I’ve been watching numerous mask making videos....yours is far superior! As a retired OR/OB/ and nurse educator, I have struggled with the inability to “help” my former colleagues in caring for Covid patients. As a 72 year old diabetic, I have to self isolate. Making masks has been the little I can do. Mine will be cloth “cheerful” masks for wearing out in public. I believe that that example is important in the community. Thanks for doing this!
As an editor mostly of academic journal articles, I LOVE that you actually told people to READ THE ARTICLE and not just the abstract! LOL Great video, too. Thanks.
@@MegaTinni I think the commenter meant that a lot of people don't actually read into what the science says properly, or misinterpret the science. A lot of people only read abstracts and don't look at the methodology or results of the study. Furthermore, a study's results can be generalised to a larger population, but ultimately the results are only true for the population sample that was observed, under the conditions of the study. For example, some studies will use "cloth masks" in the abstract to describe the masks tested in the study. However, many of these studies only tested a few cloth mask models. Hence, the more appropriate formulation would be "under X conditions, cloth masks made of XYZ materials performed less effectively than other facemasks under the same conditions". However, the general public/people who aren't as scientifically litterate will most likely remember the "not effective" part more than they would the "conditions and materials" part, missing out on the fact that not all cloth masks are made equal. This is in part why so many people have gone out and claimed masks were useless despite not being knowledgeable in the field, including officials. Another thing that people only reading the abstract may miss out on is what exactly is being tested. A lot of studies will test how effectively masks filter naked viral particles or particulate matter of similar size. Most of them won't test how effectively masks stop droplets, which is what we're concerned about in the event of a droplet spread virus such as SARS-CoV-2. Many of them also test protection for the wearer rather than protection for others from the wearer (how well the mask contains the wearer's droplets).
@@meganepelletier853 My point was: you don't have to be a Ph.D. or a researcher to know you should look at scientific data to find knowledge on a subject (as opposed to the dangerous pseudo-science of a certain orange individual for instance).
@@davidturner1079 My respirators, some masks, and autoclave sheets are all non-woven polypropylene, but without the BFE or PFE for the Oly-fun (which I presume to be an olefin, such as polypropylene or polyethylene) you might only be able to go by look. If you can see thru it at all it isn't either, and it might be usable as an outer shell or inner lining, but not the filter layer.
I wish other professionals would provide this information in such a straightforward manner as you did. What we need is empowering information such as this, not just doom and gloom. For that I thank you.
Thanks for all you do in this scary time. Im in the medical field but retired 10 years ago. It takes a real HERO to stair this in the face and keep treating patients with it daily. Thank you again and may you and your loved ones stay safe.
I really like this video, because it is easy to follow. My current mask is like the simple folded one you showed. However, I use a nice looking fabric for the front, and use a Hoover vacuum bag that is the inner filter. It is a HEPA filter and will filter out 99.97% of floating material. I haven't had it tested, but with all sides sealed to the face, it will definitely do a very good job, even better, than the N95 masks. Note: breathing is not easy for a small surface, so I find that folding a larger cut pattern makes breathing much better. Practically any sewing center should have a collection of bags for sale, however the Hoover HEPA material is probably sold out. But there are off brands that use HEPA and electrostatic material and are just as good. I have found that I can buy a plastic set of two large bags and make four individual masks out of each one.
Please make a point of noting that people must use HEPA-rated bags and not HEPA filters, as most HEPA filters are made with fiberglass and you should never cut it or use it as a filter.
@@jlk103144 : I'm using the Olsen Mask pattern (with pocket) and for an ' optional/removable' filter am using FREEZER PAPER, not intended for lengthy hours of wear but appears to be functional as -- it is coated on one side and repels moisture as used for the wrapping of raw meat-fish-poultry / can be easily cut to required design / durable / economical as can be found in most grocery stores /disposable. These masks are being made to donate to those who express a desire for one and so far the feedback in using the FREEZER PAPER has been good. Brand I'm using is by Reynolds and states 'plastic coated'. I am also enclosing a precaution that 'if one experiences difficulty in breathing, they should remove it'. Footnote: The masks are a tightly woven cotton and I have sewn in plastic coated twist-tie wire on the seam line within 1½" from its end so the mask can be conformed to nose and cheekbone area plus had added a channel pocket to enable the elastic to be strung in two ways. (i.e.: For ear loops or behind the head.)
Thank you so, so much! As a health sciences librarian, I automatically love anyone who cites their data (and when it comes from peer reviewed journals)! This is the single most helpful take on the mask subject that I've seen to date.
watch the video by a former nurse who sewed 167,000 masks (its in the title the number) and what she learned to do for adjustments etc, also fascinating
It is so cool to find another health care professional that likes to sew. And we can use your passion to help our profession. I am a DPT in Outpatient. I have subscribed
These are wonderful ideas - and I am happy with the style Yale sent us to sew- like the florida mask, with the center seam. I feel reassured BUT it is important to know that unless you are exposed a lot to others, ANY of these masks will keep spittle and nose fluids OUT OF PLAY. And that is the priority, to keep your fluids off others , and to keep others' fluids off you. Any of these designs are plenty good enough for those of us who are IN and just out long enough for some fresh air and a bottle of milk with 6feet between us and any others.
yeah, people who are like "we don't even need masks because they don't work to keep contagions out" are probably those who are not concerned about being an asymptomatic carrier.
I feel that even if a mask doesn’t filter everything, one way it still helps me is that it keeps me from absentmindedly touching my face. I’m really bad about that so wearing a mask keeps me aware and is a constant reminder and barrier.
Elle Smith Fagan thank you for mentioning this. The cotton masks are great for what we laypersons need it for...prevention of spittle. Not only that ...social distancing and hand washing is still the best prevention along with wearing the cotton masks for quick trips out of the house for essential needs.
I admire your intellect. Thanks to all the nurses, doctors, policemen, firemen, truckers and farmers who are working regardless of all the danger. We couldn't do it without you guys!
Why aren't we thanking the factory workers in medical device manufacturing! I've been busting my ass while those poor people out of work, are making twice as much as I AM. I can't stand having a mask on for 8 hours a day . Corona virus is turning me into a hateful person.
I'm from the UK and we send our love our prayers and our support we think you are hero's please stay safe and healthy we thank you for all your hard work you are doing for us all you are true hero's you really are 💝💝💝💝💝🙏🙏🙏🙏👼👼👼👼👼
One aditional advice: DON'T pierce the filter- fabric with a pin( like the lady in the demo vid on the UF website did out of habit)! It would be a gate for any microbacteria. And it's best to use a slender machine needle for microtextiles. Stay save everybody!
@@Sewstine how would u make the one that passed if u only had an overlocker working n hadnt touched sewing projects for a decade? ive been able to make the Olson mask sans wire. this would be for community care assistants, shop keepers n other key workers, as in uk, no one among NHS is hinting at the public making these. closest ive heard is a few are sewing bags to carry their clothes in to reduce bringing it home
Is the mask moist? That moisture makes it a gateway for microorganisms. COVID-19 is not a bacteria, it's a virus. I'm not worried about microbacteria. I AM worried about COVID -19 virus.
Thank you for sharing this video, it’s very helpful!! I love that you are using fabric ties instead of elastics. Note to anyone who is making masks to donate to hospitals : Please try to use latex-free elastics or rubber bands if you are donating these masks to hospital workers. Regular elastics are made of natural latex, which is a sap from the hevea tree that is filled with highly allergenic proteins. According to the CDC up to 17% of healthcare workers are allergic to latex because of the gloves they wear and their symptoms can worsen if their skin is in contact with latex. It’s a cumulative allergy, like bee stings, so the symptoms can become severe overnight when you’re repeatedly exposed to latex. Once you develop this allergy it’s for life and there’s no treatment or cure. Latex allergy the #2 cause of death by anaphylaxis in the operating room, so it’s best to avoid wearing latex / NRL masks and gloves too if you can. The safe gloves are made of NITRILE or VINYL. For masks the safest ties are FABRIC ties (like bias) or latex-free elastics. Thank you for keeping us safe 🙌
Fabric ties can also be snugged up tighter and are less apt to loosen. More negatives about elastic from our resident RN - it is just harder on the ears in general, (abrasive); it is not easily adjustable;, and can snap at inopportune moments.
@@ezee-e Yes our daughter is an RN, currently workI guess primarily with Covid patients. She says the elastic ties can hurt the back of the ears (rub them raw) or break. Fabric ties are more likely to stay securely, and snugly, in place.
God, I love people who know how to research and piece together the big picture. To paraphrase Mark Watney (The Martian): " Let's science the shit out of this. "
“Read the whole paper” Thank you for your professional and wise comments...just heard about you through my other historical costuming channel....great to know about you too!!
My brother works in a hospital (not in medical field) and isn't used to wearing masks. I noticed when facetiming with him, he had gaps while wearing one. I suggested simply securing it to his face with medical tape and in that moment, I became his favorite sister.
Make sure the medical tape is the easy to remove kind, as skin gets irritated if you are taking tape off daily. This is your face. Pulling tape off is like getting a bikini wax in your under eye area.
@@hitoshidoth3503 Make sure it is the Easy Remove type of medical tape, if you want a much older sister. (I lost my big brother years ago. Technically, though, then I'd be more like a Mum. I am so NOT cut out for that job, lol.)
THANK YOU SO MUCH! This is best video and information I’ve seen on the internet and I’ve been researching for quite some time. You’ll never know how many people you have helped and possibly saved. I wish you the best.
Thank you for this. This is exactly the type of info we need right now. Facts based in science, and also the honesty that sometimes we dont have all the answers yet, but we're just doing the best thing we can at this moment.
When I sew I end up with some thread _through_ my fingers. God it's painful. Good thing I've never hit the bone, but I have gone through my fingernail(s). Ugg, I suck at sewing. I should probably stick to glue.
My great grandmother was a seamstress for 70 some odd years. Started in her mid teens and I remember when she was working she was loaded with stray threads.
I know what I'm gonna be sewing tomorrow! This is so helpful tho, because like I don't really have the experience to get through some of those papers! Thank you for explaining it in like such an easy to understand way!
I just made the University of Florida Anesthesia mask out of Non woven polypropylene. That's what the typical reusable Grocery bag is made of and is thus readily available (we all have them in our trunks!) I made mine with a double layer and it fits perfectly and is not difficult to breathe through. While I know it's not "Medically Approved", my research seems to say that it is better than cotton, while it may not be as good as N-95 mask, I feel comfortable with it. I appreciate your scientific approach to evaluate a good design based on it's efficacy and not its fashion statement.
