Free N95 Masks

[coffeebean]

Other than at Sam's Club, I have not seen the free N95 masks that are supposed to be distributed to everyone who wants them. I was very lucky to obtain three free masks at Sam's Club a few days after the supply was to be available to the public. I've been waiting to see the masks available in drug stores but have not seen any displays for them. Have you seen these N95 masks available anywhere? Where?

[Stu from NYC]

nope

[JSR22]

Other than at Sam's Club, I have not seen the free N95 masks that are supposed to be distributed to everyone who wants them. I was very lucky to obtain three free masks at Sam's Club a few days after the supply was to be available to the public. I've been waiting to see the masks available in drug stores but have not seen any displays for them. Have you seen these N95 masks available anywhere? Where?


Winn Dixie 466A

[Buckeyephan]

They had them at Winn-Dixie at Sumter this afternoon with a limit of 3 per customer. They seemed sort of cheaply made from a compressed paper-like material. They are piled into a bin and not sterile at all.

[thelegges]

Will let those who have to spend most of their waking hours working with the public. They need them far more than me.

[JMintzer]

How long do they expect 3 masks to last?

[Michael G.]

Walmart had free mask today

[coffeebean]

They had them at Winn-Dixie at Sumter this afternoon with a limit of 3 per customer. They seemed sort of cheaply made from a compressed paper-like material. They are piled into a bin and not sterile at all.

I don't expect the masks to be sterile but at least "clean". The masks I got at Sam's Club are made by 3M and are packaged individually.

[Buckeyephan]

The ones at Winn-Dixie were made by Honeywell. They were nested together in unwrapped stacks. To get three, you had reach in the pile, take a stack and pull three away from the others. I’ll pass on wearing them.

[Stu from NYC]

How long do they expect 3 masks to last?

If washable quite awhile unless you have to wear it all day

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The 3M N95 masks are each good for up to 5 full-time uses before they should be discarded. Obviously if you choose to wear lipstick and foundation under the mask, or eat a really greasy pizza right before putting the mask back on, or sweat a lot while wearing it, it won't last as long.

If you wear a surgical mask under the N95 mask (some people do) then it'll probably last even longer than 5 uses.

[thelegges]

If washable quite awhile unless you have to wear it all day

Not a washable product. Prior to Covid N95s were worn for TB cases then discarded in special bag after case.

By June of 2020 N95s were worn for 1 day, in the OR, then bagged with your info, sent off site to a company for sterilization. Then returned in a sealed sterile bag. How or if they were processed no one knew.

Most just wore same mask until a new one acquired, lack of inventory.

So healthcare workers wore same mask exposed to one on one contact Covid patients for up to 16 hours multiple days.

The general public should have no problem wearing them for multiple hours, multiple days. You don’t see many healthcare workers leaving their work place wearing a N95.

[toeser]

It is too bad N-95 masks were not made more available many, many months ago. A large study out of a university in Denmark showed that ordinary cloth masks are virtually useless in stopping the spread of COVID.

[me4vt]

#1 nothing is FREE…………… #2 Mask are for Sheep that need lead and can’t find their own way!

Other than at Sam's Club, I have not seen the free N95 masks that are supposed to be distributed to everyone who wants them. I was very lucky to obtain three free masks at Sam's Club a few days after the supply was to be available to the public. I've been waiting to see the masks available in drug stores but have not seen any displays for them. Have you seen these N95 masks available anywhere? Where?

[frank1975]

Why not just wear a box of masks???? We are 3 years into this and people are now looking for better protection. REALLY??????

[G.R.I.T.S.]

It is too bad N-95 masks were not made more available many, many months ago. A large study out of a university in Denmark showed that ordinary cloth masks are virtually useless in stopping the spread of COVID.

That and people not wearing masks properly make them useless. I will continue to be maskless as I’ve been for 9 months.

[golfing eagles]

It is too bad N-95 masks were not made more available many, many months ago. A large study out of a university in Denmark showed that ordinary cloth masks are virtually useless in stopping the spread of COVID.

