Dumbest PPE of All Time
January 15, 2021 3:59 PM Subscribe
The Microclimate Air is the pandemic accessory you do not need. Could be useful for astronaut cosplay though.
This article delivers exactly as promised and the douche helmet is as dumb as expected, although I think implying it will be useless after the pandemic is selling it short. Surely a full face helmet with a HEPA 11 filter will come in very handy during the apocalyptic fire seasons waiting for us as the climate continues to warm.
I found the decision to swear copiously on a site that doesn't allow swears to be a bit unusual and jarring. F--king swear or figure out some other way to express yourself.
posted by Mr.Encyclopedia at 4:16 PM on January 15, 2021 [8 favorites]
I found the decision to swear copiously on a site that doesn't allow swears to be a bit unusual and jarring. F--king swear or figure out some other way to express yourself.
posted by Mr.Encyclopedia at 4:16 PM on January 15, 2021 [8 favorites]
I kind of like the slim look of a face mask, but there's a bit of an ableism issue with most mask - you can’t lip-read when your mouth is covered, and IMO having your entire face shielded is way less disorienting than a mouth peep-hole. Still, $300 is a lot for something that I hope to be able to throw away in a year.
posted by Going To Maine at 4:17 PM on January 15, 2021
posted by Going To Maine at 4:17 PM on January 15, 2021
I mean, it sounds like this product was poorly designed, but my clinic was absolutely researching stuff like this at the beginning of the pandemic because “masked, socially distanced autism testing” is a joke. (Then the building we were housed in kicked everyone out indefinitely so it became a moot point.)
But you know, if someone wants to refine this for inevitable future pandemics, I’d be interested.
posted by brook horse at 4:20 PM on January 15, 2021 [5 favorites]
But you know, if someone wants to refine this for inevitable future pandemics, I’d be interested.
posted by brook horse at 4:20 PM on January 15, 2021 [5 favorites]
It's a lot of snark for what is essentially a cheaper consumer version of a PAPR. These are becoming more common in well-funded covid wards, since they're much more effective and comfortable. But anyone who can afford this can probably figure out how to get everything shipped to their door. All that soft fabric is also hard to sterilize.
You could also save $215 and get a Narwall if you want to look like a maniac.
Legit full-face respirators, NIOSH-rated for people who actually "work", go for around $150.
posted by meowzilla at 4:21 PM on January 15, 2021 [21 favorites]
You could also save $215 and get a Narwall if you want to look like a maniac.
Legit full-face respirators, NIOSH-rated for people who actually "work", go for around $150.
posted by meowzilla at 4:21 PM on January 15, 2021 [21 favorites]
I contacted Microclimate’s PR department to ask for a free one first, and then I heard nothing, and THEN I bought one and expensed it to my editor.
I was about to say, “that sounds very HST of him” but then thought, naw, that phone call never would have happened
posted by armoir from antproof case at 4:24 PM on January 15, 2021 [3 favorites]
I was about to say, “that sounds very HST of him” but then thought, naw, that phone call never would have happened
posted by armoir from antproof case at 4:24 PM on January 15, 2021 [3 favorites]
You could also save $215 and get a Narwall if you want to look like a maniac.
Or amazing. Dang
posted by Going To Maine at 4:25 PM on January 15, 2021 [9 favorites]
Or amazing. Dang
posted by Going To Maine at 4:25 PM on January 15, 2021 [9 favorites]
The "mask that fits in your pocket" is probably not very good when it comes to actually protecting yourself:
Why Aren’t We Wearing Better Masks?
posted by meowzilla at 4:32 PM on January 15, 2021 [14 favorites]
Why Aren’t We Wearing Better Masks?
posted by meowzilla at 4:32 PM on January 15, 2021 [14 favorites]
Heavy Innsmouth covid-mask vibe.
If I could find something like a PAPR that could be worn at the same time as a bike helmet I would pay a lot of money just so I could cycle in comfort in covid times and fire season. As someone who sneezes and needs to blow their nose a lot, these helmets seem less gross. I mean sneezing on clear surfaces is gross, but you don't have a mucus soaked cloth up against your skin. As it is I swap masks 3-4 times a day when I'm in an office environment.
posted by BrotherCaine at 4:48 PM on January 15, 2021 [1 favorite]
If I could find something like a PAPR that could be worn at the same time as a bike helmet I would pay a lot of money just so I could cycle in comfort in covid times and fire season. As someone who sneezes and needs to blow their nose a lot, these helmets seem less gross. I mean sneezing on clear surfaces is gross, but you don't have a mucus soaked cloth up against your skin. As it is I swap masks 3-4 times a day when I'm in an office environment.
posted by BrotherCaine at 4:48 PM on January 15, 2021 [1 favorite]
No one at the vape shop cared that I was dressed like I was in an old Moby video. I was conducting this experiment the day after the Capitol riot. Nothing was weird to anyone anymore, especially not the sight of some white a—hole walking around with the Google Glass of virus protection on his head
Heh, this was fun.