I've heard the same: the thread of cotton fabric is too loose. I guess you can always sew an extra layer of cotton fabric outside for comfort, as long as it still fits snugly against the skin.
My recent research is telling me that blue shop towels is another readily available material that is great for this. They are so soft too which is perfect and I have multiple rolls of them. Apparently the Scott brand ones didn’t test as well as Zep brand ones but I’m pretty sure I have both.
@@gia9551 Yeah, I have a sample of the Scott PRO Shop Towels - note that there is also a non-Pro version which is mostly cellulose, I.E. paper. I'm not impressed with either, It seems like the Pro stuff has been embossed during manufacture to LOOK like a "normal" paper towel, I.E. with holes in it. Not what we want for a filter. But hey, I have a roll of it, it's suited to this mask design, which fits very well, so I'm going to whack a few of them up, using t-shirt hems and overlocked "strings" (which I have a lot of from my experiments with jersey) for the ties. I like the UoF#2 better than Suay Sewings pattern, which they have now published.
Dr. Killian in Toronto wants people to know that the non-woven polypropylene (breathable/not waterproofed) shopping bags are the same material that surgical pleated masks are made of. She said It is superior to cloth and filter. I dont have a specific link to her but it was within a few emails to me, from a personal account. She is also working on testing them in a lab.
You’re such a kind, intelligent individual. Thank you so much for doing research and putting more correct information out there! It’s amazing that you are doing something for the good of your community :)
Yes, kind and intelligent. However, look into: products.halyardhealth.com/surgical-solutions/sterilization-solutions/sterilization-wraps/halyard-quick-check-sterilization-wrap.html
Chinese made masks should be disposed of before use, if you have to use Chinese made mask sterilize it before using it because there are pictures of them contaminating masks at the factory by spitting and stepping on them. I have seen CCP partnered products being pushed in the comments section here.
@@SW-ii5gg 😱 REALLY 😲 I haven't seen any of these. Are we sure this is credible info? Could it be sensationalism or fear tactics? Let's hope this is NOT true. Couldn't hurt for sanitize it 1st though.
@@desireealger8117 search Chinese contaminating masks and decide for yourself, I would rather make my own than give the CCP any money and would much rather have a number of other trading partners than Mainland China if not domestic. My concern with H.K. shipped items is they are often used to ship products from CCP partnered companies.
Wow! Great video! I'm a recently retired Medical Laboratory Scientist and used to perform the annual fit testing of N95 face masks on my colleagues. It is so great to FINALLY hear someone point out that even the best mask is worthless if not properly fit tested and then donned and removed properly. It kills me when I see someone in a store wearing an N95 mask so that it covers only their mouth. What a total waste of an N95 which should be reserved for those in harm's way fighting this virus. Stay well!
@Susan Freeman agree!! I'm an R.N. I did the fit testing for my hospital staff, using the quantitative method with a Porta Count. I could pick the correct size for an employee 98% of the time and adjust to face just by looking at them because I tested so many. When you fit test with this method and there is a leak, the computer lets you know. The people wearing these ill fitted N95 masks around don't understand the air around them can leak inside the mask, and outside the mask. Pointless yes, should be used by health care workers and others on front line that actually get the OSHA mandated fit testing. Thank you, stay well!
Thank you soooo much for your review. By far it was the most researched and thorough of the many that are out there. I received my order of Halyard H600 material and am now making masks. I had to seek another source for the material. I found it at Grayline Medical.
Dear Sewstine: I am also a doctor and a seamstress. I appreciate the testing you did. With my large, square jaw and chin, I have modified and developed a different pattern. It goes all the way out to my ears and wraps under my jaw, and I used floral wire and then paper clips, instead of the 16 gauge wire. Those both work fine at keeping the mask close to my face. My design seems to work well, but I am going to ask the nurse manager to do the “stinky-bitter” fit test on me with it this week.
Thank you so much for taking the precious time to make, test and share your mask testing. I have been hesitant to make any out of cotton but will be tracking down Halyard H600 and making masks for my local hospital, which is full of elderly residents of a nursing home that all became infected. I will put in a note about the material and your recommendation to tape the edges. Stay safe yourself.
@@Sewstine my pack of Halyard H600 arrived today; it is enough to make about 560 masks for about $130 and my time. But it is single layer, not the double layer as you showed so my masks will be all blue.
Oh thank you SO much! I’ve been prepping material and ties for sewn masks and though I can’t get the specialty materials, this pattern is so much better than the one I was gonna use! It was cool to see the test-I never knew such a thing existed... 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👍🏼🖤
My wife has experimented with a couple of these for me. I am a male 5'10" with a 7-3/8" hat band measurement. I wear glasses which can make finding a good mask bothersome. I am autistic and have sensory processing disorder so something not fitting "just right" will drive me crazy. The Florida style mask was the one she found easiest to make. A few points in no particular order: -With larger nose, my wife needed to enlarge (raise & push outwards) the nose area to get a good seal beside the nose and prevent leaks an fogging glasses; -Used single and doubled up 16 gauge steel wire (fencing supplies) for the nose and it worked fine though With my larger face I needed about a 6" piece to get a fit, just filed down the sharp ends and made the slot to hold it smaller; -The patterns as shown as slightly too small for me, males may need more tissue or longer straps, we ended up making it a bit wider and adding an extra fold of material to get a proper width; -A point raised during the fit test with only women and having smaller chins, for me most of the patterns are a bit tight in the chin, looking for a solution. I'll see if I can post something when we get it sorted, thanks for all your hard work and trying to keep people safe!
@Jeroy Lenkins - Your point about the nose is well-taken. Most Mongoloids have rather short noses, whereas Caucasoids tend to have rather prominent noses, making a close fit of masks at the bridge of the nose problematic.
If you are wearing glasses and the mask are fogging those up then you are not getting a proper seal. You should be able to breathe out and not feel.any air coming from around the sides
Jeroy Lenkins I read some responses suggesting using Kinesiology tape to make a good seal in leaking areas - it is easier to remove and is gentler on skin. I have also seen double sided tape used but I have never seen medical grade double sided tape ? Also on Etsy I saw a guy who had made a clip to be placed on the outside of the mask. He admits it looks silly but he said it works ! Look up RadersEngraving - mask nose clip. I got some and it works. Good luck.
Thank you, this is awesome. I was looking all over about a month ago for a tutorial that addressed which of the many patterns is the best, and couldn't find anything. I ended up sewing some and taking a guess. So glad you were able to use your fit testing equipment to give some guidance.
Thank you! This was awesome and so very thorough, which is exactly what we need most right now! I've made several different kinds but wasn't sure how well they protect, and I have very sensitive lungs, but no proper/official mask, so I kinda scrambled for whatever I could do without a machine (one meant for riding motorcycle/dust protection, one made from a newish bra with more padding than a bra should really have, and the folding kind that didn't pass your tests. I fear the padding will absorb everything, and the others are too thin). I think we (those of us who don't work in a hospital setting and don't have access to this type of research, and have families to protect) are all kinda flying by the seat of our pants, so this was an incredible find. Thank you for all your hard work!
This was the BEST video I've seen with tons of great info. I really appreciate the time you put into it. We currently have enough Halyard 600 to make almost 13k masks. A quick note, Halyard is generally autoclaved between 121C and 132C, polyester (for thread) melts between 240C and 270C. Since we're about to construct these masks in the thousands I had to deconstruct the pattern to eliminate bottlenecks. If a rectangle of fabric is cut that's 5.5"x9" you can eliminate the curves which take too much time to cut. Knit fabric can be cut into strips for the ties and attached by punching holes with hole punch instead of sewing it in. All the darts and tie placements are the same using the rectangle. If desired the top corners of the finished mask can be snipped off but they don't affect function if left. I don't believe it's necessary to sew around the edges of the mask. Also, they sell precut nose pieces (rounded edges) we're waiting to get in but they look promising. Thanks again!
Thank you so much! I didn't know that about the Halyard - I just know from some manufacturing sheets I looked at that it could be autoclaved to 240C - and wasn't sure what the standard usually is. I suppose if your hospital autoclaves it that low, polyester is definitely an option!
@Newton Sewing Studio, I understand the need to simplify the pattern for making many. Can you please help the rest of us? I'm not quite sure I understood what you did to the pattern. And how you can use a hole punch for ties without compromising the mask. Will the masks still pass the fitness test once they have been constructed in the way you're talking about? Thank you it would help if we could make and donate many, faster.
I am so thrilled that there is something that people could be doing to help. Getting the materials here in Canada is impossible for the average person, but sharing the pattern with hospital centers can be very useful for places in our far north. Thanks!
This is amazing! Thank you so much. From the beginning of this I researched the possibilities and came away feeling so conflicted, confused and deflated. I've made a few masks, but I feel so conflicted when I give them to people (not harming/giving false confidence to wearers). Your video is simple, easy to follow and helps restore my faith that my efforts at the sewing machine are helping.
Wow...I have tons to learn, thank you for the link to the general papers. I have a particulate mask and tons of others for all of my hobbies but never thought about making one until this era began. I will read all(not for money but I just like to read because one day this might even help me with woodworking, automotive or gardening) of these. I’m a long term goal type so no rush. Another set of skills for my “BackYardJackofAllTrades.”
Hello! My friend has been making masks like the last one and it is my favorite. Hers are different however in that they use one string and she uses tshirt string. I double knot them in one place and it can slide up and down the material, making it easy to remove. And she uses a double wire from coffee bags to create the nose piece, creating where I can have both a barrier hold and a hold that helps it rest comfortably on my nose in a way that stays in place when I'm talking. I'd love to see the fit test with these pattern changes and know more about the breathability of the fabric you're discussing. Thank you so much for this video! I also have background in healthcare; I used to work as a PCT on a pulmonary medical unit at a hospital here in IL. Now I work for Amazon. It would mean a lot the warehouse industry to find something that protects us and doesn't overheat us in 8-12 hours of wear on the clock.
Thank you - we're making general use masks for members of the public who'd like to reduce risk (and it gives us something to do together online via zoom). Your video is really informative and gives us good context for how a "real" mask works.
I was able to make a mask following your pattern in just 25 minutes, and I had never used a sewing machine before! The T-shirt material for strings is very comfortable, and I used an extra pillowcase for the mask part. Big thanks to you for putting this tutorial together!
Thank you for making this video and clarifying that cloth masks is better than having no barrier at all. My friend is a hospital nurse and some awesome people have teamed up to sew masks and this info would be great to pass on as my nurse friend did say that fit could be better so these patterns are great and hopefully they can get that material too.
