I Want to Take Better Care of My Health

@samueltyler2 You can wear 2 of these with tissue inserted, as the supplies for N95 can be short.

@IamCuriousBabe interesting suggestion, but, is there any information to.show that works? I.sort of doubt it would. I think the tightness of the weave determines effectiveness. I know we had to be fitted to a specific brand and style when I worked in the ER during the last pandemic "flu" scare

@samueltyler2 It's something I picked up from social media. I forgot the name of the expert.

@IamCuriousBabe I will see if I can dig up any information.

@samueltyler2 I found a paucity of information. There seems to be really no alternative to a N95, fitted to you. If there is none available multiple regular surgical masks does improve the filtration, but the fit would be a problem and thus there would be a gap at the sides which would make the mass less effective

@samueltyler2 That's unfortunate.

@IamCuriousBabe in reality though, the risk to the general population from exposure in the general population is very low. Those people in the photos walking around with their masks loosely worn, are kidding themselves.

If surgical masks are ineffective, then surgeons wouldn’t wear them while operating on patients. Nothing is guaranteed, but you take whatever steps you can to reduce infection. @samueltyler2

@Carissimi it depends on the purpose. A standard surgical mask is effective at preventing a surgical wound from getting contaminated, with droplets and larger particles, perhaps bacteria. They will not prevent viral transmission and are not intended to protect the surgeon. The N95 is effective down to 0.3 microns, and if fitted properly protects, somewhat, the wearer from breathing in viral particles.

I understand this, but they are very uncomfortable to wear. If only they could make one with the comfort of a surgical mask, and the filtering capacity of the N95. @samueltyler2

@Carissimi that would be great. I found one I preferred. It has been too many years to remember the brand.

@Carissimi how much chronic pulmonary constriction do you have? That might be a problem with an N95. Pollen should be blocked by most standard masks.

@Carissimi what does your physician say? Have you had pulmonary function testing? The pulmonologist might help you find a good mask.

@Carissimi good luck, good health. Sorry if I offended you.

Thank you. I was not offended. We just had a mild disagreement. @samueltyler2

@Carissimi I wasn't even aware of a disagreement.

Then why would you think you offended me?@samueltyler2

@Carissimi the last sentence of your PM, I will paraphrase: "I hope I heard the last of it"

I said, “I’m hoping that’s the last of it.” Meaning my illness. However, we did have a mild disagreement about surgical masks, but it’s no big deal. @samueltyler2

@samueltyler2 It wasn’t a PM, it was a comment.

@Carissimi whatever, it sounded annoyed. I make an effort never to offend.