Fabric Anti-virus Mask To Make Yourself

While the deficit in respiratory protection masks worsens, social networks are full of tutorials thanks to which the manufacture of an anti-virus mask is child's play! If you have a sewing machine and are good with your hands, it is worth a try. According to a group of researchers from Cambridge, who compared the effectiveness of conventional masks and homemade masks, the latter perform quite well and are better than no mask at all. So, after the homemade hydroalcoholic gel, it's the turn of DIY protective masks to flourish on the Web! In addition, it is a superb activity to consider during confinement. So, we all sew together against the coronavirus!

DIY anti-virus mask, is it effective against covid-19?

First, it is important to note that there are several types of respiratory protection masks: shell, duck, FFP2, FFP3. Offering a very high level of filtration, they are used by public health professionals, such as medical transport, firefighters, private doctors, nurses, and no longer filter only bacteria, but also aerosols. They are therefore not intended for the sick.

In the event of the coronavirus pandemic, type 1 and type 2 surgical masks remain reserved for the general public. Unlike specialty masks, these have a relatively shorter lifespan and are not reusable!

As for homemade protective masks, some doctors encourage them to use them, while others are strongly against these initiatives. However, one thing is certain, masks are not useful for people who are not sick. Whether artisanal or conventional, they are reserved for patients and nursing staff.

Reusable Fabric Do-It-Yourself Virus Mask

To remedy the shortage of medical masks, the CHU de Grenoble shared a tutorial and patterns showing people how to make their own DIY protective masks, explaining that they are intended for healthcare workers who do not take care of patients. contaminated with covid-19. In other words, these are only the first barrier which will protect you from projections of droplets and which will avoid hand-to-mouth contact. They must be washed regularly at high temperature and can only be worn for 3 hours maximum. You should only use them to move around! Here is the tutorial from Grenoble University Hospital for those gifted in sewing.

Materials needed:

• cotton scraps (20 cm) for the exterior and the lining
• fine fleece or fine fleece
• flexible elastic

Steps to follow:

Start by cutting out the pattern (see pattern). Cut out the pieces of cotton fabric to get 4 pieces of fabric. Do the same with the fleece to get two pieces. Then cut two 30 cm elastic bands and adapt them to the desired size. Assemble the two pieces of outer fabric "right sides together" rounded part, then do the same with the two pieces of fabric for the lining. Assemble the two pieces of fabric obtained "right sides together" and insert the two pieces of fleece. Turn the set over from the right side and topstitch the center seam, top and bottom a few millimeters from the edge. Fold the short sides and iron the piece obtained. Stitch a few millimeters from the fold to create a slide. Finally, slide the knot down the slide for reinforcement.

How to make a protective mask without a sewing machine?



Unlike the mask approved by the Grenoble University Hospital, this one cannot under any circumstances replace the masks used by doctors. Its purpose is simply to prevent the spread in the air of particles of saliva contaminated by the virus. This type of screen only absorbs small droplets and cannot filter the air. It is for single use only and should be changed regularly.

Materials needed:

• 1 sheet of paper towel
• some rubber bands
• 1 stapler

Steps to follow:

Before you start, it is very important to wash and disinfect your hands well. Start by unfolding the paper towel. Fold it like an accordion and put a rubber band at each end before stapling them. Maintenance side: after using it, your mask should be thrown into a plastic bag filled with alcohol or a chlorinated product.

Washable protective mask made from a bra



Before consulting the tutorial above, you must first choose a bra that will best adjust to your face. For this purpose, the model should be small in size and preferably with shells and foams. Then wash it thoroughly and let it dry. Once dry, cut it in half and remove its ribs. Use the suspenders as rubber bands, as shown in the featured video.

Seamless enhanced anti-virus mask with activated carbon filter



Activated carbon is generally used to limit bad odors. It is also very useful for decontaminating the air in fallout shelters. As for the mask made from an activated carbon filter, it is cut from an old cotton garment. In the selected tutorial, only the cotton envelope is glued with a hot glue gun. The three layers of filters are installed, which will facilitate their replacement later. Below the activated carbon filter, there is a sanitary napkin, which you can replace with a gauze pad.

As for the fastening, all you have to do is drill a hole at each end to pass the strip of fabric to be tied behind the neck. The mask must cover the face well (chin, mouth, nose) for it to be effective. After washing, it is recommended to spray it with white vinegar to disinfect it.

DIY protective shield mask



The next homemade anti-virus mask features three pieces of aluminum and a transparent polycarbonate visor. In addition to its ease of manufacture, its purpose is to protect the entire face, from eyes to mouth. The major advantage of this plastic shield is that it can be used with other protective tools, such as cloth or paper masks. By covering the whole face, it prevents you from touching your face. And just like other homemade masks, this one is no exception and requires regular and optimal disinfection.