Thanks so much for sharing your research and spirit of camaraderie in making and fit testing these masks. Inspires confidence in the whole mask-wearing recommendation. May you and your colleagues stay safe and well!
I’ve made these masks at UF. One thing I noticed is that I think you sewed on the line for the small darts. That little triangle of fabric is supposed to be cut out and then the resulting dart sewn with a 1/4" seam allowance. I think that would provide a slightly tighter fit.
Nice catch with the dart and the seam allowance to make a closer fit. I am glad you mentioned it and I caught your comment, as I might have done the same thing. Although I am also very glad she mentioned you might need to adjust the size of the dart for a better fit.
But she’s using the cutting line as the sewing line which adds about 1/2" at the bottom of the mask. That might be why it had to be taped on to pass their fit test. That style passed the fit test at UF/Shands when made the way I described.
I'm sure I heard her say that she doesn't cut the fabric but sews 1/4" below the marked line, thereby keeping it exactly the same measurement as if she were to cut the dart out.
I subscribed five minutes in! This is what we need right now, informed, intelligent people sharing empowering information in a really simple and entertaining way. Thank you!
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.
Thank you so much for this VERY INFORMATIVE tutorial. I had already downloaded this pattern from the U of F and your tutorial was by for the best accompaniment. I also wanted to thank you for your service to the community. Your work and your attitude is to be commended. Please stay safe.
Thank you so much for explaining some of the sciencey stuff about the masks. Going to pass this along to some instagram friends that are either healthcare workers or making masks to help out.
Hi guys! Quick FAQ: How do you clean the mask? Halyard H600 is waterproof so for the person without an autoclave, it makes sense to wipe down with a wet/alcohol wipe if dirty. Then put in a paper bag (so it can dry), then pick it up after 3 days (covid dies in 3 days). I can't get this material. Wouldn't hospitals suffer if I buy the material? My apologies. This video was made before the CDC recommended everyone wear a mask. This mask tutorial was designed for the person who wanted to make masks to donate to the hospital. Most hopitals that have operating roms have this paper in abundance. I am not quite sure where you would get this material other than the two links I posted. Wouldn't the last mask pass with a wire on the nose? I'm sorry - I forgot to mention that I have a wire put in at the nose. It worked well there, but it seemed to fail underneath the mask where it connected to the chin. Where is the pattern? It's in the descriptions. Please download the pdf instructions. The mask pattern is on the last page of the pdf instructions. Why is Halyard so expensive? I'm afraid the price has gone up since this video has come out. However, please keep in mind you are usually purchasing bulk - usually 24 - 72 sheets at once. I'll add to this as I get more questions. :)
Hi! Thank you! Yes! I still recommend cotton, and the NYTimes released a nice summary of all the research out there on how to choose the best cotton. And since all the masks were made of the same material, it was only the shape that would cause it to fail. :) www.nytimes.com/article/coronavirus-homemade-mask-material-DIY-face-mask-ppe.html
You have NO IDEA how awesome this video is!! I have been looking at so many different types of masks and trying to determine which design would actually keep us safe. It's overwhelming to say the least! The fact that you actually TESTED the different designs was priceless. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! Please take care of yourself and stay safe...
Thank you so much, this is perfect, I found a fix for me for the chin, I am petite and have a very small face, so instead of using strings to tie it down I did elastic, so the one from below goes above my head so it makes the chin part very secure and the other one a little above my ears, hopefully you can picture what I say, you will pass the test with no problem!!! Thanks a lot, I am already sharing this with my family 💜💜💜😷 stay Safe!!!!!
Wow, thankyou so much! I am a sewer ++ and also a doctor, but because of border closures where I live, I am telehealthing from home right now (about 5 of us are doing this, as it is a huge part of our job normally, and it leaves the live in and same state doctors more time to rest and stay fit). I have ready access to my sewing machines, and have been fiddling about making various styles with fabric and non woven shopping bag fabric, but I will see if my local hospital and veterinary clinic have any Halyard 600, and I will be using the UF 2 pattern as of this morning. I am hoping I can make more useful N95 type masks for my workplace and local facilities, because although we are not short stocked yet, we will be soon.....
I have been making these for the past week. Making them for an ER nurse at a local hospital who was able to attain the Halyard fabric. By her simple fit test (no helmet involved) she determined the #2 version was also the best. I was so happy to see you performed more thorough testing as I wondered about the sewing needle perforating the fabric, and being a weak link I. The process you showed has alleviated this concern. We also used elastic instead of the ties. Don’t know how elastic will hold up to the autoclave process though. Thank you so much for a very thorough review. I have not found any better, to date.
This material has a low melting point. You can literally FUSE it together. If we could get a press shaped like an orange squeezing press that heats up then we could take this material and create masks in seconds. The straps could be fused on as well. Fusing it would eliminate the holes from our sewing machine needles. I am going to see if a glue gun works but I wish someone would take this material to someone who knows about machines. I am thinking a face mask shaped heated embossing machine would create the shape and fuse the seams.
I wonder if you could use a defocused laser engraver. I used to have a commercial laser cutter and if it was defocused, it wouldn't cut or engrave properly - basically spreads the heat over a larger area. With a large enough bed, you could do many at once. Just a thought.
@@terryp680 I like that idea. I am mainly thinking about the center seam so that it is sealed. I would love to know if anyone finds something that works. I have thought about those vacuum seal machines but I need it to be curved into the shape of that seam.
Doc, I really appreciate the research that you did to back yourself. So many just speak from opinion rather than finding true empirical research conducted and peer-reviewed before publishing.
Back in the dinosaur days in the 80's, I worked in a small community hospital that still autoclaved their masks and surgical instruments. All the nurses would put together the surgical kits and autoclave them ... This brings back the memories ...
Back when gloves were optional 😬 It's great that there are leaps and bounds in infection control. I shudder thinking about cold sterilization, and sterilising needles!! 🤦
I am proud of myself! I am a surgical tech, and I work for an Ophthalmologist. I was asked to make cotton masks for our office workers. I came up with the idea of using our sterilization wrap about a week ago. I'm glad to know I was on the right track! I made several masks for us.
I just ordered the sterilization wrap that she recommended, and I made a mask as per the video. The problem I'm having is it smells like chemicals, and I'm concerned the components of the wrap (polypropylene, phthalocyanine blue pigment, potassium phosphate anti-static treatment) are not good to inhale. Did you experience a chemical smell from the material or any concerns about this? Did you autoclave or wash the wrap or the masks you made before you used them? Also, curious if you could smell perfume through them. I put perfume up to my face with the mask on, and was able to smell the perfume. I figured that was a quick and dirty fit test that failed. I'm assuming the holes made with the needles and thread provide some opportunity for the perfume to infiltrate.
Wonderful video! Very informative. I love that your info was all evidence-based. Great explanations as well. Thank you for being so responsible, thoughtful, and for sharing your talents. You rock! 👍👍👍
I was thinking about the “chin” dilemma. Perhaps a small piece of elastic across the chin edge would allow for a closer fit. Thanks for your insights, from another MD. You have a lovely way of simplifying information.
I found a video yesterday from ProperFit Clothing. Their mask has a little piece that goes under the chin, and looks really well thought. I'm still trying to get through sewing a basic mask. So I cant vouch for it yet, but I really want to try it.
Elastic bands might not survive autoclave temperatures, the same as polyester, acrylic, and/or nylon threads. Additionally, elastic might run the risk of causing puckering in the fabric, creating wrinkle-gaps in the material. And one last thought--go slowly, use a thin needle, and stitch your seams as close to the edges as you dare, because the holes the thread goes through are also potential airflow problems. One potential way to solve this is to use a strip of thick felted wool, which will help fluff up and further slow any particulate transmissions through the stitching holes...but the closer to the mask edge you can get, the better, because it'll be pressed up against your skin at that point, as a self-seal.
I did a box pleat for mine, which worked really well. I did it after the mask had been sewn so that I could get the most accurate idea of how much I would need to take out for my specific face. I also did a little dart over the nose, which helped it stay in place better.
Erin Taylor I made that mask the other day liking the piece under the chin. I found it didn’t really fit me well under the chin, it was very loose, so I’m looking for other patterns, or may try it again and resize it.
My wife's reaction to your "super helpful" video: - She can only hope that the material used is easily accessible in local fabric shops (in our area). - The 4th pattern or mask you fitted could have passed too if the pattern was contoured correctly. What she meant by that was, the horizontal cut below the mask that touches a person's chin should be contoured too rather than cut straight (or maybe if there was any small contours, should be adjusted more) along with the height of sides. By that way, it'll be hugging the chin up to the cheeks more snugly. (She hand-sewn one and there was no "air-gap" as opposed to the straight cut version. Hope that helps. :)
She mentioned in the video that the fabric she used was intended for hospitals (it's obvious that a regular fabric shop would not sell that kind of material) and included links to purchase it online, so it's a bit unfair to criticize her for that. Thank you for the tip about the 4th mask pattern though. :)
I loved your video. I just wanted to point out that Halyard and the vacuum bags that people are cutting up and using for filters in cloth masks are BOTH made of polypropylene. The filter layer in N95 masks are also made of polypropylene. Wasn’t sure if you realized that but that’s great news because it’s so readily available!
@@vlg8482 I made a couple of these today using 3 layers of high thread count sheeting and using cotton twill tape for the ties (much faster to do this- less fraying!). The fit was good and I tested them with my steamer to see how much steam passed through. They seem fine to wear in public to prevent spreading visible droplets, but would not be effective in a hospital setting. Fine to wear out for a walk if you cannot access medical grade N95s. Of the 4 patterns I have tried so far, this was easiest, fastest and the only one that easily fit my husband's face! We call it the "duck bill".
Just ordered 100, 20" x 20" sheets of Halyard fabric fro Greyline. Now to hunt down some 1/8" twill tape and I will be ready to sew! Thank you so much for your informative video.
Where did you find 20 x 20"? I have been searching!! I am a volunteer sewing for the local police department and Baptist East hospital on MY budget, lol, so this would really help if I could find smaller and maybe less expensive Halyard H600 sheets. Thanks you!
@@leslieturner I figured it out after awhile, there are no more 20x20 left, she gave us a good scoop but they are gone for now. To send a link, the easiest way I know how to do, is highlight it in the address bar at the top, copy (cntrl c) then paste (cntrl v) in your message. Some links are too far into the websie so you have to shorten it to the main webpage sometimes. :-)
I have started using crafting pipe cleaners, 12" 6mm chenille. I fold them in half then twist them using a hook in a cordless drill, not too tightly. They are comfortable and hold their shape nicely. I came here to see your mask test, but I am fascinated with your other content and look forward to seeing your next creations! Thank you, Rich
I only read a few hundred of the 2200+ comments so I don't know if this information came up before. After you made this video, the American Chemical Society tested filtration efficiency of several different commonly available fabrics including combinations. Some of the combinations were about as efficient as N95 masks. It's a technical article: pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsnano.0c03252. One of the best combinations was garden variety 120 TPI cotton in two layers with quilt filling described as ~0.5cm, 90% cotton, 5% polyester, 5% other fibers. They theorize that the combinations they tested were providing both mechanical and electrostatic filtration.
