[r0nit7]

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?

You can checkout the masks from dbrand @
https://dbrand.com/

While I haven't yet ordered masks from them myself (got two in my cart ), I have been using their phone skins for the last 5 years or so and the quality is top notch. Again, no medical expert so can't quite vouch for their efficacy, but they do look quite good.

Disclaimer: Not even remotely associated with the brand.

PS: Free global shipping from Canada on orders above $25.

PSS: The site is a bit quirky and some content can be quite a good read with some very choice words

Sample pic attached.

[anadwani]

Have been using Swasa myself since day 1 of the pandemic. They're pretty effective!

However, found these Gwang Biocare masks on Insta that look quite close to the F1 masks. Have a look. https://www.gwangbiocare.com/collections/face-masks

[theexperthand]

Not exactly the F1 masks, but do take a look at these:

https://bblkart.com/product-category/mask/

many celebrities including Kerala CM are using these masks nowadays.

--Anoop

[Sheel]

Originally Posted by BoneCollector

I've been using Swasa masks.

I got my 5 set today. Mask quality is very good. I got the ear-loop ones and they are a bit snug fit, the coverage is better than the earlier mask I was using, but as far as feel / quality goes, I would rate Swasa to be a wee bit better.

Originally Posted by Jaguar

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..

I have few friends who are doctors, a couple of them are in covid ward, in both Government PHC's as well as in private hospitals. And they all recommend to wear a surgical 3 ply underneath and a N-95 over it. Of course, they take other safety precautions plus wear many more things too, but for us, this should suffice for moderate exposure [grocery in open old style ration shop, vegetables etc].

Some friendly BHPian has shared a link / URL of genuine N-95 mask, though I always have made it a point to do my bit and get genuine ones.

Thanks.

[NG_EV]

It has become increasingly difficult to find genuine FDA approved N95 respirator since the beginning of last year. All N95 respirators are not equal. The FDA approved ones are approved for biological agents and NIOSH for other agents. Then there are specific masks for specific chemicals.
For covid, ideal would be the FDA approved N95 respirator and not the NIOSH one. But as I said earlier they are a rare find.
I have been able to find an optimal solution for myself as I use spectacles and air leak leads to fogging.
Clean shaven to avoid any risk of air leak. All the respirators/masks that I have tried alone lead to some fogging on the spectacles. There is a product called Dettol mask ( washable, with valve) on Amazon. I use it first and then cover it with a disposable N95 respirator. It has helped me a lot regarding the air leakage but is not an ideal solution as the air resistance increases significantly. But extraordinary times require extraordinary measures. So I have been left with no solution but to use this combination. Before the pandemic hit, there was a 3M respirator available which had a very good fit, was cheap, comfortable to wear, and there was no air leakage. But I am unable to find a genuine source for it now.

Link for FDA approved mask (painful task if the parent company is not known). FDA approved ones have FDA written on the side.

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topi.../N95list1.html

Link for the N95 Dettol mask


I use this as it has a metal band in the nosepin area, not present in other cloth masks, which helps with a better fit

https://www.amazon.in/dp/B07JP4TBKD/

Links for N95 respirators I have tried

Headloop style - May be used alone, has adjustable strap. I prefer to use it in combination.
https://www.amazon.in/dp/B08KDPCFDQ/


Earloop style - Have not used it alone. Always with Dettol mask.

https://nanoclean.store/product/nano...earloop-white/


P.S. - I would also like to add that using mask alone is not enough. If you have to adjust the mask again and again, its probably not a good fit and you need to find a new one. If you need to adjust the mask, please sanitize your hands afterwards. I also make sure that I tear the mask, before disposal, to avoid its reuse and I immediately wash my hands after that.

[deathwalkr]

Originally Posted by warrioraks

Off topic!

+1. Would highly recommend Wildcraft masks. I wear glasses and every other mask I have tried results in fogging. Wildcraft are the best combination of looks and utility. They claim N95 so effectiveness should be at par as well.

Looks like wildcraft has stopped selling masks? Says 0 products when i click on their mask link.

Had gotten used to them ever since the pandemic began and they started selling masks.

Do you have any alternatives in mind?

[warrioraks]

Originally Posted by deathwalkr

Looks like wildcraft has stopped selling masks? Says 0 products when i click on their mask link.

Had gotten used to them ever since the pandemic began and they started selling masks.

Do you have any alternatives in mind?

Sorry deathwalkr. I still use Wildcraft N95 masks and don’t have an alternative to suggest here. Till now, I have bought them either from Wildcraft store or PharmEasy. You can try PharmEasy if they deliver to your location.

Did try Jockey masks for a couple of weeks based on wife’s recommendation but does not hold water to Wildcraft’s quality.

[pandey.jai]

Not specifically looking for F1 style masks but any recommendations on good quality and decent looking reusable/washable masks? Amazon is unfortunately flooded with poor quality fly by night operators.

[deathwalkr]

Originally Posted by warrioraks

Sorry deathwalkr. I still use Wildcraft N95 masks and don’t have an alternative to suggest here. Till now, I have bought them either from Wildcraft store or PharmEasy. You can try PharmEasy if they deliver to your location.

Did try Jockey masks for a couple of weeks based on wife’s recommendation but does not hold water to Wildcraft’s quality.

Looks like it was a website glitch as they seem to be listed again Shall buy a few and stock just in case.

[BoneCollector]

Originally Posted by BoneCollector

I've been using Swasa masks.

Swasa has launched 0.3ppm filtration N95 masks with headloop with MRP of Rs.215 but available at Rs.129 a piece. It can be used by people who feel uncomfortable with the ear loops.

The head loops are adjustable. I've tried them and they're snug fit. Although I'm more comfortable with the ear loop ones.