How to Make a Face Mask

Here is info on best mask filter material. Filter Material Test Results  

The table below shows the results of different mask materials tested by TSI, Inc using a TSI 8130a test machine². This instrument is the gold standard in filtration media testing. The TSI 8130a is used by NIOSH to certify N95 respirators (42 CFR Part 84)  and by respirator manufacturers around the world to test their products.

I have learned of an innovation for making fabric masks fit and feel better. I, personally am/was a fan of generous, round elastic, ear loops. BUT many find these either uncomfortable, or, like me, find the side of the fabric bunched and gaped over time.

The solution was shared with me today, no plastic doomahicky, no knitted or crocheted band or cap with buttons.

I simply untied the knots in the elastic ear loops, and re-tied them, top and bottom, creating a single elastic loop. Slip the lower elastic over neck, the upper elastic on top rear of head, slip your hair above the band free so it lays over top the band.

These keeps ears free for glasses, earpieces, headphones, or hearing aids. It eliminates "ties" that are without flex and kind of ugly and annoying. It eliminates bunching and gaping at the sides; and lastly, eliminates pain some suffer from constant pressure on the ears.  The only down side, it is slightly awkward to put on, compared to slipping ear loops over ears.

Sizing of this loop would be wearer and elastic (stretch) dependent, but most likely in the 16-18 inch range.

Jason, these might be what you need:



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This is a basic "user-friendly" article from a local farm organization on why we need to get everyone wearing masks as we re-open the economy:
https://bcfarmsandfood.com/why-face-masks-essential-as-we-go-back-to-work/

Maybe if we all send it to all our friends/family, we can make a dent in the problem going forward?

This study,  July 1, 2020, shows mask efficiency and distances particles traveled.  No. 5, 2 layers of cotton quilting fabric in a mask that covers under the chin seems to be the best.





Mask test: Which type works best at stopping droplets?

Four types of non-medical face masks were tested by Florida Atlantic University researchers to determine which was most effective at stopping droplets, such as those that spread coronavirus.

The study was published Tuesday in the journal Physics of Fluids.

In the experiment, a mannequin’s head was outfitted to deliver a simulated sneeze or cough using a manual pump and a smoke generator. A laser was used to map the paths of droplets.

The tests were repeated with the mannequin’s nose and mouth covered by certain masks readily available to the general public — three do-it-yourself versions and one commonly stocked by drugstores.

The results:

1.  Uncovered: Droplets traveled more than 8 feet. By 12 feet, most droplets had fallen to the ground.

2.  Bandana covering the nose and mouth but loose at the bottom: 3 feet.

3.  Handkerchief or square from a T-shirt, loosely folded and secured over the ears with rubber bands: 15 inches.

4.  Cone-style non-sterile commercial mask: 8 inches.

5.  Stitched mask, closely fitted, with two layers of quilting fabric and elastic loops or cloth ties: 2½ inches.

The World Health Organization says governments should encourage people to wear non-medical, fabric masks, especially in settings where physical distancing of at least 3 feet is not possible — such as on public transport, in shops or in other confined or crowded environments.

In the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends cloth face coverings to protect others in places where social distancing can’t be maintained.

Cristo, do you perchance have a link to the study/article? I want to share it with my friends. Thanks!

Nicole Alderman wrote:Cristo, do you perchance have a link to the study/article? I want to share it with my friends. Thanks!

Nicole, their site keeps blocking me because of my privacy settings, but if you search on "journal Physics of Fluids masks," you'll get a link to aip.scitation.org, they have the article.

New mask out in Canada that has an "antimicrobial coating" that's been independently tested to be effective in killing covid-19 quickly:
https://www.complex.com/life/2020/07/canadian-mask-first-to-deactivate-covid-19

What they *haven't* said in the article is if it's been shown safe for people breathing that coating. I might be willing to risk that if I was working in a hospital, but I think I'll stick to my cotton mask for the places I normally go!

Anne Miller wrote:I have heard that medical workers and medical facilities are running out of face masks.  I have decided that now is a good time to make some and thought that I would share what information that I have found.

How to make a face mask articles:

https://nypost.com/2020/03/20/doctors-are-now-running-out-of-face-masks-heres-how-to-make-your-own/

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/03/19/opinion/guidance-against-wearing-masks-coronavirus-is-wrong-you-should-cover-your-face/



I like the red one in the picture though I am looking for the protection that layers might offer.  Here are some templets that I found:







This information is from the first article that I posted:

A vacuum cleaner bag was considered the most formidable household material with a rate of nearly 86 percent protection against the smallest particles tested. Falling behind was a standard dish towel at nearly 73 percent; a cotton-blend T-shirt at 70 percent; and an antimicrobial pillowcase at 68 percent.

