DIY Protective Face Mask

[JonMarsh]

Even before the change in the CDC advice, I've been researching this topic, along with a lot of related stuff, (for examples, what will it take to "re-start" things when social distancing and current methods eventually pushes the case rate (well, at least a clearly measurable part of the case rate- daily deaths) down to a "reasonable" level again?

With the nonsense coming out of some corners in Washington, I have, as ET would put it, a pronounced "Lack of faith" that they are employing the Force or common sense very well, with a few exceptions. Also, to avoid panic and consternation, no one is talking about the next steps to restart things yet.

However, that's a side topic- what I want to provide links for is an article about selecting the best common material for the application (turns out to be quilting cotton cloth) and the best "DIY build guide" I've found to date, published by Kaiser Permanente in CA.


Research on fabrics that work best:

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/making-your-own-face-mask-some-fabrics-work-better-others-n1175966

Kaiser link for PDF:

https://about.kaiserpermanente.org/content/dam/internet/kp/comms/import/uploads/2020/03/02_COVID_Mask-Instructions_v9.pdf

To give you a quick idea of what the Kaiser PDF looks like, here are a few pages extracted from it:

Pattern on Page 11:





Starting- what it looks like and getting started with the pattern




Next steps...




Anyway, download it, check it out, stay safe, and keep your distance! :T

[Bill Schneider]

I like it, Jon!

Thanks.

[Kevin P]

Here's one that requires no sewing I came across yesterday.

In a pinch one could take a cotton or cotton blend T-shirt and tie it around the back of the neck and put it over nose and mouth, folding it to get multiple layers of fabric over the important areas. Just make sure to put it straight in the washing machine when you get home and wash your hands afterward.

[JonMarsh]

Here's the update- first test article prototypes....

[technodanvan]

Here is what the USAF is currently passing around.

[Kevin P]

Those google links don't work for me either. I'd download them and then upload them as attachments to your post.

[technodanvan]

That's better, thanks Kevin. Been a while since I uploaded pictures to the site.

[wkhanna]

we have been 3D printing face shield parts at work (we are r&d with very limited mfg capabilities) to distribute to local health care facilities.
one of our state-side factories is (voluntarily) ramping up to manufacture ventilators.

oh, and in true curmudgeon character, you kids stay out of my lawn!!!

[JonMarsh]

To amplify the curmudgeon factor, I suggest changing the by line signature from "Bill" to "Biff".

:W

[fbov]

Even before the change in the CDC advice, I've been researching this topic, along with a lot of related stuff, (for examples, what will it take to "re-start" things when social distancing and current methods eventually pushes the case rate (well, at least a clearly measurable part of the case rate- daily deaths) down to a "reasonable" level again? ...

For those interested, and hoping not to hijack...

I have found two good sources for information.
- for pure data updated daily, with sources...

https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

- for what's going on in the US, New York's governor has been giving us the facts since day 1.
(link from above: Countries>USA>Sources for NYS (Twitter, YouTube) or search "cuomo press conference today")

Comments
- Can't trust data for China, and I suspect a lot of the world isn't tracking real-time.
- South Korea is promising, but death rate continues to climb despite testing.
- Hard to say about any other countries, due to data quality (Russia) and the fact that #cases is still rising in most of them.

There is some really good news. New York City area looks like it's hit peak, about 3 weeks after statewide 100% shutdown and implementation of social distancing. New cases, hospitalizations and intubations are all down strongly from a week ago. Given the ~2 week incubation period, it's not hard to see that there is a direct link. We have a weapon, albeit an expensive one.

Governor is now talking about next steps, but...
- looks at 1918 fatality profiles in NYC, London, Berlin and Paris. 10 month duration in 3 waves.
- looks at what we knew before March to see what we missed
- looks at other countries where second peak is showing (Hong Kong, Singapore)
- work to develop an antibody test for immunity, but it's not ready yet.

And best of all, recognition of how little the New York State team knows, how many good questions have yet to be answered. Rather than a "plan," it's "this is what we'll do for the next two weeks, then we'll talk to the experts and re-evaluate based on their analysis of what's changed and what's been learned." It's data-driven policy in a data-starved situation, unfolding slowly, day after day.

You may want to pause the video to read some of the charts...

Please understand NY is the forecast, that will arrive everywhere eventually. There's a new "normal" and nothing will be as it was until the majority of the human race acquires immunity and we're back to our modern assumption of herd immunity... in a few years. Testing and drug therapy are band-aids at best. Hang on.

Stay well,
Frank

[CADman_ks]

Here's another version that is more paper mask like, and looks like it would fit your face better. While the pattern is a little bit harder to cut, the actual building is probably easier. NOTE: I have not made any of these, so I don't know how well they work:

https://www.craftpassion.com/face-mask-sewing-pattern/