I was in two minds
whether to make masks or not. I didn’t want to waste my time …
and fabric … if they were not going to serve a purpose. One can’t
find any masks to buy anyway. So I did a little research……
The best way to
avoid getting any virus is self isolation, washing your hands and
avoiding people who are already sick. Masks will offer some
protection – some, if worn properly. I suspect the hype about not
wearing them is more about the lack of supply rather than the
usefulness. Masks can help in a limited way – they provide ‘a
limited physical barrier’.
According to
‘experts’ vaccine is best, but with this new COVID-19 virus and
no vaccine yet, will home made masks be enough? The American CDC does
not recommend the wearing of masks unless one is showing symptoms of
a virus, or are treating someone with the virus. Wearing the masks
protect those around you.
With that said, many
people – mostly Americans - have been asking for donations of masks
as supplies have run out in hospitals, dental surgeries, and even
nail salons. As a result, many people are making their own masks.
Recent studies (
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3591312/
) have shown that the wearing of masks can help, especially in the
flu season, which Australia is heading into now. Researchers have
shown that masks help in the reduction of contracting a virus by
reducing the droplets in the air. Research has also shown that
wearing a face mask and proper hand hygiene will lower the spread of
the virus.
So vaccination and
wearing a mask. What type of mask?
Masks help keep tiny
droplets out of ones nose and mouth, but eyes are also a way virus
get into our body. Respirators are designed to keep small airbourne
particles out, and are more effective, but who can afford disposable
respirators - $50 upwards for 10. Masks will help in the absence of
respirators and must be worn in a way that it covers the nose,
mouth, and chin.
One only needs to
wear the mask if: one is showing any symptoms of a cold or flu; if
one is likely to be going near someone else showing symptoms of a
cold or flu; perhaps think about wearing a face mask if going into
crowded areas.
One use disposable
masks are hard to get, and if using re-usable masks they need to be
washed at least daily but after each use if able. Fabric masks will
retain moisture and therefore may become contaminated if not washed
and dried regularly. This will mean people will need at least two or
three or more masks. Cloth masks are better than no masks. The type
of fabric used is important if mask is to be at least limited
protection. I Googled best fabric to make face masks and came up with
this great website: Smart Air -it has great graphs and
information based on research that shows the effectiveness of
different fabrics, and many other websites referenced this site. With that in mind I thought tea towels (filters
out approx. 83% of 1-micron bacteria, and 73% of 0.02-micron
bacteria) or cotton blend t-shirt fabric (74% and 70%) would be good.
Coronaviruses are 0.01 microns. The weave needs to be tight to keep
tiny droplets out. The mask also needs to be comfortable. Tea towels
may not be as comfortable as more difficult to breathe through, as
compared to a surgical mark.
There are many
patterns available on line and on YouTube - here are just a few:
The next morning I decided to make another mask, with a single layer of fabric to make it cooler to wear. I adjusted my measurements to 8" x 9" with 4"x4" for the end tabs to hold the non woven, at Jonnie's request added a stiff nose piece. This one was too big! I'll try MK III next time.
When putting on the
mask try not to touch the outside of the mask, but use the elastic
ties. Same applies for removing the mask, try to touch only the
elastic parts of the mask.As the virus is
still at a low threat level in Australia, wearing the masks would not
be necessary as yet, unless in a situation as above – having
symptoms, near someone with symptoms, and crowds – well no crowds
allowed in Australia at present.
It won't stop you from getting a virus but if nothing else, a fabric face mask
will keep your face warm in winter.
Self isolation is
the best preventative!! Washy washy washy, and stop panic buying.
Stay safe everyone.
In Belgium is lock down ;school closed only foodstores are open end Farmacie.
ReplyDeleteI think that is a good thing that countries are in lock down. Schools here are open, but many parents are keeping their children home from school. Very strange times the world is experiencing. Keep safe.
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