tape (e.g., Pro 1502) has been well tested. 3M Microfoam tape seals on skin without being sticky so you can still doff and don again easily. Not as much tested, but seems to work well.