With the outbreak of the global pandemic, corona virus, the usage of face masks has become the new normal. It is actually necessary! We therefore have to blend in. This necessity has led to the creation of different types of face masks other than the ones that were typically known (surgical masks). Some are even homemade fabric masks.
However , the purpose of the mask has to be fulfilled for the mask to actually be important. Therefore, when making your own mask , you have to consider some major things. i.e. ; fitness, thickness, fabric.
The mask should be fitting enough since any gaps reduce it efficiency.
The thickness of the mask is important too since it has to have enough layers for filtering out the contaminants.
In this article, I would like to major on the fabric. As much as you would like a flashy look , not every fabric is suitable for making a face mask.
Hybrid Face Masks
These are considered the best and safest homemade options. Generally, masks should be woven as tightly as possible. Therefore, masks with high thread counts are the best at filtering particles. An efficient fabric mask is one that has at least three layers ; an inner layer that absorbs , a middle layer that filters and an outer layer made from a non-absorbent material e.g.; polyester. This is the perfect example of a fabric mask. There is no sin in decorating the third layer however you want it. You could even match it up with your favorite dress!
Silk And Cotton Have More Variable Performances
A research made found that masks made from vacuum cleaner bags were the most effective, followed by masks made from tea towels , pillow cases, silk , and 100% cotton pieces respectively. Materials made of 100% silk are the most effective at filtering high- momentum droplets. This could be because silk has electrostatic properties that help in trapping small viral particles. The research also found out that a new cotton cloth is more effective at filtering small droplets than a used one.
Bandannas And Scarves
However flashy these may look, they don't offer the required protection that a mask is meant to give. The material used to make these is not so reliable for use as means of preventing an illness. They reduce the rate of droplet transmission by two. This shows that they are not as efficient as they ought to be.
As much as the fabric might be great for making a face mask, other factors determine the safety of the user too. For example, the making of the mask, as you have already seen, matters. Though 100% cotton is effective, the number of layers (thickness) and the fitness of the mask will also determine its effectiveness.
You can make your own fabric mask from home and maintain that flashy look while still protecting yourself and your loved ones. You just have to understand what is important about a face mask so that you ensure that it is not only pretty, but also as efficient and effective as possible.
You can always make a mask with any material and color provided it is fulfilling its intended purpose. You could even try making a mask with the color of your favorite pair of sneakers!


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