When COVID-19 first reached Austin, TX and we were asked to wear masks, most of what I saw was disposable masks. Now most places I go require masks and most of them are washable cloth masks. People expect to be wearing them for months and the cost of months of disposable masks is much greater than buying and washing cloth masks.
At first, we wore trifold paper masks I had leftover from chemo. After a month, I did buy an inexpensive cloth mask from the grocery store, but didn’t wear it long. The straps were too long, it had no nose wire, and didn’t come high enough to not need a nose wire for a good fit. A couple of safety pins fixed the straps problem, but it wasn’t enough. We bought four KN95 masks for the two of us at $10 each. They only last a month or so before getting too furry and itching our faces. I’ve placed an order for a cloth mask with Van Gogh’s Starry Night printed on it. It’s cut to not need a nose wire and has a pocket for a filter.
The one I ordered over the Internet with the Van Gogh print is better than the previous one from the grocery store, but built for someone smaller or at least with a smaller nose than me. I wear it and am looking for something better. I’ve ordered one with old science illustrations built like the tri-fold disposable ones. It should arrive next week.