😊Thank you for making this video. If it weren’t for you and all of your testing at the start of the pandemic, I would have never known about the Bluna, BOTN masks (before nose wire change), V-Flex, and the Aura 9205. You have literally kept my family Covid-free and safe and hopefully it remains that way. I love seeing all of the comments & seeing so many people still masking even though in the real world no one seems to be masking😢. Let’s keep it up Mask Nerds!! Keep masking and keeping ourselves, families, and community safe.

@ambergerhelper7852

11 ай бұрын

BOTN changed the nose wire? Could you tell me more about this?

@phrekyos

11 ай бұрын

It's significantly weaker now, it doesn't hold its shape very well. Therefore it's pretty easy to end up with leaks around the nose area.@@ambergerhelper7852

@yummyj3393

11 ай бұрын

The older BOTN masks had a stiffer & thicker nose wire. Now the wire is thinner. Aaron mentioned it in one of his older videos (I can’t remember which one).

@ambergerhelper7852

11 ай бұрын

@@yummyj3393 I bet I’ve got the newer ones and never knew the difference. Thanks for answering. 👍🏻

@aboss9351

10 ай бұрын

Right? His videos were a game changer for me, my family, and my nerd friends. Before it was just random mask buying that were hard to breath in and then Mr. Collins showed us the light. So awesome to be able to have this type of information presented the way he has. Awesome.

THANK YOU!!! and thank you for the comment “ if you’re watching mask videos is 2023, you’re probably a mask nerd too” can’t wait to see what you come up with!

So glad you’re still making these. As I tell anyone who asks me “Why are you still wearing a mask in 2023?”, I don’t like to get sick. Your videos have helped mean that I have not even got a cold since 2020. Thank you!

@JasDCornelius

4 ай бұрын

Same here! I work in a retail setting, so I see folks from all walks of life. However, with so many mask companies closing post-pandemic, this info is very important.

Hi Aaron, just wanted to say that I'm really thankful for your work and it kept me COVID free for the past year. Thank you!

Aaron, the Jackson Safety N95 masks are $0.05 each!! I clicked on the link you provided and the box of 50 is now $2.50!! Insane!

You're a legend. Thanks for keeping me and so many people safe.

I wear a VFlex 99% of the time when I’m away from home. Occasionally I’m in a situation where I need to wear a mask, but it’s a lower risk situation. That’s when I like to wear an ear loop mask. I bought BreatheTeq masks after you tested them live two weeks ago. I think they are great! Two things you didn’t mention in the video that I liked are: (1) they come in lavender, in addition to black and gray as you mention in this video, and (2) BreatheTeq offers a test kit that comes with masks in all four sizes so that you can try a range of sizes before you spend money to order a bunch of them. Highly recommend these masks for my fellow mask nerds. 😷😀😀

@DonnaAndCats

11 ай бұрын

Tiny comment... "Sample pack" might be a better name than test kit. 😊

The 9205s are amazing. I can wear these 10+ hrs in the hospital without having significant discomfort on my nose/face. I will certainly notice some marks on my face, but it's not as bad as some of the tighter N95 masks. Definitely my choice mask for long-haul flights and long-usage in the hospital. Stay safe everyone--I've been unfortunately seeing a lot more covid in our hospital as of recent.

Tip for people who need to adjust their earloops: I just take a plastic hair barette and use it to clip the earloops behind my head. It lets me accessorize my mask look with cute barettes, and keeps the mask fitted to my face.

I'd love to see VFlex embrace a range of fun color options: yellow, orange, red, blue, purple, black, tie dye, plaid, polka dot...

I love wellbefore's new masks! I feel bad about throwing them away and contributing to waste though, so I'm holding out hope for an elastomeric mask review 👀👀. Great video as always!

@piinkcypress

10 ай бұрын

I feel bad about this too! I just found out about Vida's mask recycling program. If you are a customer of theirs, you can recycle any brand of mask with them and I believe it's prepaid shipping back. Or you can pay for a shipping label to send some back if not a customer. I considered just buying a small amount so I can recycle through them. Hope this helps!!

@joelecho

10 ай бұрын

There are a few places that have mask recycling programs now, could maybe look into that?

