I don't think most interfacing would be dense enough. The point is to catch the particles that are small enough to get through woven. They're microscopic. The experts have recommended felt, for instance, and the blue shop paper towels. They have to be tight to work. And remember, they're keeping the germs in, not preventing ones from getting to you. If you have no good reason to think you're ill, you don't have to worry so much, but the number of exposure possibilities are endless, so unless you've been home at least two weeks, assume you're infected, and use a better filter to protect everybody else.

I also ordered from Etsy. I have a studio full of fabric, but wanted to help others by buying.

Chloebud, I'm in SoCal, too. Maybe it's local that they're required, and only highly suggested statewide. It all blurs together. I don't think there's force of law behind it. The governor keeps talking about using social pressure for enforcement.

Thank you, Mtnrdredux, for posting those websites; that was very helpful! Have ordered four masks, as I am all thumbs when it comes to sewing something presentable. But where to go outside? Probably just to walk through the garden...

In Cali, the governor is requiring everyone to wear a mask when we go out of our house. If we don't, we can get a ticket (issued by the police for non-compliance) ranging from $500 to $1000 per incidence.

Not since 1918?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UVtlm6BQf0

Oh and Lars if you add flippers to your ensemble no one will come with in 20ft of you--and that's great virus protection!!!

This is a link to the April 5 NYTimes which discusses the various fabrics (bandanas, pillowcases, quilting cotton) and filters that are effective. One hint is to shine a light through the fabric to determine how tightly woven it might be. It also discusses coffee filters and vacuum cleaner bags - some may shed small particles that could be harmful if inhaled so they should be encased in fabric.

https://www.nytimes.com/article/coronavirus-homemade-mask-material-DIY-face-mask-ppe.html

That's a very interesting article. It only briefly touched on fit, however. Lars's swim mask, at least, would make a seal along the edges. The problem is, if you're trying to filter the air you're breathing in rather than droplets you're breathing out, you need something fitted. The N95's are fitted to the individual. If you put a thick coffee filter or similar in your mask, it's going to be hard to inhale through, so you'll be breathing in air that comes from the edges of your mask. Maintaining your physical/social distance so you won't be breathing in other people's exhalations is what really works.

Cloth masks, called "face coverings" are required in California because they impede (don't necessarily stop) droplets escaping, and help you remember to keep your fingers off your face and away from your eyes, nose and mouth. Seeing them on others is a good reminder to keep your distance.

It wouldn’t hurt to use a cloth mask with 3 layers of fabric and a coffee filter inserted in it. Be careful using swifter sheets or vacuum bags, some have chemicals added.

I would still wear a mask, if I ever go out again, maybe with this.

plllog, I've only heard "requested" but did hear "required" this morning for Riverside County. Required will likely be soon for all.

You mentioned thick coffee filters could make it hard to breathe. I was thinking the same thing. We don't want to start hearing about mask suffocations!

I also ordered linen face masks from etsy also.. and some from a local boutique. I don't love the designs as they look a little mad max to me... but I am trying to support local businesses even with small orders (and large orders from those I most value).

I'm seeing photos here of 'masks' that do not cover both nose and mouth, or that are not fitted tightly against the face. You need to be breathing *through the cloth'* not around it. Otherwise, aren't you are creating an even stronger vacuum when you inhale? I do think most things are better than *nothing*.

The information provided in that link and other information on the Internet all seem to ignore one important physics factor, namely air speed, in discussing various filters.

Air speed = air pressure = higher air speed means higher air pressure to force more particles passing thru.

The larger the filter area =slower air speed passing thru the filter= lower air pressure.

Some N95 masks and other masks have a one-way valve, which renders the mask useless for an infected person.

dcarch

I think the only one not covering the nose was mine-- and that was for photo. I did have it over the nose when I went out. It was my "better than nothing" solution --- in a scenario where I wasn't likely to have a concern.

1 stop was to my parents' where we left packages on their very large wrap around porch-- maintaining 6 ft or more distance.

stop 2 was curbside pickup with at least 10 ft distance.

