When HN users recommended it
2 HN users recommended this between 2020 and 2023, in 4 comments.
20072026
Each tall tick is one HN user's first recommendation. A short tick is the same user again. Click a tick to jump to the comment.
2 HN users recommended this between 2020 and 2023, in 4 comments.
Each tall tick is one HN user's first recommendation. A short tick is the same user again. Click a tick to jump to the comment.
No comment on the HEPA ventilator, then? :)
My father is significantly at risk; I'd much rather he wear an inexpensive HEPA ventilator (99.97%+ vs. 95% suppression, fresh air, ...), than even an N95. Wouldn't you?
And what exactly to "people like me" deserve? I'm used to being hated by both right- and left-wing people, so I'm OK -- but who's going to give "it" to me?
Edit:
FYI: https://www.hamilton-medical.com/en_US/E-Learning-and-Educat...
Note especially the effectiveness of HEPA vs. particulates in the size range of SARS-CoV-2...
If this is rated HEPA in the US, this must provide 99.97%+ filtration in the "worst" particulate size, 0.3micron, and apparently even better in the .06 to .2 micron SARS virus size: https://www.amazon.ca/AirPro-Rechargeable-Electrical-Purifyi...
Its a hundred bucks... Why not opt for this option for people at high risk from viral respiratory illnesses? Why the push-back, here?
One option is filtering the air immediately before you breathe it in. The active airflow can greatly mitigate common comfort issues with traditional masking.
It also gives you some protection outside, which is nice.
https://www.amazon.com/BROAD-Rechargeable-Electrical-Purifyi...
Not really "for life" (in that sense anyway), but I missed the first thread so I'll put it here, with apologies.
After a lot of research, for Christmas 2020 I got a few "Airpro" masks[1] ($40-50). In short, it's a wearable HEPA filter that pumps filtered air into any standard N95 or KN95 mask.
In theory this gives better filtration (both from higher efficiency and positive pressure), but mainly I love it because it eliminates hot mask face.
My original unit is still going strong. I'm pretty careful, but it's still had numerous drops.
Tips after >2 years of use:
* I always use it on high, unless the battery is low.
* I bring my own N95 masks that I prefer, the (sadly discontinued) Harbor Freight N95s. Choose one you like. I change it about once a month.
* I (gasp!) convert my head straps to ear loops. Much easier to eat that way: inhale, open, shovel, close, exhale. Eat that, Bill Maher...
* The design is made to accommodate a carbon pre-filter, so I just cut rectangular prefilters out of standard surgical masks. Changed monthly, I still haven't needed to replace the original HEPA filter.
* Be sure to check out the review from "TX gadget nut" for how to seal the internal leak paths.[1] I potted the entire board with food-grade caulk, since I noted small through-holes in the PCB.
* To protect the silicone hose from strain, I hang the unit sideways using the lanyard.
* If you're really obsessive (guess how I know...), you can use a small file to remove the mold lines inside the outlet port, slightly reducing the pressure drop.
* As with any mask, it's important to perform hand hygiene before and after touching or adjusting it. A dollar store conical spray bottle and rubbing alcohol works fine.
* It's surprisingly nice to completely avoid wood smoke and diesel exhaust. I didn't realize how ubiquitous it was until I had the option to not breathe it in.
Fingers crossed, but so far it's been very effective and comfortable. All told I estimate it's about 15¢/day.
I'm ordering a couple spares, since I never know when a product I like will get discontinued...
(not exactly BIFL given the consumables, but before this I went through an N95 per week so I'm still ahead)
[1] https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YWLBVF2/
[2] https://www.amazon.com/portal/customer-reviews/media-gallery...
Wow, glad to hear it!
Here's some other products you might appreciate:
* The latest is these giant sun hats, especially ones which drape over the back of the neck.[0] Search for fishing/boating hats.
* Lots of cheap sunglasses from the dollar store (ahem, "tree" in my area). The avalanche ensures I always have a pair. No worse than the $10-20 versions, and I don't care when I inevitably lose/break them.
* The thick (black) gloves from Harbor Freight are quite nice. Effectively reusable.
* Back at the aforementioned dollar store, they sell 100-packs of thin disposable food service gloves. LIFE CHANGING for pumping gas. Literally gloves in the glove box haha.
* If you have feet, get yourself some Powerstep insoles. If you go to a podiatrist it's the first thing they do anyway. Feet matter.
* For wildfire/campfire/dusty activities/viruses, I pull out this dorky thing.[1] Its dorkiness is exceeded only by its effectiveness. :) I gave tips about using it here.[2]
* For air filtration, I'm a big fan of the Filtrete 1900 (MERV 13) filters. Low restriction, and just the "sweet spot" of efficiency vs airflow. I put them in my HVAC system — some restriction yes, but much better than others! Also great for "Corsi box" DIY filters.
* I grab cheap foam earplugs (Harbor Fright again) and cut them in half. Industrial modernity is surprisingly loud — as it turns out hearing loss isn't a 'natural' part of aging, it's all just environmental exposure. I keep a few in that useless little pants pocket. I first learned about this from someone on HN who tried it, so I it's my turn. :)
Wish I could think of more, but my brain is totally fried. :) But here's a parting tip:
* If some new purchase smells like an injection molding facility (ie everything), I scrub 3x with soap and hot water, then hang it outside (yes really!) for a week. Somehow the sun bleaching works like nothing else. This process even completely removed odor from my anti-fatigue "puzzle piece" floor mats, a process which normally takes months on its own.
Anyway hopefully some folks can benefit from something here. Cheers everyone.
[0] eg https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C27F3Y2K/
[1] https://www.amazon.com/BROAD-Rechargeable-Electrical-Purifyi...
[2] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=34378478