Hailey Tran
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global shortage of essential medical supplies, including face masks. In response, many people have started making their own face masks at home, with hospital workers themselves taking part in this initiative. While fabric face masks do not replace medical-grade masks, they can be used in non-critical areas of the hospital or in conjunction with medical-grade masks to make them last longer. Hospitals are also asking crafters to help by providing homemade face masks. This guide will teach you how to make hospital-quality face masks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Cotton, non-woven interfacing, elastic straps, ribbons, paper clips, felt, coffee filters |
| Design | Fit snugly but comfortably, secured with ties or ear loops, flexible nose, multiple layers of fabric, replaceable filters |
| Use | For caregivers, sick patients, homemade masks are for personal use only, not for donation to hospitals |
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What You'll Learn
Use a good quality, tightly-woven cotton fabric
When making hospital-quality face masks, it is important to use good-quality, tightly-woven cotton fabric. This includes quilting cotton, which is a good option for its virus-filtering ability and breathability. It is also readily available.
It is recommended to wash and dry the fabric on a hot setting before cutting and sewing. This will prevent the material from shrinking later and distorting the shape of the mask. Washing with bleach is also advised to ensure the fabric is clean before use.
Cotton fabric alone does not protect against viruses. Homemade cotton masks are designed to be worn in conjunction with a medical-grade N95 mask. They can help the medical-grade masks last longer, and they can be worn in non-critical areas of the hospital or as a last resort.
To improve the effectiveness of a homemade mask, it is possible to use non-woven interfacing on the inside of the mask. This makes it harder for viruses to pass through. Homemade masks with filters are better than those without, and they can be effective at capturing droplets, a main transmission route of coronavirus.
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Include multiple layers of fabric
The CDC recommends that fabric face masks should include multiple layers of fabric. This is because a fabric face mask alone does not protect against viruses like COVID-19. They must be worn in conjunction with a medical-grade N95 mask. Fabric masks are designed to help medical-grade masks last longer.
When making a fabric face mask, you can use any fabric that you can breathe through. However, it is important to use a very good quality, tightly woven cotton fabric, such as quilting cotton. The fabric should be washed and dried on a hot setting before sewing, and washing with bleach is recommended. You can also use non-woven interfacing in the interior of the mask, which will make it harder for viruses to pass through.
It is also important to include a pocket for a filter in your fabric face mask. Cone-shaped coffee filters can be cut to fit most masks, and felt can also be used as a filter. You can make approximately 25 to 35 masks out of a yard of material, so making fabric face masks is a good way to use up old scrap fabric.
Remember, it is important to follow CDC guidelines when making and wearing fabric face masks. The CDC recommends that everyone wears fabric face masks when they leave home to go about essential errands like grocery shopping.
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Ensure the mask fits snugly but comfortably
When making hospital-quality face masks, it is important to ensure that the mask fits snugly but comfortably. This is one of the requirements outlined by the CDC for fabric face masks. A snug fit helps to ensure that the mask is effective in capturing droplets, a main transmission route of the coronavirus.
To achieve a snug fit, you can use ties or ear loops to secure the mask in place. It is important to make sure that the ties or loops are not too tight, as this could affect the wearer's breathing. The mask should fit comfortably against the side of the face, allowing for unrestricted breathing.
One way to achieve a secure fit is to use ribbons or ties instead of elastic straps, as elastic can break down in sanitizing washes. Cut four 14-inch pieces of ribbon and singe the ends to prevent unraveling. Stitch the ribbons to the inside corners of the mask and tie them securely around the back of the head when wearing the mask.
In addition to the securing method, the shape of the mask also contributes to a snug fit. You can shape a paper clip to mold around the bridge of the nose, providing a more customized fit. This helps to ensure that the mask stays in place and reduces the risk of it slipping down.
It is important to note that fabric face masks are not a substitute for medical-grade masks, such as N95 respirators. They can, however, be useful in non-critical areas of the hospital or as a way to extend the lifespan of medical-grade masks when used in conjunction.
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Use ties or ear loops to secure the mask
When making hospital-quality face masks, it is important to consider how the mask will be secured to the wearer's face. The CDC recommends that fabric face masks should be secured with ties or ear loops.
One option for securing the mask is to use ties. Ties can be made from ribbon, fabric strips, or elastic. To make ties from ribbon, cut four 14-inch pieces of ribbon and singe the ends to prevent unraveling. Stitch the ribbons to the inside corners of the mask and tie them securely around the back of the head when wearing the mask. Fabric strips can also be used as ties, and these can be cut from the same material as the mask itself. Elastic bands can be used as well, but it is important to note that they may break down in sanitizing washes.
Another option for securing the mask is to use ear loops. Ear loops are typically made from elastic bands that fit over the ears to hold the mask in place. These can be purchased pre-made or made from elastic strips cut to the appropriate length. It is important to ensure that the elastic is not too tight or too loose, as this can affect the comfort and security of the mask.
When creating ties or ear loops, it is important to consider the comfort and adjustability of the mask. The ties or loops should be long enough to allow for adjustments, but not too long that they become cumbersome. Additionally, the use of soft, flexible materials can help to improve the overall comfort of the mask.
Overall, when making hospital-quality face masks, it is crucial to follow the CDC guidelines and secure the mask with ties or ear loops. Both options have their own advantages and can be customized to fit the wearer's preferences and needs. By considering the materials used, the placement of the ties or loops, and the overall adjustability of the mask, individuals can create secure and comfortable face coverings.
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Insert a filter, such as a cone-shaped coffee filter
While a fabric face mask does not replace medical-grade face masks, they can be useful in non-critical areas of the hospital or in conjunction with an N95 mask. When making your own face mask, it is important to follow CDC requirements.
To insert a filter, such as a cone-shaped coffee filter, into your face mask, start by cutting the filter to fit your mask. The coffee filter should be cut to cover the nose, mouth, and chin of the wearer. You can also use other materials such as felt, air conditioning filters, or non-woven interfacing.
Once you have cut the filter to size, insert it into the pocket of your mask. The pocket can be sewn into the mask, or you can turn the mask inside out and insert the filter before turning it back. Make sure the filter is secure and will not shift around inside the mask.
After inserting the filter, put on the mask, ensuring it fits snugly but comfortably against your face. Adjust the ribbons or ear loops as needed. If your mask includes a nose wire, shape it around the bridge of your nose for a tighter fit.
It is important to note that a face mask with a filter does not guarantee protection against viruses. The effectiveness of the mask depends on the fit, the breathability of the material, and the availability of the filter.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to use a very good quality, tightly woven cotton, such as quilting cotton. It is also suggested to use non-woven interfacing in the interior of the mask, which makes it harder for viruses to pass through.
Elastic straps can break down in sanitizing washes. An alternative is to use ribbons or ties.
The CDC recommends that everyone wears fabric face masks when leaving home to go about their essential errands, such as grocery shopping. They also recommend that N95 and medical-grade masks should be reserved for healthcare workers who are directly in contact with affected patients.