Driver was my nephew-- who also had not been out in over 3 weeks-- and it may have been less than 6ft but it is a big suv so not much less.

Not making excuses-- I am all for appropriate face masks-- and have ordered some. It was my minimal effort to do with what I had.

I think I might put interfacing on some of the masks I am making. I do have some rather thick Belgian linen that I was going to use for some of them, and I will also make some that have silk sides. I have some other fabric that I am unsure of the fiber content (I will do a burn test on it), but I did wash and dry it yesterday to make sure that it will be washable. I also pre-shrank the linen, which is something I always do with linen.

Here's the mask pattern I am using:

However, I will make the elastic go around the head instead of around the ears, as I think that will be more comfortable.

Does anyone else have a tough time wearing a fast mask? Feeling my breathing impeded makes me feel panicky and I dread the next shopping trip.

Thanks, Oly! That ought to help make up my mind!

I'm seeing photos here of 'masks' that do not cover both nose and mouth, or that are not fitted tightly against the face.

I've not noticed that at all. (only one but she said it was worn over her nose when out and about)

The NYTimes article is good information but best to read multiple sources and make informed choices for fabrics and filters and fit. The origami video uses a twist-tie for the bridge of the nose. Some vegetables come with big ones. I have a few I have saved over the years.

We have been beaten over the head about 'fit' from the get-go. How we don't need masks because we could not possibly know how to make a good seal without proper training. (BS). That can be taught in a one minute video. We were not prepared to hand out masks on every street corner. We don't have them. Not even for our front line health care. Criminal and tragic.

I'm actually seeing masks made by sewers/quilters covering much better than disposable medical ones. Once we can get the proper medical fabric to slip into our homemade masks, that should help during the recovery time following the apex.

I like that face shield above. I have a case of those somewhere.

And yes, the exhale valve N95's will only be useful to protect the one wearing. Not useful in this pandemic.

NY just increased the fine from 500 to 1000.

FYI. N95's are very uncomfortable to wear for any length of time. Make your masks with a filter sleeve. So you can remove it for washing. I like the idea of steam ironing after washing that someone mentioned.

If you have a purchased fabric mask, a filter and a comfortable cotton or t-shirt piece of fabric could be safety pinned inside. Removed for washing.

I was confused by what was meant by stretchy blue shop towels. The disposable tough paper towel-like ones or microfiber ones.

It's the blue paperish ones according to this article:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8187603/Designers-say-layers-blue-shop-towels-inside-cotton-masks-help-effectiveness-homemade-PPEs.html

There's a good chance a lot of us have a roll of them in the trunk of our cars. Maybe not the recommended brands, though.

Lars, the ears is better because straps around the head slip, and the mask slips, and then you're touching your face. Since you were considering the swim mask, I'm guessing you're not concerned with looks. If you made a mesh juliet cap with straps down to the mask, and pinned it to your hair, that might work.

Re the fabrics in the article, many batiks are softer and sheerer than bandanas. The ones they recommended, AFIK, are the Hoffman Bali Batiks, which you can get from any online quilt shop. Do not buy the fabric from Walmart. They often have the same prints on inferior fabric. The Hoffman Bali Batiks are cotton with a very close weave. They're soft to the touch, but very strong. For this purpose, I'd guess they're better than any other kind of quilting fabric. You can buy them in small cuts. A "fat eighth" is 9" by about 22". A "fat quarter" is 18" by about 22". A long quarter, selvedge to selvedge, is 9" by about 44-45" (standard width for quilting fabric).

Sleevendog, I've yet to see someone walking around in public with a well fitted cloth mask. Even well fitted N95's can't keep the wearer 100% safe. The medical equivalent of the Hazmat suit is the closest thing to safe. The mask is just much better than other masks.

Please, please, please all of you: Keep your distance. Physical separation works far better than anything else. Yes, wear a mask to keep your germs to yourself as much as possible. If you look around you can find a shaped pattern which will give you a better fit than the pleated ones. Use a non-woven filter layer that's washable or replaceable, but make sure you can breathe through it. It won't keep you from getting the virus. Physical separation might.

