Flying with mask

[mrsterryn]

Internationally and domestically are people permitted to use their own masks with filters ?

We have a couple of a really comfy ones and would prefer to use those
However wondering if permitted

 

[Hvr]

I'd suggest this will be a dynamic area of flying for quite awhile.
Take it with you and be prepared to change to the airlines preferred type of mask.

Noting that many airline rules change on the interpretation (whim) of the person on duty and can be dependent on their mood a softly/softly approach is going to be the best way to proceed.

Maybe wear your preferred mask and put the airline's preferred mask over the top?

Several airlines are banning cloth masks, insisting that travelers wear surgical masks, FFP2 masks, or KN95 or N95 masks without a valve.

 

[justinbrett]

The trouble with masks is they should only be worn for a few hours and then disposed or washed - for a long haul flight it's pretty impractical to use anything except disposable unless you have a stack of cloth masks.

 

[Lynda2475]

The trouble with masks is they should only be worn for a few hours and then disposed or washed - for a long haul flight it's pretty impractical to use anything except disposable unless you have a stack of cloth masks.

N96/KN95 can be worn much longer than a normal surgical or cloth masks as they sit out from your nose and mouth and so do not get damp quickly, they are my choice for flights. Whilst I prefer cloth for the quick supermarket shop, as disposable surgical masks are very hot and hard to breath through (plus gape at the sides).

 

[justinbrett]

N96/KN95 can be worn much longer than a normal surgical or cloth masks as they sit out from your nose and moth and so get damp quickly, they are my choice for flights. Whilst I prefer cloth for the quick supermarket shop, as disposable surgical masks are very hot and hard to breath through (plus gape at the sides).

I prefer a glass of wine on flights

 

[Lynda2475]

I prefer a glass of wine on flights

Depends what wine is being served, most wine served in Y is undrinkable

 

[justinbrett]

Depends what wine is being served, most wine served in Y is undrinkable

I'd drink goon if I didn't have to wear a mask

 

[jb747]

Depends what wine is being served, most wine served in Y is undrinkable

It improves if you filter it through the mask.

 

[Spacetravel]

So I am about to take to the skies with many up coming flights and other public transport. Many of these will be long haul/ overnight which means I'll be in them for a while. Does anyone have any recommendation for comfortable face mask I can use while travelling?

I don't care about the effectiveness of the mask at all. My only requirements are that it satisfies any mask requirement and is as comfortable as possible.

 

[Princess Fiona]

So I am about to take to the skies with many up coming flights and other public transport. Many of these will be long haul/ overnight which means I'll be in them for a while. Does anyone have any recommendation for comfortable face mask I can use while travelling?

I don't care about the effectiveness of the mask at all. My only requirements are that it satisfies any mask requirement and is as comfortable as possible.

There are a few airlines / countries that are currently requiring you to wear an FFP2 mask.
Depends on what your trip entails.
If you don’t need an FFP2 then the regular blue surgical masks are fine and very comfortable.

The best FFP2 one I have found in terms of comfort for sleeping and meeting specific compliance requirements is the Air Queen Breeze.
Can be purchased here :
Soomlab

 

[Spacetravel]

There are a few airlines / countries that are currently requiring you to wear an FFP2 mask.
Depends on what your trip entails.

Oh no, I didn't know anywhere it was "required".
At this stage I have flights with QF, AA, AS, BA, SN. Visiting CA, USA, UK, EU. Do any of these come to mind with the requirement? I'll be sure to do further research on masks before leaving now that I know this.

 

[pippen_2k]

I know it's frowned upon but I would be dropping the mask below my nose on long haul flights. Especially if I were trying to sleep.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Oh no, I didn't know anywhere it was "required".
At this stage I have flights with QF, AA, AS, BA, SN. Visiting CA, USA, UK, EU. Do any of these come to mind with the requirement? I'll be sure to do further research on masks before leaving now that I know this.