Thanks for this update! I'm a teacher and need to figure out which mask to teach in.

Yesssss - new video! 😀 Very helpful and informative. Thanks for all your hard work, Aaron!!

@coll0412

11 ай бұрын

My pleasure and thanks for still watching in 2023!

Your diligence on the mask research is appreciated You deserve a cigar sir!

Number 1. Safety N95 RESPIRATOR...BE WISE..WEAR N95... CHANGE BEHAVIOR. 😷 GREAT CHANNEL 👍👍 FROM ST PAUL MINNESOTA

What's upmAaron!? Just stumbled across some of your mask testing data I had downloaded to my computer during the pandemic. What you did was a really cool thing and I just wanted to say thank you for everything you did for all of us. You did a giant service to the public and it was greatly appreciated! Hope you're doing well! Take care!

I’ve been with you from the start and continue to pimp your ride, lol. Looking forward to what’s next in your pipeline. Please keep your fans updated!

Thank you Aaron so much for taking your time and helping the rest of the world be safe I personally can't thank you enough, I'm still wearing the n95 Indiana A105 face mask and the draggers 1750 the first drager that you showed just now on this clip and sometimes the aura 3M those are basically my go to masks I'm still wearing them for years anyway thanks a lot hope you and your family stay safe please keep doing what you're doing...

I am here in 2024, still covid free thanks to you, Mr Collins. I am in a hot classroom all day until school is out and am looking to up my mask game to something more breathable. I was hoping to see an updated video as masks are becoming more scarce, but I will take what I can get. I have been using the BNX masks (with an ear saver) due to wanting to take my mask off and on as I leave the school for lunch, etc and something easier to put on a lanyard. I forgot all about the champac masks. Definitely pricier, but has the adjustability factor so I can put it on a lanyard. And the breathability is unreal. Thanks again!

Thank you!! Really appreciate all you do and share. And congrats on starting a company and working on making a mask! I’ll be one of your first customers. 😊

Thank you so much Aaron for all you have done for the world. I have stayed Covid free because of you!! Thank you again.

We had a family member get covid wearing a mask last September, and we are convinced it was poor mask fit. Agree that size options are key! One size does not fit all. Thank you for the update, just as we are trying to decide on what to buy.

I'm still masking and really appreciate this update. Thanks.

Thanks for the masks update. Just in time!

I laughed till tears streamed down my face when you sprayed the Bitrex at 4:19 ahahahaah I must have watched it twenty times. A better Bitrex ad will never be made lol. Thank you for demonstrating the fit test kit and for always making great videos that involve so much work and all without taking sponsorships.

I ordered the x-small Trident for my preschooler and it's great!

This video introduced me to my (now) mask of choice: 3M Vflex!!! Thank you for your service!!!!!!

Welcome Back, Aaron!!! :) I still have A LOT of KF-94 masks which were your top-rated masks 2 years ago. I got them when KollectUSA was selling out of them often. I assume they are still good picks? They are bought and paid for, so I HOPE you still go by your spreadsheet data and picks from when you were testing them here live? Thanks, and best of luck in your business!! Your mask nerd from 250 miles South of you...

@coll0412

11 ай бұрын

Yeah any KF94 you like is still great in my book.

so grateful to have had your data and resources throughout this pandemic!

Posh has been my goto mask. Very comfortable. Thanks for introducing them during the peak Covid days.

@puzzlegal17

11 ай бұрын

I've also enjoyed the Posh masks. They come in a huge range of colors and patterns, and behealthyusa regularly runs sales where you can buy a lot of them for about a dollar a mask. They are comfy, fit me well, and i get a lot of comments on my masks that match my outfit.

Thank you so much for this video. You really helped me and my family make informed decisions. I will never be caught without proper fitting quality masks.

I use the 3M 9210 since I've had the blue bands on the 3M 9205 break on me, especially if taking on and off. the 9210 has a white woven band that's stronger.

Great to have you back, Aaron! Really excited to hear more about OpenAeros. One vid I'd love to see is another treatment of elastomerics. I'm on team v-flex but I'd love to spend a little scratch on something more robust. I've looked into stuff like flo and envo but have concerns about fit. Would be curious if there are any other good options out there. Also ditto your points on making some pretty N95s I would give 3m all my money if they made a floral v flex.

