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As regular readers know, our district, like many urban districts around the United States, will be returning to our physical classrooms soon.
One of my concerns has been finding a face mask that will be comfortable to wear for hours at a time.
So, I sent out this tweet today asking for advice:
What face masks (w/ links, please) do u recommend for wearing in physical classroom? As we get ready 2 return from virtual teaching, I’m wondering what r most comfortable & effective 2 wear 4 several hours straight each day? I obviously have been wearing masks,but not 4 that long
— Larry Ferlazzo (@Larryferlazzo) February 28, 2021
It’s received one-hundred helpful replies in a just a few hours, and I’m sure will receive many more.
Thanks to everyone for their helpful suggestions!
I’m embedding a few of them and, if you are on Twitter, it’s easy to see all the rest by going to that tweet.
I’ve ordered a few of the recommendations, and I’ll post my own conclusions.
I’m adding this post to Best Lists Of The Week: Teaching Online Amid School Closures.
@Headlineshirts makes an array of 4 layer fabric masks with pockets for filters, good for doubling up w medical, great coverage, & adjustable sliders. Worth the price. Easy wash and reuse. https://t.co/1he8borVzB
— Ben Hartman – he/him/his (@thebenhartman) March 1, 2021
Blackstrap brand from Amazon or Dick’s Sporting Goods…I can and have been wearing them all day since August. They are washable and comfortable.
— Melissa Oakley (@Walkergirl66) February 28, 2021
I’ve been using this one: https://t.co/65KYkh0hz7
— Angie Busch Alston (@AlaskaTeacher) February 28, 2021
Breathable, a wide range of sizes with instruction for measuring to get the best fit. And the plastic insert really helps when talking or exercising. https://t.co/z0KTzox7Fs
— Amber Allen Bruner (@amberabruner) February 28, 2021
Sort of mask related: I bought one of these and it has been so helpful! Everyone can hear me and I am not going home with voice strain. https://t.co/ispnmGu3sZ
— Lisa (@LisaCorbett0261) February 28, 2021
https://t.co/dx64xK972b. So far my favorite
— Karen Linch (@karen_linch) February 28, 2021
I’ve been rocking this face mask for in-person days for the past few months. Very happy with the protection and comfort. https://t.co/gFgfVERnKM
— Dwight Stevenson (@dwsteven) February 28, 2021
I really like the Athleta ones…..they really have been perfect for all day wearing, and are still in great shape after being washed each week. https://t.co/UClgAfZyVr
— Kristy Shafer (@TechieKristy) February 28, 2021
Wear one of these (adult size) under your mask for better breathing and enunciation:
5 Pack Kids Support Bracket and 5… https://t.co/jcPw5EdE8w— Denise Wagstaff (@mme_wagstaff) February 28, 2021
I also got a water bottle with a straw so I don’t have to take off my mask to drink. I can open the bottle and close it with out touching the straw. https://t.co/kZcRTLTZF6
— Natalee Stotz, M.Ed. (@nataleestotz) February 28, 2021
Finally, the most expensive option – also USA made N95 masks. These are solid. Two different styles and 2 sizes. The cups are little harder to breathe & talk through & they fit really well : https://t.co/eHsYv7hXWE
— Kathryn Ulmer (@k8ulmer4) February 28, 2021
I have been in person all school year. I recently found these masks and they are the most comfortable I have. They don’t slide as I’m talking, and there is minimal fogging of my classes. https://t.co/XzcEFOveQe
— Natalee Stotz, M.Ed. (@nataleestotz) February 28, 2021
USA made N95 masks – these only come in one size & are the best price-point for N95s. More expensive than KF94s & you can only buy 1 box of 20 at a time : https://t.co/S5O7hTkcz2
— Kathryn Ulmer (@k8ulmer4) February 28, 2021
Kf94 from Kores https://t.co/4j3KDqFMvL. Most of the teachers in my building wear these. Super protective, sit away from your face, so it is easier to talk. They don’t muffle you as much. I store them in a paper bag at the end of the day to dry out and wear again.
— Laura Botte (@lbotte) February 28, 2021
Old navy adjustable masks have been my favorite, especially with glasses. They stay securely on the face all day and it’s easy to talk with them.
