[Sheel]

I would wait for a doctor who specializes in infectious / viral diseases to confirm as to how effective these fashion masks would be in comparison to a proper N-95 mask.

Just to be safe, I have trimmed my hair to size zero, shaved off [clean shave everyday], wear one 3 ply surgical mask and one N-95 over it.

I will not risk my or any of my family member's life and nor would advise anyone to wear anything which is not verified / approved.

This mask [if it can not ward off infection] would be as good as the cheap helmets without any certifications being sold by street side vendor. Rules being followed, yes, but effectiveness is a huge question mark and you just might have to pay a hefty price. Permanently damaged lungs is just one of them. We all know what havoc is Covid creating. Sorry to sound pedantic, but in these times, I won't take a chance.

In case the fashion mask is safe to wear, I take back my words. But in these times I would rather buy a 3M respirator mask (Rs. 3,000 odd) [if venturing out] than trusting Polo Ralph Lauren with their Rs. 2,000 mask.

[iamitp]

The top three specialised masks I own, in the ascending order of price:

1. UA Sportsmask. Bought in March 2021 from Underarmour store, Mall of India, Noida for about Rs. 2300. Doesn't retail online in India AFAIK.



Pros:

• The XL size is actually XL (probably due to US sizing) and covers my large face and beard
• The material is sport-performance and wicks away sweat pretty quickly
• The mask sits above the face and gives room for talking
• The ear loops are the comfiest in the business
• Doesn't fog my glasses at all.

Cons

• The mask is thick due to the presence of a cooling-gel which does add some heft. The main body feels like a padded bra.
• No certified protection - but due to the sheer thickness and good fit, I'd say it is much better than most cloth masks.

2. Vogmask Organic N95 C2V. The old standby. Bought one a couple of years ago. Is the Khan Market favourite in winters and favoured by most embassy folks in Delhi.



Pros:

• A good balance of efficacy, fit and comfort.
• Has held up OK - it is washable but the nose pin snapped.

Cons

• The largest size is still too small for my face.
• I have the version with two air-vents so don't wear it often during Covid.
• It used to be retailed by 'Nirvana being' in India at around Rs. 2000-3000 (depending on size) but supply seems to have stopped post Covid.

3. O2 Curve mask. The most expensive face mask being mass retailed in India. I bought one (mask + 3 filters) around May 2021 from Amazon.in for Rs. 6990. NOTE - AMAZON has a 50% off at the time of writing bringing down the price to Rs. 3590.



Pros:

• The mask covers only the face and nose leaving other parts of the face free
• The fit is super modular with multiple strap adjustments for a custom fit
• Due to the silicon seal around the face - the protection is probably as good as the industrial 3M masks.
• You have to see the filteration to believe it - during peak pollution the pearly white filters turned sooty black in two weeks.
• The neck loop is useful for hanging the mask when eating or drinking water without having to take it off. I use it extensively while driving alone to beat our nonsensical 'mask-while-driving-alone' laws.
• The polycarbonate shell is sanitize-able, swappable and protect the inner filter.
• Doesn't fog my glasses at all.

Cons:

• Set of 5 filters cost Rs. 1255. You'll need to replace the filters every 14-60 days depending on your usage and environment.
• The mask will draw all kinds of attention. Some will be mighty impressed while some will liken it to an L guard.
• It is a very secure fit so breathing is a bit harder especially while climbing stairs etc.
• It does have external vents (facing downwards) but 02 now offers an attachment to fit a surgical mask over the vents.

[saur95]

Since a few BHPians asked about genuine N-95 masks, I've been purchasing these for almost a year now : https://www.amazon.in/CAREVIEWTM-CV1...s%2C300&sr=8-3

They're certified, pretty good quality and packed well. I prefer the bands going around the back of my head as it's more comfortable than around the ear, and these can of course be adjusted easily. I used these only for airline travel and my parents recently used them for vaccination visits. Basically, anywhere we expect a crowd and lack of social distancing.

For regular use, I've been using only the March mask, again for almost a year. Quality has been consistent : https://www.marchtee.com/mask/navy#.



These are 6-layer (not certified N95 or FFP-2), around the ear and really comfy (Great materials!). Pretty stylish IMO (especially in blue) can be used for up to 30-washes. Covers the nose effectively and maintains a good seal even while talking or moving about, making sure your glasses don't fog up either. Make sure you get the right size though since they aren't adjustable. I know it's a 6-layer but with the recent advisory to double-mask, I have been layering with a surgical mask when heading out of the society.

[krishnakarthik1]

Our marketing team came to me with the same idea of putting our brand on masks but I rejected.

