Right now the bearded fellas in medicine are shaving to get a better, safer mask fit. So the Bearded Fellas studio has been busy researching and sampling a few designs to help out the amazing folks working hard to take care of our community.
There’s so much information coming out right now about mask design and materials. It can be super overwhelming and even discouraging for people wanting to help out their communities at this time of great need. My goal is to help bring a bit of calm and some understanding based on the research I have done over the past week.
DISCLAIMER: I’m not a scientist or medical expert. But several people I love work in medicine. I’m just a research every nook and cranny/ run thoughts by the professionals kind of person.
The facts: homemade face masks WILL NOT offer the same protection that a commercial surgical mask or N95 mask can. If you are not in the medical profession, you don’t need an N95. STAY HOME is your BEST DEFENSE.
When pediatricians are closing their doors due to no line of defense at all, they need something! And when there is a shortage of the really good masks, medical personnel need a way to protect what they do have. And that is where home sewers come in.
But we must work smart!
Please note: If you are sick or have potentially been exposed to someone who is sick, please wait until you are recovered and out of danger before sewing masks! If you’re not sick but want to play it safe, you can wear a mask while sewing.
Masks and image by Hadley Clark. The top mask falls in the “surgical-style” category, the bottom is the “Olson mask” style.
1. CHOOSE MATERIALS: According to several sources, two layers of tightly woven cotton works best. If you do not have fabric with a tight weave, a breathable internal layer of some kind of interfacing must be used. All materials should be pre-washed on hottest setting. DO NOT USE FABRIC SOFTENER.
2. SEW: Masks MUST be sewn well – no frayed edges or missed seams. There are so many patterns out there right now, the two most popular being the “Olson mask” and the “surgical-style” mask. Some hospitals want only one of these styles, some are asking for both. Some want masks with pockets for filters, but make sure you’re doing your research and utilizing the safest filter materials. At the end of the day, go with the pattern that is most feasible for you and is the one you believe in. Someone will need what you make.
Whatever style you choose, please use fabric ties instead of elastic. They will hold up better through the many washes and bleach they will experience.
3. DONATE: When you’re ready to hand out the completed masks, again, wash on the hottest setting, without fabric softener. Finished masks should be packaged in sealed plastic bags or closed plastic boxes with lids. Wash your hands well before packing them up!
Additionally, something VERY IMPORTANT: Look for collectives/ organizations/ churches in your area to connect with and donate through so that we’re spreading the love without burdening the hospitals and such with a bunch of phone calls and need inquiries. Don’t forget about family members and friends in medicine, your mailman, and that little old lady down the street!
Some links to must read sites that are extremely helpful…
www.smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make-diy-face-mask-virus/
Here is what the CDC has to say about it.
These are governmental regulations from the 1990s that I took into consideration when choosing to make the pattern by Coperni
Want to know how I made the mask shown above?
Click here!