Since I am terified ( not ) of catching SARS I am wondering which brand of face mas to wear?

<BR>According to recent trends, you might want to put a sock on your face

Kate2:<BR>But which brand of sock? I must know because I want desperately to fit in.

Fruit of the Loom. However, they are known to harbor Mediterranean fruit flies so you might not be allowed admittance back into the States.

How about something fun for the whole family? <BR><BR>http://www.josephprep.com/BioChemical/Neoterik/images/children.jpg<BR><BR>Note the stylish black, perfect for that European vacation.

A bra cup from the big boob size will suffice as mask. Padded is better but if it has underwire it may be uncomfortable. The string from a hoodie can be used to secure cup to head

Probably a well worn smelly sock would repel more germs, but for several years of airplane germ awareness, I have successfully relied on the basic allergy-dust mask with the chic metal over-the nose- adjustment (in shades of either blue, beige or white-none of which is a good disguise)that is available in all pharmacies and most home improvement stores. It also comes in handy in dust storms, polluted cities and badly polinated environments. RX-Snap on your face at the sound of the first cough or sneeze!

Thank you all. <BR>I had contemplatated a day old smartwool sock as a shield, but my wife refuses to wear my old socks as a shield. <BR><BR>What am I to to do to protect her?<BR><BR>

icithecat,<BR>just be sure not to use a white sock. It would be totally dorky.<BR><BR>

On a serious note, if anyone was really wondering, my sister says the N95 is one they use at the hospital where she works. Now back to socks...

Actually, is it known exactly how SARS is spread? I have heard &quot;droplets&quot;. So is protecting your nose and mouth enough. I am going to err on the side of caution and suggest one wear a diver's face mask. Your eyes and nose will then be protected and you can put your dirty sock under the edge of the mask to hold it in place.<BR><BR>Of course, I also heard that cockroaches were the culprit in that highrise apartment complex in Hong Kong. Evidentally people spit a lot over there, cockroaches lap it up, walk on counters, etc., and spread the disease. So, I would also suggest a pair of boots. How high you go depends upon the fashion statement you wish to make. Waders if you are into the fishing look. <BR><BR>Additionally, perhaps one should carry a can of Raid bug killer, and Clorox wipes for the hotel room. A bug bomb? <BR><BR>To keep personal contact to a minimum is suggest one also carry ski poles and stick them out to the side. Well, keeps snowboarders away.

When I first saw the threat title, I thought, &quot;Do they mean a sleep mask for a trip?&quot; Then I had a mental picture of some idiot asking about using a facial mask enroute to keep their skin moisturized on the plane! haha<BR><BR>I'm glad to see it was a serious thread about medical advice. Since I rarely wear socks... do you think it would be ok to just strap my sandal around my head?<BR><BR>~ Sheryl

Clearly the best protection would be by wearing a scuba mask and snorkel for the duration of your trip.<BR><BR>Needn't be too noticeable, particularly if you go scuba diving ?<BR><BR>Peter<BR>http://tlp.netfirms.com<BR>

3M Masks such as the N515 are recommended. The N shows that it meets the N standard of ?NCIOH, an industry organization. A paper surgical mask tightly fitted (use your fingers to pinch) around your nose and chin is also good.