Is paper or cloth better material for a filter mask? The whole world is wearing masks, so that\’s a reasonable enough question.

Disposable masks, aka paper ones, have their upside. I don\’t have to wash them; that saves me a bit of time. On the other hand, disposable masks must be changed at least once daily; and the cost of them adds up quickly.

Cloth masks can be washed and reused; but how can I be sure that I\’m getting them properly cleaned? And what about fit? At work everybody was issued two cloth masks; and they aren\’t comfortable. I believe those masks are \”one size fits all\”. That means they don\’t really fit anybody.

They\’re too big for me, even when I twist the ear loops. They slide down my nose. The ear loops don\’t have enough stretch for my liking.

Getting back to disposable masks, do they provide enough protection? Maybe so; at least, I\’ve remained COVID-negative so far.

On the other hand, even when I have to work on site, there aren\’t many of us there at one time. I still go to brick-and-mortar stores; but I go early in the day, when there won\’t be many other people there. I get in and out as quickly as possible; and I\’m ordering more of my groceries online.

I read of a test that can help you decide the paper or cloth question: if you can blow out a match while wearing a mask, that mask isn\’t sufficient. I haven\’t tried this test yet. Maybe I won\’t. I don\’t want to set myself on fire!