Thank you so much for all of your hard work. Your recommended masks have kept me safe, and I am so grateful. Do you still recommend the LG Airwasher KN94? Also, good luck with your business!

@coll0412

11 ай бұрын

I still like it, but since it only comes in one size for broad recommendations it easier to pick masks that come in lots of sizes.

I've a fairly large head, and a mask recommended by Aaron a couple years ago has suited me well: the Korea Kukdae KF94 tri-fold mask in large. A nurse even commented that it had a great fit. Thanks for all you do, Aaron.

Thanks. I've recommended your videos to so many people who had questions about masks. This is a great update, and it came at a good time.

Aaron, you are awesome! Love this update - thanks so much for taking the time to share with us. I would like to make a shout out for using lanyards with ear loop masks. A mask lanyard gives you the option to pull the ear loops behind your head like an N95. It tightens the fit and also gives some relief to the back of your ears. Best of all, when you take the mask off it hangs conveniently around your neck. 😃

Thanks! Enjoyed and interesting, from Tasmania Australia. Mask on!! Stay well 😄

Thanks for doing an update! Glad to know the Masklab masks are still on your top picks list. They do sell an earloop kit to customize the fit of the earloops. They are so breathable and light on the face.

Nice, new updated mask info. Thanks Aaron.

As always, appreciate your efforts and guidance, Aaron! Too bad your earloop picks don't have the built in adjusters for the most part. We had come across the 9205+ a while back before even hearing you talk about it, and we like those a lot too. Just recently, Fisher Scientific had a RIDICULOUS sale on the 9105s...we got a package of 400 of them for like 30 bucks!

Aaron, thank you for the new video. Your advice has been essential to keeping my family safe and healthy, and like so many others, I'm so very grateful for all you do!

Team Powecom! I bought them years ago by looking at your spreadsheet for anything with low collapse. I talk in front of a classroom all day and these are my daily drivers, the earloops are so comfortable. Still masking and still enjoying COVID-free life!

Any n95 suggestions for an elementary-school aged kid who wore Halyard Duckbills before they were recalled? Flo does not fit, and the head strap is important. We've got a few Tridents but would love another option. VFlex is likely too large. Thank you for all the work you do, and thank you for keeping my kids safe over the past few years! You really deserve a Nobel Prize :)

Thank you so much! I have been looking forward to this since you mentioned you were going to do this. I was just looking to restock for my family today. Looking to try some new ones for my family, but happy to see some of our fans made your picks: Powecom, 3m aura and I just got the Drager 1950. Trying to get my 8th grader into breathteq instead of dr. Puri.

Thank you so much for constant updates and education!

I found the Aura's elastic is easy to snap. Or put another way only the Aura has snapped a few times vs all other mask types I used over C19 'stuff' .

Great to see more from you. Thanks, as always, for the information

Excellent video! I can't thank you enough. ❤

Thank you so much Aaron for all your videos, and for the latest recommendations.

The VFlex in the small size is the only mask that gives me a good seal. Immunocompromised and wear it everytime I go around other people. Covid free so far 🤞🏻 Wish there was a black N95 for small faces.

Thank you for making these videos and keeping us informed! 😊They are still needed. Well done.

Been waiting for this one! Let's goooooooooooo!

Thank you for the updates!

Thanks for always sharing info regarding safe and reliable masks. I finally graduated to a comfortable N95 after wearing KF94's for years.

Thank you for this great video and update on masks! There are some great choices to try that are more breathable than our Powecoms. We like them, but have struggled with the ear loop length being too long, so the ear loop adjusters are a great idea until we use up our stock. Also great to see choices for thinner masks that will likely be much more comfortable in the never ending heat waves!

Thank you for this and huge thanks for the hack on how to make adjustable ear loops!!

Thank you for making and sharing this video!

This was very helpful, thanks Aaron! It was good timing too since I'm about to do a family stock up and wanted to try some new masks out of curiosity. Great video!😊😷

Thank you for continuing to make videos! Savewo's are my staple, but it's good to know the other good options out there, especially for larger faces. (Side note: Breatheteq makes XL size! I think only in Canada for now, but might be in the US sometime.)

