🔗 Testing and Masking Policies and Hospital-Onset Respiratory Viral Infections jamanetwork.com/journals/jaman…

> stopping universal masking and SARS-CoV-2 testing was associated with a significant increase in hospital-onset respiratory viral infections relative to community infections. Restarting the masking of health care workers was associated with a significant decrease.

> Nosocomial respiratory viral infections remain associated with increased length of stay and higher mortality in hospitalized populations. Our data suggest that masking and testing were 2 potentially effective measures to protect patients who are hospitalized, particularly when community respiratory virus incidence rates were elevated.

@maskup

stopmaskbans.com

@maskup

#MaskUp

Edit: Thank you for helping. 💚 I ordered some of the Moldex masks and looked up some decent medical tape as a backup for my regular FFP3 masks. I'll be practicing at home with the seal to see if it holds for a couple of hours. I'll bring as much proof as I can collect to convince the hospital employees that I'm wearing no metal. Fingers crossed.

----

Asking for help from German speakers or Moldex mask knowledgeable people, please.

I'll need an MRI soon, so I can't use any masks with metal (nosepiece, clips or antimicrobial layer). Someone told me Moldex masks are MRI-proof, so I've been looking around at their masks and found a German shop where I can order, but I'd like some confirmation. Isn't there any metal on/in the following masks?

industrieware.de/Moldex-Atemsc…

industrieware.de/Moldex-FFP2-N…

industrieware.de/FFP-2-NR-D-At…

industrieware.de/FFP3-Air-Seal…

It would be nice to try them, since I can buy them per 1 piece (I don't want a big box in case they don't fit), there are several sizes, and they ship in time to me.

Have you tried any Moldex masks? Do they give a good fit for you? Any noticeable differences between the several types? They appear kind of big in the pictures.

PS: Readimasks aren't available in the EU, the easimask is sold out in EU stores, or only sold in expensive bulk, or take too much time and money with customs to get imported on short notice. I have a Prescient Breathe mask without metal, but can't get a good seal with it and the hospital most likely won't allow any elastomeric respirators and the likes, so it's really a total last resort to depend on one of those.

I could still use the FFP3 mask I normally use and remove the metal nosepiece, then try to seal it with medical tape. But the seal might not stay perfect throughout the process either.

#diemaskebleibtauf #MaskUp #covid #CovidIsNotOver #covid19 #SARScov2 #WearAMask

@maskup

Looks like there's a discount code that brings the price of an ElastoMaskPro down from $70 to $30 (🇺🇸) -- basically getting a free mask for the price of the filters.

reusable-respirators.com/produ…

A couple years ago, they sent me one to check out. Though it never became part of my regular rotation, it has some good (and not-so-good) features -- it's comfortable, breathable, and svelt, but employs thin, non-adjustable/replaceable straps.

Even with NIOSH N95 certification and filters that last a year, $70 is way too pricey imo (never mind $129, Flo). At $30, though and especially if you haven't been able to find a P100 you're comfortable wearing, it might just be worth a look.

breathesafeair.com/elastomaskp…

reddit.com/r/MasksForEveryone/…

m.youtube.com/watch?v=hWIVMKfE…

@maskup

masks.work/

@maskup

🔗 Masks Off -- The push to criminalize face coverings puts everyone at risk thebaffler.com/latest/masks-of…

@maskup

#CovidIsAirborne

📹 HouseFresh -- the best quiet air purifiers (2024) youtube.com/watch?v=Mzip-NfdRT…

@maskup

Some sales + resources for US-based #COVIDcautious #covidconscious #stillCOVIDing #covidaware #ZeroCovid folks #CovidIsNotOver #COVIDisAirborne #WearAMask #MasksWork #maskup @maskup @pandemicene @novid

