Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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New barista Looking for Mask Safety + Comfort Tips? (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by KatsyM
Hey! Brand new barista here :) I start training soon, and I am nervous about wearing a mask for several hours, many days in a row, because I haven’t been in a situation where I had to do that so far (I was working from home before). What tips do you all have? Is there one style that’s way more comfortable and easy to speak through? Do you change your mask partway through the shift to keep it dryer/cleaner ? Would love any insight that you all have gleaned over the months of experience you have with this :) TIA 💚
CamelliaSin 8 points 2y ago
If you can, I would buy a bunch of different styles and just wear them around the house for a few hours to see if you like any of them more. Personally I don't have a specific style I like, but I need a nose wire and slightly longer strings/elastic on most of them.
I personally wear the same one all day, but if it does get damp/gross in any way, I'll switch it out for one of the masks that sbx has for guests.
Good luck! Wearing a mask all day really isn't as hard as it seems like it'll be, just remember to breath through your nose and try to consiously speak clearly and you'll be fine!
I personally wear the same one all day, but if it does get damp/gross in any way, I'll switch it out for one of the masks that sbx has for guests.
Good luck! Wearing a mask all day really isn't as hard as it seems like it'll be, just remember to breath through your nose and try to consiously speak clearly and you'll be fine!
KatsyM [OP] 3 points 2y ago
Thank you! I know it seems like a small and silly thing to try and plan for, but I have pretty severe anxiety/mild OCD, so planning for a lot of small things helps me feel in control and calm down, even if I know that I can’t *actually* control much of anything 😂
SchemingPancake 3 points 2y ago
I have anxiety and mild OCD too, so I get it! I too have to have one with the nose wire cuz glasses. But I also prefer one that is shaped to go under my chin a little more because I find they stay in place better. And having ear loops rather than straps around the head lead to less adjusting for me. I hope this helps, and you got this!
CamelliaSin 1 points 2y ago
My anxiety is the same way. Before I went back to work I asked everyone I knew the same question and made a bunch of masks by hand to get the feel for a couple of different styles, so I totally understand needing as much knowledge and planning done as possible haha
Like someone else said, I also recommend getting the little plastic extender/ear savers, especially if you think you'll wind up wearing the surgical masks work provides.
As annoying as it is, I definitely recommend hand washing any masks that have a wire in them. Tossing then in the wash seems to cause a lot of weird bending that's really hard for me to smooth out perfectly.
Like someone else said, I also recommend getting the little plastic extender/ear savers, especially if you think you'll wind up wearing the surgical masks work provides.
As annoying as it is, I definitely recommend hand washing any masks that have a wire in them. Tossing then in the wash seems to cause a lot of weird bending that's really hard for me to smooth out perfectly.
shosh_c 2 points 2y ago
Wearing a mask for an extended time gets easier the more you do it. I’d recommend “practicing” by wearing it around your house before you start, so you can figure out what helps make it more comfortable for you. Personally I *hate* the feeling of straps behind my ears, so I wear masks with straps around my head instead. Some sort of wire on top makes it way more comfortable for me (plus it gives you a better seal on the mask making it more effective). Sometimes I’ll change my mask during a long shift, but even on days I don’t change it, I always an extra mask in my bag just in case.
gazely_stare 2 points 2y ago
Head straps >> ear straps for wearing a mask for 8 hours.
merikkdraws 2 points 2y ago
I really like the cloth ones so I can wash them once I get home. I’d get a bunch if you can just to reduce how often you need to run the washer lol. My favorite kind are the “100% human” masks by everlane, I have 3 black ones and 5 of the tie-dye ones. Super comfy and because it’s cotton it’s very breathable, I like the tie-dye ones a little better cause most of them are a lighter color and it’s just very hot where I live.
Etsy of course has great ones as well but many of them have the elastic ear bands which hurt my ears after a while.
Etsy of course has great ones as well but many of them have the elastic ear bands which hurt my ears after a while.
Higgins_is_Here 2 points 2y ago
You can buy an ear saver and it can make wearing a mask way more comfortable, barely bothering your ears. I don't have issues with cleanliness. Swapping out surgical masks has worked out fine for me although I really am considering buying contacts because my glasses fog up. I just don't wear my glasses anymore at work haha. Apparently I have nice eyes.
jae459 1 points 2y ago
Get an ear saver! Or if you feel comfortable, you can get headbands with buttons on them that act as ear savers but are cuter
[deleted] 1 points 2y ago
[deleted]
[deleted] 1 points 2y ago
I used to have a cloth mask that I reused but I would get light headed and it would get uncomfortable and wet after a while. Now I use a new surgical mask every day and it’s soooo much more breathe able and comfortable. Your store should be providing them in the back but if not I’d still recommend those. I feel bad about all the waste but I’d just rather not pass out halfway through an eight hour shift.
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