Face Mask, Blue

A disposable face mask is a light physical barrier over the nose and mouth. It is not a fitted respirator — it will not seal against fine dust or a real hazard — but it catches the large droplets of ordinary breathing and speech, which is what most everyday use is actually for.

Wear it over both nose and mouth with the wire bar pinched to the bridge, and change it once it is damp — a wet mask stops filtering and starts to hold moisture against the skin. For sanding, spraying and studio dust it is a courtesy barrier rather than protection; a job with real airborne hazard needs a rated respirator, not this. As a general-use mask, though, it is cheap enough to keep a box of and replace freely.

Blue is the familiar surgical-style colour, and it is the everyday default — cheap, unremarkable, the one to keep a box of by the door for whoever needs one on the way out.

• Disposable blue face mask
• Light barrier for everyday use
• Pinch the wire to the nose; change when damp
• Not a rated respirator for real hazards