finally!! posted a giant "my COVID risk reduction approach" post

[brainwane]

I've been working on this for weeks? months? I finally published a giant blog post on how I reduce my risk of catching COVID. Includes:

• Air quality and ventilation: Specifics on the Aranet 4 carbon dioxide monitor, including a coupon.
• Masking: Some N95, N99, and P100 respirators you may not have heard of, with links to purchase.
• Self-testing (antigen and NAAT/molecular) and PCR: Links for some amazing sale prices on rapid tests, including more-accurate molecular tests.
• Nasal spray: Enovid, the wackiest thing in my post. I assure you that I have not turned into, like, an ivermectin user.
• Staying apprised: A new wastewaster data site.

Please check it out?

Comments

[foxfirefey]

Warning: at this point I have practically a legit hobby of respirator facewear and you just, like, dropped a whole lot of stuff I can chat about. And I do not exactly have a lot of chat outlets for this in real life because I've gotta act reeeeeal casual when randos bring it up so that I don't seem too weird--mostly people are amused/complimentary if they care to bring it up but they are also not particularly interested.

Another friend likes this low-profile Klein P100 (about USD$30), but warns that the replacement filters can be harder to find.

Good news for your friend is I'm pretty sure this is just a rebranded GVS Eclipse. That might make finding filters easier. Also, GVS Eclipse has a source control version that blocks the exhalation vent and has everything going through the filters. I've heard people warn that they don't like the GVS Eclipse's vulnerability to damaging the filter cartridge while cleaning, but I still love mine, the elastic is so sturdy and the profile fairly slim. The downside is the muffling. And since it wasn't really designed to be source controlled it does get swampy fast if I'm using the source controlled version. Another hot tip I have for the GVS Eclipse is that you can use webbing ending clips to make the appearance of the elastic ends a lot less scraggly. I've used the vented GVS Eclipse as a daily driver for a lot of this year, due to its comfort and compact size and the security of fit on my particular face.

My favorite source controlled elastomeric is the MSA Advantage 900: it's got a lovely chin cupping facepiece and a speaking diaphragm. (Just look at what a good job it does for audio legibility!) The light blue is a cheerful color. The strap hooking mechanism is not as fiddly as a lot of others. Warning: apparently using this or other source controlled respirators in freezing conditions without a hydrophobic filter runs the risk of having frozen condensation start blocking airflow, I heard somebody recount that happening to them once. I use these filters for it which are splash proof so I never have to worry about the rain, I also think aesthetically the cartridge like appearance helps with

If you want a bump up in features for the 3M you have, I can suggest the 3M SecureClick HF-801SD. It's pretty much the Cadillac of half face elastomerics: there's a DEDICATED BUTTON to check the negative pressure seal and it also has a speaking diaphragm. Alas, it doesn't seem to have an attachable source control filter, but looking over mine I don't think it would be too hard to jam a piece cut from surgical filter over the exhalation valve and have it stay based on the way the front clips on to the body. I use these filters for it.

The smallest reuseable respirator I know about is the Envomask, which is so compact you can probably fit it under a surgical and not be noticeable, which is great for times you need casual stealth. You can use it vented or unvented, but it's gonna get swampy pretty fast if not vented. Downsides are the filter isn't pleated so breathability is not as easy as with a proper elastomeric and it's only N95. Also I dislike the headstrap and replaced it with a spare head harness assembly for a 3M 6500. They came out with a new model recently, too, that's a big bigger and has an exhalation valve built into the N99 versions; it's my partner's new go to.

I've got a Flomask recently but it's...so comfortable and lightweight I don't trust it. Is that weird to say? I think there's a seal, because I can see the filter suck in and out but...I need to do a qualitative fit test on it before I'll relax I think. I also got the kid version for somebody in our household with a very, very tiny face even though it's not the greatest at quantitative filtering according Twitter!FitTestMyPlanet. And I'll probably try ordering some XS Trident disposables soon for them based on this advice.

May I ask you to leave this as a comment on the main post?

[brainwane]

This info is so incredibly useful! May I ask you to leave it as a comment on the main post so more people will see it?

Also some folks on Mastodon are seeking legit transparent masks with good filtration and perhaps you could answer that question as well? (In a blog comment or on Mastodon?)

Re: May I ask you to leave this as a comment on the main post?

[foxfirefey]

I'll try and do a blog comment worthy run down this weekend, sure!

Re: legit transparent masks, I don't have much experience in this arena, though I've seen a few things here and there like this. I think the problem with those is always gonna be breathability, because you're giving up filtration area for the visible area, and rarely is it compensated by say, pleats elsewhere. And you gotta figure out how to counteract the fogging. My kingdom for an innovative manufacturer of consumer based elastomerics! So unfortunately I think if somebody wants true protection AND face visibility, you're gonna have to end up with a PAPR system like this or something like this, but they are so so expensive as you can see, and they do have the limitations of battery time and the noise made by the fan, and I'm not sure how audible it would be, though I feel like one SHOULD be able to rig up a bluetooth mic/speaker situation with a bit of creativity.

Sorry for replying here instead of on Mastodon on that topic, I just...popping up with "well I don't ACTUALLY know but here's the opinions in my head" when I know Mastodon has a lot of problems with people doing that to others from what I hear...but commenting here is nice and easy and we at least have a history of interaction so I'm not just some rando giving advice I don't really have but two people having a conversation.

Re: May I ask you to leave this as a comment on the main post?

[brainwane]

May I please know your Fediverse handle so that I can explicitly at-mention you and invite your opinions in the Mastodon thread? I figure that's perhaps a way to make you comfortable sharing your conjectures in the thread.

I linked to this Dreamwidth thread in the comments of the main blog post so future readers have a chance to read your respirator advice.

Re: May I ask you to leave this as a comment on the main post?

[jducoeur]

I don't have the resources to check their bona fides, but I've been using the Optrel P. Air Clear a bunch for the past six months, and broadly like them. Claims to be N95 certified. Not the largest clear window, but it's not bad (a lot of folks who are hard of hearing have specifically thanked me), and I find breathability decent. Some fogging depending on air temp and such, but not usually terrible. Disposable, but comfortable enough for a full day, and not stupidly expensive, although not cheap.