How to make a protective mask yourself: a simple step-by-step instruction

In the era of the coronavirus, disposable medical masks cannot be obtained, so residents of countries affected by the pandemic have adapted to wear reusable or do-it-yourself disposable ones. No mask can reliably protect against the virus in direct contact with the patient (only special respirators are capable of this), but will help reduce the spread of the virus if you yourself are infected. Here's how to make a mask yourself.

Photo: video frame YouTube / Fancy smth.

How to sew a reusable mask

Posted by Fancy smth YouTube Channel talks about how to make a mask yourself. According to her, referring to WHO, fabric masks can be washed and used repeatedly. The girl offers a pattern template that you can print or make yourself. That's how it looks, and here is the link on the template.

Photo: video frame YouTube / Fancy smth.

Here's how to make a pattern yourself.

Next, print and cut the contours of the future mask.

Photo: video frame YouTube / Fancy smth.

The most suitable material for such a mask is neoprene, because it is dense, breathable, elastic and the edges do not crumble. It is sold in all fabric stores, but if you have not found, you can use tight knitwear as an alternative.

Cut from the fabric two identical parts according to the pattern.

Photo: video frame YouTube / Fancy smth.

Fold them together and sew them on the front.

Photo: video frame YouTube / Fancy smth.

This can be done by hand - go back with a simple straight stitch with a needle, and then sew the edges with a buttonhole. The seam should be on the outside so as not to scratch your face.

Photo: video frame YouTube / Fancy smth.

Photo: video frame YouTube / Fancy smth.

The mask is ready! How to use it?

Inside you can put 3 or 4 layers of gauze for an additional filter. She tightly closes her mouth, nose, leaves no gaps. You can breathe normally in it.

Photo: video frame YouTube / Fancy smth.

The mask must be changed every couple of hours and, according to the WHO, to which the author refers, wash after each use with an ordinary household detergent at normal temperature.

It is very convenient to sew several masks at once, take them with you, change them during the day, and wash them all at the end of the evening.

Photo: video frame YouTube / Fancy smth.

How to sew a disposable mask

Disposable masks can be made from viscose wipes or filters and gauze.

Photo: video frame YouTube / Fancy smth.

We tear off two napkins, fold them in half. Then take cheesecloth, fold in 3-4 layers and cut to size.

Putting together a "sandwich": napkin, gauze, napkin.

Photo: video frame YouTube / Fancy smth.

We fold it with an accordion (for convenience, take the clamps).

Photo: video frame YouTube / Fancy smth.

Now take the rubber band. Attach the edges of the elastic to the upper and lower edges of the accordion and secure with a stapler or glue - what you have. Pass the stapler along the entire side so that the accordion does not disintegrate, secure each fold.

Photo: video frame YouTube / Fancy smth.

And by the way, identify the front side: the sharp edges of the stapler staples should be outside.

Photo: video frame YouTube / Fancy smth.

The used mask must be discarded immediately. You can also make several masks at once and change them during the day.

Photo: video frame YouTube / Fancy smth.

Full mask creation video:

How to strengthen a protective mask

The author of the YouTube channel FixTheMask tells how to make a protective mask more effective by strengthening its fit to the face.

You will need one protective mask and three thin elastic bands.

Photo: video frame YouTube / FixTheMask

Step 1. Twist the elastic bands together to create a chain.

Photo: video frame YouTube / FixTheMask

Photo: video frame YouTube / FixTheMask

Photo: video frame YouTube / FixTheMask

Photo: video frame YouTube / FixTheMask

Photo: video frame YouTube / FixTheMask

Step 2. Put on the mask, stretch it over the nose and chin, fix the nose clip.

Photo: video frame YouTube / FixTheMask

Step 3. Stretch the center ring of the elastic chain so that it “fits” over your face. While holding the center ring with one hand, lock the side rings behind your ears.

Photo: video frame YouTube / FixTheMask

Step 4. Improve the design so that it fits snugly to the face.

Photo: video frame YouTube / FixTheMask

Step 5. Test the effectiveness of the mask as advised by the CDC. Place one or both hands on the mask and exhale deeply. If you feel that the air is “leaking out” somewhere, the mask does not fit snugly enough.

Photo: video frame YouTube / FixTheMask

Try to ensure that there are no “leaks” by changing the position of individual parts of the mask on the face - for example, fix the nose clip more tightly or, better, pull the mask over the chin.

Full video:

Read also on ForumDaily:

Coronavirus and chronic diseases: what to do to those at risk

Fighting for resources: Germany accuses US of pirate seizure of medical masks

COVID-19 - a disease of loneliness: a Russian-speaking nurse told what is happening in hospitals in New York

The mission is almost impossible: as an immigrant tried to return from Ukraine to the USA during world quarantine

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? Subscribe to our page in Facebook. Choose the "Display Priority" option and read us first. And don't forget to subscribe to ForumDaily Woman and ForumDaily New York - there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information.