No gaiters only a mask with loops or ties

[Reklaw]

This is really disheartening to me. From the time face coverings became "mandatory" in Pennsylvania I was wearing my original Survivor Thailand Buff which is about 17 years old. I wasn't about to spend money on anything until one day I walked into a grocery store and happened to see an American flag neck gaiter that was much shorter. I decided to spend the money on that and have now been using it because it is less material. I have a longer, unkempt, Duck Commander, style beard and just purchased 3 masks online today to try out since I have a trip to WDW planned for September. I didn't order these because of the ear loop thing but because I am looking for a face covering that won't touch my lips that I can talk easier while wearing and that I hopefully can put it on and forget it is there. What I specifically went looking for was the more molded style fabric ones that have ear loops but then velcro around the back of the neck/head. Hopefully I'll get a few of them Thursday and then I'll be able to try them out. Also, Tim Tracker cut ear holes in his gaiter when he was going to Universal and I think he prefers that kind of face covering.

 

[Robertfam08]

Glad that some of you were seeing these today. I personally prefer a lightweight disposable mask, but my dh wears gaiters everywhere. He has a full beard and regular masks looks ridiculous on him and aren't very effective as the entire bottom just gapes.

 

[Starwarsfan2]

Tim Tracker was wearing a gaiter to the Universal Parks and he was having trouble with them not staying up (which may be why Disney is not fond of them). He cut earholes in it, and said it not only kept the mask up, but also was much cooler with the ears exposed.

 

[nkereina]

The cashier at the store I was in today was wearing a neck gaiter and he must have adjusted it and pulled it up five times while I was in line and checking out. Seems like it's not as secure making it less safe than a mask would be, since it causes more exposure from the hands touching it frequently. I do understand the appeal of it being cooler though.

Personally, I would think the verbiage from Disney was more meant to discourage scarves/bandanas/face shields/any other weird contraption that doesn't quite serve the protection purpose a true mask does. But given that a gaiter is pretty much as effective as a mask, perhaps they are letting them through. From a marketing perspective, specifically referencing things like "scarves" or "gaiters" in their guidance leaves less up to CM discretion. They probably want to keep some level of discretion since its a fluid situation.

 

[osufeth24]

Just like with masks, some fit better than others. I have those mission gaiters, and they're compressed nicely on the face, and I am messing with it so much less than masks

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

I have two of these, white and blue...hope these will work. If not, bringing disposable ones.
Blackburn UV Mask UPF 50+

 

[osufeth24]

I have two of these, white and blue...hope these will work. If not, bringing disposable ones.
Blackburn UV Mask UPF 50+

That'll work

 

[Meglen]

I work with two people who wear the gaiters. They are tissue paper thin and do not stay up, exposing me and my other coworkers to their germs. Despite several complaints, our management will not make them wear actual masks. Good on Disney for enforcing this policy.

If you want thin, lightweight masks, the blue disposables are inexpensive and very light. There are tie on and ear loop versions. Easy peasy.

They have ones that have pockets for the filters. I would hope people are using those types since the other ones are only marketed to helping keep cool and UV protection.

 

[Meglen]

I have two of these, white and blue...hope these will work. If not, bringing disposable ones.
Blackburn UV Mask UPF 50+

But on that site they say this Our UV masks were not designed to prevent the transmission of airborne illnesses or viruses.

 

[Victoria3]

Gaiters are the way to go! Plus they offer sun protection on your face/neck.

I tried the paper surgical masks outside and those are terrible.

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

But on that site they say this Our UV masks were not designed to prevent the transmission of airborne illnesses or viruses.

I have read that on just about every site selling masks....including masks sold by Disney. The ones that protect you the most are N95 used by medical staff. Even the disposable procedure masks are no guarantee you will be !00% safe.

 

[Meglen]

I guess at this point they just want something anything over your face. I need to find some that fit my son better he's got a big head small nose so things just don't stay put.

 

[cindyfan]

But so so so much hotter. Im not sure how people wear gaiters in that heat.

Exactly my thought!! I can't even imagine something around my whole face and neck!! ugh!!
And if you look at some of the videos, right from the very start you can see the sweat coming through ... especially by his nose and mouth. It's making me gag watching it!!!

 

[cindyfan]

I guess I just don't understand why people are covering their entire face and neck???
All that needs covered is the nose and mouth. Most masks I've been seeing can be cut down by about a third or more! It doesn't need to cover your cheeks or your neck or under your chin or your ears!!! Why are these companies making such big masks??

 

[smallworldnh]

I'm glad I saw this. I was getting ready to buy the cooling ones on Amazon. Thanks for posting!

 

[casualgeek]

What type of gaiters are those? Those sound interesting. Would definitely like to check them out.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088HCT681/And people are right, these are "thin". My wife added a pocket for a thicker cloth insert to make them more effective at limiting my exhaling breath. Now basically just as good as any cloth mask. I also bought a couple with pockets already, but no tie. My wife added ties to the those. Now she is probably going to add ear holes just to make sure I will be allowed to use them. Though honestly, with the the tie, it really isn't needed, they are quite secure. I have tested with and without the tie. And yep, they have a tendency to work their way down your face without the tie. With the tie, they don't. I for some, i can see heat around the neck as an issue. I have been taking walks with mine (in prep for our trip), and have no problem, plus I can always wet down the neck part of the gaiter to cool me down.

In the end, the best mask is one you will wear...and keeps your spit to yourself, lol.

 

[yulilin3]

Cannot stress enough the comfort of the blue surgical masks. Yesterday I spent the entire day at MK, 9am to 7pm and only took it off for about an hour at the relaxation area and when I ate or drank water. I tried using a cloth mask and couldn't stand it for more than an hour.
The surgical mask also did great in the rain, I know some people were curious about that

 

[MomOTwins]

I am guessing the ear loop requirement is so that it doesn't slide down either by accident (e.g., on a coaster) or by faux accident ("Gee, CM, I just didn't even notice my gaitor was hanging below my nose and mouth.... for the 50th time today")

 

[osufeth24]

But on that site they say this Our UV masks were not designed to prevent the transmission of airborne illnesses or viruses.

almost every single mask that's not N95 puts it on there

 

[milaub]

That's good to hear. I prefer the surgical masks when I'm in the office all day, as they've always been much more comfortable to me than the cloth ones - AND they don't get in the way when I'm trying to talk. But I wasn't sure how they'd hold up in the heat and humidity. I'll definitely be bringing some along!

Cannot stress enough the comfort of the blue surgical masks. Yesterday I spent the entire day at MK, 9am to 7pm and only took it off for about an hour at the relaxation area and when I ate or drank water. I tried using a cloth mask and couldn't stand it for more than an hour.
The surgical mask also did great in the rain, I know some people were curious about that