They also tested how doubling up on the material could help. In the case of dish towels, two layers showed a notable increase in filtration rate — a 14 percent jump for particles of 1 micron in size — although the same level of increased benefits could not be said for cotton shirts or pillowcases.

Now to get started!  Any suggestions?

doing a face mask yourself is good. But make sure to wash it daily :) THUMBS UP FOR ALL

I finally got around to it. I made a mask I like.

I didn't want to make the fitted styles because there are too many shaped pieces and curves that made it seem like it would be a hassle to adapt to what  I was looking for.

I like the pleated style ones because they're a rectangle you can zip together in no time without too many scraps of fabric left over. What I don't like about the pleated ones is how high up the bridge of the nose they go, how gapey they tend to be on the cheeks, and just how much excess fabric there seems to be generally. I wear glasses, so I wanted something that fits low and snug on the nose so my glasses don't fog up.

So I started with two rectangles of cotton cut from pillowcases, measuring 23cm x 15cm. I sewed those, right sides together, leaving a gap so I could turn it inside out. I left the gap in the middle of one of the long sides so I could insert a nose wire later. Seam allowance was whatever the first line on the sewing machine plate is...must be 3/8".

Once it was turned right side out, I top stitched all the way around. Seam allowance 1/4", edge of the presser foot. I stuck a heavy duty twist tie in the gap from earlier so it sits between the edge of the mask and the top stitching. Then I sewed up the gap. So far the twist tie hasn't shifted side to side, but it could be sewn in place if that's a problem.

Then I played around with pleats. I ended up with something I don't think I've seen before.  When the pleats are all folded up, the mask is a third its full depth, nose to chin. When they're unfolded, the bottom curves under your chin and the top curves over your nose.

Oh, and you can see where I pulled the elastic through. I just poked holes in the fabric. I made the elastic a little too long to begin with, which is why there's a knot. I'll sew it and cut the knot off when I have time.

@Jan White - Great job! We've all got slightly different needs, so trying a way that you thought would be comfy for you, and making it work, is what *really* matters. Now that you have, I suggest you consider making several as it looks as if this bug is going to keep coming back. I just put one in our car glove box so I didn't have to constantly remember to bring it on quick errands when I didn't bother with my pack.

One of the key things to be mindful of is proper mask hygiene.

1) wash hands
2) put on mask
3) do not touch or fuss with mask, once on
4) wash hands
5) remove fabric mask and put in washer
6) wash hands, again

We have to assume mask is "contaminated" when removing; wash hands first to not bring potentially contaminated hands to face when removing and again AFTER removing as we have to assume removal could recontaminate hands.

If storing, once cleaned, paper bags (new every time) rather than plastic is ideal; plastic can hold moisture and create a breeding ground for manner of nasties (mold, bacteria, etc.).

Ideally, mask would go on before leaving home, and not be removed until you are home again to facilitate safest practice.

Might be useful for some people: masks with transparent parts. Made up for lip reading, working well with autism too.

Wearing masks is like wearing trousers (or short or skirt) on a hot day - not the most comfortable, but it makes other people feel better.

I like it when my friends feel safe, so I wear mask cotton mask as it is less uncomfortable than disposable.

ray Bunbury wrote:Wearing masks is like wearing trousers (or short or skirt) on a hot day - not the most comfortable, but it makes other people feel better.

I have a fried who is reliant on the bus system. There are signs asking people to wear masks on the bus, and she says that about 75% are doing so.  However, she has also noticed that they are becoming a fashion statement. Just like people can make a statement with the colour, pattern or style of trousers, she's seeing the same with masks. My friend bought one with cat's whiskers, nose and mouth printed on it even though it doesn't fit as nicely as the two I sewed her, just because she loves cats and thought it would make people smile!

I made my first mask a few days back! I used some fabric I'd bought years ago to make my husband an apron (I always buy a lot extra) and used a swaddling blanket for the inside to make it a bit more breathable. His mask was pretty much the guinnea pig for making my kid's masks.

This is the pattern I used:



I added braided cotton pipe cleaners (I have a LOT of them from making dragons and fairies) and sewed that all the way across the top. I love how this allows us to form the mask to our face, stopping fog and also allowing for us to see DOWN (the normal blue masks handed out at stores block a lot of my downward vision--not a good thing when trying to keep track of short children!)

When all of this hit and masks were so hard to get, I remember taking a number of bandanas and using them as shown in the video below. Obviously not the best thing ever, but I thought it was useful until I could get better. Probably not so relevant now, but might be of use/interest to someone following this thread.

D. Logan wrote:When all of this hit and masks were so hard to get, I remember taking a number of bandanas and using them as shown in the video below.

If they are cotton bandanas, they'd make fine fabric for making a set of either the pleated masks or the shaped masks, and with some pipecleaner or other wire across the top, they'd be far more comfortable. I recommend people have at least two, as I find it more comfortable to be able to remove one after a maximum of 2 hours as the humidity builds up in them.