Masks/mask related:
linktr.ee/buymasks - (at)buymasksUS on Instagram has a linktree for mask resources and more coupons. I will do my best to update the below, but please also utilize this as a resource (and follow them on IG if you're on there!)
maskbloc.org/ - Find your local mask bloc for free masks (and/or to donate to)!
behealthyusa.net/collections/c… - 70% off POSH KF94s from BeHealthy with code POSH70 (many cute colors and designs for adults and kits though they expire in less than a year). They also have a bundle of 100 Blue 2D KF94 for $50, and the main BeHealthy site often has codes for 20-40% off retail priced masks too, they carry many korean KF94s.
alliantbiotech.com/ - redimasks (adhesive n95s - good for MRIs) 50% off with code M4E50%
armbrustusa.com/ - HIYX13RN for 30% off (sign up for emails and texts for other semi-regular coupon codes, n95s, kn95s, they allow you to purchase single masks to sample as well).
bonafidemasks.com/ - TRUST25 for 25% off (kn95s).
bloxdirect.com/ - $.25/ea duckbill n95s (caveat- shipping is pricey).
protectly.co/ - \VitaCore CAN99 Black Respirators 10 packs are 20% off with code VitaCore. Protectly also offers mask samples for purchase (n99 and n100 excluded), and has a 10% code when signed up for sms alerts.
stauffersafety.com/ - They have both the normal 3m 9205 auras and the cloth elastic version auras (9210s). Free shipping over $50 too.
officedepot.com/a/products/700… - office depot has 3m auras and a 25% off code when signed up for text alerts (and free shipping over $50).
fittests4all.bigcartel.com/ - Home mask fitting kits (pre order).
sipmask.com/ - 20% off sip mask valve with code SIPMASKBLOC (subscribe and save excluded).

Air Purifiers:
officecrave.com/lorell-hepa-42… - Lorell 420 Air Purifier for $47.25 (reviewed here, same unit just taotronics branded: housefresh.com/taotronics-ap00…)
bulksupply.com/lorell-hepa-420… - 4 pack of filters for the above $12.21(they also carry the air purifier for $52.64).

Tests/test related:
store.pharmalynk.com/products/… - $5.98/ea Flowflex sale
amazon.com/Flowflex-COVID-19-H… Flowflex rapid tests - 5 tests (but multiple swabs and vials in one box, heads up) for $32 (less if you setup subscribe and save).
target.com/p/flowflex-covid-19… - Flowflex 5 pack (also all in one box) for $35.
lifehacker.com/where-to-find-a… Comparison of the NAAT tests on the market.
shop.aptitudemedical.com/ - Metrix NAAT tests (also available on Amazon).
shop.3eohealth.com/ - 3eo NAAT tests.
virus.sucks/pluslife_en/ - Info on Pluslife NAAT tests (email discount [at] virus dot sucks for discount codes).
ondemand.labcorp.com/covid-19-… - PCRs for $79 (either overnighted to you, which you overnight back, or in person in some locations). PCR testing at walgreens is $130, for comparison.

Covid Positive (Rapid, NAAT, or PCR) - What To Do:
peoplescdc.org/2023/01/10/what… - People's CDC guide (has a symptom tracker and isolation diary).
docs.google.com/document/d/1z7… - Clean Air Club's Guide (includes a symptom tracker).
pharmd.substack.com/p/i-have-c… - Guide with some supplement recommendations that may prevent Long Covid, adult and children dosing suggestions.

Covid Positive (Rapid, NAAT or PCR) - Telehealth Options:
hidrb.com/covid - A Paxlovid telehealth option (that doesn't require video calls!) to get a paxlovid RX if you have a positive rapid, NAAT, or PCR test.
sesamecare.com/medication/paxl… - Another Paxlovid telehealth but does require video appointment
plushcare.com/covid-medication… - Another Paxlovid telehealth option but does require video appointment
agelessrx.com/metformin/ - Metformin telehealth option (prescribed for antiaging, and best to do before you test positive as it's mailed out to you)