And yet there is no shortage of people wearing cloth and paper masks in stores, at the squares, walking on sidewalks, and my personal favorite---driving alone in their car with a mask on. Actually, that is now my second favorite. My new favorite is the person who posted they enter a restaurant "with their mask on and proudly walk past the "scornful" looks of others" (until they get seated then take it off). Certainly they have that right, but I'm having trouble understanding why they are proud of such behavior. Stupidity?? Virtue signaling? Craving attention???? Perhaps they have a low standard for judging which of their "accomplishments" in life they are proud of:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[GaryKoca]

You can get 3 at the Neighborhood Walmart on 466a right by Colony Plaza. They are made by 3M and individually packaged.

[thevillages2013]

If you sneeze in it do you have to change masks? Or do you take it off to sneeze and put it back on? Asking for a friend

[golfing eagles]

If you sneeze in it do you have to change masks? Or do you take it off to sneeze and put it back on? Asking for a friend

Take it off to sneeze?????:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl: Absolutely, as well as take it off to cough in someone's face, spit, and drool. My apologies in advance if that was actually a serious question.

[Malsua]

If you sneeze in it do you have to change masks? Or do you take it off to sneeze and put it back on? Asking for a friend

If you sneeze in it, the expelled mucus will dry and form an extra tight seal around the edges. The bonus is that it will be an exfoliating peel when you remove it in 2038 when they finally let you take it off.

[Two Bills]

If you sneeze in it do you have to change masks? Or do you take it off to sneeze and put it back on? Asking for a friend

The only time I change mine, is if I throw up barf after drinking too much.
Elastic cannot take the weight when mask is full.
Sneezing and smoking cigar through mask is fine though.:icon_wink:

[golfing eagles]

If you sneeze in it, the expelled mucus will dry and form an extra tight seal around the edges. The bonus is that it will be an exfoliating peel when you remove it in 2038 when they finally let you take it off.

Ok, that's two of us health care professionals that did not give a serious answer. So just in case it was a serious question, NO, DO NOT REMOVE IT TO SNEEZE. Whether you choose to wear it further or toss it is up to you (and how many "free" N95's you've managed to collect)

[writerslife]

The real irony here is the attitude that many of you exhibit. You complain bitterly about the "freeloaders" looking for government handouts. Yet your hand is out, isn't it? Buy N95s for yourself -- they are readily available on Amazon. And frankly, when I'm out and about, most of you are maskless anyway.

[hrenner]

#1 nothing is FREE…………… #2 Mask are for Sheep that need lead and can’t find their own way!
Denigrate someone trying to stay safe? Wow.

[Ski Bum]

The only time I change mine, is if I throw up barf after drinking too much.
Elastic cannot take the weight when mask is full.
Sneezing and smoking cigar through mask is fine though.:icon_wink:

How do you smoke a cigar with a mask on? I cut a tight fitting hole in mine, and another small one on the side for my Old Fashioned drink straw.

[golfing eagles]

The real irony here is the attitude that many of you exhibit. You complain bitterly about the "freeloaders" looking for government handouts. Yet your hand is out, isn't it? Buy N95s for yourself -- they are readily available on Amazon. And frankly, when I'm out and about, most of you are maskless anyway.

That's strange, since most of the posters that "complain bitterly" about freeloaders, myself included, have also stated that they will not be ordering any "free" masks, or tests, or anything else that is "free". Besides, I have no complaint with those that truly need a test or mask and can't afford it---My problem is with those that have explicitly stated that they probably will never use either, but they'll get them BECAUSE they are free.

[dsg1040]

Other than at Sam's Club, I have not seen the free N95 masks that are supposed to be distributed to everyone who wants them. I was very lucky to obtain three free masks at Sam's Club a few days after the supply was to be available to the public. I've been waiting to see the masks available in drug stores but have not seen any displays for them. Have you seen these N95 masks available anywhere? Where?

The CVS on 44 and Main Street had them.

[coconutmama]

You can get 3 at the Neighborhood Walmart on 466a right by Colony Plaza. They are made by 3M and individually packaged.

