Lisa Foreman posted on Twitter how you can use a ReadiMask N95 over just your nose. I wanted to know if the method could really protect you at your next dental visit, so I tested it with a particle counting mask fit testing machine.

ReadiMasks are NIOSH certified N95s that stick on your face - no headbands needed. This hack is not an official method of using the mask.

https://readimask.com/

Foreman notes that even with the hack, you are still at some risk having your mouth open, perhaps even breathing in occasionally through it, so don't count on this hack making you impervious to covid. But maybe, just maybe, it could help reduce your risk of respiratory infection at appointments where you have to have your mouth exposed.

Here's Foreman's method:

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She notes:

"tested normal way over nose & mouth which allows forceful inspiratory volume for seal check (don’t own one of your fancy machines). Mask w acrylic doesn’t seem to leak at all, but silicone does at top and bottom even w careful attention to seal. Gonna order more acrylic ones."

https://twitter.com/findmeabluebird/s...


I find the seal of the ReadiMasks to vary a lot depending on how well you apply the mask and the condition of your skin. You really need to seal it well, and get all the junctions sealed tightly. You need clean skin, and no stubble. Cosmetics and moisturizers may interfere with the seal. Not compatible with stubble or facial hair in my tests.

This is only one test, and only on my face. YMMV. Fit is very individual.