I actually have taken to wearing a mask when outside the house. Not because I personally think it will do much. I do it because so many people around here are getting so NASTY with people not wearing masks. In short it shuts them up.
We're at about 50/50 now. What's interesting is that the nursing home my MIL is in ordered all staff to wear masks today, after ordering them not to up until now. Same for the hospital employees at our local hospital - no masks allowed in the hallways or public areas until today, now required. Pretty hypocritical, but both facilities claim they were concerned about making people fearful up until now.
Maybe the 1400+ health care workers now diagnosed locally with the virus helped them flip flop. Maybe the Governor's order compelled them to allow their staff to be better protected. I spoke with a couple of the people who work at both sites and they were glad. Many had been asking to wear them and it was becoming a big issue. Those aren't places to take any chances.
Maybe the 1400+ health care workers now diagnosed locally with the virus helped them flip flop. Maybe the Governor's order compelled them to allow their staff to be better protected. I spoke with a couple of the people who work at both sites and they were glad. Many had been asking to wear them and it was becoming a big issue. Those aren't places to take any chances.
Well I cut out the pieces for the Olson mask, but that handheld machine ain't gonna cut it. Just spent the last 1.5 hours making one 8 inch stitch lol. Very hard to use and control on a curved stitch. Ah well.
Normally I would have access to a sewing machine, But I am not going to that house because one of the inhabitants works in a hospital. I have to minimize the chance of bringing the virus into my home. I'm not even going shopping next week and just gonna eat off of what I have in my fridge and preps.
"My" face mask of choice . . . Much more breathable and easier to wear . . . Who doesn't have a Bandana . . . Matter of fact, I still have a few from the 60's too . . . More importantly, it can be pulled up or down as NEEDED, especially when out and about and Ya' want to vape . . . Just Sayin' . . . 
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I actually no longer have any bandanas LOL. They became a liability around here when gangs started using them to indicate gang colors. Safer not to wear em."My" face mask of choice . . . Much more breathable and easier to wear . . . Who doesn't have a Bandana . . . Matter of fact, I still have a few from the 60's too . . . More importantly, it can be pulled up or down as NEEDED, especially when out and about and Ya' want to vape . . . Just Sayin' . . .
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I read an article the other day that said bandanas weren't a good choice. I think it said they were too thin or something.
For a mask, two layers of a fairly tight weave are decent. Even better is the two layers set up like a sleeve/wallet, with a piece of disposable paper towel between them.
Yes I have been busy making masks, running low on supplies now tho. But it was a learning experience. I learned the elastic on your ears can be painful after awhile and tie masks are the most comfortable. The surgical style fit best but the contour masks fit best over an N95. Vacuum cleaner bag filter works great. Also if you need a shield a plastic sheet protector will work in a pinch, you can put it over your glasses. Stay safe everyone! For myself, I love staying home with my animals and enjoying this nice weather
Paper towel will not help, better to use a vacuum cleaner bag or even a couple of coffee filters.
This is the most effective homemade mask Doctor Explains How To Make The Safest Face Mask Using A HEPA Filter Vacuum Bag
TRUE - Very true . . . However, while it is not the "Best" choice, like a a surgical/N95 face mask would be . . . It is better to have something then not wearing anything at all . . . Hey, at least I double it up - so that's 2 layers of quasi protection - that I can breath through . . . Also, I rather leave the surgical and N95 mask for those who are working on the line . . . Just Sayin' . . .
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Actually - the "Wife" shows "Us' . . . Should always give credit - where credit is due . . . Just Sayin' . . .
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Bad thing about making these masks like in the video is I don't have pipe cleaners, glue gun etc. I am not going out to get them so will just use the ones I have even if not as effective.
The use of a paper towel, purposeful throw-away middle layer, is cited by multiple sources. It's not the greatest thing in the world, but it's generally readily available, adds one more layer to help disrupt exhaled droplets. This isn't for all day use, but to do a focused trip to a store to pick up necessary items, then toss the towel and clean the cloth mask after returning home, should be workable.
I'd be leery of vacuum bags/filters, have to be careful about knowing what a given item is made of:
"And for those of you inclined to add a vacuum HEPA filter to your DIY mask, Nasseri advises against it.
"Be really cautious, because especially the ones in vacuum cleaners and vacuum bags, are chemically treated on the outside, so as you breathe through, you're going to get specific chemicals," Nasseri said. "And those are chemicals you don't want to be breathing up against your face for several hours. So please, don't do that." "
I'd be leery of vacuum bags/filters, have to be careful about knowing what a given item is made of:
"And for those of you inclined to add a vacuum HEPA filter to your DIY mask, Nasseri advises against it.
"Be really cautious, because especially the ones in vacuum cleaners and vacuum bags, are chemically treated on the outside, so as you breathe through, you're going to get specific chemicals," Nasseri said. "And those are chemicals you don't want to be breathing up against your face for several hours. So please, don't do that." "
If our government was working and our Strategic stockpile was full then everyone who wanted a bonafide mask would get one or a dozen. But since thats not the case people have to experiment with chemical hepa filters. Nice.
I also made some with pelon filter, it is not as effective as hepa filter but it is the thick heavy sewing material. Actually any filter is better than no filter. Even pure cotton woven gives 50% protection with no filter. The masks I ordered in Feb finally arrived, they are decontaminating before I open them, they have the P.2 filters that are replaceable. Will see how well they work. Basically I am designated stay at home person & hubby does shopping. He has a N95 he used for painting, so he has pretty good protection for a mask. Even tho it has some paint on the straps LOL
I've read that some vac hepa filters and bags contain fiberglass in the layers. Once you cut them you may expose yourself to a new risk. Best to check with the manufacturer, just to be sure. There is so much conflicting info going around, its hard to know which sites to believe, be careful folks!
If you have a bandanna mask, use a plastic shield for better protection. I love this sheet protection shield
idea
Certainly would keep me from touching my face.If you have a bandanna mask, use a plastic shield for better protection. I love this sheet protection shield View attachment 878913 idea
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