For less than $300 you can get a modern reproduction of an old-timey brass diving helmet. Sure it weighs 15 pounds and makes metal detectors explode, but might be worth considering for those of us pinching our pennies.
posted by ActingTheGoat at 5:00 PM on January 15, 2021 [7 favorites]
Heh, this was fun.
For less than $300 you can get a modern reproduction of an old-timey brass diving helmet. Sure it weighs 15 pounds and makes metal detectors explode, but might be worth considering for those of us pinching our pennies.
posted by ActingTheGoat at 5:00 PM on January 15, 2021 [7 favorites]
I haven't checked since COVID started, but you could buy a 3M Adflo PAPR for less than $300 on eBay, once upon a time. I know, because I bought one for welding. The thing is so much more pleasant than a regular (passive) N95 respirator that I went out and bought a clear, non-welding facemask (the Versaflo) for it, to use when painting, woodworking, etc. It's got some strong Westworld "cleanup technician" vibes, but it's the first time I've had PPE that's actually pleasant to wear.
The only downside is... you don't want to fart when wearing one.
posted by Kadin2048 at 5:13 PM on January 15, 2021 [4 favorites]
The only downside is... you don't want to fart when wearing one.
posted by Kadin2048 at 5:13 PM on January 15, 2021 [4 favorites]
The "mask that fits in your pocket" is probably not very good when it comes to actually protecting yourself:
Why Aren’t We Wearing Better Masks?
Thank you for posting that Atlantic article. I've been so frustrated at the lack of CDC guidance on KN95 masks as alternatives. Here we are, nearly a year later, with no Federal oversight to test what KN95 suppliers are reliable. I've found a company that is based out of the UK that I buy my KN95 masks from, but I have no real idea if they're reputable either.
I keep seeing friends using cloth masks, and reading the 40% or so effectiveness numbers, or surgical that might do 60%, and not understanding why people aren't using even unregulated KN95 masks that offer 90% - particularly now that they're readily available.
Please, please, please tell me that the new administration will get someone working on the issue. We need answers, education, and action on the issue of getting people masked, for many months to come.
posted by Flight Hardware, do not touch at 5:20 PM on January 15, 2021 [7 favorites]
Why Aren’t We Wearing Better Masks?
Thank you for posting that Atlantic article. I've been so frustrated at the lack of CDC guidance on KN95 masks as alternatives. Here we are, nearly a year later, with no Federal oversight to test what KN95 suppliers are reliable. I've found a company that is based out of the UK that I buy my KN95 masks from, but I have no real idea if they're reputable either.
I keep seeing friends using cloth masks, and reading the 40% or so effectiveness numbers, or surgical that might do 60%, and not understanding why people aren't using even unregulated KN95 masks that offer 90% - particularly now that they're readily available.
Please, please, please tell me that the new administration will get someone working on the issue. We need answers, education, and action on the issue of getting people masked, for many months to come.
posted by Flight Hardware, do not touch at 5:20 PM on January 15, 2021 [7 favorites]
I've seen woodworkers use broadly similar helmets so they could see the work, avoid breathing in bad stuff, and not worry about getting their safety glasses fogged up. I imagine Drew could just buy a lathe or something to justify the cost of this thing.
posted by jenkinsEar at 5:45 PM on January 15, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by jenkinsEar at 5:45 PM on January 15, 2021 [1 favorite]
I train for use of various respirators and can't understand why there hasn't been more innovation in the PAPR space. They really are the gold standard for biosafety and are just about the only kind of protection anyone can tolerate for more than an hour.
That said, the Air looks like it was designed more for a movie set than for actual wear. Thing looks insanely impractical. Very first-generation, invented by folks who don't know what the actual use cases for masks are.
posted by bonehead at 5:47 PM on January 15, 2021 [3 favorites]
That said, the Air looks like it was designed more for a movie set than for actual wear. Thing looks insanely impractical. Very first-generation, invented by folks who don't know what the actual use cases for masks are.
posted by bonehead at 5:47 PM on January 15, 2021 [3 favorites]
I have looked at PAPRs -- I almost bought one for an Expanse cosplay. I would've bought one for personal protection already if 1) they were not desperately needed by medical professionals, and 2) they were safe for those around me -- my understanding is that they're positive pressure and just let anything you exhale dump out around the shoulders..
posted by Alterscape at 5:56 PM on January 15, 2021
posted by Alterscape at 5:56 PM on January 15, 2021
you could buy a 3M Adflo PAPR for less than $300 on eBay, once upon a time.
Used, though... they were never super cheap new. I was looking into PAPRs back in 2019, since my brother grew a nice beard but still might want to do some dusty home improvement stuff. The legit kits seem to be around $1400 now.
