Research Says You Can Make Almost N95 Quality Masks At Your Home
Oxford study says hybrid cloth mask can be as effective as an N95 mask.
Coronavirus is spreading rapidly worldwide. There are two main reasons for its spread, not covering the nose and mouth or not covering them properly. There is no doubt that N95/KN95 are among the best face masks in the market. But these are mainly for health workers.
The good thing is that recent research says you can make almost N95 quality mask at home. A yet to be peer-reviewed research has shown that if made properly and worn properly, then these multilayered masks work almost like 95. The study clearly concludes that face coverings by cloth are effective in protecting not just others but wearer as well. So if you have still some doubts about it, it's clear now.
Face coverings by cloth are effective in protecting not just others but wearer as well.
In an interview with oxford news Professor Melinda Mills, Director of the Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science and author of the study says “The general public does not need to wear surgical masks or respirators. We find that masks made from high-quality material such as high-grade cotton, multiple layers and particularly hybrid constructions are effective. For instance, combining cotton and silk or flannel provide over 95% filtration, so wearing a mask can protect others.”
We find that masks made from high-quality material such as high-grade cotton, multiple layers and particularly hybrid constructions are effective.
They found that hybrid mask containing one layer cotton and another layer of any of chiffon, silk, quilt or flannel filter small (< 300nm) as well as large (> 300nm) particles almost as effectively as an N95 mask.
Keep the following things in mind while making a washable face maks at home:
- The mask should be made of at least 3 layers. The inner layer should be cotton, the outer layer should be any of chiffon, silk, quilt or flannel. The middle layer can be any of these cloths depending on your ability to breath through it. The best results will be with the middle layer made up of HEPA filter or polypropylene but they may not last many washes. Cotton in inner side keeps the face moist and makes the mask comfortable.
- To fit near the nose, you can put a strip made of plastic or metal, aluminium foil, as shown in the video below.
- If possible, do not tie the mask on the ear and tie it backwards on the head. Applying in the ear causes a lot of pain after some time.
- The best material to pull the mask back is Velcro. Stitch the Velcro on your mask instead of elastic or rubber and tighten it as per your requirement. This will not cause a useless stretch like rubber or other stuff, nor will there be fear of loosening its knot. I agree that it will look a bit different, but you can also make it fancy by making a design or tattoo on this side strap.
- Your face mask should fit perfectly on the face and should not leak air from anywhere.
I searched a lot on youtube and found this video to be most useful to simply make a mask at home without even using a sewing machine. Keep in mind the points mentioned above when you make your own mask.
In this way, you can make a very good quality mask in your home. But making a good mask is not enough. It should also be worn properly. Check this post to find out common mistakes with a face mask that are leading to COVID infection
In the end, I would like to leave you with this quote by Rorion Gracie that is applicable in pandemic time as well.
“Self-defense is not just a set of techniques; it’s a state of mind, and it begins with the belief that you are worth defending.”
Stay safe 👍