The New York Times asks, “Is it time to wear a mask again?”
I haven’t stopped. While I want to protect myself from getting ill, I also don’t want to run the risk of passing on the virus to others who are unable to get vaccinated or have compromised immune systems.
Protecting Ourselves from COVID is Like Playing World of Warcraft
I think about mask wearing and vaccination and social distancing like I would playing World of Warcraft. A mask, like any armor, cannot protect you 100% from all potential damage, but if it is used in the right way, in the right circumstances, it significantly decreases your chance of bodily damage. Vaccination is akin to resistance to specific types of magic. It doesn’t make you invincible to that specific kind of magic, but if you are hit by it, having resistance reduces how badly you are injured. And, social distancing is like avoiding aggro or attracting enemy attackers. Don’t be like Leeroy Jenkins and charge directly into danger! Avoiding situations or using social distancing in situations where the virus might be passed around gives you a chance to fight another day!
N95s That I Wear
I recently switched to wearing 3M’s 9105 Vflex mask. It is flat packed and gives you a large space around your nose and mouth. The side handles are good for gripping when putting it on or taking it off. When you are hot and sweating, it maintains form and stays comfortable. I find it a good compromise between the other two I wear described below.
This past year, I’ve mostly been wearing 3M’s 9205+ Aura. It is flat packed and smaller than the 9105. However, it feels soggy when you’re sweating. It’s elastic bands are less resilient than those on the 9105 or the 8210.
When I was teaching, I preferred to wear the old school 8210. It’s tough, but bulky as it doesn’t pack flat. When you’re sweating, this mask maintains its shape and doesn’t get uncomfortable. However, it’s elastic bands do not have long life—the rubber gets stretched and will break after repeated wearing more quickly than the 9105 but lasts longer than the 9205.