Is the Air worth all the snark? I dunno, but it'd be great to get practical trustworthy products back in this space at that sort of price point.
let anything you exhale dump out
This is why they're combined with N95's in medical settings. Maybe some innovation here would be good too, as not every supplied-air system dumps air randomly.
posted by netowl at 5:59 PM on January 15, 2021 [2 favorites]
Used, though... they were never super cheap new. I was looking into PAPRs back in 2019, since my brother grew a nice beard but still might want to do some dusty home improvement stuff. The legit kits seem to be around $1400 now.
Is the Air worth all the snark? I dunno, but it'd be great to get practical trustworthy products back in this space at that sort of price point.
let anything you exhale dump out
This is why they're combined with N95's in medical settings. Maybe some innovation here would be good too, as not every supplied-air system dumps air randomly.
posted by netowl at 5:59 PM on January 15, 2021 [2 favorites]
So he's complaining that he, the author, is the target of the marketing? And then he goes out and buys it (or expenses it) and then jokes that he's going to have his kids destroy it afterwards, instead of giving it to the people that he thinks he can use it?
posted by meowzilla at 6:57 PM on January 15, 2021 [3 favorites]
posted by meowzilla at 6:57 PM on January 15, 2021 [3 favorites]
That's a lot of words to write to not engage with the question of whether or not the thing is constructed in such a way as to fulfill its promises.
I mean, sure, I get it, they look unusual. So do the nose/mouth masks we've all gotten used to.
And sure, there's always an argument about class and accessibility.
But none of that matters even a little bit than the question of whether they work. If they do then nobody's going to need the author's observation "gee, this might actually be useful for people who have to be indoors with others." If they don't, then it doesn't matter how dorky they are, everyone knows the only thing they'd be good for is cosplay.
Why are there zero words in this article about whether it works?
posted by wildblueyonder at 7:06 PM on January 15, 2021 [12 favorites]
I mean, sure, I get it, they look unusual. So do the nose/mouth masks we've all gotten used to.
And sure, there's always an argument about class and accessibility.
But none of that matters even a little bit than the question of whether they work. If they do then nobody's going to need the author's observation "gee, this might actually be useful for people who have to be indoors with others." If they don't, then it doesn't matter how dorky they are, everyone knows the only thing they'd be good for is cosplay.
Why are there zero words in this article about whether it works?
posted by wildblueyonder at 7:06 PM on January 15, 2021 [12 favorites]
I would love to have a mask solution for hot line cook and kitchen work that didn't block lip reading, had forced ventilation and some sort of anti-fog solution for glasses wearers and it didn't constantly require touching and adjusting like cloth or disposable masks.
Bonus points if I could get some sort of air conditioning, an ice vest and maybe a hydration pack.
If you think wearing a mask is miserable you should try to do it in a 130+F kitchen, wearing glasses while cooking or washing dishes in a pandemic. So intense and steamy.
Also I'm sick of getting mask zits. I might as well slap a slice of hot pizza in there like a feedbag.
posted by loquacious at 7:07 PM on January 15, 2021 [9 favorites]
Bonus points if I could get some sort of air conditioning, an ice vest and maybe a hydration pack.
If you think wearing a mask is miserable you should try to do it in a 130+F kitchen, wearing glasses while cooking or washing dishes in a pandemic. So intense and steamy.
Also I'm sick of getting mask zits. I might as well slap a slice of hot pizza in there like a feedbag.
posted by loquacious at 7:07 PM on January 15, 2021 [9 favorites]
I just double mask when i go into anywhere. N95 and cloth mask over. It forces me to keep the visits short because i start getting sweaty and panicky. So thats fun.
posted by Lord_Pall at 7:42 PM on January 15, 2021
posted by Lord_Pall at 7:42 PM on January 15, 2021
The article seems to mainly be about how much Drew feels like a dork when he wearing one. The article could have discussed; whether the helmet is effective, if it's comfortable for extended wear, and the hassles of getting TSA to allow you to wear one while flying. An alternative.
posted by rdr at 8:07 PM on January 15, 2021 [3 favorites]
posted by rdr at 8:07 PM on January 15, 2021 [3 favorites]
I would love to have a mask solution for hot line cook and kitchen work...
I hope we somehow move forward on this. Everyone should have a safe and reasonably comfortable condition to work in. I'm mid-genX, and it seems like I grew up in the midst of a big move towards safety. When I was a kid PPE was exotic: even safety glasses or ear plugs, and you'd learn from elders about cleaning auto parts in gasoline. But "regular" tetraethyllead gas was gone before I would drive. I worked at a factory in the mid-90's where things like fall gear and ear plugs were available and mostly mandatory, but when an electrician got an arc-flash that put him out for a few days the electrical boss said "what an idiot" as he forgot a step, and either arc-flash gear didn't exist or nobody had heard of it. They had lock-out-tag-out, but just kind of made fun of you for standing in front of the wrong panel in the electrical room.
