Duckbill Face Mask Patterns

homemade face masks based on duckbill-shaped respirators

*DISCLAIMER: NO HOMEMADE MASK can provide the guaranteed protection of certified personal protective equipment (PPE)

COTTON FABRIC

Two layers of 100% cotton fabric

Pocket for inserting optional filter material

Features a single tie that rests on the back of neck for easy on/off

WATCH VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS:

Fabric Duckbill Face Mask.mp4

AUTOCLAVE WRAP / STERILIZATION WRAP / SURGICAL WRAP

Hospitals and clinics use fabric-like synthetic materials (known as surgical fabric, surgical wrap, autoclave wrap, or sterilization wrap) to cover surgical instruments during sterilization.

This type of fabric is now being sewn into masks because it can block particles as small as some viruses.

These surgical materials are thicker than cotton fabric and are relatively stiff.

Sewn duckbill mask using surgical wrap


VIEW INSTRUCTIONS and PATTERN:

"No sew" duckbill mask using surgical wrap


VIEW INSTRUCTIONS and PATTERN:

WHY the DUCKBILL SHAPE?

Many of the widely used homemade fabric mask patterns are based on:

1) pleated or “accordion-fold” style masks

2) styles with two smooth panels that join at the front


However, these designs have flaws with respect to FIT and BREATHABILITY

FAILURE TO SEAL ON ALL EDGES

Most fabric masks are NOT designed to make a complete seal around the face and mouth. Only respirators are designed to create an impenetrable barrier.

Pleated masks typically have gaps on the sides and under the chin. Masks made from smooth panels may eliminate gaps to a greater extent, but the fabric rests close to your mouth, which doesn’t allow for much air flow (see below).

LOW AIRFLOW & MOISTURE BUILD UP

When fabric is positioned close against your nose and mouth, there's little chance for the air and moisture in each breath to find it’s way out of the mask.

As a result, people feel the steamy discomfort of hot breath ... and moisture accumulation in the fabric can impede air flow even further.

On top of all that, people are adding filter materials to their fabric masks, creating an even bigger barrier for air exchange and water vapor release.


The DUCKBILL MASK provides a tight fit and good air flow


The DUCKBILL MASK:


CREATES A BETTER BARRIER by providing a secure fit like a respirator

  • good seal under the chin, as the chin straps pull the mask UP against your skin

  • tight fit on different face shapes

  • for optimal fit, gaps around the nose can be eliminated using adhesive weather stripping


INCREASES COMFORT by maximizing airflow and managing respiratory moisture

  • large interior surface area facilitates gas exchange and moisture dissipation

  • air flows throughout the mask interior instead of being blocked by fabric close to the mouth

  • comfortable breathing experience for hours on end -- with fabric alone or with a filter insert