It appears the government is getting ready to recommend everyone wear a mask when they go out, but as you know there is a shortage of masks and if you do find any they likely set you back a small fortune. I came across this early today and it works, is surprisingly comfortable and easy to make.
Instructions
Graet post.Thanks Mark.
On a second look,it seems 18"x18" is a bit big for a normal handkerchief.
But will they filter out viruses? That's the whole point of N95 masks, that ordinary fabrics and masks would still let viruses through.
bbking, I had an old unopened box I got several Christmases ago ( I assume they were standard size) and they worked fine. I went to DG today they had regular white 18x18s but I bought some 22x22 bandanas because I didn't want any more white ones. With the larger ones, you have to experiment on how to fold them best, but they work. I recommend starting with medium-sized hair ties but they are so cheap you can buy several sizes at once to get the size that works for you.
Originally posted by: Kevin Lewis
But will they filter out viruses? That's the whole point of N95 masks, that ordinary fabrics and masks would still let viruses through.
No, they won't provide as much protection as N95s, but the N95s are needed for medical personnel and your breathing is so restricted in them even physically fit people will be winded after walking a couple of blocks in them. I note the CDC has been telling doctors and nurses to wear the non N95s because there aren't N95s available in some areas. You can also throw these in the laundry after each use which is hard to do with N95s because they usually have non-washable material in them.
For the average non-healthcare person, a mask of any kind provides a physical barrier from droplets breathed or coughed or sneezed out by another human. Not meant to sterilize the air you suck in. Back in the day at work every clinical person had to be measured for an N95 mask due to the slim possibililty of interacting with a TB patient or a suspected TB (very very few ruled in for TB. If the N95 didn't pass the saccarine test (meaning we could taste the saccarine squirted into an airtight bag put over our head while wearing the N95), we were required to use the respirator with the exhaust motor worn around our waste. However, most garden variety masks such as those shown are useful to remind yourself not to touch your face, especially any area of your face not covered by the mask. And to wash and dry that mask for the next wearing. I forget the size of molecule/particle the N95 will filter. Hardly ever saw anyone wearing one. Mine stayed in my desk drawer.
The surgical mask worn in the OR lasts about 45 minutes as far as keeping the doctor's spit out of the surgical wound. Because our breath is moist, and moisture reduces the barrier though still there is some protection. Same for masks made of cloth...better than nothing in some situations. But we aren't wearing them to protect the other guy, in most cases. Masks make us feel better, like we are actually protecting ourselves. And other people either feel thankful that you are wearing one, or assume you have an illness. Just know it isn't total protection unless you are wearing the full body space suit, face/eye mask (like goggles) in tandem.
If I'm doing direct patient care I want as much protection as I can get. Otherwise, hand sanitizing really often, not touching your face (hard to do) and keeping a distance from others are the best things to protect you. JMHO.
**Edited to say if it is reassuring to wear a non-medical mask for your own protection anywhere you go, wear it. But wash it in hot water (or boil or steam it) after each wearing.
Much discussion going--to wear or not to wear. Nobody can say for sure because it depends on a person's compliance with distancing, hand washing (or foaming), touching surfaces then touching the face.
I saw one person wearing a mask over her mouth but below her nose. Useless.
Thanks. I made one from and old hand towel.Not much to look at,but it works.lol. I actually bought some "scrunches",I think that's what the kids call them,a bit tight,but they do work.I actually thought an old pillow case,cut down, might work.