Thanks. Will be flying soon & believe them to have better protection for that situation

[writerslife]

Denigrate someone trying to stay safe? Wow.

Not at all. I applaud people who are following protocol. I wear a mask. I'm just tired of the complainers.

[birdiebill]

I buy my own and wear them regularly when in the grocery or the pharmacy and especially at all medical appointments. Not everyone who wears a mask indoors in public is a blind sheep. Some of us are immunocompromised and need to protect ourselves when around other people indoors. I have a blood cancer; my white blood cell count, mainly the granulocytes, is critically low; this means I am susceptible to any infection, not just Covid. I can't go dancing, can't go to concerts or movies, can't attend church in person, can't eat indoors at restaurants, can't grocery shop without a mask, can't attend indoor social gatherings, etc. If you see someone wearing a mask indoors, please give them space because they may be immunocompromised and not a blind sheep.

[Moe6757]

other than at sam's club, i have not seen the free n95 masks that are supposed to be distributed to everyone who wants them. I was very lucky to obtain three free masks at sam's club a few days after the supply was to be available to the public. I've been waiting to see the masks available in drug stores but have not seen any displays for them. Have you seen these n95 masks available anywhere? Where?
campers world sells them.....

[Topspinmo]

If you sneeze in it, the expelled mucus will dry and form an extra tight seal around the edges. The bonus is that it will be an exfoliating peel when you remove it in 2038 when they finally let you take it off.

Also, if I stick my head under water with mask on it should really seal good. Will they still be free in 2038? :duck:

[Bay Kid]

Freshly brought to you from China. Sterile?

[Topspinmo]

I am seeking a doctor to permanently surgically sow mask on my face with straw adapter. That has two benefits, I don’t have to worry about being unmasked for the few years I got left and I get weight loss program. Win win situation just like shopping at Winn Dixie! I find Something strange about Covid, nothing seems to prevent getting this man made influenza except stay away from crowds regardless of the venue?

[ladila389]

Referring to your note about mask availability: Winn Dixie has been offering free masks. As with anything free around The Villages....they go fast!

[davem4616]

complaining that you have to wait to get something 'for free', and then complaining about the free stuff when you get it

as 'the church lady' on SNL would say, "Isn't that special"

[OhioBuckeye]

Thanks for the post & I’m a believer in wearing a mask but to wear special mask & changing them every which stitch & make some company rich from selling me mask all the time, I would rather wear my my moldy breath damp mask 100 times than to be standing close to someone that doesn’t wear a mask & breathing their diseased stinking breath. I’ll take a chance with my washable mask. But thanks for the info about the N95 mask!

[SallyJ48]

Look closely, most are made in China

[Rich42]

Are those the masks our “buy American” president got from China, just like the free test kits he is now distributing which all say “made in China” on them. What a joke!

[golfing eagles]

I buy my own and wear them regularly when in the grocery or the pharmacy and especially at all medical appointments. Not everyone who wears a mask indoors in public is a blind sheep. Some of us are immunocompromised and need to protect ourselves when around other people indoors. I have a blood cancer; my white blood cell count, mainly the granulocytes, is critically low; this means I am susceptible to any infection, not just Covid. I can't go dancing, can't go to concerts or movies, can't attend church in person, can't eat indoors at restaurants, can't grocery shop without a mask, can't attend indoor social gatherings, etc. If you see someone wearing a mask indoors, please give them space because they may be immunocompromised and not a blind sheep.

You are absolutely correct for yourself and any other immunocompromised patient, but just make sure your mask is a real (not counterfeit) N95 or higher rated mask if you venture out and socially distance as much as possible and hopefully your ANC comes up over 1000 quickly so you can relax.

[Cyndee@twc.com]

Other than at Sam's Club, I have not seen the free N95 masks that are supposed to be distributed to everyone who wants them. I was very lucky to obtain three free masks at Sam's Club a few days after the supply was to be available to the public. I've been waiting to see the masks available in drug stores but have not seen any displays for them. Have you seen these N95 masks available anywhere? Where?

