DIY 99.5% Filtration Face Mask that is Better than the N95 to Protect Against Coronavirus
Step by step instructions on how to make it
If you’re like me, you’re a stickler for anything that has to do with being protected as much as possible from the novel coronavirus that has sickened and killed so many people across the globe.
CDC recommendations for protecting against COVID-19 include wearing a face mask in public, in addition to keeping a 6 foot distance from others, and regular, thorough handwashing.
This post addresses face masks.
Types of Face Masks
There are several types of face masks such as bandanas, cloth masks with or without filters (homemade or store bought), surgical masks, and N95 masks.
N95 Masks and their Shortage
When I first heard about the N95, I was pleased to know that the N95 mask offers a 95% filtration effectiveness as personal protective equipment (PPE) used to protect the wearer from particles that can become airborne, such as the coronavirus.
But, I was a bit disheartened to learn that these masks are running in low supply. Due to a shortage of these masks, the CDC recommends that the general public not use these and leave them for health care workers and medical first responders as critical supplies against COVID-19.
I was excited again to learn about a mask that gives even better protection than the N95.
A Better Mask
The TM 2020 Mask
This is the mask with up to 99.5% filtration efficiency, named after the Chief Nurse Executive who designed it, Tommye Austin.
What a genius design and how generous of her to share it with all of us!
Nurse Austin sprung into action to come up with a mask to protect her staff that anticipates running low on PPE with N95 masks in short supply. But she is sharing her design with the step by step instructions on how to make the mask because she wants to ensure that medical personnel and anyone has access to a high level of protection from coronavirus.
No CO2 Buildup
The TM 2020 is designed to prevent carbon dioxide buildup, which can happen with wearing a face covering over the nose and mouth. It can give you a headache or even make you dizzy. But, the TM 2020 fits comfortably and snuggly worn for long periods of time without giving you carbon dioxide buildup. The mask has been fit-tested to ensure its efficiency.
TM 2020 Mask Filtration Rate
Just to compare filtration rates of various masks, a plain surgical mask provides 45–55% filtration, plain cloth masks offer 25–38% filtration, and bandanas and handkerchiefs give only about 3% filtration protection.
Wow. I did not know this until I looked it up, which is why I am making a few of the TM 2020 masks.
Here is a quote from Nurse Austin on the filtration efficacy of the TM 2020:
“The mask has a filtration rate of 99.5% with one material and has a 97.8% filtration efficiency with another material we are using,” Austin said. “So if the N-95 masks have a 95% filtration efficiency, that means it can eliminate at least 95% of the virus or bacteria trying to get through the mask.”
Step by Step Instructions and How-to Video Tutorial
Disclaimer: It is noted that Nurse Austin’s pattern and step-by-step instructions for making the TM 2020 mask is for non-commercial use only and that there is no guarantee that others creating the mask using her design will create one as effective, as everyone may not follow the instructions exactly. However, the instructions are as follows:
Materials Needed
- Cotton weave fabric or surgical drape
- Metal nose guard
- AC Filter material with a MERV rating of >13 or better
- All-purpose thread
- Bobbin thread
- 1/8 inch elastic (20 inches per mask)
- Scissors
- Swimmer’s tape
Instructions
- Cut two 12 x12 pieces of AC filter material with a Merv rating of 13 or higher. Cut two pieces of 1/8 inch elastic: neck piece is 8 inches and head pieces is 10 inches. Please measure your head and neck if you want a tighter seal.
- Fold the 12 x 12 inch square of fabric in half.
- Fold Fabric 1 inch upward on each side to create air pocket. This fold creates the air pocket that allows the user to breathe better and avoid carbon dioxide build up.
- Measure mask across the face from cheek to cheek and mark.
- Press down seams at top of mask for ½ inches
- Trim edges across the top of the mask
- Insert metal nose piece and stitch it in place.
- Stitch each end elastic to each corner at the top of the mask. Stitch all layers together using a straight stitch. The filter material should be sandwiched between layers of the cotton fabric or surgical drape.
Watch a How-to Tutorial and a News Report on the TM 2020.
That’s It!
The takeaway is being a little bit more knowledgeable about the TM 2020 mask, its designer, its effectiveness, and how to make it yourself.
Be careful to follow the directions exactly and always practice all other CDC recommendations for protecting against COVID-19.
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