Thank you for the update!

The return of the King 👑

Can't thank you enough for all the information!! Ordered from a couple of your new recommendations and they'll be here soon. I think you've kept my family covid-free and I appreciate that!! Thanks again.

So thankful for this video, some we already use, some we will now try, again thank you... you continue to keep our NY family safe :)

Great reviews Aaron. Great to see you back. I am in Australia and have been getting the BNX KN95s ear looped versions sent down under for the past year or so. Best fitting mask I've tried. Am also a fan of the Bluna Face Fit KN94s.

Great video, Aaron. Picked up Moldex Airwaves from Fisher Sci for fire sale. Extremely breathable, but can’t get accustomed to the plastic odor.

Thanks Aaron! I've become the go-to mask nerd of my friends and family thanks to your videos, tweets, and spreadsheet. The V-Flex and the Airwaves have both saved me and enabled me to keep masking comfortably!

So, I ordered your recommendation for WellBefore Pro with the loop tighteners - and I have to stay the customer service is amazing. They sent me a thank-you note and are so grateful for the purchase. They were quickly sent on weekend - due to arrive soon - I haven't received them yet - but so far so amazing.... (Also ordered the straw hole things) - ps: I love your enthusiasm and commitment to help keep us all healthy. I just wish more people felt the same.

Thank you so much. Please keep sharing what you are learning and recommend. You are awesome.

FYI- A NOTE ABOUT THE BreatheTeqs : The ones I got ("KN95, Non-Medical") say "DISPOSE AFTER 8 HOURS of accumulated use." I didn't expect that. THANKS for the video. I was waiting to hear which WellBefores you recommended to try them out. Their masks were one of the first I bought, and although I trusted the quality and the company, they were too thick for work, so I still have some that I reuse for short shopping trips.

@DonnaAndCats

11 ай бұрын

Anyone know what's the reasoning behind the 8 hour statement?

@BSerrell4

11 ай бұрын

@@DonnaAndCatsprobably a CYA recommended by their legal department, or by sales…

Thanks so much Aaron! You rock!

Thanks for your prompt and helpful response.

Thanks so much, Aaron! I’ve been looking for something large enough for my husband now that we’re running low on BOTNs (our stock is from before their change to the inferior nose wire). This should help a lot. I’ve been wearing Readimask N95s since I had to have an MRI last summer. They’re expensive and not reusable, but they’re amazingly breathable.

@ambergerhelper7852

11 ай бұрын

BOTN changed the nose wire? Do you know when?

@spqrxli

10 ай бұрын

@@ambergerhelper7852 I don't recall exactly when, but Aaron had a video in which he said he could no longer recommend the BOTN for that reason.

Great info. Thanks so much again for helping us stay safe all this time. I'm still having trouble with a comfortable fit with my nose shape and sinus issues. I might try the Champak next. Not usually a bifold fan, but the foam at the nose wire might be key. Its slightly different shape might work too. I was a little surprised not to see Gerson on there. This was a much needed video that will be good to share with others! Thanks again😷👍

Thank you so much! ❤

Thanks for this!

Doing more than the entire government 😩❤

Thanks for this excellent summary! Your testing and reviews are really appreciated. Much as I want to support a local company, I've moved away from my VitaCores for extended wear because the breathability is not as good as the 3Ms.😢

Yay Champak. My whole family has adopted this one. I get better fit across the top of the mask than any other I have tried - that covered foam insert really helps.

Thank you!!!

Thanks Aaron! Grateful if you can explain the issue with valves please. Thanks so much for everything you do!

@coll0412

5 ай бұрын

In general exhalation valves allow unfiltered air out when you are breathing. Some studies have shown around 50% filtration efficiency for valved masks, during exhalation, but these were performed at very high flowrates. I suspect at lower flowrates the rate will be even worse. So key take away is that valved masks don't provide good source control. Hope that makes sense!

Thanks for carrying on this work, Aaron. My tip for adjustable earloops is tying a slip knot in them. Pretty low tech but it's fully adjustable even while being worn.

