DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical professional nor do I design in medical manufacturing. I am an artist that created this design based on available internet research, which I will cite as best I can. I am sharing this design because many of the tutorials I found online involve sewing, which can intimidate some. The CDC now recommends use of facemasks while outside during the Covid-19 epidemic. Use at your own risk.
According to SmartAirFilters.com, which expanded on a study by Cambridge University, cotton-blend, followed 100% cotton, is one of the best DIY materials for masks to combat transmission of the Coronavirus as it can effectively capture 74% of particles 1 micron or larger (which is the size of Coronavirus). This is supported by the CDC's own article on using t-shirts for DIY respirator masks.
In addition, both designs utilizes an additional disposable layer of paper towel, which while not an effective component alone, has been shown to capture particles even smaller than 1 micron. Version 1 uses a second layer of felt which can filter out particles as small as 1 micron, and has
Check out our Fog Blockers in both 3D printed and DIY Versions:
It is recommended you make at least 3 of these. 1 for use, 1 to wash, and 1 in case of emergency.
With the unused portion of your t-shirt and two rubberbands, you can make a popular folding facemask in the same effective material!
While this mask is not officially part of the WWWW Project, I had this website already developed for tutorials, and so I am hosting it on this page. Again, I am not a medical professional. Most medical professionals agree that any mask is better than no mask, but use at your own risk.
If you would like me to link out to your tutorial, or have helpful suggestions you can reach out to leo.selvaggio@gmail.com.
This 3 layer face mask uses a common t-shirt sleeve and other common materials to make a DIY Face Mask. It is recommended you make at least 3 of these. 1 for use, 1 to wash, and 1 in case of emergency.
1. Cut off the sleeve off at the hem by cutting along the dotted line
2. You we be left with a sleeve that will act as the base of the face mask
1. Put on the mask so the longest part of the fabric is in the front over your mouth and the side you cut is closest to your chest.
2. Take a marker and mark where your ears are on each side of the mask
3. Take mask off and using scissors cut hole for your ears. Make sure not to cut the top off.
1. Put on the mask. Take a piece of felt (aprox 4 in square) and place it over your nose and mouth.
2. Using a marker, mark the edges of the felt on your mask. Take the mask off and lay it flat.
3. Use the marks to align one side of the felt square with your mask. Insert the stapler upside down through one of the ear holes and staple the felt and mask together.
4. Repeat on the other side, notice that when you line up the other side, there is a hump. This is normal and accounts for the fact that the mask stretches.
5. Staple the bottom of felt to the mask as well, remembering to use the stapler upside down so that the staple barbs face out, otherwise, they may scratch your face.
6. If you put the mask back on. it should conform to your face.
1. Take a piece of paper towel and fold it down so that it is roughly the size of your felt pocket
2. Stuff the folded paper towel into the felt pocket. Your finished!
Dispose of the paper towel filters responsibly by throwing them out in a trash can. Change out filter every two hours or so.