CO2 Monitors:
cleanaircrew.org/aranet4coupon… - Clean air crew constantly has an aranet coupon code (to buy from Naltic industries), if there isn't an aranet sale this is likely the cheapest way to get one.
smartairfilters.com/en/product… -SmartAir CO2 monitor (under $70, comparison with Aranet here: breathesafeair.com/smartair-co…).
inkbird.com/products/wireless-… - Inkbird Iam-T1 (usually around or under $110, comparison with Aranet here: breathesafeair.com/inkbird-iam…).
a.co/d/d3QH6oW - Vitalight CO2 monitor (usually under $50, much shorter battery life - 8 hours at best, review here breathesafeair.com/vitalight-m…).
digikey.com/en/products/detail… / mouser.com/new/sensirion/sensi… - Sensirion scd4x. Also way cheaper than Aranet, needs to be plugged into a USB A port and only shows colors (green, yellow, red) but does show readings in app.
Naomi Wu reviews the Vitalight and Sensirion in this video here: youtu.be/Fo2cZiRyokk

No thanks, I'm saving up my immunity.

@maskup

Theoretically, regulations could have ended this practice and the disablement and death of numerous workers. But in the real world... nope.

As with sarscov2 et al, respirators would end it easily and cheaply *today*. Pity then that the companies, the regulators, nor the suffering workers themselves are interested/willing.

🔗 The increasing hazard of black lung disease facing coal miners cbsnews.com/news/the-increasin…

> The Mine Safety and Health Administration, or MSHA, has proposed a new rule that would lower miners' exposure to respirable crystalline silica.

> But the proposed rule, he says, may change nothing: "It may not, because there's not any teeth in what they're doing to make the companies comply with this."

> "Roscoe" (not his real name) is a 34-year-old working coal miner who fears that he already has black lung. He contends that the mines routinely break the rules, and that if his real name came out, he's probably never have a job in the coal industry again.

> Roscoe explains what happens when an inspector comes on mine property: "Everybody's crossing their T's and dotting their I's. Everything's done right. When we're underground, and an inspector pulls up on that property, before he ever gets out of that vehicle, the dispatcher calls underground and lets every section know that there's an inspector on the property. So, by the time the inspector comes up to the section, everything's right."

> "That's been going on since I've been in the coal mine. They keep raising these dust laws and these ventilation laws for these coal companies, thinking that it's gonna help this black lung matter. But it's not."

@maskup

🇨🇦 respirator discount 👇

mas.to/@buffyleigh/11347189273…

@maskup

#CovidIsAirborne

Authorities are gonna blame you when you eventually develop long covid.

Even though they said covid was just a cold.

Even though they told you it was safe to take off your mask.

Even though they've taken away all collective protections.

@maskup

#CovidIsNotOver

🔗 Comparing strategies for the mitigation of SARS-CoV-2 airborne infection risk in tiered auditorium venues nature.com/articles/s44172-024…

> …in general, positions in the near field of an emission source were at high risk, while the risk of infection from positions in the far field varied depending on the ventilation strategy. Occupancy, airflow rate, residence time, virus variants, activity level and face masks affected the individual and global infection risk in all venues.

@maskup

#CovidIsAirborne

PPE deals

cryptpad.fr/pad/#/2/pad/view/a…

@maskup

🔗 EPA Updates Ventilation Guidance to Prevent the Spread of Respiratory Viruses at Home, School, and Work epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-updat…

@maskup

$40USD DIY fit testing kit by @philipn: fittests4all.bigcartel.com/pro…

Reviewed by @ghhughes: youtube.com/watch?v=-UEKtJRI4p…

@maskup

#MaskUp #WearARespirator #CovidIsAirborne

🔗 courier-journal.com/story/news…

> Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg plans for Louisville Metro Police to begin enforcing a decades-old ordinance that makes wearing face coverings in public illegal in an attempt to curb gun violence, he said in a news conference Tuesday.

@maskup

To everyone wearing masks as protection against chemicals from the plant on fire in Conyers, GA [edit: or the wildfires in CA]:

Gases permeate particulate filtration. Use organic vapour / charcoal filters or full-on [chlorine] gas cartridges to keep it out of your respiratory system.

Masks work -- but they have to be the right kind of mask.

🔗 ctvnews.ca/mobile/world/more-t…

@maskup

#MaskUp #P100