@coll0412

10 ай бұрын

It's normally what I recommend, but with the really fat earloops it actually gets kinda hard. So toggles I think are a bit easier to deal with.

Aaron- what do you think of this?: I use mask tape inside my KF94 (on top and bottom) to create a tight, fixed seal when I need it.

@ambergerhelper7852

11 ай бұрын

From a nurse- we did this for years. 👍🏻

@coll0412

11 ай бұрын

Yeah will give a good seal, no issue with doing that.

@Person-mh6xq

11 ай бұрын

@@ambergerhelper7852good to know!!

@Person-mh6xq

11 ай бұрын

@@coll0412glad for the confirmation. Thank you!

@whatwouldhitchdo

10 ай бұрын

Team Mask Tape!

As always, Thank You.

Hi Aaron, thanks so much for the mask update. My husband and I so appreciated all your videos throughout Covid! We are in our 70’s and planning our first flight and trip since Covid started. We are wondering if there are any “best masks” you recommend for travel…especially in airports or on the plane??

@coll0412

11 ай бұрын

It's a little cheesy, but I always say the one that you feel fits the best, and you comfortable wearing for the duration. On average N95's will do better because they are headbands. My go to is the V-flex 9105 for travel.

Thank you!!! Ridiculously excited to see a new video from you. 🎉 I would love to know about the Save Wo fit (for my 6 year old). Are people getting a good seal with them? Currently he wears Bluna or Flo, depending on where we are and who we are with.

woot woot, you still holding it down, thank you so much for all your work. my mask usage has dropped quite a bit, but my mom is still going strong and will buy a few of your picks to ensure she is properly protected

Thank you! Like many of your commenters, I have relied on your information to keep my family safe for years now. My question has to do with the Bluna KF 94s. They switch to emobossing their name into the masks and when you hold them up to the light, you can see pinpricks of light coming through. Does this mean the integrity of the mask is compromised?

@coll0412

11 ай бұрын

The embossing basically makes it like a window, light can go through but air can't. It does this by effectively melting all the layers together.

Thank you!

Thanks it appears a good fit and easy to get and use

Not sure anyone will get this far into the comments, but Lutema recommends a bobby pin in lieu of a crochet hook for attaching ear loop adjusters-for those who lack crochet hooks.

@GeeAre

11 ай бұрын

I save "parts" from old masks and reuse the adjusters. I don't know if this will make sense, but I just use thread: I loop a piece of thread or yarn on the ear loop, put the ends of the thread together then guide the ends of the thread through the adjuster and pull the thread with one had while forcing the adjuster onto the ear loop in the other direction.

@johnzech8066

11 ай бұрын

I use the Bobby pin and it works great, sometimes a bit hard to pull through but does work

Thank you Aaron! I’ve been converting 3M Auras to earloop masks for a while, but might need to try out some of those new WellBefore earloop masks. I assume you’ve tested the filtration on all of these as well, since this video only really focused on breathability? I’ll check your Google Drive.

@coll0412

11 ай бұрын

All have good filtration levels, so now the focus is more on fit and breathability

@BlakeSuperior_Beats

11 ай бұрын

@@coll0412 awesome, thank you!

@BlakeSuperior_Beats

11 ай бұрын

@@coll0412 Any updates for kids masks? I've still got my kids wearing Blue Tiger KF94's since you said that's what you had your son wearing.

@amoebaj

8 ай бұрын

@BlakeSuperior_Beats I’d love to know your technique to convert Auras to ear loop

@BlakeSuperior_Beats

8 ай бұрын

@@amoebaj see if this helps! drive.google.com/file/d/1TWlnHbGcpc8Dzcyg2squfk-4fk4bKodK/view?usp=drivesdk

Thank you for this! The other difference between the 9205 and 9210 Auras is that that in addition to having the nice woven straps, the 9210s fit smaller heads better 😷😷😷

Thank you for the great video and overview of many mask options for people! I see you cover the Milwaukee N95. I am about to receive a sample, so am looking forward to trying it out, especially given the foam gasket and adjustable headband. I was curious about your comments on the valve. Can you expand why it's best not to use one during universal masking (which, sadly, I can't see coming back any time soon) vs. the "you do you" moment we're in? Thanks!