Can you do another test? This sounds like a lot to ask for but it is practical. Seeing as most all of us ALREADY HAVE cotton fabric. (From what you say, your paper will be hard to come by and expensive.) With cotton fabric available, simply using washable medium weight nonwoven interfacing for the filter is practical! Test to see if the sewn-in layer of interfacing filter and 2 layers of fabric that cover it is safe. Dr's have recommended the interfacing for the filter and it is purchased at a fabric store. I am not able to buy your paper but I have a lot of fabric. Thank you for trying so hard to help us and for sharing the information.
Suzanka C I want a test with felt as the filter. Using felt sewn into my masks as the ‘non-woven’ material between two pieces of fabric. .01 microns though... that’s so small. It really makes it feel like all this sewing has been a waste :(
I am using felt as insert only in very front of my cotton mask. Works fine for me in Texas. My ties are made out of the same cotton fabric. It stretches and ties well to fit. However, I am a senior citizen and not going out much.
I’ve been sewing all different pattern for face mask I found one pattern That design o lot of Korean people use for their face mask I let family and friends for tried them on So I got feet back from who were using my face mask Also I made filter packet so I sued 3 layers cotton fabric I’ve been donate the face masks also people buy from me So I use that money to buy more stuffs for face mask I’ve been home almost 3weeks But at lease I can do sewing for face mask I will sew until we kick off Coronavirus 19
Added elastic to the bottom of the mask pattern you liked best. It works great for all of our family but we also just made fabric masks from cotton so I don’t know how affective it would be with the halyard fabric. Hope you find a way to use the one you liked best 😉. Thank you for all your knowledge and amazing resources. Best video I’ve seen yet💕. Stay safe and thank you again
Bravo!!! Thanks for the links to the scientific papers! I never recommend anything without getting a feel for the direction that the research is going. Most importantly, you have some fit test data! Critical. Also, the 3 designs that failed fit testing for your 3 subjects may work for some people, so don't completely give up on those designs yet. I encourage you to try to get more subjects to fit test, esp. people with a variety of face shapes. When asked about the best respirator, or in this case, the best pattern design, my standard answer is---the best is the one that gives YOU the best fit! I think a point worth noting is that you have chosen a material that is autoclavable (halyard 600), which makes re-use SO much easier for many healthcare workers if the hospital will do the autoclaving. I have been trying to stay on top of the literature around emergency methods to decon N-95s to extent use for HCWs. This will be logistically very challenging for medical centers, because the most promising methods to date need to be done using structured protocols to keep everyone safe. Ideas around sewing cloth masks with a metal band for fitting around nose, and a filter pocket seems like an appealing alternative. If Halyard 600 is shown to be an effective filter material for particulates, it could easily be inserted into a filter pocket, and then removed so a cloth mask could be then laundered normally in hot water with a detergent based laundry soap, then put through a full cycle in a hot dryer. BTW, many hospital folks are liking the Olsen design- cloth with nose clip & filter pocket. Google it to find the pattern. It looks somewhat similar to one of your designs. I think you need a certain face shape, though, for that style. I have a feeling it might not be great for those with broader, flatter features for the same reasons that the duck bill-style seems to work better than a molded dome shape for those folks. That's why there is no such thing 'as one size fits all' for PPE. So, a great next step would be to take Dr Sewstine's ideas about using Halyard materials and perhaps other sterile, autoclavable materials already out there, and do some research regarding particle penetration. Does anyone here know of anyone with a research Grant in need of a project? I would suggest looking at engineering students & professors to start.... Thanks again for your great work. Keep it up!
Thank you for all this information! I think an important message is that for the general public, any mask is probably better than no mask, because it will at least block droplets and it will stop you from touching your mouth and nose. It will also block any droplets coming from you the wearer if you are unknowingly contagious. Thanks again! Time to test out my home-ec sewing lessons from 40 years ago.
For males among the public, and if applying the pattern to regular cloth instead of the hospital stuff, I found it too short near the chin. I'm going back to the method that starts with 9"square cloth and adds pleats etc.
Thank you for going to the effort of making and properly fit testing the different masks. I’d also be interested in seeing how one made with the material from the HEPA filter vacuum bags would stand up to the fit test. Thankfully the theatre at my husbands work were happy to give me the wraps from their set ups the other day, I’m about to go down and try making my first one! I’d be interested in hearing from anyone who made their own following this pattern but in a different fabric and tried fit testing the mask to see how it works. It obviously wouldn’t be as effective, but it would be interesting to know. Thank you again for your work.
That's an interesting idea. I confess I don't have the time or materials to test it but it would be an interesting one to try. I would recommend getting any of the Halyard H-series if you can over something that hasn't had its BFE checked.
Sewstine I’ve done some more research, I definitely don’t want to use the HEPA filter bags now, especially since I can get the sterile sheets so easily. I also made my first few masks following along with your video this morning! It was so quick and easy! It’s going to be more tricky, but I’m going to try using elastic instead of ties for my next one, just to try it out. Thanks once again!
AndyCalera I read that Hoover has recommended that people not use vacuum cleaner bags because they contain fiberglass. I don’t have a source for that information though but seems logical.
Thank you for sharing your video, links to your material and sources of your data. Very thorough and thoughtful. This will help a lot of people. Stay safe and healthy!
People keep quoting the size of the coronavirus, but it doesn't spread via individual aerosolized viruses. It's mostly spread via respiratory droplets greater than 5 microns.
Not Exactly. Recent data shows more evidence that aerosol-sized particles may be important in close range transmission: www.infectiousdiseaseadvisor.com/home/topics/covid19/respiratory-transmission-of-covid19-coronavirus/
Many many thanks to all the medical professionals and other workers working to beat this viruses ass! You are appreciated more than you will ever know. Bless you all and stay safe!
I've literally just finished purchasing all the equipment to make mask for my family/first responders in my life, and this video gave me so much more to think about. I appreciate you so much and am so truly grateful. Please stay safe and thanks to all the helpers who assisted you with the dissemination of all this great info. Stay safe and be well.
I’ve been watching numerous mask making videos....yours is far superior! As a retired OR/OB/ and nurse educator, I have struggled with the inability to “help” my former colleagues in caring for Covid patients. As a 72 year old diabetic, I have to self isolate. Making masks has been the little I can do. Mine will be cloth “cheerful” masks for wearing out in public. I believe that that example is important in the community. Thanks for doing this!
as a person with a pointier nose and glasses, i recommend using a longer piece of wire to improve the seal on top
As an editor mostly of academic journal articles, I LOVE that you actually told people to READ THE ARTICLE and not just the abstract! LOL Great video, too. Thanks.
Betsy Lane as a health researcher I cheered too! :)
The trick is accessing articles behind a n*$100 paywall...
I am Ph.D. and a researcher and LOVE that you looked at the actual research. Thanks so much!
Real quick, I've heard that non-woven poly might be a decent substitute (poly-fun). Can anyone speak to this at all?
Why wouldn't she? It is always smart to get expert advice. I don't let my plumber color my hair ;)
@@MegaTinni I think the commenter meant that a lot of people don't actually read into what the science says properly, or misinterpret the science. A lot of people only read abstracts and don't look at the methodology or results of the study. Furthermore, a study's results can be generalised to a larger population, but ultimately the results are only true for the population sample that was observed, under the conditions of the study.
For example, some studies will use "cloth masks" in the abstract to describe the masks tested in the study. However, many of these studies only tested a few cloth mask models. Hence, the more appropriate formulation would be "under X conditions, cloth masks made of XYZ materials performed less effectively than other facemasks under the same conditions". However, the general public/people who aren't as scientifically litterate will most likely remember the "not effective" part more than they would the "conditions and materials" part, missing out on the fact that not all cloth masks are made equal. This is in part why so many people have gone out and claimed masks were useless despite not being knowledgeable in the field, including officials.
Another thing that people only reading the abstract may miss out on is what exactly is being tested. A lot of studies will test how effectively masks filter naked viral particles or particulate matter of similar size. Most of them won't test how effectively masks stop droplets, which is what we're concerned about in the event of a droplet spread virus such as SARS-CoV-2. Many of them also test protection for the wearer rather than protection for others from the wearer (how well the mask contains the wearer's droplets).
@@meganepelletier853 My point was: you don't have to be a Ph.D. or a researcher to know you should look at scientific data to find knowledge on a subject (as opposed to the dangerous pseudo-science of a certain orange individual for instance).
@@davidturner1079 My respirators, some masks, and autoclave sheets are all non-woven polypropylene, but without the BFE or PFE for the Oly-fun (which I presume to be an olefin, such as polypropylene or polyethylene) you might only be able to go by look. If you can see thru it at all it isn't either, and it might be usable as an outer shell or inner lining, but not the filter layer.
Love the thread on your shoulder. Having thread stuck to your clothes is the sign of a true seamstress
Thank you!
And the occasional straight pin above the bra strap in my count
Safty pins, larger needles, even, are other signs.
I'm Irish and I'm offically pronouncing thread on your shoulder Lucky ... expecially silk thread!
I we wondered about if anyone else noticed.
I wish other professionals would provide this information in such a straightforward manner as you did. What we need is empowering information such as this, not just doom and gloom. For that I thank you.
Thanks for all you do in this scary time. Im in the medical field but retired 10 years ago. It takes a real HERO to stair this in the face and keep treating patients with it daily. Thank you again and may you and your loved ones stay safe.
I really like this video, because it is easy to follow. My current mask is like the simple folded one you showed. However, I use a nice looking fabric for the front, and use a Hoover vacuum bag that is the inner filter. It is a HEPA filter and will filter out 99.97% of floating material. I haven't had it tested, but with all sides sealed to the face, it will definitely do a very good job, even better, than the N95 masks. Note: breathing is not easy for a small surface, so I find that folding a larger cut pattern makes breathing much better.
Practically any sewing center should have a collection of bags for sale, however the Hoover HEPA material is probably sold out. But there are off brands that use HEPA and electrostatic material and are just as good. I have found that I can buy a plastic set of two large bags and make four individual masks out of each one.