Re mouth cover to keep people from infecting others.

"The point is to catch the particles that are small enough to get through woven."

Actually, the point is to catch the big fat droplets that come out of one's mouth before they then become smaller droplets and tiny particles that are airborne (aerosols).

To keep yourself from inhaling those smaller airborne particles, you need a respirator mask.

Hair ties would be appropriate for around the ears since they are soft. The elastic I have is not soft and also will not slip, and so I will make the masks with the elastic around the head. This is also what I have seen health care professionals wearing.

I will be using pipe cleaners for the nose bridge, and I did bring those with me.

I do have some coffee filters but will not use those for filters. Unfortunately, hepa filters are impossible to find at this time, and so I will use some new cleaning cloths that we bought recently. They are soft, and I can fold them over for extra protection. I do not have any double-sided skin tape, and so I won't be able to use that, but we can look for it at the drug store when we go.

Now that the word is out about the blue shop towels good luck finding them!

It is proven, even years ago, how effective wearing a mask can be. In combination with social distancing. But distancing is not possible. That is fact. You will not be 6 ft from a grocery check-out unless using every third check-out is used. 6 ft is not enough. 6 ft both wearing a mask is best. Viral load and physics.

If a viral nano particle gets into your mask and lungs, your defenses can attack it and kill it. Compromised immune systems are already struggling infections. Even a common cold will stress your system. A cough or sneeze can overload your lungs making it harder to fight it off. Both wearing masks will cut down the viral load.

I posted March 2nd about preparing. March 3rd I said masks should be handed out to everyone on the street. Plan ahead. We did not plan ahead as a country. Staying home is the most responsible.

I see great fitting masks all the time. I've not gone out but do see good designs on-line. Just my opinion, but I find the CDC, Dr Fauchi, other Dr's on the news irresponsible for waiting so long to recommend a mask. They should have found a way to immediately teach the best fit for a homemade mask weeks ago.

Instead, people were already making them across the country. Thank you those that did not wait.

Lars, this type of thing might help.

Why is New York City the epicenter' of COVID-19?

Subways. Have you been in a NYC subway? especially during rush hours?

I felt that air borne virus was the main cause for covid-19 infection.Even before face masks were discussed, I decided I would not take the subway. I drove everywhere I had to go.

dcarch

Subway/elevators...NY has a lot of close quarters

Nosoccermom, the point I was referring to was adding a non-woven layer, as is recommended. The virus itself if much smaller than spit and phlegm droplets.

dcarch, why we all walked off the job way before they were thinking about calling it off. Too many travel by subway. Too many millennials were not taking this seriously. Cold damp surfaces is one thing but close contact via airborne...disaster.

DH did go in the next Monday but sent everyone home at noon, just a few core people wrapping things up...expected to go in a few days more but worked from home instead. That was 17 days ago.

The same Dr's are today giving suggestions for sanitizing food packaging and masks. Dr. Fauchi's wife wears a mask food shopping....

Serious gardeners are probably the best aware of pathogens. Soil diseases. We all know freezing soil does nothing. Heat works. Freezing viruses just keeps them in suspension. A percentage will survive a couple years in a home fridge. Deep freezes that labs have will keep them alive for many more years. We will see many more ticks and mosquitoes this year having a mild winter. Last year the numbers were way down.

Lars, I would not hesitate wearing your snorkel mask but with your cloth mask over nose and mouth. (not the mouth piece.) I also have lots of linen. a big bolt I've washed some 5x5 ft pieces off the bolt. (I was designing a kitchen/garden apron before this mess happened)

I sent this pic to a friend that does not sew. I have a heap of t-shirt ties on my deck potting-up table from last year to tie up tomatoes. One little snip, they tear off and with a good pull they make great ties. About an inch or 1.5 incase depending on the fabric. The fabric rolls into itself when pulled. One t-shirt makes 4-6 no-sew masks. (depending on size).

Not made any yet as I don't need them. But they can be made to fit the entire nose/mouth and under the chin for full coverage. with other fabric folded into the layers like the bandana mask. A sleeve can be multiple ear ties. Very soft over rubber bands or hair ties.