It's 2021: everyone should be safe and comfortable at work. Cooling jackets exist, so why do people have to sweat through miserable conditions? Why aren't powered respirators universally available? It seems like the focus is on wages now, but even though we're a century past the breaker boys working conditions can still suck and hurt people, especially over a career. We should fix that too.
posted by netowl at 8:11 PM on January 15, 2021 [13 favorites]
I hope we somehow move forward on this. Everyone should have a safe and reasonably comfortable condition to work in. I'm mid-genX, and it seems like I grew up in the midst of a big move towards safety. When I was a kid PPE was exotic: even safety glasses or ear plugs, and you'd learn from elders about cleaning auto parts in gasoline. But "regular" tetraethyllead gas was gone before I would drive. I worked at a factory in the mid-90's where things like fall gear and ear plugs were available and mostly mandatory, but when an electrician got an arc-flash that put him out for a few days the electrical boss said "what an idiot" as he forgot a step, and either arc-flash gear didn't exist or nobody had heard of it. They had lock-out-tag-out, but just kind of made fun of you for standing in front of the wrong panel in the electrical room.
It's 2021: everyone should be safe and comfortable at work. Cooling jackets exist, so why do people have to sweat through miserable conditions? Why aren't powered respirators universally available? It seems like the focus is on wages now, but even though we're a century past the breaker boys working conditions can still suck and hurt people, especially over a career. We should fix that too.
posted by netowl at 8:11 PM on January 15, 2021 [13 favorites]
These kinds of units do nooooot need to be expensive. I put one together for, $100? I already had the battery though. It was kind of a panic build and more of a coping project, but it works? It is far more comfortable to wear for longer timeframes than a cloth mask, and never fogs because it blows air across the face of the mask instead of right at your face. If these were mass produced, and actually designed not to be horrific, they would cost like, fucking $40 or less. The filters are also cheaper and last longer than disposable N95 masks because they're rigid and don't need to flex and bend. Certain cartridges accepted by these kinds of masks are rated in years of daily use and aren't disposable.
I hate the idea that we would need these in non-pandemic times, but this actually came into heavy use when we had our fires this summer; the smoke was so bad, that wearing this banana-pants looking mask was necessary to function outside, and there are totally jobs that I've worked where something like this wouldn't necessarily be uncalled for general safety. The PAPR filter stuff is bigger in England and maybe the EU too, because it's a requirement when you're welding.
posted by furnace.heart at 8:34 PM on January 15, 2021 [7 favorites]
I hate the idea that we would need these in non-pandemic times, but this actually came into heavy use when we had our fires this summer; the smoke was so bad, that wearing this banana-pants looking mask was necessary to function outside, and there are totally jobs that I've worked where something like this wouldn't necessarily be uncalled for general safety. The PAPR filter stuff is bigger in England and maybe the EU too, because it's a requirement when you're welding.
posted by furnace.heart at 8:34 PM on January 15, 2021 [7 favorites]
Netowl, if you're taking requests I also want one of those fancy pants articulated exoskeleton legs that you wear that lock into a sort of wearable chair/support device. I've seen them on the line in manufacturing lines like auto assembly and aircraft building.
I also wouldn't bind being able to walk to a cyberpunk style black clinic and just getting a brand new set of bones installed. That would be pretty choice.
posted by loquacious at 8:34 PM on January 15, 2021 [2 favorites]
I also wouldn't bind being able to walk to a cyberpunk style black clinic and just getting a brand new set of bones installed. That would be pretty choice.
posted by loquacious at 8:34 PM on January 15, 2021 [2 favorites]
...I also want one of those fancy pants articulated exoskeleton legs...
Yes, that's included in my plan. Things like new bones will have to wait until the fully-funded development projects pass phase-3.
posted by netowl at 8:46 PM on January 15, 2021
Yes, that's included in my plan. Things like new bones will have to wait until the fully-funded development projects pass phase-3.
posted by netowl at 8:46 PM on January 15, 2021
Needs a stick tipped with a bit of scratchy velcro somewhere in there to scratch your nose with (not really feasible if it's stuck to your face instead of attached to a collar.
Maybe gasketed ports to insert a scratching stick?
posted by porpoise at 9:29 PM on January 15, 2021 [1 favorite]
Maybe gasketed ports to insert a scratching stick?
posted by porpoise at 9:29 PM on January 15, 2021 [1 favorite]
Regarding furnace.heart's build: that's really cool, and there are a lot of very obscure people making innovative things like this, e.g. a high school nuclear lab with full supplied-air.
