topic Re: MASKS WITH AN OPENING in Community Chat

MASKS WITH AN OPENING

tends2dogs — Sun, 17 May 2020 14:31:10 GMT

While grocery shopping last week, I noticed some people wearing masks that have what looks like a round opening that can be open and closed. What is that for?

Just wondering.......

Re: MASKS WITH AN OPENING

Jordan2 — Sun, 17 May 2020 14:34:45 GMT

@tends2dogs wrote:
While grocery shopping last week, I noticed some people wearing masks that have what looks like a round opening that can be open and closed. What is that for?

Just wondering.......

@tends2dogs I don't know, I have never seen anyone wearing one. Maybe it aids in not having your glasses fog up? I have seen people not wearing their mask properly, wearing the mask with their nose uncovered.

Re: MASKS WITH AN OPENING

tends2dogs — Sun, 17 May 2020 14:37:47 GMT

@Jordan2 Sort of like a vent? I didn't think of that. The opening isn't in the middle, but off center.

Re: MASKS WITH AN OPENING

deepwaterdotter — Sun, 17 May 2020 14:39:31 GMT

Insertion of a filter?

Re: MASKS WITH AN OPENING

msgb — Sun, 17 May 2020 14:39:37 GMT

At least for the masks that my husband purchased for us these are for keeping a filter in place. It might be different for other masks. I have not worn this mask yet as I have worn the surgical ones and the one that is made of compression garment material.

Re: MASKS WITH AN OPENING

Caaareful Shopper — Sun, 17 May 2020 14:41:25 GMT

@tends2dogs wrote:
While grocery shopping last week, I noticed some people wearing masks that have what looks like a round opening that can be open and closed. What is that for?

Just wondering.......

@tends2dogs The opening is there for the crucial face mask filter -- the true protection, since cloth face masks don't filter much. But if you could see the opening, that means the person is not wearing the face mask correctly, or the mask is not made properly to be sung enough to not have any gaps.

All good cloth masks should have a way to include a filter.

Re: MASKS WITH AN OPENING

Sage04 — Sun, 17 May 2020 14:51:00 GMT

Some people call them respiratory masks. It helps them to breath fresh air. The opening is a valve that you can open and close to let fresh air in.

@tends2dogs this is something that might work for you.

Re: MASKS WITH AN OPENING

tends2dogs — Sun, 17 May 2020 14:50:11 GMT

I guess I didn't explain myself very well. This is not the internal slit where a filter can be slid into. It is on the outside, and it is a round opening about the size of a quarter. It looked like something that could be popped open or closed. The mask was cloth.

The next time I see someone wearing one, I may have to ask them. I don't go out very often so it may be awhile.

Re: MASKS WITH AN OPENING

noodleann — Sun, 17 May 2020 14:52:45 GMT

If people are wearing masks that permit them to exhale freely--IOW, through a hole--isn't that defeating the purpose of protecting others from their vapors?

Re: MASKS WITH AN OPENING

Sage04 — Sun, 17 May 2020 22:09:51 GMT

@noodleann I think they are banned in California. They are called Masks with Valves.

I´ve seen then in my State so I guess they are allowed here.

Someone told me that it does not protect people around you because once you open the valve it´s as if you are not using a mask.

Re: MASKS WITH AN OPENING

Icegoddess — Sun, 17 May 2020 14:59:49 GMT

I heard something on the radio the other day about someone who had invented a mask that had an opening to accept a straw so you could continue to enjoy your drinks. Don't know if that is what is could be, but I thought it was a dumb idea since any opening defeats the purpose, although it would still prevent most of your spittle from exiting.

Re: MASKS WITH AN OPENING

cotton4me — Sun, 17 May 2020 15:01:40 GMT

From an online article. They are banned in CA because of the following.

"But in California’s Bay Area, there’s a new stipulation: You can wear any style of mask you want, so long as it doesn’t have a valve in it. What? Why? Because a mask with a valve may protect you from some pathogens in the air, but it doesn’t protect the people around you from your own breath."

WHAT IS A MASK VALVE?

Some masks and respirators have a little plastic piece embedded in the fabric. It’s a one-way valve. That means it closes when you breathe in, so pathogens can’t get in through it. But when you breathe out, this valve opens, creating a doorway for your exhalation to leave the mask.

Re: MASKS WITH AN OPENING

Sage04 — Sun, 17 May 2020 15:02:53 GMT

Something like that would work for me because I feel as if I´m suffocating when wearing a mask. Getting use to it though.