Please make a point of noting that people must use HEPA-rated bags and not HEPA filters, as most HEPA filters are made with fiberglass and you should never cut it or use it as a filter.
Only the Hepa vacuum bags do not contain fiberglass, according to ezvacuum.com
@@jlk103144 : I'm using the Olsen Mask pattern (with pocket) and for an ' optional/removable' filter am using FREEZER PAPER, not intended for lengthy hours of wear but appears to be functional as -- it is coated on one side and repels moisture as used for the wrapping of raw meat-fish-poultry / can be easily cut to required design / durable / economical as can be found in most grocery stores /disposable. These masks are being made to donate to those who express a desire for one and so far the feedback in using the FREEZER PAPER has been good. Brand I'm using is by Reynolds and states 'plastic coated'. I am also enclosing a precaution that 'if one experiences difficulty in breathing, they should remove it'.
Footnote: The masks are a tightly woven cotton and I have sewn in plastic coated twist-tie wire on the seam line within 1½" from its end so the mask can be conformed to nose and cheekbone area plus had added a channel pocket to enable the elastic to be strung in two ways. (i.e.: For ear loops or behind the head.)
Thank you so, so much! As a health sciences librarian, I automatically love anyone who cites their data (and when it comes from peer reviewed journals)! This is the single most helpful take on the mask subject that I've seen to date.
Marliese Thomas amen to that!
watch the video by a former nurse who sewed 167,000 masks (its in the title the number) and what she learned to do for adjustments etc, also fascinating
@@ezee-e Just adding the link to the video, you mentioned. Thanks for mentioning it so it was easy to find.
ruclips.net/video/N4r8nwFdUxY/видео.html
Seen a lot of these videos. Yours is the first to actually go into detail of how it works and testing it. Thanks.
It is so cool to find another health care professional that likes to sew. And we can use your passion to help our profession. I am a DPT in Outpatient. I have subscribed
im a nurse and love sewing stay safe everyone
These are wonderful ideas - and I am happy with the style Yale sent us to sew- like the florida mask, with the center seam. I feel reassured BUT it is important to know that unless you are exposed a lot to others, ANY of these masks will keep spittle and nose fluids OUT OF PLAY. And that is the priority, to keep your fluids off others , and to keep others' fluids off you. Any of these designs are plenty good enough for those of us who are IN and just out long enough for some fresh air and a bottle of milk with 6feet between us and any others.
yeah, people who are like "we don't even need masks because they don't work to keep contagions out" are probably those who are not concerned about being an asymptomatic carrier.
I feel that even if a mask doesn’t filter everything, one way it still helps me is that it keeps me from absentmindedly touching my face. I’m really bad about that so wearing a mask keeps me aware and is a constant reminder and barrier.
Elle Smith Fagan thank you for mentioning this. The cotton masks are great for what we laypersons need it for...prevention of spittle. Not only that ...social distancing and hand washing is still the best prevention along with wearing the cotton masks for quick trips out of the house for essential needs.
I admire your intellect. Thanks to all the nurses, doctors, policemen, firemen, truckers and farmers who are working regardless of all the danger. We couldn't do it without you guys!
And thanks to all the supermarket and pharmacy workers who can’t just close shop... 👏👍😷
@@lottatroublemaker6130 And our mail carriers.
And everything would be disgusting without cleaners. Thank you cleaners/custodians/janitors!!
Why aren't we thanking the factory workers in medical device manufacturing! I've been busting my ass while those poor people out of work, are making twice as much as I AM. I can't stand having a mask on for 8 hours a day . Corona virus is turning me into a hateful person.
I'm from the UK and we send our love our prayers and our support we think you are hero's please stay safe and healthy we thank you for all your hard work you are doing for us all you are true hero's you really are 💝💝💝💝💝🙏🙏🙏🙏👼👼👼👼👼
One aditional advice:
DON'T pierce the filter- fabric with a pin( like the lady in the demo vid on the UF website did out of habit)!
It would be a gate for any microbacteria.
And it's best to use a slender machine needle for microtextiles.
Stay save everybody!
Agreed! I only used clips for that reason as well.
+ Thank you, I wouldn't have thought of this.
@@Sewstine how would u make the one that passed if u only had an overlocker working n hadnt touched sewing projects for a decade? ive been able to make the Olson mask sans wire. this would be for community care assistants, shop keepers n other key workers, as in uk, no one among NHS is hinting at the public making these. closest ive heard is a few are sewing bags to carry their clothes in to reduce bringing it home
Is the mask moist? That moisture makes it a gateway for microorganisms. COVID-19 is not a bacteria, it's a virus. I'm not worried about microbacteria. I AM worried about COVID -19 virus.
@@zackxster Washing with warm water "Sanitizes" the mask. This is not sterilization.
Thank you for sharing this video, it’s very helpful!! I love that you are using fabric ties instead of elastics. Note to anyone who is making masks to donate to hospitals :
Please try to use latex-free elastics or rubber bands if you are donating these masks to hospital workers. Regular elastics are made of natural latex, which is a sap from the hevea tree that is filled with highly allergenic proteins.
According to the CDC up to 17% of healthcare workers are allergic to latex because of the gloves they wear and their symptoms can worsen if their skin is in contact with latex. It’s a cumulative allergy, like bee stings, so the symptoms can become severe overnight when you’re repeatedly exposed to latex. Once you develop this allergy it’s for life and there’s no treatment or cure. Latex allergy the #2 cause of death by anaphylaxis in the operating room, so it’s best to avoid wearing latex / NRL masks and gloves too if you can. The safe gloves are made of NITRILE or VINYL.
For masks the safest ties are FABRIC ties (like bias) or latex-free elastics.
Thank you for keeping us safe 🙌
Fabric ties can also be snugged up tighter and are less apt to loosen.
More negatives about elastic from our resident RN - it is just harder on the ears in general, (abrasive); it is not easily adjustable;, and can snap at inopportune moments.
i like using clean cotton sneaker lacing or paracord, seems safe
@@karenwolf1938 nurse tells me that also they prefer no elastic bands at all.. too harsh
@@ezee-e Yes our daughter is an RN, currently workI guess primarily with Covid patients. She says the elastic ties can hurt the back of the ears (rub them raw) or break. Fabric ties are more likely to stay securely, and snugly, in place.
Karen Wolf so true! 🤗
God, I love people who know how to research and piece together the big picture. To paraphrase Mark Watney (The Martian): " Let's science the shit out of this. "
Me too! Isn't she awesome?
That is an awesome movie....and a great quote!
Funny AND True!!!
@Emmanuel Goldstein She's a doctor dude, she doesn't just sound smart.
@Emmanuel Goldstein no u
I really appreciate the references to the studies!
“Read the whole paper” Thank you for your professional and wise comments...just heard about you through my other historical costuming channel....great to know about you too!!
@Sara Smith No need for you to be spamming these comments friend
@@melweismann sure there is, she has to make that .50 cents shilling for the Chinese Communist Party partnered products, she is a good wumao.
My brother works in a hospital (not in medical field) and isn't used to wearing masks. I noticed when facetiming with him, he had gaps while wearing one. I suggested simply securing it to his face with medical tape and in that moment, I became his favorite sister.
Beth I have one brother. Could you please suggest something to me. I always wanted a sister. 😁
Make sure the medical tape is the easy to remove kind, as skin gets irritated if you are taking tape off daily. This is your face. Pulling tape off is like getting a bikini wax in your under eye area.
@@hitoshidoth3503 Make sure it is the Easy Remove type of medical tape, if you want a much older sister. (I lost my big brother years ago. Technically, though, then I'd be more like a Mum. I am so NOT cut out for that job, lol.)
Angelle Guyette why wouldn’t you be cut out for that job? And why would you be older than me? How young do you think that I am. 😂
Have you looked into kinesiology tape?
THANK YOU SO MUCH! This is best video and information I’ve seen on the internet and I’ve been researching for quite some time. You’ll never know how many people you have helped and possibly saved. I wish you the best.
Thank you for this. This is exactly the type of info we need right now. Facts based in science, and also the honesty that sometimes we dont have all the answers yet, but we're just doing the best thing we can at this moment.
I love that you have a black thread on your shirt. A sign of a seamstress,. 💖 when I sew I end up with thread all over.
When I sew I end up with some thread _through_ my fingers. God it's painful. Good thing I've never hit the bone, but I have gone through my fingernail(s). Ugg, I suck at sewing. I should probably stick to glue.
When I sew, it looks like PigPen from the Charlie Brown comic strip has been there.
My great grandmother was a seamstress for 70 some odd years. Started in her mid teens and I remember when she was working she was loaded with stray threads.
And pins! My loved ones know that it’s dangerous to hug me if I’ve been seeing recently. The lint and string are just warning signs.
@@nephtys369 Yeeesss. I just wish I had an eighth of her abilities though.
I know what I'm gonna be sewing tomorrow! This is so helpful tho, because like I don't really have the experience to get through some of those papers! Thank you for explaining it in like such an easy to understand way!
my goodness! what an amazing human being! thank you for all this. You are awesome. Keep safe and thank you for your service and video and research!!
I just made the University of Florida Anesthesia mask out of Non woven polypropylene. That's what the typical reusable Grocery bag is made of and is thus readily available (we all have them in our trunks!) I made mine with a double layer and it fits perfectly and is not difficult to breathe through. While I know it's not "Medically Approved", my research seems to say that it is better than cotton, while it may not be as good as N-95 mask, I feel comfortable with it. I appreciate your scientific approach to evaluate a good design based on it's efficacy and not its fashion statement.
I've heard the same: the thread of cotton fabric is too loose. I guess you can always sew an extra layer of cotton fabric outside for comfort, as long as it still fits snugly against the skin.
My recent research is telling me that blue shop towels is another readily available material that is great for this. They are so soft too which is perfect and I have multiple rolls of them. Apparently the Scott brand ones didn’t test as well as Zep brand ones but I’m pretty sure I have both.
@@gia9551 Yeah, I have a sample of the Scott PRO Shop Towels - note that there is also a non-Pro version which is mostly cellulose, I.E. paper. I'm not impressed with either, It seems like the Pro stuff has been embossed during manufacture to LOOK like a "normal" paper towel, I.E. with holes in it. Not what we want for a filter. But hey, I have a roll of it, it's suited to this mask design, which fits very well, so I'm going to whack a few of them up, using t-shirt hems and overlocked "strings" (which I have a lot of from my experiments with jersey) for the ties. I like the UoF#2 better than Suay Sewings pattern, which they have now published.
