DIY Respiratory Protection Masks With Filter

Faced with the spread of the coronavirus, there is no lack of recommendations to protect yourself from the epidemic. While some encourage wearing respiratory protective masks, others speak out against these initiatives, deeming them unnecessary and unable to protect uninfected people. However, experts denounce this assertion by approving that these medical devices can actually protect microorganisms in the context of an epidemic. For example, after the swine flu, scientists at the University of Cambridge carried out a study with the objective of verifying the protective effectiveness of homemade protective masks against infections. It has been found that these should only be considered as a final means to prevent the transmission of droplets from infected people,but it would still be better than no protection.

Filtering respiratory protection mask: what are the different types of masks?

Before we show you how to make your own filter respirator mask from household items, let's first take a look at the different types of protective masks available. Knowing how to differentiate them is important because not all are intended for the same use and do not offer the same level of protection.

1. The first type that we will present to you is the nonwoven surgical mask. These medical devices are intended to trap the projection of secretions from the upper airways or saliva during the expiration of the wearer. To recognize real masks, they must be certified and comply with the EN14683 standard.

It is very important to remember that surgical masks have a limited lifespan which is approximately 3 hours. As soon as they get wet or soiled, they must be disposed of immediately in a dustbin with a lid, fitted with a plastic bag. Afterwards, you must wash your hands with soap and water or disinfect them with a hydro-alcoholic solution. Considering that the surgical mask only protects from the inside out, the device does not prevent the wearer from potentially being contaminated with a virus. On the other hand, it is a sick patient with remarkable symptoms who must wear such a mask, in order to protect his relatives and any other person approaching him within a meter. Moreover, in the context of the coronavirus epidemic around the world,one wonders, and with good reason, why the majority of people wear such masks if they cannot protect healthy people? Theoretically, if we were all wearing masks, the spread of COVID-19 could have slowed down. But given the large number of infected individuals without symptoms that could infect others, wearing barrier masks could really make sense.

2. The second type is the FFP personal respiratory protection mask. These medical devices are composed of several layers and have a facepiece and a filtration device. Unlike surgical masks, FFPs protect both against airborne or droplet transmission, and against potential inhalation of the virus. There are three versions, according to the EN149-2001 standard: FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3. Their filtration efficiency is 80%, 94% and 99% respectively, while the leakage to the outside is in the order of 22%, 8% and 2%. FFP1 masks, which can be recognized by the yellow elastic, are mainly used against dust. FFP3 masks are designed for construction sites, to protect workers exposed to toxic dust. These models are recognizable by their red fastening straps. According to experts, they are just as suitable for guarding against the coronavirus. FFP2 masks, for their part, are very effective against viruses and are recommended for healthcare professionals in contact with patients. Devices of this type are fitted with a white or blue elastic band and have a lifespan of 4 to 8 hours, provided that the operating rules are respected:provided that the operating rules are respected:provided that the operating rules are respected:

-It is necessary to apply them on the wings of the nose so that they are waterproof;

-Once in place, we do not touch them anymore;

-Once removed, the mask cannot be reused; i

-The mask must be immediately changed each time it is soiled, wet or poorly positioned on the face.

3. The third type is the homemade protective mask. This is said to be almost as effective as the surgical mask in preventing transmission of the virus from infected people. Nonetheless, health experts warn that in most cases, homemade face masks cannot provide effective protection. While, according to EU standards, the respirator mask should consist of three layers (with a filter layer in the middle), the majority of DIY masks are made from a single layer of fabric and without a filter.

However, faced with the shortage of protective masks for both medical personnel and citizens, we cannot afford the luxury of depriving ourselves of homemade devices. However, these are not certified and comply with EU standards and are rather an additional means of protection and not an effective protection device. In any case, Homemade anti-virus masks can be useful in the following:

• When shopping;

• At home, to reduce the spread of a potential infection in one's own home;

• When you wear a mask, you think you are protected and you feel better. Although the homemade mask is not always effective, it helps relieve anxiety.

A hand-made filtering respiratory protection mask cannot replace a standard mask. It is out of the question to visit your grandparents even with a mask, because the risk of infection is very high. It is also compulsory to respect basic hygiene measures. Not touching your face, regardless of whether you are wearing a mask or not, is essential to avoid transmitting virus particles near the nose, mouth and eyes. According to some experts, these masks are falsely reassuring and they do not protect the wearer or those around him. It is true that they can filter out large particles (such as dust and pollen for example), but this is not the case for viruses which are microscopic microorganisms. So these masks cannot protect from Covid-19.

Warning ! Children and babies are not allowed to wear handmade masks! As a rule, children are only allowed to wear a respiratory protective mask after consultation with the pediatrician. In babies, there is a risk of suffocation, therefore, wearing a mask is not recommended.

Do-it-yourself filtering respiratory protection mask: which materials to use?

As already explained, a filtering respiratory protection mask must consist of 3 layers. If you want to make an anti-virus mask yourself, the following materials could do just fine:

• Linen tea towels

• Cotton blend

T-shirts • Cotton T-shirts and blouses (but no knitted clothes and sweaters)

• Scarves and handkerchiefs

• Antibacterial pillow cases

• Cotton pillow cases

• Cotton bed linen silk

According to the study, which was discussed in the first paragraph, cotton T-shirts and linen tea towels are best suited for making DIY respiratory protective masks. Moreover, these materials are breathable. By comparing surgical masks and masks made from the fabrics listed above, we arrived at the following results: cotton allows 3% more air to pass, compared to surgical masks, linen, for its part - 11 % and pillowcases - 11%. On the other hand, a two-layer pillowcase allows 4% less air to pass through compared to surgical masks. The two materials are not water repellent. This means you need several, and you need to change them every two hours.

Do-it-yourself respiratory protection mask: what is the role of the filter?

Standardized respiratory protection masks offer effective protection against Covid-19, while the effectiveness of homemade masks has not been proven. And why do we make masks with filters if they are not able to filter and prevent the passage of bacterial and viral particles? It turns out that a homemade mask, with a filter made from household items, can really help with getting an infection through the air (by coughing or sneezing).

Here are the materials that can be used as filters:

• Hepa filters can filter particles with a diameter greater than or equal to 0.3µm2;

• Sebo filter bags;

• Paper towels;

• Dry wet wipes.

Editor's tip: Always test in advance if you can breathe easily through the protective mask you have available. If not, you better not wear it. For safety reasons, you can also contact the local authorities, the manufacturer or the supplier, as well as your family doctor to find out whether the chosen filter is harmful to health or not. People with allergies or asthma should avoid self-made filter masks to avoid health risks.

Do-it-yourself respiratory protection mask: instructions

If you want to make a respiratory protection mask yourself, below are two simple models. For the first and third layer you will need fabric, and for the filter layer you need to choose a filter of your choice. Make sure that the mask is perfectly adapted to the shape of your face. The two sewing patterns we provide you are quite simple and well suited even for beginners.

Who are homemade protective masks not suitable for?

-Babies and toddlers

-People with allergies

-People with asthma

-People with pulmonary or cardiovascular disease

Towards Cambridge University Study