Mask mandates have been dropped in offices, grocery stores, and transit hubs nationwide, and as a result many people have (understandably) stopped wearing them. After living through two years of a pandemic, folks are tired of muffled voices, sweaty faces, and fogged-up lenses.
There’s been some debate surrounding masks’ effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 infection — particularly at the start of the pandemic — but laboratorystudies show that masks protect those who wear them.
If you’re among those still masking up, you’re likely looking for solutions to make masking more comfortable — especially during the warm summer months. Here are five easy tricks to make wearing yours more tolerable.
Ease the Strain of Mask Strings
When you’re wearing a mask all day, the ear loops may begin to put a strain on the backs of your ears. Your tender ears will thank you for purchasing some mask clips. There are several options availble, from simple straps with buttons or hooks to silicone and rope accessories.
We like this Candace Cort ear saver, which is clear, bendy, and subtle. Mask extenders can also help you to customize your mask fit (if you, like me, have a head that’s far smaller than average). Try this silicone mask extender set from EVGLOW that comes in a variety of colors ($6.99 from Amazon).
De-Fog Your Glasses
If you’ve ever worn glasses and a mask simultaneously, you know the foggy lens struggle. This problem can range from a mere nuisance to an actual hazard — if you can’t see where you’re going, it doesn’t matter how protected you are from COVID-19. The most effective way to reduce fogging while masking is to improve the seal between the top of the mask and your skin. Masks with adjustable nose-bridge wires (which tend to be the best quality masks anyway, most adept at virus protection) make it easier to close off this seal.
If you have a well-fitting mask that’s sealed off at the nose but are still experiencing lens fog, try Ultra Clarifty’s Defog kit ($15.99 from Amazon). It’s compatible with many different types of lenses; just be warned that it does require frequent reapplication, and you might want to keep a small microfiber cloth on hand to scrub away any vision-blurring streaks.
Make Your Mask Smell Nicer
We’ve all become intimately familiar with the smell of our own breath over the last two years. Even when you’re certain of your minty-freshness, there’s something about “mask breath” that’s just… unpleasant. To fix this, spritz a nice-smelling refreshing spray in your mask before heading out the door.
Enfusia’s mask deodorizer spray ($19.99 from Amazon) is made with pure essential oils — a blend of eucalyptus, spearmint, peppermint, rosemary, lavender, and tea tree. The scent is sure to relax you throughout the day; and even if it doesn’t, it’s probably better than smelling your breakfast.
Buy a Cute Necklace Chain
If you’re like most of us, you periodically take your mask off for a breather and then put it back on when needed. But it’s annoying to search frantically for a mask that’s lost in your jacket pocket or in the dirty dregs of your handbag. The solution? A cute mask chain. This invention looks like a necklace and functions like an eyeglass chain. It hangs around your neck to ensure your mask rests on your chest like a pair of sunglasses when not in use — and it makes your mask immediately accessible when you do reach for it.
Try the Reuven Designs Gold Face Mask Chain ($14.50 from Etsy), a simple gold chain best-seller with a customizable length. For a classy option that looks like real jewelry, consider the Lima Jewelry Pearl Necklace Chain ($20.64 from Etsy).
Find a Comfortable Fit
Cloth masks are the most breathable options, but health experts don’t recommend using them against Omicron. Instead, they suggest wearing an N95, KN95, or KF94 to protect against this more transmissible variant. Surgical masks are slightly better than cloth, and placing a cloth mask on top of a surgical one is more effective than wearing a surgical alone (because it tightens the fit).
KN95s come with ear loops, which are undoubtedly more comfortable to wear than the headstraps of N95s. However, you need to watch out for counterfeit N95s. Get yours from a site like Project N95, the National Clearinghouse for personal protective equipment (PPE) and COVID-19 tests. Their KN95 in stylish black ($14 from Project N95) and N95 ($35 from Project N95) provide the ultimate in protection.
For a more in-depth look at the best kind of masks to protect you from Omicron, check out this thorough breakdown of masks we recommend for the variant. Stay safe out there, and enjoy your summer!
We write about products we think our readers will like. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the supplier.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