(the tomato ties are funky having spent a year outside)

Lars, the Los Angeles Homemade Mask community contacted 3M to ask about appropriate filters. They said Flicrete (HVAC filters) or vacuum bag HEPA filters have micro glass fibers and are NOT safe!

I’m not sure I understand why filters that are designed to filter mechanically forced air into our homes, are suddenly not safe to breathe through. I can see a concern about freshly cut edges releasing fiber, but would think the cloth layers should protect from that.

ETA - perhaps double fold in each edge?

FOAS, I wondered about the same thing. Not sure about this at all, but one doctor mentioned part of the issue with the glass micro fibers is when the HEPA filters are cut.

Oh, no! If it's anything like fiberglass, it's pernicious. You need a mask to protect you from it, not to have it in it.

Probably a matter of using it safely. Better safe than sorry and avoid.

A mask also should be washed or disinfected with each days wear. The HEPA filters are not washable.

Maddielee, that looks like a good solution to the uncomfortable ear pieces, but here's what I ended up making yesterday:

The fabric for the outside of the masks is a lightweight cotton/rayon damask, and the inside is a lightweight cotton twill. This is what I happened to have with me that was not silk, and so this is what I used. I do have some Belgian linen, but it is heavier than the damask and does not have a pattern to it. I might make some linen masks anyway. The next batch will be easier to make, now that I have already made a pair.

I'm very happy with how the elastic turned out. I told Kevin that these were luxury masks because of the fabric and that if we went out together (which we have not done lately) that people would know we are together because of the masks. At some point we will have to go back to Los Angeles, but that won't be until mid or late May, depending on the travel restrictions.

Lars, which pattern are you using? I've tried several. The ones that fit me well don't fit my husband, and vice versa. I don't have a ton of elastic, but I do have about 60 hair elastics left over from another project, so I'm going with the ear loops.

Lars, those are some ritzy masks, very nice!!

I wonder if, for those who have them, full head light weight motorcycle helmets would work. Easy to breathe and your face is completely protected. They might be kind of hot and uncomfortable to wear while grocery shopping though.

Here's a link to the mask pattern I used.

I did make some revisions to the pattern. Mainly, I added an extra 1/4" to the ends of the mouth and cheek patterns so that I could fold over the ends twice instead of just once, to avoid having raw edges. Also, I clipped and notched the curves and ironed the seams open, and I wish I had my dressmaker's ham for that part of it. I think notching the front curves was really important, to make the fabric lie flat.

Terriks, it's easy to revise the pattern, if you need to make it larger for your husband. I was considering making the sides curve or angle up, but after I fitted the mask with the elastic, I discovered that really was not necessary, although I think it would be nice. If I make any more, I will add that revision, as I have already drawn it on the patterns.

This mask fits me better than it does my brother, but he has been growing a beard while in seclusion, and I think that affects the fit. I might make a larger one for him, but it will have to be linen, as I do not have any more of the damask fabric. I have tons of silk, but I don't think that would be practical when it comes to cleaning it. It would look more stunning (and more formal) to have a peau de soie mask, and so I might make some anyway. They could be used for a masquerade party later, perhaps.

For anyone considering using a full face snorkel mask - there is a concern with these masks that there can be carbon dioxide build up in them. This is particularly true if the design or fit of the mask fails to seal off the mouth-nose area from the rest of the mask.

Our kind and thoughtful neighbor delivered masks to us (she left them on the porch bench). She used cut-up re-usable shopping bags for the filters. I thought that was pretty clever. I had given her some elastic I had in my (well, my grandmother's) sewing box, but the ones she dropped off to us have ribbon ties. I am not sure they will stay tight enough, but I will try one for a while in the house and see how they work. The only place I really want to go is the nursery-weeding is getting boring. I want to plant!

Lars, your link didn't work, but since you mentioned cheek sections I knew that it was the Olson Mask. That's the one that fits my husband. Rather than make separate cheek and mouth sections I made mine in three layers - full size, and the innermost layer is the smaller mouth section where a filter can be inserted. I make a casing at the top for the nose wire.

