Masks styles and preferences

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Masks Styles and Preference

Mask styles and preferences for the most part are a personal choice.  However, the requirement to wear one gets tossed around in politics, health concerns, various rules and requirements by businesses and you are left to choose one that fits your personal style without much recommendation for those who are out and about wearing them often, if not everyday.

Here are a couple of recommendations I have for you to consider when choosing a mask.

These are only recommendations and are not based on political views, medical advice or endorsements.  I advise checking with your medical professional for full personal advice. 

 

  1.  Not all masks are the same. Some provide more protection than others.
  2. With cloth masks, while fashion takes front ratings, coverage and filtering is not so high.  You can always place your favorite cloth covering over a more efficient filtering mask. And, you have both covered – style and effectiveness.
  3. If you would like coverage outside while walking or participating in outdoor activities, wearing a strong filtering N95 or KN95 is not needed as much.  Especially if you have no plans to stand close and talk to others.  A cloth mask or disposable mask works well.
  4. However, any plans involving high pedestrian traffic or close contact with others, such as indoor activities, crowded outdoor activities,  riding in an enclosed vehicle (vans, cars, airplanes, buses, etc.) a more secure mask would be recommended.

My favorite masks

Here are a couple of masks that I’ve used in various settings.

Masks styles and preferences

This cloth mask is made of thick material and provides great coverage for outdoor activities and low traffic indoor areas. While flying or riding in a vehicle with others I would recommend another mask underneath. This mask is great for style and fashion.

mask styles and preferences

Click here for more information on these fashion masks 

Masks Styles and preferences

This is my favorite mask to wear in crowded places. It is the one I travel with on airplanes.  I won’t leave home without it.  It’s an N95 I reserve my supply, and wear them only when needed. They are not easy to find.  Look for them at hardware stores and places where paint, and construction materials are sold.

Masks styles and preferences

 

Mask styles and preferences

I like the comfort and ease of this mask when going to places where I’ll need to remove it to eat or drink, or a little ease in breathing when no one is around. It fits behind the ears and doesn’t require pulling it over your head and adjusting it.

 

 

Mask styles and preferences

These are what I call wear and trash masks. They are relatively inexpensive and you can buy them in bulk. I like them for quick runs where I won’t encounter crowds but like a little protection too. They are also great for fitting under a fashion mask for extra protection; especially when traveling on airplanes, buses, vans and cars. They double-up easily too without making it hard to breath. I keep a pack of them in my car and one in my backpack when traveling. Bend the metal securely around your nose, especially if you wear glasses to avoid fogging your glasses.

Mask styles and preferences

 

Mask styles and preferences

The gold star of masks. The N95 distributed to medical professional. I snagged this one from my husband, a medical professional,  just to show you with a quick  example. If you can find this mask it is the one I would recommend for travel on crowded transportation; planes, trains, buses, vans, boats, ships, motor coaches, etc.  They offer the best protection. Place the top elastic strap high on your head to avoid continuous adjusting, pulling and tugging on your mask. The white N95 I mentioned above is the next best.

Mask not allowed on Delta

Mask styles and preferences

Delta has said ‘No” to this mask. I was once denied boarding until I could replace this N95 mask with one which does not have the filter-valve in the front. Reason – the mask-filter-valve blocks particles from coming inside, but allows you to push air out along with any particles or virus.   Delta’s reasoning is the filter does not block enough particles coming from the mask wearer and if you are COVID-positive you could spread the virus although wearing a mask.

 

Mask style and preferences

I won’t just call-out Delta on this one. Many airlines are prohibiting this mask which are called exhaust mask, filter mask, valve mask. Finnair, Air France, Lufthansa, American along with Delta are just a few who have banned this mask.

Delta Airlines is our hometown airlines.  Here’s a link to their Face Covering policy – click here

Other face covering not allowed on airplanes

Bandanas
Cloth masks
Reusable masks
Scarves
Masks with holes, slits or punctures
Face shield without a mask
Ski masks
Single layer masks
No battery operated filters

Many people made beautiful fashion masks to help make wearing masks less boring and more stylish. However, when worn alone, these cloth masks are banned from most airlines. You can wear them over another mask.

 

Masks, mandates, rules and requirements

The Transportation Security Administration extended a federal mask mandate until January 2022, requiring face coverings be worn on all public transportation, including on airplanes and in airports.

If you want to express your right to not wear a mask the violation of federal mask mandates will set you back $500 -$1000 for the first offense and $1000 to $3000 for the second offense.

“Wearing a mask protects the traveling public and all of the personnel who make the travel experience safe, secure, and comfortable,” According to Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “We will continue to enforce the mask mandate as long as necessary to protect public health and safety.”

Reports of aggressive behavior, mostly on airplanes is being reported in surprising numbers.  Many of the cases of unruly passengers and violent behavior is attributed to passengers refusing to follow the mandate and become angry with staff and crew.  In 2021 the fines have reached more than $1million.

Some airlines have removed alcoholic beverages from their service to help curtail aggressive behavior onboard aircraft.

Bandanas
Cloth masks
Reusable masks
Scarves
Masks with holes, slits or punctures
Face shield without a mask
Ski masks
Single layer masks
No battery operated filters

What is allowed on airplanes

KN95
N95
Face shields (with a mask on some airlines)

Travel today requires staying up-to-date and the best way to make sure you have the latest requirements is to visit your carrier’s website or call your airline and speak with a representative.

Questions about travel insurance?  Click here

Stay safe, stay calm and enjoy your reason for traveling.  There is no need for a mask to ruin a great vacation.

 

 

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