Question: Coronavirus & home sewn masks?

Just a reminder if you wear specs, look for mask with nose wire so it fits snugly and they dont steam up.

 

I have to say, I've ventured out 4 times now with my masks. It isn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I hate anything up around my neck and face unless it's quite loose - polo necks, tightly wrapped scarves, hoods drawn tight etc.

I have a small supply of washable masks and a box of disposable ones. The disposable pleated ones are fine, but I have a small face so I have to fiddle with them.

I find I'm more likely to forget I'm wearing the shaped ones.

Before I get out of the car I out the mask on and get it right and then just keep it on rather than some people who seem to take em off & put em on as they go in and out of places. I know I'd forget.

 

continually touching them isn't a good idea anyway, they are being unwise when they do that imho - unless your hands are scrupulously clean you could just be putting virus particles off your hands & onto the mask... ready to be inhaled, or just deposited onto your face from the mask, or even from your hands as you reposition it.
Best to do as you do - put it on with clean hands then dont touch it again until you ready to remove it for washing/disposal, & then wash hands after removing

 

Yep, that's what I figure. I take every opportunity to use the sanitizer as well, just in case I forget & touch it.

Also, it's hard enough to walk "normally" & in a straight -ish line when I'm paying attention. I've noticed a few people fiddling about with their masks and not looking where they're going.

Sadly, I've also noticed disposable masks and gloves dropped on the ground and just left there.

 

Which is why you're supposed to handle them by the elastics/ties only.

A friend told me this evening that there have been studies done which show that mask-wearing leads to increased (re)inhalation of carbon dioxide and possibly viral particles. Can anyone confirm this - or alternatively deny it?

 

N.Ireland now making masks mandatory. I’ve been sewing masks for the Big Community Sew, and they’ve been handed out to groups in need over the last weeks. I may need to sew some more now.


Image from Facebook.

 

I posted a link to a scientific article/narrative review of filtration properties of cloth and cloth masks in another thread. It has some recommendations regarding different types of fabric:

 

Just wondering whether anyone's tried wearing a mask with a nylon/polyester inner layer? Sounds as though it ought to get horribly hot and sweaty.

 

I'm about to try for a second time (last time a few months ago) to make a mask. Sewing machine is out, material cut. I thought I would sacrifice a surgical mask and use the elastic for around the ears and the bendy bit at nose and put into the homemade mask. Wish me luck! I think I have the right pattern this time.

 

Finished! Lots of mistakes. Still, it's wearable. Excuse the dot marks on the camera lenses.




The inside lining is meant to come further to the sides! There is room to slot a filter in between outside and inside linings.

 

Posting this here, as it does include homemade masks:

How virus-proof is your mask? Professor answers the burning question

http://www.msn.com/en-gb/lifestyle/...g-question/ar-BB18z0QM?li=BBoPWjQ&ocid=ASUDHP

 

I've been making my own masks and getter better at it! - 4 layers of fabric and a KN95 filter which I slot into the middle of the mask. I wouldn't wear a homemade mask without the filter.

 

Where do you get KN95 filters from? I've been using coffee filters

 

@Wits_End One of my neighbours is a tailor and is making masks. I bought a couple off him. He said I could come to him for the KN95 filters. Now that I am making masks I just go down and buy the filters from him.

 

found this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mask-Filters/b?node=1939583031

 

I don't suppose anyone's produced biodegradable ones yet, have they? Bad enough seeing all these discarded single-use masks lying around - we don't want the same with filters. (NB: Terracycle have launched a mask recycling scheme for ones used in non-medical situations)