Good quality facemasks available locally in Chicago?
January 9, 2021 10:52 AM Subscribe
Sorry for asking yet another mask question, but I have some specific requirements: (1) available locally in Chicago, (2) avoid glasses-fogging, (3) as protective as possible.
I have to take a relatively long unavoidable international flight in a couple days, and completely forgot that I meant to order some high-quality masks before this flight. The masks I've been using for a few months have become a bit loose, and my glasses are constantly fogging up.
The main issue is that I forgot to order masks online with enough time for them to arrive before my flight, so now I'm stuck with local / retail options.
Does anyone know of a mask that I can get perhaps in a store (or from a local business) that has good tight fit to avoid glasses fogging and is as protective as possible for flying in these times?
I have to take a relatively long unavoidable international flight in a couple days, and completely forgot that I meant to order some high-quality masks before this flight. The masks I've been using for a few months have become a bit loose, and my glasses are constantly fogging up.
The main issue is that I forgot to order masks online with enough time for them to arrive before my flight, so now I'm stuck with local / retail options.
Does anyone know of a mask that I can get perhaps in a store (or from a local business) that has good tight fit to avoid glasses fogging and is as protective as possible for flying in these times?
If you have otherwise good masks but the issue is glasses fogging because you don't have a sealed fit, you can use medical tape to seal the top of the mask and anywhere else (the ones I wear have a good seal everywhere but the top, so that's where I tape.) Even the gentlest tape is a little ouchy to remove, but for me it's now just part of the mask-wearing experience.
posted by QuakerMel at 12:37 PM on January 9, 2021 [2 favorites]
posted by QuakerMel at 12:37 PM on January 9, 2021 [2 favorites]
Yep, KN95 are easy to get locally, add any medical tape (or really any tape) to make them much safer for you and slightly safer to others. Also check your Asian markets if you're having trouble finding them close enough/easily enough.
posted by SaltySalticid at 6:15 PM on January 9, 2021
posted by SaltySalticid at 6:15 PM on January 9, 2021
Bandaids can also be used to seal the top of the mask -- and they detach from your skin as easily as a Bandaid.
posted by MrJM at 7:07 PM on January 9, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by MrJM at 7:07 PM on January 9, 2021 [1 favorite]
There are a couple of compounding pharmacies in Chicago -- see if they have KN95 masks. Yes to tape. Be cautious about which tape you use since the undereye area is delicate.
I would also invest in a personal humidifier -- there are some that run on USB power and work with a small retail bottle of water -- or (I've done the following) bring a washcloth in a plastic bag, add water once you sit down, and then use the damp washcloth as a not-that-great personal humidity accessory: just keep the washcloth near your nose as much as you can.
posted by amtho at 2:40 AM on January 10, 2021
I would also invest in a personal humidifier -- there are some that run on USB power and work with a small retail bottle of water -- or (I've done the following) bring a washcloth in a plastic bag, add water once you sit down, and then use the damp washcloth as a not-that-great personal humidity accessory: just keep the washcloth near your nose as much as you can.
posted by amtho at 2:40 AM on January 10, 2021
I have found that if wearing a mask with a tight seal high up on my nose and then positioning the bridge of my glasses on top of the mask and slightly away from the high nose bridge lessens the chance of humid breath coming in contact with my glasses, reducing fogging. This is also my best method to keep my glasses from fogging in cold outside air. Having my glasses seated on my mask also eliminates them slipping down my nose. Of everything I've tried, simply repositioning my glasses has worked to reduce fogging the most.
This works best with masks with a metal piece to conform around the nose, and also works best -for me - with the blue non-woven surgical masks, which I find to be less porous and less likely to soften and dampen with prolonged wearing. I can't comment on taping, as I've not flown, but it seems logical that that would also help. The key is to keep your exhaled breath from flowing up your glasses.
posted by citygirl at 8:30 AM on January 10, 2021
This works best with masks with a metal piece to conform around the nose, and also works best -for me - with the blue non-woven surgical masks, which I find to be less porous and less likely to soften and dampen with prolonged wearing. I can't comment on taping, as I've not flown, but it seems logical that that would also help. The key is to keep your exhaled breath from flowing up your glasses.
posted by citygirl at 8:30 AM on January 10, 2021
Response by poster: Thanks everyone, great tips! I wound up getting some KN95s and medical tape. I also got some saline spray to use occasionally to keep my mucus membranes from drying out.
posted by unid41 at 8:20 PM on January 10, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by unid41 at 8:20 PM on January 10, 2021 [1 favorite]
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Also, generally KN95 masks are slightly less effective than n95 masks and are pretty widely available. For example, if you search Ace Hardware for KN95 for local pickup around Chicago, there are lots available.
posted by mercredi at 12:20 PM on January 9, 2021 [1 favorite]