Covid-19 Updates

Resources

DIY Face Mask

By April Schnieder & Jay Negron

 

The information about how best to deal with COVID-19 over the last several weeks has been morphing and changing as we learn more about best practices and more practical needs.  The CDC has recently recognized the need for the general public to A) wear face masks, even if showing no outward signs of illness, and B) that homemade masks are currently a necessity to ease the extreme shortages of PPE, especially where it is needed most-with health care workers on the frontlines, even though it is expressly stated that they may not protect at the same level as a surgical mask or an N95 respirator.  

Whether your plans include one mask for yourself or dozens to supply friends, family and healthcare workers with them, we have put together a few guidelines for making a homemade mask, as well as some fine examples and tutorials from across the web. 

Mask-making Guidelines:

  • 100% cotton is better than blends.  A tighter weave is better than a loose one (i.e in this case, high thread count pillow cases are better than linen sheets..)
  • Adding HEPA filters can increase effectiveness, but not all filters are created equal–some have fiberglass particles in them, and some decrease breathability so much it is challenging to wear for longer periods of time.  In other words, PLEASE do your “due diligence” before adding in to your mask!  
  • Early testing is showing that many materials, although not as effective as a surgical mask, can still filter upwards of 50% of viruses. This Smart Air Filter website is a great resource to learn more about the types of materials for making a homemade face mask out of, based on recent studies by Cambridge University researchers. 
  • Make sure your mask is washable, so if you are using filters or other non-washable items, you want them to be removable.
  • Pre-wash fabrics…if it’s going to shrink, you want that to happen BEFORE you sew!
  • Regardless of the material used, it will be most effective if it fits snugly & does not restrict your breathing.  

Tutorials & Additional Resources:

1) Straight from the CDC, they have provided guidance on a few basic homemade masks using materials many people already have on hand, both SEW & NO-SEW. 
Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19

2) This mask pattern was created by health care workers, to best suit the needs of those that need them the most right now.  The design is more fitted than a regular surgical mask style, it has a slot for a filter and can be adjusted to fit different head sizes.  The pattern is HERE, and there is a video tutorial HERE done by the practitioners that created it, giving more information on donating them to health institutions in need as well.   

This is the pattern I have used to create masks for my family.   If you have basic sewing skills, it is pretty straightforward.   I’ve added a few photos of my process & the finished product.

3) Here is another POST that shows how to incorporate a HEPA filter from a heater or vacuum bag into a face mask.  As mentioned previously-please do your “due diligence” prior to incorporating.  

4) Locally, a dear friend of ours, Stephanie Lynch, has taken it upon herself to makes several protective masks for her family.  In her research, Stephanie found that YouTube poster, Sweet Red Poppy, had several great tutorials for simple surgical masks, both with & without a filter pocket.  She has since been using the Sweet Red Poppy tutorials to make masks not only for her family, but also for friends in the Santa Cruz community while she shelters in place.  

Mask making in progress
Stephanie's mask in action

Like many DIY’ers out there, Stephanie is adapting based on what materials she has on hand.  She uses her creativity to incorporate beauty and color, in a normally drab but necessary addition, to our social distancing wardrobe.  

Consider some simple “swaps” if you don’t have all the materials on hand…
* No fabric to spare?  Those blue garage paper towels are sturdy and tightly woven and can be used in a pinch. Bandanas and old T-shirts work too..
* No elastic on hand?  Consider repurposing elastic from another source (like an old fitted sheet) or using hair ties or rubber bands.  Or simply use bias tape or thin strips of fabric to make tie on straps that go around the head.
* Need a nose bridge to fit better? Floral wire, waxed thread, the metal strip on the top of file holders are all re-purposable for this role.

The possibilities are endless really.  And, if we can do our part to protect ourselves & others by simply wearing a facemask when we go out for the immediate future, then we might as well do it with a little style!  Stay Healthy and Be Kind to one another and we’ll see you soon!