You can use fusible interfacing as a good filter, too - it is non-woven as well
Dr. Killian in Toronto wants people to know that the non-woven polypropylene (breathable/not waterproofed) shopping bags are the same material that surgical pleated masks are made of. She said It is superior to cloth and filter. I dont have a specific link to her but it was within a few emails to me, from a personal account. She is also working on testing them in a lab.
Why would anyone downvote this? Great information, Thank You!
YOU ARE SUPER.... SCIENCE ROCKS !!!!
Thank you for going through all the effort to test and record all your findings. You're amazing!! Thank you for trying to keep us all safe at work
Thank you for all you are doing!! This is a very trying time for medical professionals. We appreciate all of your hard work and sacrifices. ❤️❤️❤️😷
You’re such a kind, intelligent individual. Thank you so much for doing research and putting more correct information out there! It’s amazing that you are doing something for the good of your community :)
Yes, kind and intelligent. However, look into: products.halyardhealth.com/surgical-solutions/sterilization-solutions/sterilization-wraps/halyard-quick-check-sterilization-wrap.html
Ellen Woods well of coarse they cannot say it is safe. Then they would be liable.
Chinese made masks should be disposed of before use, if you have to use Chinese made mask sterilize it before using it because there are pictures of them contaminating masks at the factory by spitting and stepping on them. I have seen CCP partnered products being pushed in the comments section here.
@@SW-ii5gg 😱 REALLY 😲 I haven't seen any of these. Are we sure this is credible info? Could it be sensationalism or fear tactics? Let's hope this is NOT true. Couldn't hurt for sanitize it 1st though.
@@desireealger8117 search Chinese contaminating masks and decide for yourself, I would rather make my own than give the CCP any money and would much rather have a number of other trading partners than Mainland China if not domestic. My concern with H.K. shipped items is they are often used to ship products from CCP partnered companies.
Wow! Great video! I'm a recently retired Medical Laboratory Scientist and used to perform the annual fit testing of N95 face masks on my colleagues. It is so great to FINALLY hear someone point out that even the best mask is worthless if not properly fit tested and then donned and removed properly. It kills me when I see someone in a store wearing an N95 mask so that it covers only their mouth. What a total waste of an N95 which should be reserved for those in harm's way fighting this virus. Stay well!
@Susan Freeman agree!! I'm an R.N. I did the fit testing for my hospital staff, using the quantitative method with a Porta Count. I could pick the correct size for an employee 98% of the time and adjust to face just by looking at them because I tested so many. When you fit test with this method and there is a leak, the computer lets you know. The people wearing these ill fitted N95 masks around don't understand the air around them can leak inside the mask, and outside the mask. Pointless yes, should be used by health care workers and others on front line that actually get the OSHA mandated fit testing. Thank you, stay well!
Thank you soooo much for your review. By far it was the most researched and thorough of the many that are out there. I received my order of Halyard H600 material and am now making masks. I had to seek another source for the material. I found it at Grayline Medical.
Dear Sewstine: I am also a doctor and a seamstress.
I appreciate the testing you did. With my large, square jaw and chin, I have modified and developed a different pattern. It goes all the way out to my ears and wraps under my jaw, and I used floral wire and then paper clips, instead of the 16 gauge wire. Those both work fine at keeping the mask close to my face.
My design seems to work well, but I am going to ask the nurse manager to do the “stinky-bitter” fit test on me with it this week.
Please keep us updated. Would you consider sharing your pattern or doing a video if it passes the test?
Thank you for the paper clip suggestion!
I would love to see your pattern/adjustments too. I have a very square jaw.
I would love your pattern!
Any updates?
I’m 5 mins in and I’m already getting documentation for my company for the masks. Thank you so much!!!!
Best of luck!!!
Thank you so much for this! I'm making masks for my family and this has been very helpful.
I'm the kind of person who tends to remember things better when explained. This video was so informative and easy to listen to. Thank you SO much!
Thank you so much to you and everyone that took the time to help with testing! You guys rock!!!
Thank you so much for taking the precious time to make, test and share your mask testing. I have been hesitant to make any out of cotton but will be tracking down Halyard H600 and making masks for my local hospital, which is full of elderly residents of a nursing home that all became infected. I will put in a note about the material and your recommendation to tape the edges. Stay safe yourself.
Thank you!
@@Sewstine my pack of Halyard H600 arrived today; it is enough to make about 560 masks for about $130 and my time. But it is single layer, not the double layer as you showed so my masks will be all blue.
@@bonniecolleenpappin8807 where did you buy it?
@@cherbarker6468 I got it online at Bee's Medical.
Oh thank you SO much! I’ve been prepping material and ties for sewn masks and though I can’t get the specialty materials, this pattern is so much better than the one I was gonna use! It was cool to see the test-I never knew such a thing existed... 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👍🏼🖤
THank you!!!
My wife has experimented with a couple of these for me. I am a male 5'10" with a 7-3/8" hat band measurement. I wear glasses which can make finding a good mask bothersome. I am autistic and have sensory processing disorder so something not fitting "just right" will drive me crazy.
The Florida style mask was the one she found easiest to make. A few points in no particular order:
-With larger nose, my wife needed to enlarge (raise & push outwards) the nose area to get a good seal beside the nose and prevent leaks an fogging glasses;
-Used single and doubled up 16 gauge steel wire (fencing supplies) for the nose and it worked fine though With my larger face I needed about a 6" piece to get a fit, just filed down the sharp ends and made the slot to hold it smaller;
-The patterns as shown as slightly too small for me, males may need more tissue or longer straps, we ended up making it a bit wider and adding an extra fold of material to get a proper width;
-A point raised during the fit test with only women and having smaller chins, for me most of the patterns are a bit tight in the chin, looking for a solution.
I'll see if I can post something when we get it sorted, thanks for all your hard work and trying to keep people safe!
@Jeroy Lenkins - Your point about the nose is well-taken. Most Mongoloids have rather short noses, whereas Caucasoids tend to have rather prominent noses, making a close fit of masks at the bridge of the nose problematic.
If you are wearing glasses and the mask are fogging those up then you are not getting a proper seal. You should be able to breathe out and not feel.any air coming from around the sides
Jeroy Lenkins I read some responses suggesting using Kinesiology tape to make a good seal in leaking areas - it is easier to remove and is gentler on skin. I have also seen double sided tape used but I have never seen medical grade double sided tape ?
Also on Etsy I saw a guy who had made a clip to be placed on the outside of the mask. He admits it looks silly but he said it works ! Look up RadersEngraving - mask nose clip. I got some and it works. Good luck.
One thing to help with glasses: Put a button on the front of the mask so your glasses can rest on that instead of the true bridge of your nose.
Thank you, this is awesome. I was looking all over about a month ago for a tutorial that addressed which of the many patterns is the best, and couldn't find anything. I ended up sewing some and taking a guess. So glad you were able to use your fit testing equipment to give some guidance.
Thank you for posting this. I am a nurse at UF and was part of sewing the masks that they came up with for our hospital.
Thank you! This was awesome and so very thorough, which is exactly what we need most right now! I've made several different kinds but wasn't sure how well they protect, and I have very sensitive lungs, but no proper/official mask, so I kinda scrambled for whatever I could do without a machine (one meant for riding motorcycle/dust protection, one made from a newish bra with more padding than a bra should really have, and the folding kind that didn't pass your tests. I fear the padding will absorb everything, and the others are too thin). I think we (those of us who don't work in a hospital setting and don't have access to this type of research, and have families to protect) are all kinda flying by the seat of our pants, so this was an incredible find. Thank you for all your hard work!
Thus far, the best video share. The research, the share of information, the reliability and the testing of everything- great job.
This was the BEST video I've seen with tons of great info. I really appreciate the time you put into it. We currently have enough Halyard 600 to make almost 13k masks. A quick note, Halyard is generally autoclaved between 121C and 132C, polyester (for thread) melts between 240C and 270C. Since we're about to construct these masks in the thousands I had to deconstruct the pattern to eliminate bottlenecks. If a rectangle of fabric is cut that's 5.5"x9" you can eliminate the curves which take too much time to cut. Knit fabric can be cut into strips for the ties and attached by punching holes with hole punch instead of sewing it in. All the darts and tie placements are the same using the rectangle. If desired the top corners of the finished mask can be snipped off but they don't affect function if left. I don't believe it's necessary to sew around the edges of the mask. Also, they sell precut nose pieces (rounded edges) we're waiting to get in but they look promising. Thanks again!
Thank you so much! I didn't know that about the Halyard - I just know from some manufacturing sheets I looked at that it could be autoclaved to 240C - and wasn't sure what the standard usually is. I suppose if your hospital autoclaves it that low, polyester is definitely an option!
@Newton Sewing Studio, I understand the need to simplify the pattern for making many. Can you please help the rest of us? I'm not quite sure I understood what you did to the pattern. And how you can use a hole punch for ties without compromising the mask. Will the masks still pass the fitness test once they have been constructed in the way you're talking about? Thank you it would help if we could make and donate many, faster.
I am so thrilled that there is something that people could be doing to help. Getting the materials here in Canada is impossible for the average person, but sharing the pattern with hospital centers can be very useful for places in our far north. Thanks!
This is amazing! Thank you so much. From the beginning of this I researched the possibilities and came away feeling so conflicted, confused and deflated. I've made a few masks, but I feel so conflicted when I give them to people (not harming/giving false confidence to wearers). Your video is simple, easy to follow and helps restore my faith that my efforts at the sewing machine are helping.
Wow...I have tons to learn, thank you for the link to the general papers. I have a particulate mask and tons of others for all of my hobbies but never thought about making one until this era began. I will read all(not for money but I just like to read because one day this might even help me with woodworking, automotive or gardening) of these. I’m a long term goal type so no rush. Another set of skills for my “BackYardJackofAllTrades.”
Hello! My friend has been making masks like the last one and it is my favorite. Hers are different however in that they use one string and she uses tshirt string. I double knot them in one place and it can slide up and down the material, making it easy to remove. And she uses a double wire from coffee bags to create the nose piece, creating where I can have both a barrier hold and a hold that helps it rest comfortably on my nose in a way that stays in place when I'm talking. I'd love to see the fit test with these pattern changes and know more about the breathability of the fabric you're discussing. Thank you so much for this video!
I also have background in healthcare; I used to work as a PCT on a pulmonary medical unit at a hospital here in IL. Now I work for Amazon. It would mean a lot the warehouse industry to find something that protects us and doesn't overheat us in 8-12 hours of wear on the clock.
Thank you - we're making general use masks for members of the public who'd like to reduce risk (and it gives us something to do together online via zoom). Your video is really informative and gives us good context for how a "real" mask works.
