Gaiters

[d4]

Although I would recommend 50cent single use, disposable, 3-ply, medical type mask, with the metal strip on the nose before a neck gaiter, if it in any way makes the user more comfortable (physically, or mentally) I'm all for it. Something is better than nothing.

At the very least buy a few of them and throw the used one in the hamper at the end of the day with your socks and underwear.

[Robert M]

D4,

Some of those single-use 3-ply masks are no better at all than reusable masks and gaiters. There is also the expense factor. $0.50 per mask ain't cheap. Gaiters are easy to make dual layer or even quadruple layer. Dual-layer works for me. Depending on where I'm going, I go with dual-layer gaiter only or dual-layer gaiter with a cone coffee filter in between the layers.

The combo of a gaiter and coffee filter ends up actually being quadruple layer and is very effective. Two layers of gaiter and two layers of coffee filter. And, coffee filters are dirt cheap and readily available. Depending on brand, you can get 100 qty for less than $2.00.

'course, for masks, it's easy to get an extension piece that attaches to the ear loops. Just sits behind your head or at the top of your neck. Makes a mask _far_ more comfortable.

Robert

[wurm]

Thanks, all. Interestingly, upon further inspection, I see what appears to be a maybe 3"x4" patch of fabric near one end. I wonder if that's meant to hold some sort of filter. In normal times I wouldn't even give that a thought, but nowadays I don't know. Although if it were meant to hold a type of filter, I would expect it to be open at the top to slip the filter in. This is open at both sides. I tried to take a picture, but between poor lighting and my lack of a third hand, it was futile.

[d4]

Robert,
For me, personally, when in doubt, I will use what I see medical people using. I can spare the 50cents. During the week M-F i literally leave my property maybe 2 times. On the weekend Sat-Sun, maybe 2-3 times. $2.50-$3 a week in disposable masks? I'm fine with that. I am by no means an authority on 3-ply disposable masks. Use what you are comfortable with.

There are some people who are uncomfortable with the "look" of wearing a medical mask and are ok with the "look" of a gaiter. No judgement on my end. Something is better than nothing.

[Robert M]

D4,

Don't give yourself a false sense of security. Surgical masks aren't designed to block virus particles and only protect someone from exposure to a certain degree. I suspect medical people wear surgical masks because they have ready access them. Homemade or store-bought cloth masks can be just as effective, depending on the material and design. Heck, even a couple of folded paper towels over your nose and mouth can reduce possible exposure.



Robert

[MrNoBody]

There's two short but handy (imo) vids on youtube on the use of the
elastic style tube gaiters.

Two Minutes

Four Minutes

[Racer X]

I'm pretty sure I saw a graphic where if both people are wearing even a basic cloth mouth/nose covering, the chance of transfer is about 3%. It gets even better if the mask quality goes up.

Now combine that 3% and just keeping your distance drops that WAY down.

[Robert M]

Mr No,

Those are good links. This one demonstrates the two-layer method, which I use when wearing a gaiter. The gentleman in the vid uses a tissue or a basket coffee filter as a barrier. A cone filter would be a better choice than a basket filter.



Robert

[michaelb]

What you are picturing is for the winter (a balaclava?), and gaiters go around your ankles usually. But there are many sun protective face coverings, including buffs and many for fishing/boating. there may not be a front and a back, but if there is a seam put that on the back.

[NewtonMP2100]

.....what is the difference between a gaiter.......and a croc......???