@coll0412

11 ай бұрын

Valved masks don't provide a ton of protection to others, so if you want both source control for others and protection for yourself don't use a valve. Universal masking is about maximizing our masking for both source and inhalation, so in that case no valves are the best. in the " you do you world" if you don't care about source control then I don't see an issue with it.

@blinddog1212

11 ай бұрын

@@coll0412 Got it, thanks, that helps a lot. Appreciate it!

@puzzlegal17

11 ай бұрын

Of course, if your are wearing a mask because you have a cold, and don't want to share, you don't want a mask with a vent. 😀

@blinddog1212

11 ай бұрын

@@puzzlegal17 For sure, makes sense. That foam gasket mask I mentioned only has a vented version. Can you put another mask over it to stop the vent?

Great stuff @coll0412 -- re: X-plorer and Milwauk outvalves, makes sense to test long duration use. Seen valves spit and dribble quite a bit after exertion. Okay if everyone in environment or contaminated workspace has one but not where there is mixed coverage imho. Some stick a bit of tape inside or wear surgical over.

@devonostrom6282

11 ай бұрын

Also some don't like them due to valve being a single point of failure (that is visually hidden.) Does not take much for that little flapper to jam open. And when it does jam open it feels good / wow so breathable all of a sudden. :/ Esp. with reuse. E.g. w. elastomeric masks we always do valve check w. each use.

Thank you so much, Aaron. Could you please do a UK version of your top masks, as we dont have the same options available here. I'd love to apply your insight and expertise to our uk based Amazon selection of masks. I wish I had found you much sooner. So many people in the UK are now under the impression that the only reason to wear a mask is to virtue signal and our credible information resources have been broken down by political spindoctoring. I love your videos because you show your work and share your findings in a simple accessible way. Pease cruise the UK amazon masks to help us pick a wearable and reliable option to protect ourselves from the poor infection control culture we have here. Thanks again

@coll0412

7 ай бұрын

What I need to do is find a MaskNerd in the UK and ship them a Portacount and teach them how to do this. Otherwise it's a logistics challenge on getting all the masks, wearing them long enough to know the are nice. Totally understand the want for the information, and hopefully I can help.

Thank you for your updates and the tips and hacks. Yup, I'm a mask nerd! I've tried and have headband, tri-fold, and bi-fold versions of masks based on fit and breathability. Unfortunately for me the only good fit so far is the 3M 8210 Plus that I wear to work everyday as well as when I'm out and about. I've gotten used to the I'll try the ones you mentioned (Moldex Airwave 4620 so people at work can hear me better) and with a wider band (Wellbefore KN95 Pro) because the thinner bands just won't stay on me and I have to test the sides for seal so the different sizes are a good option. Can you find and test clear masks? I'd be interested in those for the hearing impaired.

Great mask reviews, I love the 3m aura just wish it was in black. Have you reviewed the Airinium Urban Air Mask 2.0 yet?

@coll0412

11 ай бұрын

I had tested it a few months back, I couldn't get the frame to seal properly so it leaked a lot. It seemed like a great idea but didn't seem to pan out.

@SamShinnick

11 ай бұрын

Aw that's unfortunate you weren't able to get a seal. Really like mine, adjustable ear loops and fits my face well. I just hope it's doing enough to protect me

My dental hygienist wore a Milwaukee mask (I requested that everyone who worked with me wear an n 95 rather than a baggy blue) and, no surprise, it had a huge gap around her nose. When I mentioned that I was not comfortable with this gap, she acted all blustery and went and put a baggy blue under it. She then had the gall to point out that my mask (a vflex which I had thrown on quickly to wear while she got herself organized)also had a gap - The only reason it did was that I hadn't taken the time to put it on properly. I will be switching dentist offices.

thank u for your passion and content-would u consider including mask colors available on screen and in discussion next time around????--its a major pivot point for me to not come in black for example, and i know many in the pandemic is ongoing community consider-mask color---thank u for considering and im super stoked about that black one u showed in the first section i gotta try it