Trust is such a huge part of safety gear that it's nearly impossible to move from "works fine" to "commonly accepted and available at a reasonable price." I think we need governmental support here to move the market forward.
posted by netowl at 9:32 PM on January 15, 2021 [2 favorites]
Trust is such a huge part of safety gear that it's nearly impossible to move from "works fine" to "commonly accepted and available at a reasonable price." I think we need governmental support here to move the market forward.
posted by netowl at 9:32 PM on January 15, 2021 [2 favorites]
I want to see a picture of Reggie Watts and his Sideshow Bob hair crammed into one of these!
It seems sensible enough to me, though of course that's the really depressing part. Cloth masks were easy to adapt to, many (oft. Asians) have been wearing them for years on occasion even locally (in CA), so I'm just adapting to an existing culture. Wearing one of these is admitting we're living in a post apocalyptic hellscape.
posted by mark k at 10:05 PM on January 15, 2021
It seems sensible enough to me, though of course that's the really depressing part. Cloth masks were easy to adapt to, many (oft. Asians) have been wearing them for years on occasion even locally (in CA), so I'm just adapting to an existing culture. Wearing one of these is admitting we're living in a post apocalyptic hellscape.
posted by mark k at 10:05 PM on January 15, 2021
(next time I see a fellow Microclimater at the bus stop, I’m giving him a way-cool elbow bump). I was also treated to video tutorials from Microclimate CEO Michael Hall, who looks exactly like what a Microclimate CEO ought to look like. Here’s Hall explaining how to talk to your fellow earthlings while your head resides inside its own, COVID-free ecosystem.Those of us who have read a bit of hard sf or are astronaut groupies know that they could get by these problems by pressing helmets together and hearing each other through conduction.
[video]
“This makes conversation a bit challenging.” It’s almost like this guy has never gotten his head stuck inside a bucket before.
Of course, the cost is looking approximately 650% dweebier.
I didn't say it was a perfect plan.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 10:09 PM on January 15, 2021 [4 favorites]
Flight Hardware, do not touch, you may be looking for this government evaluation of masks. I’ve been wearing “Daddy’s Choice” KN95s, and apparently that is a reputable brand.
posted by shields at 10:56 PM on January 15, 2021 [3 favorites]
posted by shields at 10:56 PM on January 15, 2021 [3 favorites]
I was kind of digging on this thing, although it's still a concept and I haven't seen the hint of a price for it (probably lots).
posted by Halloween Jack at 11:01 PM on January 15, 2021
posted by Halloween Jack at 11:01 PM on January 15, 2021
Why are there zero words in this article about whether it works?
Because the author is a writer, not a lab with capacity to conduct the testing that would actually ascertain that (and said labs are probably too busy with pandemic-related work to do an analysis for some guy's fluff piece for cheap/exposure).
posted by Dysk at 11:37 PM on January 15, 2021 [6 favorites]
Because the author is a writer, not a lab with capacity to conduct the testing that would actually ascertain that (and said labs are probably too busy with pandemic-related work to do an analysis for some guy's fluff piece for cheap/exposure).
posted by Dysk at 11:37 PM on January 15, 2021 [6 favorites]
Did anybody else face palm because some company went out and raised capital to build a mask to sell to rich people when they could have raised capital and built more PPE for medical workers? Clearly another sign of end stage capitalism at work...
posted by herda05 at 11:58 PM on January 15, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by herda05 at 11:58 PM on January 15, 2021 [1 favorite]
Why are there zero words in this article about whether it works?
I see someone just answered this, but yeah, he’s not a scientist, he’s a write with a schtick, one that happens to have gained a pretty solid following over the years. Even if it’s not to your taste, he makes repeated mention of how poorly it fits, how profoundly unpleasant it is to wear, and, for good measure, mentions it’s remarkably short battery life a couple times. He’s not Underwriters Laboratory, he’s your buddy letting you know that you shouldn’t waste your money on that thing you saw ads on a website for.
posted by Ghidorah at 2:35 AM on January 16, 2021 [13 favorites]
I see someone just answered this, but yeah, he’s not a scientist, he’s a write with a schtick, one that happens to have gained a pretty solid following over the years. Even if it’s not to your taste, he makes repeated mention of how poorly it fits, how profoundly unpleasant it is to wear, and, for good measure, mentions it’s remarkably short battery life a couple times. He’s not Underwriters Laboratory, he’s your buddy letting you know that you shouldn’t waste your money on that thing you saw ads on a website for.
posted by Ghidorah at 2:35 AM on January 16, 2021 [13 favorites]
Okay the moon helmet is silly, but I seriously might get a Narwall
posted by hydropsyche at 5:18 AM on January 16, 2021
posted by hydropsyche at 5:18 AM on January 16, 2021
Flight Hardware, do not touch, you may be looking for this government evaluation of masks. I’ve been wearing “Daddy’s Choice” KN95s, and apparently that is a reputable brand.
