DIY Coronavirus Mask From A Diving Mask

2023 Author: Lynn Laird | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 21:10

The shortage of respiratory protective masks, due to the coronavirus epidemic, continues to worry the population. More than ever, it is important not to stand idly by, faced with the lack of health protection equipment (masks, screens and protective visors, hydroalcoholic gel) for healthcare staff, but also for the general public. To meet the urgent need for protective equipment, some are embarking on the manufacture of DIY respiratory protective masks, by demonstrating step by step how everyone can make a coronavirus mask themselves. Discover an easy and cheap tutorial that explains exactly how to turn a full-face diving mask into a protective mask against the coronavirus, protecting the oral, nasal and ocular mucous membranes.

Which filter to prefer to make an effective coronavirus mask?

Regarding the type of filter to favor, we provide you with the useful information to know in order to make the best choice.

The characteristics of the filters are directly printed on the mask:

1. FFP for (part) Facial Filtering

2. P1, P2 and P3 for the filtration class

* On filter cartridges, the filter class is indicated by a white band comprising P1, P2 or P3.

The different classes of particulate filters and their characteristics:

P1, Class 1 - Low efficiency; stops at least 80% of aerosols. Adapted to protect against solid particles without toxicity.

P2, Class 2 - Medium efficiency; stops at least 94% of aerosols. Suitable for protecting against dangerous or irritating aerosols, solid and / or liquid.

P3, Class 3 - High efficiency; stops at least 99% of aerosols. Suitable for protection against toxic aerosols, solid and / or liquid.

The different classes of gas filters:

Class 1: the lowest trapping capacity (a gas content less than 0.1% by volume)

Class 2: the average capacity (a gas content between 0.1% and 0.5% by volume)

Class 3: the largest capacity (a gas content between 0.5% and 1% by volume).

* A specific gas filter is designated by a marking comprising a letter accompanied by a particular colored band.

* There are also combination filters to protect against aerosols, gases and vapors. They are composed of 2 superimposed filters - particulate and gas. These filters have a double marking - the colored band for gas filters and the white band for particulate filters.

How to make a coronavirus mask with gas filter from a full-face diving mask: easy and inexpensive tutorial

Hijacking a full face dive mask into a homemade coronavirus mask is a simple and brilliant emergency solution that can really save lives. It turns out that the manufacture of such a respiratory protection device is really simple to make and affordable.

The necessary material includes:

• 1 full-face diving

mask

• 1 gas mask filter • 1 PVC hose

• 1 hot glue gun

• 1 drill + hole saw

• Adhesive tape

Instructions:

1. Begin by removing the snorkel from the mask.

2. Determine where the filter will be integrated.

3. To connect the filter to the diving mask, it is necessary to use a connector which, in this case, represents a pvc pipe.

4. If the diameter of the pipe is larger than that of the filter, heat it to match.

5. Measure the diameter of the pipe then put a mark on the place to be drilled. Sand the rim of the hole.

6. Integrate the connector into the hole, then solder everything with hot glue.

7. You need more hot glue to fix the filter to the pvc pipe.

8. At the top of the mask, there is still a valve that you must plug to prevent air penetration. To do this, use duct tape and hot glue.



The best part about this full face coronavirus mask is that the inhalation and exhalation valves are separate, which means the visor will not fog up when you exhale. Since it is a full face diving mask, it protects the oral, nasal and eye mucosa at the same time, perfectly sealing the face.

The “Easybreath” Decathlon diving mask and its role in protecting against Covid-19

For some time now, the effectiveness of the Decathlon “Easybreath” diving mask has been put to the test, which seems to have found a new function. In hospitals, faced with a lack of respirators, caregivers use full-face diving masks as artificial respirators. These artisanal tools are already used by medical teams in Belgium and Italy and according to testimonies, they offer better performance and more comfort than oxygen masks on patients suffering from respiratory problems.

Thanks to a 3D printed connector, the Decathlon diving mask also acts as a respiratory protection mask. In addition to covering the entire face by serving as a protective visor (which protects the mucous membranes), the mask in question filters the air breathed using a medical filter (used to filter bacteria and viruses from medical devices), connected to a plastic connector.



* The connector's 3D plan is shared freely so that all countries that need it in their fight against the coronavirus can use it.

There are all kinds of respiratory protection masks: paper, fabric, with or without a filter, in a HEPA vacuum bag, etc. Without going into the details of their effectiveness against viruses and in particular Covid-19, the wearing of masks remains strongly encouraged, and even compulsory in certain situations (such as public transport, medical centers and hospitals, pharmacies etc.). Wearing any mask is better protection than wearing nothing at all, so we must all be responsible.

* Video credit: Billy Crammer's YouTube channel