DIY Protective Mask: Which Fabric To Favor?

Since the start of the epidemic, authorities have insisted that only healthcare workers or those infected should wear protective masks. But things have changed a lot. Given its extremely contagious nature, the coronavirus quickly spread to all continents except Antarctica and was reclassified as a pandemic. The U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have updated their guidelines and recommended that everyone, sick or not, wear a face mask in public. This protective device can now play an important role in the fight against COVID-19 and has even become mandatory in some European countries, namely Ukraine and Bulgaria. The current shortage has caused people to make their own reusable fabric anti-virus masks. But according to the scientists, the material used for the creation of the mask is the key to its effectiveness.

Bandana mask with coffee filter: one of the easiest options to recreate

Changes in recommendations and prevention measures are reflected in the new information regarding symptoms of the coronavirus. It turns out that a significant number of people with COVID-19 are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms. Do not forget the long incubation period which can also go without symptoms at first. In all three cases, these people are still contagious to others.

The most common way to protect yourself from it is to make your own anti-virus mask. It is of course essential to respect the basic hygiene rules. On their website, the CDC has published instructions for creating this seamless and seamless protective device. According to the explanations, it is better to use a quilted cotton fabric or cotton bedding. A T-shirt will also do the trick. The bandana mask (see image above) is one of the most popular models that takes only two minutes to complete and two materials: a cotton bandana (or scarf) and two hair bands. If desired, you can also use a coffee filter as shown in the example above.

What is the best fabric for a DIY protective mask according to scientists?

Scientists in the United States have set out to identify fabrics and household materials that can be used to better filter out microscopic particles. The most recent studies have shown good results for some air filters, vacuum cleaner bags, pillow cases with a thread density of 600 and flannel fabric with a thread density of 180.

Scott Segal, an anesthetist at Wake Forest Baptist Health in North Carolina, performed a series of tests to determine the effectiveness of certain materials as barrier masks. To determine the protective properties of homemade fabric masks, the team of doctors and scientists tested 13 different designs of about 400 masks made by volunteers. The goal was to identify the type of mask that can better filter viral particles with a diameter of 0.3 to 1.0 micrometers. The team found that the effectiveness of each part tested was different. The most "powerful" models were:

• Mask made of two layers of high quality thick quilted fabric
• Two-layer mask in thick batiste fabric
• Two-layer protective mask with an inner layer of flannel fabric and an outer layer of cotton

Single-layer masks, or those made from two layers of low-quality, lightweight cotton, have had the worst results.

In short, if you want to make your own effective protective mask, you need to use high quality thick cotton fabric. Dr. Segal recommends performing a simple test to verify the thickness of your fabric. Unfold and hold this one in bright light. If it passes easily through the fibers, the material is of poor quality. However, if the light does not pass through the fabric, the fabric is dense enough and you can use it.

Indeed, the biggest challenge when choosing a DIY protective mask material is finding a fabric thick enough to trap virus particles without obstructing breathing.

Which filter is best suited?

Yang Wang, an assistant professor of environmental engineering at the Missouri University of Science and Technology, worked alongside his doctoral students to study different combinations of air filters and fabrics. Indeed, they tested two types of filters. Scientists have found that the HVAC filter is best suited to people with allergies. Filed in a two-layer protective mask, it was able to trap 94% of the particles compared to 89% for single-layer masks. The other filter tested needed six coats to achieve 95% efficiency.

However, air filters can potentially release small fibers that people can inhale. If you therefore wish to use a filter, it is recommended to insert it between two layers of cotton fabric.

Care of the reusable protective mask

Regular washing at 90 ° is essential to guarantee the effectiveness of a protective mask. Since this protective device must be washed after each wearing, we recommend that you bring several parts. Experts advise avoiding bleach and harsher chemicals, as they can damage the threads of the fabric. Experts advise avoiding bleach and harsh chemicals, as they can damage the threads of the fabric. However, experts warn that anti-virus masks can create a false sense of security and that it is crucial not to give up on other preventative measures such as social distancing and good hygiene.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Missouri University Of Science And Technology