Thanks for the suggestion - but I knew about that list - it's good to see it maintained and updated, but it's so very insufficient for the task at hand.
*gets on soap box*
In some ways, a Government response like that list is the exact opposite of what we need. They've tested a huge number of masks, listing supplier names that are impossible to track down - and as they even admit, frequently counterfeited - with the intention of having citizens do what? Go to the marketplace to find those companies? Caveat Emptor? Because that's what Amazon is right now if you buy KN95s.
No, this needs a robust, regulated U.S. response. We are clearly, a year after the outbreak, unable to manufacture PPE for our citizens. If that means we need to go to other countries to find masks, fine - but 'we' needs to be our nation, unified in the task of protecting our citizens. Which means months and months ago, the Government needed to reach out to various suppliers and get traceability and transparency for regular citizens to get reliable KN95s.
No, perhaps we can't afford to provide a national standard like we do for N95s - but capitalism was never the solution here. We needed a socialist response of working together to provide protection for everyone to beat the virus - and we didn't get it.
I'm really hoping we'll see a different approach starting a week from now.
*hops off*
Okay, someone else's turn :)
posted by Flight Hardware, do not touch at 6:18 AM on January 16, 2021 [8 favorites]
Thanks for the suggestion - but I knew about that list - it's good to see it maintained and updated, but it's so very insufficient for the task at hand.
*gets on soap box*
In some ways, a Government response like that list is the exact opposite of what we need. They've tested a huge number of masks, listing supplier names that are impossible to track down - and as they even admit, frequently counterfeited - with the intention of having citizens do what? Go to the marketplace to find those companies? Caveat Emptor? Because that's what Amazon is right now if you buy KN95s.
No, this needs a robust, regulated U.S. response. We are clearly, a year after the outbreak, unable to manufacture PPE for our citizens. If that means we need to go to other countries to find masks, fine - but 'we' needs to be our nation, unified in the task of protecting our citizens. Which means months and months ago, the Government needed to reach out to various suppliers and get traceability and transparency for regular citizens to get reliable KN95s.
No, perhaps we can't afford to provide a national standard like we do for N95s - but capitalism was never the solution here. We needed a socialist response of working together to provide protection for everyone to beat the virus - and we didn't get it.
I'm really hoping we'll see a different approach starting a week from now.
*hops off*
Okay, someone else's turn :)
posted by Flight Hardware, do not touch at 6:18 AM on January 16, 2021 [8 favorites]
I feel like people complaining about how things like this, or Google Glass, or Vibram FiveFingers etc. look are far more douchey than the actual products or people wearing them.
Loud fan, poor fit, and expensive isn't good. There's no way a HEPA 11 filter adds $100 to the actual cost of this thing.
But the idea overall isn't dumb, and pretending that a clear face mask with what looks like a hoodie is "weird" when we're all wearing cloth over half our faces is a bit much.
posted by Foosnark at 6:25 AM on January 16, 2021 [9 favorites]
Loud fan, poor fit, and expensive isn't good. There's no way a HEPA 11 filter adds $100 to the actual cost of this thing.
But the idea overall isn't dumb, and pretending that a clear face mask with what looks like a hoodie is "weird" when we're all wearing cloth over half our faces is a bit much.
posted by Foosnark at 6:25 AM on January 16, 2021 [9 favorites]
I wear a three layer cloth mask, with different types of cloth per advice, because while Covid is scary so is climate change. Disposable masks are causing significant plastic polution of the oceans, and while the impact on emissions I don't think has been calculated, it's not going to be negligible. Seeing people with their nose out of surgical masks or N95s with the straps loose really pisses me off. Wearing a reusable mask properly will do you better than wearing a disposable N95 wrong. (I know there will be some activities where you really do need a disposable mask, but going to the supermarket is not one of them.)
This, as pointed out above, is douchey techbros producing a PAPR which overall seems less comfortable and useable than ones already in production. I feel that things produced by douchey techbros are fair targets for taking the piss. This does not mean that one is taking the piss out of PAPR or masks where you can see to lipread.
posted by Vortisaur at 6:43 AM on January 16, 2021 [1 favorite]
This, as pointed out above, is douchey techbros producing a PAPR which overall seems less comfortable and useable than ones already in production. I feel that things produced by douchey techbros are fair targets for taking the piss. This does not mean that one is taking the piss out of PAPR or masks where you can see to lipread.
posted by Vortisaur at 6:43 AM on January 16, 2021 [1 favorite]
For less than $300 you can get a modern reproduction of an old-timey brass diving helmet. Sure it weighs 15 pounds and makes metal detectors explode, but might be worth considering for those of us pinching our pennies.
goddamnit i did not need to know this is a thing you can buy
posted by soundguy99 at 6:45 AM on January 16, 2021 [4 favorites]
goddamnit i did not need to know this is a thing you can buy
posted by soundguy99 at 6:45 AM on January 16, 2021 [4 favorites]
If this thing has a built-in A/C I'd buy one and wear it all summer, pandemic or not. I wore a gas mask during the early part of the pandemic, so clearly I don't care if I look like an idiot.
posted by Ampersand692 at 7:38 AM on January 16, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by Ampersand692 at 7:38 AM on January 16, 2021 [1 favorite]
I’d been wearing a regular mask for so long that I was not used to having my face fully exposed to everyone on the street.