— April Wallace (@_aprilwallace) February 28, 2021
https://t.co/7ZwBJ9PEX7 these are the best! Comfortable, breathable, you can put a filter in (we use cut up pieces of “shop rags” we buy @ the hardware store. Read the reviews on Etsy. These are the ONLY masks my husband and I wear to school.
— Valerie Lodish (@vlodish) February 28, 2021
The safest option AFAIK are approved kn95 masks. Unfortunately, knock offs are floating around as well. The FDA has tested various manufacturers to make sure they do what they say they do. Here’s a list of approved manufacturers, many available on Amazon: https://t.co/a4l5NS9u5j
— OverIt (@snsmom22) February 28, 2021
These have been my favorite so far. So many teachers in my school have ordered them and absolutely love them. @cotopaxi https://t.co/4H820Im663
— Gaetan Pappalardo 🎾 (@Gaetanp) February 28, 2021
I’ve been wearing Old Navy masks in my classroom. They have adjustable ear straps and fit my face securely. I can wear them all day and students don’t seem to have a hard time hearing me.
— Angela Hamblen Zorn (@kyteacher) February 28, 2021
I wear a KN95 under a cloth mask by Sock Fancy (I think @mrsjjee made that rec at the beginning of the school year). SF’s masks are v comfortable and have room for the KN95.
— Lynn Rice Scozzafava (@MrsScozzafava) February 28, 2021
I have really liked these masks. They sit well on my face, have a nose bridge that tightens, a filter to place inside, and adjustable ear straps. I’ve work a disposable surgical mask underneath as well. https://t.co/nExE7iLngs
— Sara Odioso (@Ms_Odioso) February 28, 2021
I love @MissionCooling masks (so comfortable!) and I put a cloth mask on top of that.
— Cathy Fiebelkorn (@CathyFiebs) February 28, 2021
@Vistaprint masks are customizable and have replacement inserts. Nice design interface and quick turnaround. Fit well under glasses to avoid steaming. https://t.co/zZTiS4wymh
The Honeywell masks are good too. https://t.co/wewRdVEG0I
— David D. Timony, PhD (@DrTimony) February 28, 2021
https://t.co/btzUgl1Ex6 – These have been the go-to for me and for my daughters all school year. Haven’t found anything else as comfortable or that will stay put with ease for whole day.
— Julia McBride (@julia_lesley) February 28, 2021
In addition to a comfortable mask, a microphone like this one can help to reduce the strain of having to project your voice throughout the day… https://t.co/IDDd4NJfZg
— Dr. Tina Owen-Moore (@TinaOwen) February 28, 2021
https://t.co/Ldt34fY3Ve sources their equipment thoroughly, so much more likely that you’re getting legit PPE.
I double-masked (surg+fabric) + eye protection in the fall; now I use Powecom KN95s + eye protection. Highly reco using hats/headbands/mask extenders to save your ears!
— K.E. Moylan (@kemoylan) February 28, 2021
I prefer the disposable ones as they are easier for breathing and speaking. Get a 50pk. Here I found you some tie dye ones! WeCare Disposable Face Mask Individually Wrapped – 50 Pack, Tie Dye Masks https://t.co/vE5auRa5mo
— Kirsten Gatti (@ESLGatti) February 28, 2021
I really like the kind with ties, because the other kind hurts my ears after a while: https://t.co/sYyHrP18xK
— Ms. Julie Eisenband (@MsEisenband) February 28, 2021
Get these plastic inserts! I swear by them- they make any mask you have breathable and are great for long dayshttps://t.co/uvL8ibV1HH
— 💉 Melih Ertekin #GettheJab 💉 (@Ert3kin) February 28, 2021
I find these ones very comfortable, and they are pretty good at not fogging up my glasses. https://t.co/hqfWN5zRX8
— Erin Gaudet (she/her) (@MadameGaudet) February 28, 2021
To help find masks you can feel confident wearing, @wirecutter tested dozens for fit, and comfort, and consulted five scientists, five manufacturers, three importers, two retailers, an e-commerce expert, and two government agencies for advice. https://t.co/kq3WE6Qyai
— The New York Times (@nytimes) September 5, 2021
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