I got my N95 masks ar Walmart in the TOOL department No one knows to look there. The pharmacy has a sign No N95 Masks while I had 2 -3 packs in my cart

[Roron123]

Love this response 😂 how about they don’t work and stop being paranoid LOL

[JMintzer]

If washable quite awhile unless you have to wear it all day

N95 masks are not washable...

[JMintzer]

The 3M N95 masks are each good for up to 5 full-time uses before they should be discarded. Obviously if you choose to wear lipstick and foundation under the mask, or eat a really greasy pizza right before putting the mask back on, or sweat a lot while wearing it, it won't last as long.

If you wear a surgical mask under the N95 mask (some people do) then it'll probably last even longer than 5 uses.

That defeats the purpose of wearing an N95 mask. You will not have a proper seal...

[Velvet]

N95 masks are not washable...

I love it when a person gives facts instead of guesses. Although I had a friend who could conjure up a fantasy then actually believe it themselves.

Free vaccines, free Covid test kits sent to your house, free N95 masks (tested to 99% level in labs) - the rest of the world have their tongues hanging out.

And I forgot to mention the $2100 monoclonal treatment (especially effective for Delta) … free….

[JoeinFL]

[QUOTE=hrenner;2058361]Denigrate someone trying to stay safe? Wow.[/Quote:
Originally Posted by me4vt View Post
#1 nothing is FREE…………… #2 Mask are for Sheep that need lead and can’t find their own way!
Denigrate someone trying to stay safe? Wow.

Yes. There’s no shortage of A-holes on TOTV

[Velvet]

You are right, nothing is free. The taxpayers pay for it. But when anyone wants or needs it, all these Covid items are free at the time. Nowhere else in the world. NOWHERE.

When I was north in Canada a little while ago, I wore my N95 mask and people asked where did I get it? It was unobtainable at the time there, I don’t know if it is different now. To see people look at these gems and bypass them with disdain…is unbelievable to me.

[coffeebean]

#1 nothing is FREE…………… #2 Mask are for Sheep that need lead and can’t find their own way!

I did consider putting FREE in quotation marks in the title of this thread but decided against it. Fact is, we don't pay at the register for the masks so we can think they are "free".

[Topspinmo]

Thanks for the post & I’m a believer in wearing a mask but to wear special mask & changing them every which stitch & make some company rich from selling me mask all the time, I would rather wear my my moldy breath damp mask 100 times than to be standing close to someone that doesn’t wear a mask & breathing their diseased stinking breath. I’ll take a chance with my washable mask. But thanks for the info about the N95 mask!


Solution? Don’t stand beside people when epidemic going around.

[coffeebean]

That and people not wearing masks properly make them useless. I will continue to be maskless as I’ve been for 9 months.

Cloth masks could have been effective for source control if only everyone wore masks but we all know that just did not happen here in the US. So....cloth masks proved to be not effective to prevent the spread of Covid. We know better now, don't we?

[coffeebean]

And yet there is no shortage of people wearing cloth and paper masks in stores, at the squares, walking on sidewalks, and my personal favorite---driving alone in their car with a mask on. Actually, that is now my second favorite. My new favorite is the person who posted they enter a restaurant "with their mask on and proudly walk past the "scornful" looks of others" (until they get seated then take it off). Certainly they have that right, but I'm having trouble understanding why they are proud of such behavior. Stupidity?? Virtue signaling? Craving attention???? Perhaps they have a low standard for judging which of their "accomplishments" in life they are proud of:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

GE.......I don't ever disagree with you but in this instance, I do. The idea of wearing a mask when walking around in a restaurant is because "social distancing" is not guaranteed. Once an individual is seated, then and only then, others will know they can keep a safe distance from the individual as he/she is not circulating in the restaurant.

This is the protocol on cruise ships these days. Mask while circulating but once a person is seated and no long moving around, the mask can come off to eat and drink. I get it and this is what I did when masks were required in our local restaurants until seated. Glad we are beyond that now but there are folks who continue to do this in our local restaurants. I would bet this behavior is not to protect others but to protect themselves.