That is one thing I love about wearing a mask -- but even more than that, I love that I can quietly sing while I'm wandering Costco and nobody interacts with me about it.
posted by The corpse in the library at 8:49 AM on January 16, 2021 [1 favorite]
That is one thing I love about wearing a mask -- but even more than that, I love that I can quietly sing while I'm wandering Costco and nobody interacts with me about it.
posted by The corpse in the library at 8:49 AM on January 16, 2021 [1 favorite]
When it comes to choosing between walking around wearing a Narwall and choosing death, death suddenly does not look all that bad. I mean, one has standards, doesn't one?
posted by jcworth at 8:56 AM on January 16, 2021
posted by jcworth at 8:56 AM on January 16, 2021
I have wicked allergies. For years I’ve wanted something like this for tree pollen season.
Maybe I’ll be able to pick one up used once the pandemic is over. I’m already a space cadet, might as well show it.
posted by [insert clever name here] at 9:16 AM on January 16, 2021 [2 favorites]
Maybe I’ll be able to pick one up used once the pandemic is over. I’m already a space cadet, might as well show it.
posted by [insert clever name here] at 9:16 AM on January 16, 2021 [2 favorites]
The corpse in the library: "That is one thing I love about wearing a mask"
As somebody with RAF and a few added standard deviations of misanthropy, I find it quite restful to not have to remember to smile or at least not scowl when I'm in public. If I add some dark sunglasses, I'm almost completely inured against any sort of casual social interaction.
posted by signal at 11:34 AM on January 16, 2021 [6 favorites]
As somebody with RAF and a few added standard deviations of misanthropy, I find it quite restful to not have to remember to smile or at least not scowl when I'm in public. If I add some dark sunglasses, I'm almost completely inured against any sort of casual social interaction.
posted by signal at 11:34 AM on January 16, 2021 [6 favorites]
I wear a three layer cloth mask, with different types of cloth per advice, because while Covid is scary so is climate change. Disposable masks are causing significant plastic polution of the oceans, and while the impact on emissions I don't think has been calculated, it's not going to be negligible.
It is possible to reuse N95s, KF94s, and KN95s (although this is not advisable for surgical masks). Many have been doing this - for people that don’t go out much (and people should be trying to reduce their trips outside if they aren’t essential workers and have the financial means to stay home), a few N95s can last for many months when used in rotation. (The rotation method of decontamination is the best way to extend N95 use without impacting seal and fit, relative to other methods.) The n95decon website has some good information on this. Another decent method is dry heat (look up the studies on the rice cooker method, for example - the information is easily searchable online and multiple studies on this have been published or are preliminarily available). The masks4all subreddit is also another decent resource.
Seeing people with their nose out of surgical masks or N95s with the straps loose really pisses me off. Wearing a reusable mask properly will do you better than wearing a disposable N95 wrong.
Bit of a false dichotomy being implied here - it’s very much possible to wear an N95/surgical mask right - why this implied choice between wearing a reusable cloth mask properly vs wearing a more effective N95/surgical mask wrong?
(I know there will be some activities where you really do need a disposable mask, but going to the supermarket is not one of them.)
There are countries and cities out there that actively advocate (and even distribute!) disposable/high-filtration masks (KF94, N95, KN95, surgical, etc) for daily civilian use. Norms and standards regarding mask use, recommended types of masks, cleaning protocols (and other types of transmission mitigation policies) differ from country to country - it might be useful to look at the mask standards in countries that have dealt with the pandemic with relative competence to get an idea of what could be possible / what might be ideal.
posted by aielen at 12:27 PM on January 16, 2021 [4 favorites]
It is possible to reuse N95s, KF94s, and KN95s (although this is not advisable for surgical masks). Many have been doing this - for people that don’t go out much (and people should be trying to reduce their trips outside if they aren’t essential workers and have the financial means to stay home), a few N95s can last for many months when used in rotation. (The rotation method of decontamination is the best way to extend N95 use without impacting seal and fit, relative to other methods.) The n95decon website has some good information on this. Another decent method is dry heat (look up the studies on the rice cooker method, for example - the information is easily searchable online and multiple studies on this have been published or are preliminarily available). The masks4all subreddit is also another decent resource.
Seeing people with their nose out of surgical masks or N95s with the straps loose really pisses me off. Wearing a reusable mask properly will do you better than wearing a disposable N95 wrong.
