3 ms·

Seems quite reasonable to wear a (K)N95 instead of a surgical mask. Slightly less comfortable, but yes, affordable for most.

• dragontamer 5y ago
  That "K" means that my ears hurt after 2 hours though. Going for full N95 means that the strap goes all the way around my head and is way more comfortable for extended use (ex: airplane rides or whatnot)
  • nokcha 5y ago
    There are also KN95 masks with headband straps instead of earloop straps. E.g., a web search for "Powecom KN95 Respirator Headband Style".
    • Scoundreller 5y ago
      Also 3M 9502+ KN95 which was subsequently NIOSH N95 approved (but you had to pay more if you wanted the ones stamped for the US market).
  • fma 5y ago
    There are "ear savers" you can get that'll turn the ear loops to headbands. I'll admit I've tried the plastic & velcro ones and didn't like them - but I also don't wear them for hours at a time but just for quick trips so found them annoying to put on and off.
• schroeding 5y ago
  "Slightly", I'm not so sure about that :-D Where I live, N95 masks are mandatory in public transport since February, and it's really uncomfortable to be in an non-airconditioned metro car which is full to the brim, with water running down the windows from condensation. That's totally acceptable with surgical masks, but there's a face melting heat under any N95 mask in this condition :-D Of course I wear them as mandated, but I really hope we can switch back to the more practical surgical masks soon, with enough vaccinations :-) (Or that there is an early onset of winter :-D)