Italy for instance requires FFP2 or equivalent on all forms of public transport including Airports and aircraft. Austria and Germany also require them as does LH. There will be others so I agree definitely worth researching.

 

[RooFlyer]

What are the virtues of FFP2 masks that make the airlines like them, @Princess Fiona ?

I might buy a supply to try them out and before the rush’ if they start to be mandated here.

 

[Lynda2475]

FFP2 is essentially the EU standard equivalent for the korean KF94 type, which i have been using exclusively of late. The KF94s have the superior filtering ability of an american standard N95 or aussie standard P2 (ok 1% difference) and fit the face better no gaping per surgical mask and are also much easier to breath in. Can be worn for up to 12 hours straight without getting damp.

The better fit means no issue with sunnies/glasses fogging.

Read this article for the difference in masks: Mask Ratings - N95 vs FFP2 vs KF94 vs KN95

Whether you choose an N95, FFP2, KF94 or KN95 all are far superior to a surgical mask in terms of protection and comfort.

 

[Princess Fiona]

What are the virtues of FFP2 masks that make the airlines like them, @Princess Fiona ?

I might buy a supply to try them out and before the rush’ if they start to be mandated here.

I’m no expert in this but my understanding is that FFP2 is from the European standards and it is said to be the minimum required for Covid-19 protection for the wearer.
They aren’t suitable for HCW treating patients as they don’t meet our N95 standards. But they are step above the blue surgical masks.
The ones I linked above are extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time and easy to sleep in on aircraft.
I have switched to them for everyday use here.

 

[TheRealTMA]

I’m no expert in this but my understanding is that FFP2 is from the European standards and it is said to be the minimum required for Covid-19 protection for the wearer.
They aren’t suitable for HCW treating patients as they don’t meet our N95 standards. But they are step above the blue surgical masks.
The ones I linked above are extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time and easy to sleep in on aircraft.
I have switched to them for everyday use here.

Interesting. Have ordered a pack to try out. There seems to be lots of suspicious clones of these out there. Their KF94 masks also look interesting.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Interesting. Have ordered a pack to try out. There seems to be lots of suspicious clones of these out there. Their KF94 masks also look interesting.

I have placed multiple orders with that particular company over the past 2 years. Not had any issues, super fast DHL delivery.

 

[Spacetravel]

I have placed multiple orders with that particular company over the past 2 years. Not had any issues, super fast DHL delivery.

Ok I'm going to take your word for it and order a pack to try. Thanks for the info!

 

[kangarooflyer88]

What are the virtues of FFP2 masks that make the airlines like them, @Princess Fiona ?

I might buy a supply to try them out and before the rush’ if they start to be mandated here.

The big issue we're finding with Delta and now especially with Omicron is the virus hangs out in the air for quite some time, meaning if you are in an indoor environment for a long enough time without a mask with a high filtration capability, you will get exposed to COVID. The only question then would be if you were exposed to the virus long enough to get infected. Now we know when you're up in the air at 40,000 feet the air is pressurized and filtered via a HEPA filter meaning the air is generally clean. However, if you're on public transport (to the airport) or are in the lounge or airport itself, you likely won't have that filtration at your fingertips. That's what P2 (N95) masks and to some extent protective eye wear buys you, shielding from this awfully infectious virus.

In addition to better filtering, they also tend to be more comfortable to wear, are easier to talk to other people wearing, easier to breathe, don't fog up the glasses, etc. The big downside to quality P2 (N95) masks are of course the price. Expect to pay a couple bucks each which means for those of us on a tight budget, we need to balance when that superior protection is needed. I mean it makes little sense to wear a P2 mask outdoors where COVID cannot spread, and to some extent, even in indoor environments where it's a quick in and out maneuver, a surgical mask will likely do. Personally, I stocked up on 3M P2 respirators when they were on sale during Amazon's Black Friday sale.

-RooFlyer88