Bit of a false dichotomy being implied here - it’s very much possible to wear an N95/surgical mask right - why this implied choice between wearing a reusable cloth mask properly vs wearing a more effective N95/surgical mask wrong?
(I know there will be some activities where you really do need a disposable mask, but going to the supermarket is not one of them.)
There are countries and cities out there that actively advocate (and even distribute!) disposable/high-filtration masks (KF94, N95, KN95, surgical, etc) for daily civilian use. Norms and standards regarding mask use, recommended types of masks, cleaning protocols (and other types of transmission mitigation policies) differ from country to country - it might be useful to look at the mask standards in countries that have dealt with the pandemic with relative competence to get an idea of what could be possible / what might be ideal.
posted by aielen at 12:27 PM on January 16, 2021 [4 favorites]
The n95decon website has some good information on this.
Thank you aielen for posting that so I don't have to! I've been using their protocols as best I can during this, mostly with the wait and reuse approach.
Our KN95s are on hooks... One set for each of us per day, with a four day rotation.
With that, and light use (one hour walk in the woods with only needing to put them on when someone gets within a hundred feet or so... Thank you suburbs privilege...), we've been able to reuse KN95s for weeks.
As for actual N95s, we had eight at the start out of luck. Used those for the extremely rare (fewer than ten?) occasions when we've had to go inside a building (again, class privilege of the highest order), and I think we've still got five or six.
We need mask cleaning guidance too. There are groups developing mask cleaners, but again, no Federal drive to push it.
posted by Flight Hardware, do not touch at 12:48 PM on January 16, 2021
Thank you aielen for posting that so I don't have to! I've been using their protocols as best I can during this, mostly with the wait and reuse approach.
Our KN95s are on hooks... One set for each of us per day, with a four day rotation.
With that, and light use (one hour walk in the woods with only needing to put them on when someone gets within a hundred feet or so... Thank you suburbs privilege...), we've been able to reuse KN95s for weeks.
As for actual N95s, we had eight at the start out of luck. Used those for the extremely rare (fewer than ten?) occasions when we've had to go inside a building (again, class privilege of the highest order), and I think we've still got five or six.
We need mask cleaning guidance too. There are groups developing mask cleaners, but again, no Federal drive to push it.
posted by Flight Hardware, do not touch at 12:48 PM on January 16, 2021
I have had a simpler solution to the pandemic for a while now, unfortunately I am not a trillionaire with the powers of a global dictator but if any of you are here it is: Clear plastic bag with a hepa filter and a feeding tube, attached to every single persons head with a time lock collar around their neck. Falls off in 2 weeks. Everybody compensated by a $5000 stimulus check, (about what you get for a kidney in India.)
Also need to get some small ones made for the Mink. (No checks for the Mink, maybe free kibble?)
posted by Pembquist at 1:33 PM on January 16, 2021 [1 favorite]
Also need to get some small ones made for the Mink. (No checks for the Mink, maybe free kibble?)
posted by Pembquist at 1:33 PM on January 16, 2021 [1 favorite]
I do think something like this would be fantastic for using my snowblower at -30, when the snow blows back at your face with enough force to simulate sandblasting your face. I usually can see much anyway when I'm doing it, so at least my face wouldn't hurt. Maybe someday I'll see one for sale on Kijji.
posted by Northbysomewhatcrazy at 4:50 PM on January 16, 2021
posted by Northbysomewhatcrazy at 4:50 PM on January 16, 2021
I do just keep being sad for the beforetimes, when I was masked up and calmly mixing some metallic paint powders at work and then labeled my N95 with my name and put it in my cubby so I could use it if remotely required later in the week. Later that week I got covid and stayed home and no one has ever seen that mask again. The shop donated all remaining masks to hospitals immediately after work closed down a couple days later.
Also, as a human with a female-ish face, what tf is up with the brand name "Daddy's Choice"? Already most safety equipment does not fit women without some truly inane workarounds. "Daddy's Choice." Who's Daddy? Whose Daddy? Is he choosing for himself or for his offspring? Does "Daddy" mean something different and something waaaay less creepy in other languages?
posted by lauranesson at 9:12 PM on January 18, 2021
Also, as a human with a female-ish face, what tf is up with the brand name "Daddy's Choice"? Already most safety equipment does not fit women without some truly inane workarounds. "Daddy's Choice." Who's Daddy? Whose Daddy? Is he choosing for himself or for his offspring? Does "Daddy" mean something different and something waaaay less creepy in other languages?
posted by lauranesson at 9:12 PM on January 18, 2021
That article has a distinct, but not explicit anti-mask tone.
posted by fragmede at 11:13 PM on January 18, 2021
posted by fragmede at 11:13 PM on January 18, 2021
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posted by jeremias at 4:09 PM on January 15, 2021 [7 favorites]