Those turned out really nice Lars and look like they’d be very comfortable. The pattern I’m doing has pleats which I’ve found to be a tad bit challenging but I’m slowly getting the hang of. I haven’t finished one 100% yet because I’m waiting for some bias tape I ordered. I decided to use bias tape for ties instead of the elastic. I’ll post one as well when I can finally get it together.

I updated my link to the Olson mask pattern. It should work now.

I have plenty of bias tape, but I have even more elastic, as I used to use it when I made Lycra bathing suits.

dcarch wrote:

” Some N95 masks and other masks have a one-way valve, which renders the mask useless for an infected person.”

——-

Turns out we have some of these. So, they’d be fine for sanding or mowing, and could offer protection to the wearer, but because the valve allows unfiltered air out (more quickly than if no valve), if the wearer is infected, these valved masks offer little or no protection to others nearby.

Is that it? Two questions:

1. The procedure masks and home made DIY cotton masks attenuate large droplets or some aerosolized breath, they don’t really offer much virus particle filtering, do they? Virus particles can pass through or go around these unfitted masks/face coverings.

2. For the N95 respirators (filtering masks) with the exhaust valve (unfiltered breath out, exhalation), perhaps one could either fix the valve closed (tape?) or wear a cloth mask over it or over the valve.

I haven’t tried this as I’ve not yet unwrapped or worn the respirator. Staying Home.

I found a few of that type. They were with a box of gloves that are so old the gloves tear with the slightest attempt to put on. The mask elastic is no longer valid. But yes, you could drape a handkerchief inside and drape over the outside front of the mask. Much better than just a hanky alone.

I'll just have to add some new ties or elastic if we need to use the masks.

Thanks, sleeve. I have an 11 yr old opened BOS of the no vent N95 respirators. Date says (c) 2002 or close. Time flies. I think these were for SARS outbreak. surprisingly the yellow rubber like bare elastic is still good.

The exhaust vent types were purchased in early January 2020. No one of my siblings wants any, saying that their too uncomfortable.

I mostly stay HOME. We don't socialize, and make very few trips out. But, yesterday was a gorgeous day and I went with a masked neighbor who seems very careful to buy some tomato plants, lettuces, organic milk and deli salads (darn pricy) at at super aware country store. Only a couple people in at a time with masks, distancing and no bags from elsewhere. Half gal milk = $7.75 in glass bottle ($1.50 if return bottle). A cup of bean salad, $4. I will figure out their recipe. I put it through the mass spectrometer in my mouth.

I wore an old, non vented N95 and safety goggles. Mask was u o for table and hot. I DID keep messing with it, so was glad I was pretty much in the clean rural woodsy boondocks. (But you never know).

When we passed through a working class small city, I went into a store for wine. I had on my gear, the cashier had on a cowboy bandana. A 30-ish woman came into the store, o mask, and barbed into my shelf area. I left For the cashier. She was right behind me, no mask, no distance, no sense. I asked her to please back up (like 5 feet!). She had a bunch of pink and lavender colored toy wine. She looked at me as though I’d told her that there was a deadly global pandemic. Meh. No worries. No cares.

My friend encountered a couple of women in a grocery store. No mask, crowding her. She asked them why they were not wearing a mask. They fired back that it was their freedom of choice, blah blah.

The State is on MASK rules if outside your home. Oh, and distance. What is with these clueless people.

Flyovers are okay, but how about some public service announcement, mini tutorials on infection control?

Think I might tell the next maskless fool who won’t keep back that, oops! You e got something stuck on your face! Then disappear as they rubs cooties into their fave with dirty hands.

I won’t do it. But what is with the clueless, right to infect others, mask-less zombies?

At least they didn’t shoot us in the back of the head (Recent MI news).

I spotted a 25Lb bag or organic, unbleached, AP flour for $25. Maybe I should go back to the clean store for it. But that’s a lotta flour.

May be motorcycle full face helmets could be used for face masks. It's better than nothing if you don't have any masks.