[coffeebean]

You can get 3 at the Neighborhood Walmart on 466a right by Colony Plaza. They are made by 3M and individually packaged.

Same masks as Sam's Club gave out.

[coffeebean]

if you sneeze in it do you have to change masks? Or do you take it off to sneeze and put it back on? Asking for a friend

rotflmao.

[coffeebean]

The real irony here is the attitude that many of you exhibit. You complain bitterly about the "freeloaders" looking for government handouts. Yet your hand is out, isn't it? Buy N95s for yourself -- they are readily available on Amazon. And frankly, when I'm out and about, most of you are maskless anyway.

I would purchase N95 masks from Amazon but I'm not sure if what I would purchase is actually an approved N95 mask. There are so many warnings about counterfeit masks on Amazon.

At least, these masks that are "free" to everyone are from the government stockpile. I would bet money these masks are not counterfeit. I'm not even sure purchasing from a drug store can guarantee a genuine N95 mask. This is the reason I have never bothered to purchase N95 masks. Another reason is I don't feel the need to wear a mask anymore but that's just me.

[coffeebean]

Denigrate someone trying to stay safe? Wow.

I agree. It is really not nice to call anyone "sheep" who are trying to protect themselves. Noone is aware who may be immunocompromised. They must protect themselves and the best way to do that when out in public is to wear an N95 mask.

[coffeebean]

Referring to your note about mask availability: Winn Dixie has been offering free masks. As with anything free around The Villages....they go fast!

I was in the LSL Winn Dixie earlier today. There are plenty of masks available stacked up in boxes in the store. There does not seem to be a "rush" on them at all.

[JMintzer]

Cloth masks could have been effective for source control if only everyone wore masks but we all know that just did not happen here in the US. So....cloth masks proved to be not effective to prevent the spread of Covid. We know better now, don't we?

How could cloth masks have been effective when they never worked?

[NAB20]

#1 nothing is FREE…………… #2 Mask are for Sheep that need lead and can’t find their own way!
Why would you give sheep lead? I would never give any of my sheep lead.

[JMintzer]

Why would you give sheep lead? I would never give any of my sheep lead.

LEAD:

1. cause (a person or animal) to go with one by holding them by the hand, a halter, a rope, etc. while moving forward.

2. a leash.

3 lead (Pb), a soft, silvery white or grayish metal.

Now which one do you think they meant?

[Taltarzac725]

I was in the LSL Winn Dixie earlier today. There are plenty of masks available stacked up in boxes in the store. There does not seem to be a "rush" on them at all.

I picked up three after grocery shopping at the LSL Winn-Dixie. The cashier was asking customers if they wanted the three per family they were giving out.

[Chi-Town]

#1 nothing is FREE…………… #2 Mask are for Sheep that need lead and can’t find their own way!

Fill 'em full of lead I say. The varmints.

[Two Bills]

Some were led, and others lead, and a ton of feathers weighs the same as a ton of lead.

[mtdjed]

The 3M N95 masks are each good for up to 5 full-time uses before they should be discarded. Obviously if you choose to wear lipstick and foundation under the mask, or eat a really greasy pizza right before putting the mask back on, or sweat a lot while wearing it, it won't last as long.

If you wear a surgical mask under the N95 mask (some people do) then it'll probably last even longer than 5 uses.

How to Use Your N95 Respirator | CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/use-n95-respirator.html)

Wearing a N95 user instructions above. Must seal around face. All passage through the mask. Basically, a filter for both inhaled air and exhaled air. Thus, if you have COVID and have symptoms or not you keep from spreading, and if you are wearing for protection from others, you are collecting germs on outside.

So, this becomes a Petri Dish. How do you handle a Petri Dish in the restaurant? Why does it make sense to use for 5 days?

[JMintzer]

Fill 'em full of lead I say. The varmints.

Settle down, Yosemite...

[NAB20]

I think you may have meant "led".

[Babubhat]

Cashier tossed them into bag at WD. Didn’t even ask