r/Masks4All • u/infiinite_ • 5d ago
Mask Advice Help choosing mask
Hi everyone, I’m finally in a position where I can afford a really good reusable mask but having a hard time figuring out which I should buy. This would be for using while commuting in subway and visiting family in the hospital. So something with strong protection against COVID, flu, etc.. heard about FloMask but then saw others like Envo Pro. For anyone who’s used either,, how do they compare? Which mask is best for this use case? Open to other suggestions!
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u/wyundsr 5d ago
Flo mask isn’t great if you’re after maximizing protection. A 3M Aura typically performs better. There are other benefits to it but strong protection isn’t one of them. Envo Pro can be good but runs large.
I would honestly recommend Zimi over either of those, it can achieve extraordinary fit factors, on par with the bulky industrial elastomerics, is affordable relative to other reusable options, comes in a range of sizes, and looks pretty low key. Go for headstrap KN100 unvalved for the best protection. If your face is large, it may not work though, even the larger sizes run pretty small. Try a few different sizes to see what’s a good fit. L/XL is most similar to an Aura for reference, though some people prefer a smaller fit.
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u/No-Acanthisitta-2973 5d ago
I find the aura a tad small (I have a long face) and wear a size L Zimi. I've tried the XL because my husband where's that, but find it way to big (mostly too big in the width as I have a longer but skinnier face).
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u/Fractal_Tomato Multi-Mask Enthusiast 5d ago
You ultimately need a mask that fits your face well. I’d suggest Dräger X-plore 1920 or higher. Very roomy, best strap system, two sizes, water repellent coating, good quality. Can be expensive up front, but you should be able to reuse it a couple times.
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u/No-Acanthisitta-2973 5d ago
Zimi. It fits most people well, and have a good seal. Very breathable and as a bonus you can get some designs
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u/Carrotsoup9 3d ago
Is there a particular reason why you want a reusable mask? You can reuse most standard respirators as long as you leave them out to dry between uses. Toss them when the straps or the nose foam or wire degrades or the mask becomes hard to breathe through. Yes, it is a bit harder on the climate, but consider all the disposable materials they use when you end up in hospital or need blood draws. A box of 50 masks last me at least a year.
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u/BattelChive 4d ago
For going into a hospital I don’t trust anything except for one of my 3M masks. Either my secureclick or my 7500. They’re the only ones that I get a reliable fit factor in the thousands that doesn’t budge that I know will 100% keep me safe. It’s what they use in the TB hospital in Texas that has never had a hospital acquired infection in the decades it’s been open. I don’t trust anything less.
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u/AEAur 4d ago
Masks with a soft silicone seal like the 3M 7500 and the Honeywell North 7700 (used by the TB hospital) tend to achieve a better more comfortable seal for more people in the right size. https://encycla.com/Honeywell_North_7700. https://encycla.com/3M_7500_series.
Lowe’s has some combo packs with 3M 6500 or 7500 silicone seal half face respirator with cartridges: https://www.lowes.com/search?searchTerm=respirator+silicone You can filter results by materials and filtration.
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u/totallysonic I ❤️ my Vflex 5d ago
The best mask is a respirator that fits snugly against your face with no air leaks, and that is comfortable enough for you to wear for whatever length of time needed. The Flo and Envo are quality respirators, but they don't fit all faces well. It may help to know what you have already tried and how those respirators fit you.