tried the airgami

[redbird]

I tried the airgami covid mask yesterday.

The little pictures on the package weren't clear. so I watched the company's video on adjusting the mask, then shortened the ear loops, put on the mask, and went for a walk.

The mask fit "well" in the sense that the edges were against my face, and it made a better seal than either the medical masks or the cloth ones, probably better than medical mask over cloth mask.However, the edges of the paper against my face were uncomfortable. I looked at the video again, and made some more adjustments. I have also asked the person who recommended these masks whether, in his experience, the edges of the paper soften with time.

I also have a package of ten Powecom KN95s, which I haven't tried yet, but which I hope will fit both me and cattitude. I haven't decided yet which to try the next time I go for a walk.

Right now, I think that for me personally, some kind of mask is a good idea even for a walk around this residential area, but that the disposable medical masks might be good enough for that. I want the KN95 or similar if I'm going to be getting on a bus or into a taxi or rideshare car, or for going into a building. For related reasons, I'm trying to minimize that until I've gotten another dose of the vaccine, the Omicron wave ebbs, or both. I have a telemedicine appointment on Tuesday, and arranging another vaccine dose is on my agenda. The earliest I'd want that is Thursday, Jan. 13 (12 weeks since my most recent Ocrevus infusion).

Comments

[anne]

Thank you for the detailed report!

[kylinn]

I have a package of the Powecom KN95s, and find the top edges a problem with about half of them also. The edge tends to dig in toward my face. This does mean a good tight fit, but too tight with an edge is not good for long-wearing comfort. (Note that I am looking for a mask to wear for several hours at work - if I were wearing them just for shorter periods, they would be fine.) Will be interested to hear your take on them.

[maellenkleth]

I use P100 respirators when I have to be in a crowded or semi-crowded space. The rubbery facepieces are getting stiff in our chilly weather. I also have KN95s in the car, for visits to the gas-station. Trying to time those visits for late-night hours, when there are not other people milling-about.

[pameladean]

Thanks so much for the report. I have been curious about that mask.

I've been using Powe.com's masks for quite a while, but I don't think I've ever had one on for more than an hour or two. They are comfortable on my face and I can get a pretty good seal with the ones that have straps to go over the head. With the ear-loop ones, I have to tie knots in the ear loops and eventually even so they will stretch out a bit too much. I do wear them for yard work if EVERYBODY is out because the weather is good, and I'll wear them for walks too, but for a medical appointment I stick to the head-strap ones. I've also put a cloth mask over one of the latter, though I'm not sure that's the best idea if it might dislodge the seal I've got.

P.

[hobbitbabe]

I have an Airgami which I have worn several times. I use it in situations where I have to be among people (especially stationary) for a length of time, where I will be able to store it carefully when I remove it, and where drawing attention to myself isn't a problem. (So, for example, I didn't wear it for plane travel because of not wanting to fuss with keeping it safe while drinking water etc). I didn't find it uncomfortable to start with, but I have noticed that the top edges feel a bit softer or dented now, although they still seem to seal.

On the plane I wore a KN95 over a medical mask, and then threw them out and used fresh ones for the trip home.