We are usually proud of what we brand. I am not proud of masks and I know how hard it is work with them on especially in our factories.

And I just felt I didn't want to in anyway get comfortable with this horrible pandemic and make it part of my life for a long time. This has to be a horrible part of history which has to be forgotten. But it's just me, you can look at it from another point of view and say masks save lives.

[Jeevith]

Originally Posted by GTO

Note = Although I wouldn't mind the team masks, I am asking more about the style & cut. Thank you!

Try these I guess

https://m.shop4reebok.com/?gclid=Cjw...=&utm_adgroup=

[chetancm7]

How effective is the N95 masks, i have seen doctors in hospitals wearing a different kind of a mask which looks more like a pilots mouth piece. Dont have the pic to share. I also had a query on the N 99 mask, is N99 better than N95? I tried enquiring on the N99 but they are nowhere available. If any of the BHpians know where to get this if only it is better than N95 then i would be interested.

[NDK286]

Here's an idea. VW India inspired Team BHP masks -

1. Standard N95 mask with BHP logo
2. Turbo mask - Same but with a red stripe
3. Turbo Max mask - Same but with red stripe AND red straps
4. Midnight mask - Same as standard but in black with white logo
5. Midnight limited edition - Same but with black logo
6. Sport GT version - its only a N90 mask, but with an extra strap and GT stickers all over

The possibilities are endless !

[Jaguar]

Originally Posted by Sheel

Just to be safe, I have trimmed my hair to size zero, shaved off [clean shave everyday], wear one 3 ply surgical mask and one N-95 over it.

If you are using a real N-95 mask, then there is no need to double up, or rather you should not since you are risking the proper seal offered by the N-95. The double mask is suggested for surgical+cloth combo, the effectiveness the combo is still less that just N-95.

PS: This from the info floating online and I don't have any scientific reference to back the info. But, looked logical to me.
PS2: Finding a real N-95 is easier said than done.

Originally Posted by Jeevith

Try these I guess

https://m.shop4reebok.com/?gclid=Cjw...=&utm_adgroup=

They are calling it face-cover and not even a mask. I don't think they will be any good for the current situation.

[gopal.nishant89]

Originally Posted by GTO

Masks are here to stay and as a sucker for vanity, I really want to get F1-style masks. Where to buy good quality ones in India?

https://bblkart.com/ - you could give these a try.

i myself was looking out for one with a design similar to F1 and found these to be the closest in terms of design and from safety standpoint. i noticed them while watching election campaigns in Kerala and i saw the CM use this brand and searched for them online to find the website.

[pippen88]

Originally Posted by GTO

Guys,

Masks are here to stay and as a sucker for vanity, I really want to get F1-style masks. Where to buy good quality ones in India?

Note = Although I wouldn't mind the team masks, I am asking more about the style & cut. Thank you!

GTO, Came across these in Instagram, Maybe could be the closest option available to the ones worn by F1

https://fridomask.com/

P.S - Im in no way associated to this website.

[deepakr82]

Originally Posted by Jaguar

PS2: Finding a real N-95 is easier said than done.

It isn't. You need to look for NIOSH certified masks. You can find the list of NIOSH approved manufacturers using the below link:

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topi...t1sect3-v.html

Every NIOSH mask will also have the approval # printed on the mask. You can verify whether the mask is a genuine N95 by looking up the CDC website using the approval #
https://wwwn.cdc.gov/niosh-cel/

Hope this helps

[Jaguar]

Originally Posted by deepakr82

Hope this helps

It would have helped if you had given links to buy genuine masks instead of details on how to identify them

[KK_HakunaMatata]

Originally Posted by saur95

Since a few BHPians asked about genuine N-95 masks, I've been purchasing these for almost a year now : https://www.amazon.in/CAREVIEWTM-CV1...s%2C300&sr=8-3

They're certified, pretty good quality and packed well. I prefer the bands going around the back of my head as it's more comfortable than around the ear, and these can of course be adjusted easily. I used these only for airline travel and my parents recently used them for vaccination visits. Basically, anywhere we expect a crowd and lack of social distancing.

Can you give the link again, it's broken, I am also on the lookout for a certified genuine N95 mask.

KK

[deepakr82]

Originally Posted by Jaguar

It would have helped if you had given links to buy genuine masks instead of details on how to identify them

Here you go!

https://paytmmall.com/venus-anti-pol...ype=n95%20mask


P.S. I have never ordered from either of the above sites before. I bought them from Amazon and Seniority.in

[SSR0608]

Folks, talking of REAL n95 masks, I’ve been using Careview ones for more than an year now. This thread got me thinking if these are genuine.
And this is what I found. Gives me more confidence now.Certificates.pdf