I was able to make a mask following your pattern in just 25 minutes, and I had never used a sewing machine before! The T-shirt material for strings is very comfortable, and I used an extra pillowcase for the mask part. Big thanks to you for putting this tutorial together!
Thank you for making this video and clarifying that cloth masks is better than having no barrier at all. My friend is a hospital nurse and some awesome people have teamed up to sew masks and this info would be great to pass on as my nurse friend did say that fit could be better so these patterns are great and hopefully they can get that material too.
Thanks so much for sharing your research and spirit of camaraderie in making and fit testing these masks. Inspires confidence in the whole mask-wearing recommendation. May you and your colleagues stay safe and well!
I’ve made these masks at UF. One thing I noticed is that I think you sewed on the line for the small darts. That little triangle of fabric is supposed to be cut out and then the resulting dart sewn with a 1/4" seam allowance. I think that would provide a slightly tighter fit.
Nice catch with the dart and the seam allowance to make a closer fit. I am glad you mentioned it and I caught your comment, as I might have done the same thing. Although I am also very glad she mentioned you might need to adjust the size of the dart for a better fit.
She states that she like to cut the darts after she sews them.
But she’s using the cutting line as the sewing line which adds about 1/2" at the bottom of the mask. That might be why it had to be taped on to pass their fit test. That style passed the fit test at UF/Shands when made the way I described.
I'm sure I heard her say that she doesn't cut the fabric but sews 1/4" below the marked line, thereby keeping it exactly the same measurement as if she were to cut the dart out.
I subscribed five minutes in! This is what we need right now, informed, intelligent people sharing empowering information in a really simple and entertaining way. Thank you!
Thank you so much Stefanie!
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.
Thank you so much for this VERY INFORMATIVE tutorial. I had already downloaded this pattern from the U of F and your tutorial was by for the best accompaniment. I also wanted to thank you for your service to the community. Your work and your attitude is to be commended. Please stay safe.
Thank you so much for explaining some of the sciencey stuff about the masks. Going to pass this along to some instagram friends that are either healthcare workers or making masks to help out.
I thought you said "giant ass risk" instead of "giant asterisk" hahaha thanks for doing what you do, providing this info and fighting for us!
Hi guys! Quick FAQ:
How do you clean the mask?
Halyard H600 is waterproof so for the person without an autoclave, it makes sense to wipe down with a wet/alcohol wipe if dirty. Then put in a paper bag (so it can dry), then pick it up after 3 days (covid dies in 3 days).
I can't get this material. Wouldn't hospitals suffer if I buy the material?
My apologies. This video was made before the CDC recommended everyone wear a mask. This mask tutorial was designed for the person who wanted to make masks to donate to the hospital. Most hopitals that have operating roms have this paper in abundance. I am not quite sure where you would get this material other than the two links I posted.
Wouldn't the last mask pass with a wire on the nose?
I'm sorry - I forgot to mention that I have a wire put in at the nose. It worked well there, but it seemed to fail underneath the mask where it connected to the chin.
Where is the pattern?
It's in the descriptions. Please download the pdf instructions. The mask pattern is on the last page of the pdf instructions.
Why is Halyard so expensive?
I'm afraid the price has gone up since this video has come out. However, please keep in mind you are usually purchasing bulk - usually 24 - 72 sheets at once.
I'll add to this as I get more questions. :)
Boil it. The auto cleave is hir then boiling water temp for several minutes to sterilize it. So I would say boil to clean.
@@natashablack9030 can you microwave it?
@@tracymessa2604 No, it has metal wire.
I’ve been told that Instant Pot (original) can autoclave
Hi! Thank you! Yes! I still recommend cotton, and the NYTimes released a nice summary of all the research out there on how to choose the best cotton.
And since all the masks were made of the same material, it was only the shape that would cause it to fail. :)
www.nytimes.com/article/coronavirus-homemade-mask-material-DIY-face-mask-ppe.html
Thank you for taking the time to do this! Your instructions were straightforward, and they really helped! Stay safe! Thank you for all that you do!!
You have NO IDEA how awesome this video is!! I have been looking at so many different types of masks and trying to determine which design would actually keep us safe. It's overwhelming to say the least! The fact that you actually TESTED the different designs was priceless. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! Please take care of yourself and stay safe...
Thank you so much!
This was so helpful and informative! Have admired your work for a while. Glad you were able to combine both your passions into one video!
Thank you so much, this is perfect, I found a fix for me for the chin, I am petite and have a very small face, so instead of using strings to tie it down I did elastic, so the one from below goes above my head so it makes the chin part very secure and the other one a little above my ears, hopefully you can picture what I say, you will pass the test with no problem!!! Thanks a lot, I am already sharing this with my family 💜💜💜😷 stay Safe!!!!!
Wow, thankyou so much! I am a sewer ++ and also a doctor, but because of border closures where I live, I am telehealthing from home right now (about 5 of us are doing this, as it is a huge part of our job normally, and it leaves the live in and same state doctors more time to rest and stay fit). I have ready access to my sewing machines, and have been fiddling about making various styles with fabric and non woven shopping bag fabric, but I will see if my local hospital and veterinary clinic have any Halyard 600, and I will be using the UF 2 pattern as of this morning. I am hoping I can make more useful N95 type masks for my workplace and local facilities, because although we are not short stocked yet, we will be soon.....
I have been making these for the past week. Making them for an ER nurse at a local hospital who was able to attain the Halyard fabric. By her simple fit test (no helmet involved) she determined the #2 version was also the best. I was so happy to see you performed more thorough testing as I wondered about the sewing needle perforating the fabric, and being a weak link I. The process you showed has alleviated this concern. We also used elastic instead of the ties. Don’t know how elastic will hold up to the autoclave process though.
Thank you so much for a very thorough review. I have not found any better, to date.
This material has a low melting point. You can literally FUSE it together. If we could get a press shaped like an orange squeezing press that heats up then we could take this material and create masks in seconds. The straps could be fused on as well. Fusing it would eliminate the holes from our sewing machine needles. I am going to see if a glue gun works but I wish someone would take this material to someone who knows about machines. I am thinking a face mask shaped heated embossing machine would create the shape and fuse the seams.
could use an iron?
It is melting even with my We R Memory Keepers Fuse tool. It is a plastic so it melts and smells bad...
I wonder if you could use a defocused laser engraver. I used to have a commercial laser cutter and if it was defocused, it wouldn't cut or engrave properly - basically spreads the heat over a larger area. With a large enough bed, you could do many at once. Just a thought.
@@terryp680 I like that idea. I am mainly thinking about the center seam so that it is sealed. I would love to know if anyone finds something that works. I have thought about those vacuum seal machines but I need it to be curved into the shape of that seam.
Binky D'Eath thank you for this. It seems so obvious to me now after I’ve seen your comment but couldn’t think of it myself
I've been watching videos how.to.make.face.mask. so far I like this one. You really showed us viewers if it really works. Thank you. Take care.
Thank you for taking your time to research, test, and post this video! It’s very informative. ❤️
Thank you!
A+ 👏👏👏 Thank you for doing so much reading, and working so hard to synthesize the information for us!!
Best mask video I've seen. Thank you for the no-nonsense info. You are a treasure, friend. Keep up the great work, girl! :)
Doc, I really appreciate the research that you did to back yourself. So many just speak from opinion rather than finding true empirical research conducted and peer-reviewed before publishing.
Back in the day (50 yrs ago) we had cloth masks that were washed and placed in a stainless can by the surgical scrub sinks
Enid hogrobrooks I wore those masks. I think they were autoclaved. From memory they were quite a few layers of gauze
Margaret Phillips h68
I remember those cloth masks. I think it was the same type of fabric used for scrubs. Before the paper surgical masks everything was autoclaved.
Back in the dinosaur days in the 80's, I worked in a small community hospital that still autoclaved their masks and surgical instruments.
All the nurses would put together the surgical kits and autoclave them ...
This brings back the memories ...
Back when gloves were optional 😬 It's great that there are leaps and bounds in infection control. I shudder thinking about cold sterilization, and sterilising needles!! 🤦
I am proud of myself! I am a surgical tech, and I work for an Ophthalmologist. I was asked to make cotton masks for our office workers. I came up with the idea of using our sterilization wrap about a week ago. I'm glad to know I was on the right track! I made several masks for us.
I just ordered the sterilization wrap that she recommended, and I made a mask as per the video. The problem I'm having is it smells like chemicals, and I'm concerned the components of the wrap (polypropylene, phthalocyanine blue pigment, potassium phosphate anti-static treatment) are not good to inhale. Did you experience a chemical smell from the material or any concerns about this? Did you autoclave or wash the wrap or the masks you made before you used them? Also, curious if you could smell perfume through them. I put perfume up to my face with the mask on, and was able to smell the perfume. I figured that was a quick and dirty fit test that failed. I'm assuming the holes made with the needles and thread provide some opportunity for the perfume to infiltrate.
Thank you for taking some of your very valuable time to give us this context!
Wonderful video! Very informative. I love that your info was all evidence-based. Great explanations as well. Thank you for being so responsible, thoughtful, and for sharing your talents. You rock! 👍👍👍
You're the first RUclipsr I've seen that used clips rather than pins. BIG thumbs up for that :)
I was thinking about the “chin” dilemma. Perhaps a small piece of elastic across the chin edge would allow for a closer fit. Thanks for your insights, from another MD. You have a lovely way of simplifying information.
I found a video yesterday from ProperFit Clothing. Their mask has a little piece that goes under the chin, and looks really well thought. I'm still trying to get through sewing a basic mask. So I cant vouch for it yet, but I really want to try it.
Elastic bands might not survive autoclave temperatures, the same as polyester, acrylic, and/or nylon threads. Additionally, elastic might run the risk of causing puckering in the fabric, creating wrinkle-gaps in the material. And one last thought--go slowly, use a thin needle, and stitch your seams as close to the edges as you dare, because the holes the thread goes through are also potential airflow problems. One potential way to solve this is to use a strip of thick felted wool, which will help fluff up and further slow any particulate transmissions through the stitching holes...but the closer to the mask edge you can get, the better, because it'll be pressed up against your skin at that point, as a self-seal.
I did a box pleat for mine, which worked really well. I did it after the mask had been sewn so that I could get the most accurate idea of how much I would need to take out for my specific face. I also did a little dart over the nose, which helped it stay in place better.
@@ladyofthemasque Thoughts on thread type other than 100% cotton?
Erin Taylor I made that mask the other day liking the piece under the chin. I found it didn’t really fit me well under the chin, it was very loose, so I’m looking for other patterns, or may try it again and resize it.
