Dobbin
Not a fan of wearing masks but who is!
I've been wearing ear loop masks and they really bother my large but lovely ears. Specifically, the area that bothers me is the furrow between the helix or outer portion of the ear and my head (the area where eyeglass temples rest on my head). Traditional earloop mask loops tug on that area which generally bothers me. I am a lifelong eyeglass wearer so I am used to having a "foreign object" touch that area. I say that as not to appear too sensitive to the idea of having loops around my ears. Some people don't mind and some do. I do - so earloop masks are not for me. Having tried numerous masks over the last couple of years starting with two band around the head types and ear loop types, I have concluded that for me (a bald guy who wears glasses and has large lovely ears), the two banded around the head type work best even though I have to remove my glasses to put the mask on and take it off otherwise I risk flailing my glasses off my head when removing the mask.
Regarding the head loops themselves, they are elastic much like thin pliable rubber bands and are stapled to each side of the mask with industrial staples. I think the odd smell of the masks when first used may be attributed to the bands. These are single use masks but I can't see throwing them away after only one use or even one day's use so I usually wear one mask for a few days. After all, I am not an ER doctor or work in a Operating Room so true single use is relative. There are studies that suggest that bacteria can form on the inside of a mask but studies are inconclusive regarding the amount of bacteria that accumulates if used once or multiple times. Having said that, I wouldn't use a mask for more than a few days. Sweat, normal breathing, and coughing all contribute to reasons you need to dispose of a used masks and use a new one regularly. I was able to get two full days of use before one of the bands broke. Admittedly, I took the mask off and put it back on several times each day. And I adjusted the bands repeatedly to get a good fit so I am not disuaded by the fact that the one band only lasted two days. I was about to "retire" that mask anyway.
3M says you can use this mask up to 25 times based on wear, damage, etc.
Last comment about using two banded versus earloop masks - I shave my head so I am comfortable with bands around my head. People with any amount of hair may be bothered by bands tangling their hair. My wife and children all have lovely manes and they DO NOT like two banded masks.
Now as for fit besides the loops. Best facial comfort for any mask I've ever used. These masks come with a foam pad about 5" long that is affixed to the top of the inner side of the mask. This ensures a tight fit and reduces eyeglass fogging. Fogging is not eliminated but reduced.
A note about men with beards or goaties as is my case. The mask fits over my goatie completely and that contributes to the tight fit. But my beard does get "damp" which isn't fun but oh well, when you need to wear a mask then go all in.
Remember, N95 masks use head loops to ensure a tight fit. KN95 masks offer either head loops or ear loops. If they have ear loops, they are not N95 masks. Do I really need an actual N95 respirator? No, not really. I could get KN95s with head loops but I'm really digging these 3M masks.
Summary:
Great for bald heads.
Best facial fit ever.
Quality components that lasts for as long as intended.
Final comment: They are Made In The USA (with globally sourced materials).
| Manufacturer | 3M |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 9205PH-20-DC |
| Item Weight | 7.4 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 8.82 x 7.5 x 4 inches |
| Item model number | 9205PH-10-DC |
| Size | 20 Count (Pack of 1) |
| Color | White |
| Style | Respirator |
| Material | lightweight |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Number Of Pieces | 20 |
| Special Features | Adjustable Nose Clip |
| Included Components | 20 respirators/pack |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
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