Buff options as a mask?
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It's cold here, abruptly winter. Anyone have any buffs they like, that are good enough for masking also? I wear glasses, and have a hearing aid. Bad enough with a mask, but add in cold weather gear also, and a standard mask just gets cumbersome real fast, to try and get on/off without losing glasses or hearing aid. Thanks! Helen Hearing aid isn't old lady. Just one side, and congenital. Not that I didn't abuse my hearing.... |
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https://buffusa.com/shop-buff/filter-products.html i know at least 1 person who used one skiing this past weekend and said it wore just like a normal buff |
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It depends on your comfort/risk level. Many buffs are made of a very thin porous material so they aren't as effective as surgical masks or KN95. I also wear glasses so I understand the fogging issue. I have been wearing KN95 last ~ month in the gym and find a little less fogging than with the surgical masks. I also feel a little more protected. You can also try some rainX or fogbegone type sprays. They don't stop the fogging but they do seem to reduce it maybe 30%. |
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Artem Vasilyev wrote: This study was misrepresented in the press, and there have been a bunch of follow-ups saying that Buffs are probably better than no face covering at all: https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/neck-gaiters-covid-19/, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/17/well/live/coronavirus-gaiters-masks.html
I've taken to wearing KF94s which have been tested to be N95-equivalent for indoors/high-risk, and a regular Buff for outdoors/recreation. |
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You double up a buff too. It's warmer, and it also doubles up the amount of textile. |
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Follow-up research by Linsey Marr on 'Gaitergate'. TL:DR, double up a synthetic one provides good filtration efficiency. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/17/well/live/coronavirus-gaiters-masks.html |
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There's also this https://www.outdoorresearch.com/us/protective-essential-midweight-ubertube-kit-283651?cat=121,24,6,402 |
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James C wrote: You wear a buff and a mask outdoors? Indoors I totally get it but even Dr Fauci says he doesn't wear a mask while running outside. I keep a buff on my neck while hiking and just pull it up when I pass people. |
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Whoops, yeah I meant KF94 for indoors and Buff for outdoors, not both at the same time. |
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Thanks for the replies. Two options, anyway. Anyone know if the Buff version fits well across the nose? The OR one has a wire, which should help with glasses fogging up. The OR one has a glowing review. Singular. Kinda makes me wonder? Is it new? Once I order, that's it. No returns. If they suck I'm just out of luck, at least for what I want it for. Thanks. Trying to stay optimistic, for getting out of the house and not losing it this winter. We skipped fall here. Sheesh. Best, H. |
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Went skiing today in Engelberg (CH) and 60% of skiers were using (regular, I guess the anti covid version is too recent) buff as mask. I guess coz taking off the helmet each time is annoying. |
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Or has the best options for an actual filtered mask within a buff. Such as this: outdoorresearch.com/ca/prot… |
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curt86iroc wrote: I ordered both this, and the OR one. The buff arrived today! Tried it out mid day today, it was about 30 degrees, but cloudy and felt colder. It is a simple, single layer tube buff, but with a sewn bit to make it fit on your nose, and a pocket where a filter would go. It is long, so you could easily double up the fabric. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it stayed in place, and best of all, no foggy glasses, even after I went in where it was warmer! I didn't try it doubled up, but as a single layer it breathed really well, didn't get soggy instantly, and I wasn't seeing my breathe, either. Win! It's very comfortable, too. All those wrinkles and what looks like a giant nose zit are an attempt at a smile. Oh well. A regular double wall tube buff lets my breathe through, easily, and fogs the glasses. The finger is because of the ridiculous amount of layers, just for a walk, in November. It really cheated us this year, skipping fall weather! Best, H. |
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CDC recommendation is two layer neck gaiter, or folding over a single layer one: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html |
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Similar to a neck gaiter, you can go to a fabric store and buy some good quality shirting material, like the softer cotton dress shirt stuff, cut a large 30" or so square, hem the edges, and wear it like a bandana. yes, those cheap bandanas you get at the corner store aren't going to do much good, but if you make a large one out of thicker material, the bottom will hang down low enough to prevent particles from escaping. And a bandana has more alternative uses in the backcountry. |
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Our ski areas are requiring masks on lift lines and lifts and if you're using a buff, it should be doubled up. Here's what Alta says: https://www.alta.com/winter-2020-21 Their next door neighbor explicitly says this regarding their tram:
BTW, the 100 person tram is now limited to 25. |
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Used this for a few days for ski patrol: https://www.outdoorresearch.com/us/protective-essential-midweight-balaclava-kit-283653?cat=419,224 Comfortable, if a bit sweaty (I would purchase a lightweight version for the warmer days). The nose wire is low enough to sit under goggles. It has ear loops and a drawcord to seal it up and keep it up. The ear loops are comfortable to wear all day. |