MY SEARCH for the perfect tissue seems to have ended thanks to several readers who sympathised, advised and told their stories about where and when. The subject is close to many hearts.
Last week I related frustration at losing the brand I supported for 30 years which has been inexplicably taken off the market, and being unaware, or unable to find a replacement. Well, the winner is (roll of drums, trumpet fanfare) ... Twinsaver tissues for men!
After a week of trying to adapt to piffling little soft tissues in silly cellophane wraps, grovelling about under my pillow in the dark when half asleep, and cursing at their weakness when wet, I found what I was after.
Des Clark wrote to say he has similar problems, chronic sinusitis. “By now you have probably received many messages recommending the best: Twinsaver tissues for men, 36x3 ply. Pick n Pay in Beacon Bay has stock.”
I was there first thing next morning and they were on the shelf, but beware, it was looking empty – must be a run on tissues at the moment.
Rosemarie Neithercut, of Parklands, said she too had recently had a problem finding “man” tissues – any brand. “I have looked on every local supermarket shelf in vain, as they, too, have been my companions , for the past 20 years for runs/walks/hikes, etc. Their appeal is that they can withstand frequent sweaty handling and tucking into waist bands.
She mentioned the disappearance of “man” tissues to one supermarket manager who took the bar-code off her last Twinsavers box and promised to investigate. “Later I happened to see in Dis-Chem their own brand, Softi Sport Handkerchiefs. I put them to the test – blow, shake – they held up beautifully and only R16! So, all is not lost!”
Delyse Kearney says, like Mrs Chiel, she hates washing handkerchiefs but has not convinced her husband to use tissues, except when they travel. “My friend makes her husband wash his while he showers.” She reckons roller paper towels are the next best option. Another friend who says tissues are not big enough, only uses paper towels.
Ken Elliot’s story is the same as the Chiel’s ... Gary Player, Black Knight and Kleenex. He too settled on Twinsavers, buying whatever he could from near empty shelves, but has been unable to find more. “I have an allergy and when I eat I can go through a tissue by the time the meal is finished. What do we use now? The current packs of tissues are pathetic and get blown apart with a sneeze. Toilet rolls are okay when at home or in bed with flu, but how can you carry a roll around in your pocket?”
You can’t Ken. Forget it. Hopefully you can try some of the suggested outlets and products mentioned. Happy hunting!
On the subject of colds, sneezing, nose blowing and tissues, I can’t bear sniffing, can you? Nothing worse than someone nearby with the sniffles. All else seems not to matter and you can’t help waiting for the next one to come, almost counting down the seconds.
Snorking (I’ve heard it called that, but can’t find any dictionary or google references), that rasping throat/nose snort, is even worse. I wish perpetrators would control it. I guess they must all have post-nasal drips. Surely a good nose blow is less offensive.
Chiel today is Robin Ross-Thompson;