Posted on by Information Seekers

I sewed and fit tested four different face masks…

Links:
Great resource for general papers on Masks:
https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1HLrm0pqBN_5bdyysOeoOBX4pt4oFDBhsC_jpblXpNtQ/mobilebasic?fbclid=IwAR1XmU8dHLLBp35GkKk1CfxiCqw9KNmBy0mjgQXEa1qNzPIhPRaFcVjI780#heading=h.9yzpxufkt5ow

Papers I referenced directly:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2440799/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258525804_Testing_the_Efficacy_of_Homemade_Masks_Would_They_Protect_in_an_Influenza_Pandemic
https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/5/4/e006577?fbclid=IwAR0Lb__mT6hrJ0QUhLsGDHeDWBlS5Ygw8hFLu3-BW90r-ATKJ94yryyT4xg

University of Florida’s Mask Page – with the pattern.: https://anest.ufl.edu/clinical-divisions/alternative-n95-mask-production/#prototype2

Instructables Mask:
https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Cloth-Face-Mask/

Halyard and BFE: https://www.halyardhealth.co.uk/media/17525807/hc470-01-uk_powerguardtechnology_20152.pdf

Materials:

16g wire: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JIRJBP6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Here is where you can buy the cloth if you so choose: https://serfinitymedical.com/products/h600-halyard-quick-check-sterilization-wrap-white-blue-54-x-54-inch-dual-layer-sms-polypropylene-o-m-halyard-inc-34142-825911?variant=30773504933963&fbclid=IwAR0yJsgOlVqHQ9lgRp4ggRa-DHLVRNotVdSdQsRPbl7yk4gc5U1xhxTBmjY

A second source for Halyard
https://www.usamedicalsurgical.com/halyard-health-one-step-sterilization-wrap-h600-fabric-heavy-duty/

The cotton weave tape I used (note that original instructions call for yarn): https://www.burnleyandtrowbridge.com/100ydroll18inchplainweavecottontape-save20.aspx

Music: “Among Terraced Houses” by Arthur Benson (epidemicsound.com)

Disclaimer: Since this video has been released, Halyard has made a point of saying that this material was not intended for mask use. It is true- this material has never been tested to be breathed through, so safety in terms of particle filtration efficiency, and moreover, the safety of whether or not this nonwoven material is breathable, has not been studied. Please take this caution when using this material – as it is is simply unknown.

Furthermore, I’ve been asked a lot of questions regarding using HVAC materials for filters. I must precaution you that MANY, if not MOST HVACs are made out of fiberglass, which when cut (such as for filters or masks), and inhaled, is known to cause pneumoconiosis, which is frequently fatal. Please be careful when using HVAC material

15 Replies to “I sewed and fit tested four different face masks…”

  1. Dr Sewstine! This video is how I found you, and I’ve stayed for all the rest! Love love love your videos. And I’m a sewer and a female environmental engineer. Smart girls rock.

  2. Hey so I did see your site over a year ago but had no idea of your other sewing expertise! How about costumes on Chinese shaman woman in second Return of the Mummy series whose daughter falls in love but is immortal? Hers mothers’ rich velvet colors and brocade is fantastic. Purple, brass, green. Go there!

  3. It's now January 2022 and I want to thank you. I sewed the Florida Prototype #2 in summer 2020 after seeing this video. I love the fit of the masks, though, like you, I find a strategic bit of tape improves it.

  4. So can you throw the Halyard fabric in the washing machine, or how do you wash it if you don't have access to an autoclave?

  6. Idk I went from the start of the pandemic to fully vaccinated with essentially almost entirely cloth masks so either I’m lucky or cloth masks work just fine

  10. I'm really curious about the metal wire – I wash my cloth facemasks in the laundry on the sanitize setting. Wouldn't the metal rust?

  11. I've been taping my (3 ply cloth) masks for fog reasons even before seeing this video. I wear glasses and CAN'T have any fogging and it's worked. It might not pass a fit test, but it works better than it did before. It's definitely something to do to limit the virus coming in unfiltered.

  12. as a person with a pointier nose and glasses, i recommend using a longer piece of wire to improve the seal on top

  13. I like the mask you tried 2nd Florida. I have anxiety with a mask on, but wear it if I go out for other people. Paper mask breaks my face out.

  14. Great video, thank you! One tiny mistake though. You said that acrylic thread will melt at 160degrees C, which it does, but an autoclave doesn't get that hot. The autoclave will reach 121degrees C and only 240 degrees F, so acrylic thread will be fine for reusing.

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