Since hearing this, I´ll stay away from those. My friend just gave me this info, but it´s also on line.

@tends2dogs forget what I said about this mask working for you.

Re: MASKS WITH AN OPENING

MorningLover — Sun, 17 May 2020 15:28:34 GMT

Among the array of face mask being worn by people in public are ones with small valves on them for better ventilation. Although they look sleek and are effective, there is some worry that they may pose a risk to others.

The masks work by filtering the air coming in, but not the air going out, and that means if you have covid -19, you could be unknowingly spreading virus through your breath, even while wearing one.

"The mask is designed in order to protect me [the wearer], not to protect you," said Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of infectious disease at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The masks are not the best choice for the general public to avoid spreading the coronavirus, Schaffner said.

"So just by wearing a bandana or a surgical mask, they actually work better than the valve mask."

Inside Edition found that valve masks are pretty popular on the street, and several people we spoke to were shocked to learn they may not be protecting others.

Re: MASKS WITH AN OPENING

Caaareful Shopper — Sun, 17 May 2020 15:39:41 GMT

@tends2dogs wrote:
I guess I didn't explain myself very well. This is not the internal slit where a filter can be slid into. It is on the outside, and it is a round opening about the size of a quarter. It looked like something that could be popped open or closed. The mask was cloth.

The next time I see someone wearing one, I may have to ask them. I don't go out very often so it may be awhile.

@tends2dogs Oh, I see, got it, thanks.

Perhaps it was a bicycle mask or high endurance training mask. Both of those have been worn by high endurance athletes for years, before some people started using them for the pandemic. They are very prevalent around here. I'm not at all sure the folks wearing them are actually athletes or just think these type make them look cooler.

Typical Bicycle Mask

Endurance Training Masks

Re: MASKS WITH AN OPENING

MorningLover — Sun, 17 May 2020 15:44:14 GMT

@Icegoddess wrote:
I heard something on the radio the other day about someone who had invented a mask that had an opening to accept a straw so you could continue to enjoy your drinks. Don't know if that is what is could be, but I thought it was a dumb idea since any opening defeats the purpose, although it would still prevent most of your spittle from exiting.

Here's one I found @Icegoddess

Fashion designer Ellen Macomber has already sold out of her special face masks designed to allow wearers to sip through a little flap of fabric that closes like a trap door.

“You can use them to social-distance and drink,” she said. “Instead of taking your mask on and off and touching your face and all that. And if you’re talking, you’re not going to be spitting all over the place.”

Re: MASKS WITH AN OPENING

Imaoldhippie — Sun, 17 May 2020 15:52:52 GMT

There are shysters out there that will come up with anything to get anyone's money. They prey on the weak and fearful.

Re: MASKS WITH AN OPENING

tends2dogs — Sun, 17 May 2020 16:32:16 GMT

@MorningLover wrote:
Among the array of face mask being worn by people in public are ones with small valves on them for better ventilation. Although they look sleek and are effective, there is some worry that they may pose a risk to others.

The masks work by filtering the air coming in, but not the air going out, and that means if you have covid -19, you could be unknowingly spreading virus through your breath, even while wearing one.

"The mask is designed in order to protect me [the wearer], not to protect you," said Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of infectious disease at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The masks are not the best choice for the general public to avoid spreading the coronavirus, Schaffner said.
"So just by wearing a bandana or a surgical mask, they actually work better than the valve mask."

Inside Edition found that valve masks are pretty popular on the street, and several people we spoke to were shocked to learn they may not be protecting others.

@MorningLover The top picture is what I saw. Thanks for the information about these.

Re: MASKS WITH AN OPENING

Still Raining — Sun, 17 May 2020 17:03:59 GMT

I am used to seeing masks used for specific purposes. And they are not cheap.

If I should see a mask with a vent out strolling, I would run the other way.

Re: MASKS WITH AN OPENING

millieshops — Sun, 17 May 2020 17:49:12 GMT

Maybe someone alreaqdy knew this - I didn't and didn't read all the previous replies. Sorry if I'm repeating.

I just read a long message from my eye doctor about the new procedures in his office. Masks with the openings are for industrial use and allow workers to breathe out. They will not protect others from you which is the primary reason for civilians wearing a mask in public. If a patient presents with one of those masks, they will have to agree to wear a mask the office provides or they will not be admitted.

Also - anyone coming in with a handmade mask will be required to show the filter before being admitted to the office.