My wife's reaction to your "super helpful" video:
- She can only hope that the material used is easily accessible in local fabric shops (in our area).
- The 4th pattern or mask you fitted could have passed too if the pattern was contoured correctly. What she meant by that was, the horizontal cut below the mask that touches a person's chin should be contoured too rather than cut straight (or maybe if there was any small contours, should be adjusted more) along with the height of sides. By that way, it'll be hugging the chin up to the cheeks more snugly. (She hand-sewn one and there was no "air-gap" as opposed to the straight cut version. Hope that helps. :)
She mentioned in the video that the fabric she used was intended for hospitals (it's obvious that a regular fabric shop would not sell that kind of material) and included links to purchase it online, so it's a bit unfair to criticize her for that. Thank you for the tip about the 4th mask pattern though. :)
"super helpful" comment
Thank you so much Doctor, for your generosity. I have learned a lot from your video. God bless your beautiful soul 🙏🥰
I loved your video. I just wanted to point out that Halyard and the vacuum bags that people are cutting up and using for filters in cloth masks are BOTH made of polypropylene. The filter layer in N95 masks are also made of polypropylene. Wasn’t sure if you realized that but that’s great news because it’s so readily available!
Thank so much for all the effort to see and test each type. I will be sharing this with friends on Facebook.
Sewing demo of best mask starts around 17:50
J & R Cameron thanks
@@vlg8482 I made a couple of these today using 3 layers of high thread count sheeting and using cotton twill tape for the ties (much faster to do this- less fraying!). The fit was good and I tested them with my steamer to see how much steam passed through. They seem fine to wear in public to prevent spreading visible droplets, but would not be effective in a hospital setting. Fine to wear out for a walk if you cannot access medical grade N95s. Of the 4 patterns I have tried so far, this was easiest, fastest and the only one that easily fit my husband's face! We call it the "duck bill".
But she's so engaging and better to watch than a movie. :)
Thank you!
@@keegsmum testing them wirh steam what a great idea. I am a non sewer but I think it's time I learned. Thank you I will give them a go.
Thank you for explaining so clearly, very helpful in this time of information overload.
Thank you so much Constance!
Just ordered 100, 20" x 20" sheets of Halyard fabric fro Greyline. Now to hunt down some 1/8" twill tape and I will be ready to sew! Thank you so much for your informative video.
Greyline; link?
Where did you find 20 x 20"? I have been searching!! I am a volunteer sewing for the local police department and Baptist East hospital on MY budget, lol, so this would really help if I could find smaller and maybe less expensive Halyard H600 sheets. Thanks you!
I don't see 20x 20. Must be gone.
@@donnafry5318 Sorry, I misspelled. Grayline Medical. I would leave a link, but I am a throwback and do not know how.
@@leslieturner I figured it out after awhile, there are no more 20x20 left, she gave us a good scoop but they are gone for now. To send a link, the easiest way I know how to do, is highlight it in the address bar at the top, copy (cntrl c) then paste (cntrl v) in your message. Some links are too far into the websie so you have to shorten it to the main webpage sometimes. :-)
Thank you for an easy to understand and research-based explanation of what has been a confusing topic. You have done a wonderful service.
I have started using crafting pipe cleaners, 12" 6mm chenille. I fold them in half then twist them using a hook in a cordless drill, not too tightly. They are comfortable and hold their shape nicely. I came here to see your mask test, but I am fascinated with your other content and look forward to seeing your next creations! Thank you, Rich
I only read a few hundred of the 2200+ comments so I don't know if this information came up before. After you made this video, the American Chemical Society tested filtration efficiency of several different commonly available fabrics including combinations. Some of the combinations were about as efficient as N95 masks. It's a technical article: pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsnano.0c03252. One of the best combinations was garden variety 120 TPI cotton in two layers with quilt filling described as ~0.5cm, 90% cotton, 5% polyester, 5% other fibers. They theorize that the combinations they tested were providing both mechanical and electrostatic filtration.
Can you do another test? This sounds like a lot to ask for but it is practical. Seeing as most all of us ALREADY HAVE cotton fabric. (From what you say, your paper will be hard to come by and expensive.) With cotton fabric available, simply using washable medium weight nonwoven interfacing for the filter is practical! Test to see if the sewn-in layer of interfacing filter and 2 layers of fabric that cover it is safe. Dr's have recommended the interfacing for the filter and it is purchased at a fabric store. I am not able to buy your paper but I have a lot of fabric. Thank you for trying so hard to help us and for sharing the information.
Suzanka C I like this idea
yes, please do this!
Suzanka C I want a test with felt as the filter. Using felt sewn into my masks as the ‘non-woven’ material between two pieces of fabric. .01 microns though... that’s so small. It really makes it feel like all this sewing has been a waste :(
Felt is too hot. @@Eepsheep
I am using felt as insert only in very front of my cotton mask. Works fine for me in Texas. My ties are made out of the same cotton fabric. It stretches and ties well to fit. However, I am a senior citizen and not going out much.
I’ve been sewing all different pattern for face mask
I found one pattern
That design o lot of Korean people use for their face mask
I let family and friends for tried them on
So I got feet back from who were using my face mask
Also I made filter packet so I sued 3 layers cotton fabric
I’ve been donate the face masks also people buy from me
So I use that money to buy more stuffs for face mask
I’ve been home almost 3weeks
But at lease I can do sewing for face mask
I will sew until we kick off Coronavirus 19
That's what I'm doing too ... Hmm can you share the pattern your using so that I can try again
Added elastic to the bottom of the mask pattern you liked best. It works great for all of our family but we also just made fabric masks from cotton so I don’t know how affective it would be with the halyard fabric. Hope you find a way to use the one you liked best 😉. Thank you for all your knowledge and amazing resources. Best video I’ve seen yet💕. Stay safe and thank you again
Bravo!!! Thanks for the links to the scientific papers! I never recommend anything without getting a feel for the direction that the research is going. Most importantly, you have some fit test data! Critical. Also, the 3 designs that failed fit testing for your 3 subjects may work for some people, so don't completely give up on those designs yet. I encourage you to try to get more subjects to fit test, esp. people with a variety of face shapes. When asked about the best respirator, or in this case, the best pattern design, my standard answer is---the best is the one that gives YOU the best fit!
I think a point worth noting is that you have chosen a material that is autoclavable (halyard 600), which makes re-use SO much easier for many healthcare workers if the hospital will do the autoclaving. I have been trying to stay on top of the literature around emergency methods to decon N-95s to extent use for HCWs. This will be logistically very challenging for medical centers, because the most promising methods to date need to be done using structured protocols to keep everyone safe.
Ideas around sewing cloth masks with a metal band for fitting around nose, and a filter pocket seems like an appealing alternative. If Halyard 600 is shown to be an effective filter material for particulates, it could easily be inserted into a filter pocket, and then removed so a cloth mask could be then laundered normally in hot water with a detergent based laundry soap, then put through a full cycle in a hot dryer.
BTW, many hospital folks are liking the Olsen design- cloth with nose clip & filter pocket. Google it to find the pattern. It looks somewhat similar to one of your designs. I think you need a certain face shape, though, for that style. I have a feeling it might not be great for those with broader, flatter features for the same reasons that the duck bill-style seems to work better than a molded dome shape for those folks. That's why there is no such thing 'as one size fits all' for PPE.
So, a great next step would be to take Dr Sewstine's ideas about using Halyard materials and perhaps other sterile, autoclavable materials already out there, and do some research regarding particle penetration. Does anyone here know of anyone with a research Grant in need of a project? I would suggest looking at engineering students & professors to start....
Thanks again for your great work. Keep it up!
Love this! Thank you for all your hard work in experimenting and getting the important information out there. 💪💪♥️
Thank you for all this information! I think an important message is that for the general public, any mask is probably better than no mask, because it will at least block droplets and it will stop you from touching your mouth and nose. It will also block any droplets coming from you the wearer if you are unknowingly contagious. Thanks again! Time to test out my home-ec sewing lessons from 40 years ago.
For males among the public, and if applying the pattern to regular cloth instead of the hospital stuff, I found it too short near the chin. I'm going back to the method that starts with 9"square cloth and adds pleats etc.
Thank you for going to the effort of making and properly fit testing the different masks.
I’d also be interested in seeing how one made with the material from the HEPA filter vacuum bags would stand up to the fit test.
Thankfully the theatre at my husbands work were happy to give me the wraps from their set ups the other day, I’m about to go down and try making my first one!
I’d be interested in hearing from anyone who made their own following this pattern but in a different fabric and tried fit testing the mask to see how it works. It obviously wouldn’t be as effective, but it would be interesting to know.
Thank you again for your work.
That's an interesting idea. I confess I don't have the time or materials to test it but it would be an interesting one to try. I would recommend getting any of the Halyard H-series if you can over something that hasn't had its BFE checked.
Sewstine I’ve done some more research, I definitely don’t want to use the HEPA filter bags now, especially since I can get the sterile sheets so easily. I also made my first few masks following along with your video this morning! It was so quick and easy! It’s going to be more tricky, but I’m going to try using elastic instead of ties for my next one, just to try it out.
Thanks once again!
@@JCHK. im pretty sure elastic cannot hold up to sterilization process
@@JCHK. Thank you so much for your lovely note! I'm so glad I could be helpful!
AndyCalera I read that Hoover has recommended that people not use vacuum cleaner bags because they contain fiberglass. I don’t have a source for that information though but seems logical.
This is such a THOROUGH video about home made mask designs! Thank you for taking all this time to make it. Great information!
Thank you for sharing your video, links to your material and sources of your data. Very thorough and thoughtful. This will help a lot of people. Stay safe and healthy!
People keep quoting the size of the coronavirus, but it doesn't spread via individual aerosolized viruses. It's mostly spread via respiratory droplets greater than 5 microns.
Citation needed
Not Exactly. Recent data shows more evidence that aerosol-sized particles may be important in close range transmission: www.infectiousdiseaseadvisor.com/home/topics/covid19/respiratory-transmission-of-covid19-coronavirus/
Many many thanks to all the medical professionals and other workers working to beat this viruses ass! You are appreciated more than you will ever know. Bless you all and stay safe!
I've literally just finished purchasing all the equipment to make mask for my family/first responders in my life, and this video gave me so much more to think about. I appreciate you so much and am so truly grateful. Please stay safe and thanks to all the helpers who assisted you with the dissemination of all this great info. Stay safe and be well.
Thank you for this video and all the time and effort you put into it. Thank you also for working on the front lines for the rest of us. ❤️
Thank YOU... and all of the first responders for what you do each and every day! You are all amazing!!!