Maker's Exploration for COVID-19 Masks
Written by: Cami Farley
Last Updated: 3/31/2020
There are so many articles, patterns and places needing masks, I wasn't sure where to start. I decided to research several options, make some, and choose what worked best. This is an iterative process, so I'm sure I'll be updating these designs again. I also narrowed in on the easiest ways to donate.
Last Updated: 3/31/2020
There are so many articles, patterns and places needing masks, I wasn't sure where to start. I decided to research several options, make some, and choose what worked best. This is an iterative process, so I'm sure I'll be updating these designs again. I also narrowed in on the easiest ways to donate.
My various iterations above.
Final Design Recommendations
With research & testing, these are the materials and designs I recommend.
Created by Cami Farley
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Created by Shari Farley
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Materials for Both Designs
Tightly woven 100% cotton outside
Tightly woven 100% cotton flannel inside
1/4" Elastic or Double-Fold Bias Tape (buy or make see in fu face mask tutorial)
Tightly woven 100% cotton outside
Tightly woven 100% cotton flannel inside
1/4" Elastic or Double-Fold Bias Tape (buy or make see in fu face mask tutorial)
Additional Tips & Tricks
Fabric
Pre-wash all of your fabric, as it will shrink. Keep in mind these will be washed over and over
Optional Upgrades
Custom Fitted Nose Guard - vacuum-formed plastic U-shape
Sleeve insert so additional filters can be added/replaced afterward
Fabric
Pre-wash all of your fabric, as it will shrink. Keep in mind these will be washed over and over
Optional Upgrades
Custom Fitted Nose Guard - vacuum-formed plastic U-shape
Sleeve insert so additional filters can be added/replaced afterward
Who to Donate to
There are many sites and facebook groups, but these are the two I ended up preferring for ease of use and getting me to organizations in my area.
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Additional Ways to Donate
Million Masks Challenge - Facebook page & Doc with Organizations
Public Health Grad Students - Doc with updated hospitals & patterns
My Research
As a UX nerd, I applied Design Thinking methodology to understand and iteratively make and test.
The Problem
N-95 masks are running out and people are in need of protection. How can makers help?
Target Users
User Quotes
A Charlie’s Produce in California asks for 1,000 masks saying “we need to protect our employees and the products going to consumers.”
Masks are being prioritized to the most critical hospital workers - "supervisors are questioning nurses: 'Why are you wearing that mask?' " - Maria Louviaux, a clinical nurse at UC Irvine Medical Center in Orange County, Calif. (NPR)
“We do breakfast on Sunday morning for homeless. We assist other groups who assist homeless with sheltering...this will be for volunteers.” The Salvation Army, CA
Viability
How Effective are Homemade Masks
“Any type of general mask use is likely to decrease viral exposure and infection risk on a population level” (research article - associated with National Institute for Public Health and the Environment)
“Of course masks work — maybe not perfectly and not all to the same degree, but they provide some protection” - (New York Times - Why Telling People They Don’t Need Masks Backfired)
Material Effectiveness
Researchers at Cambridge University studied the Best Materials for DIY Masks with 0.02 micron particles (smaller than the coronavirus). Of the household materials tested, the recommendation is to use two layers of tightly woven cotton to maximize breathability and effectiveness. Improve results by conforming tightly to the face to create a seal.
N-95 masks are running out and people are in need of protection. How can makers help?
Target Users
- Senior citizen and assisted living centers
- Workers at essential businesses including pharmacies, grocery stores, and non-urgent care practitioners who are helping keep people out of the ER for non-covid issues. (article)
- Non-clinical workers and well patients at hospitals
- Health Care Professionals directly treating patients (once they run out of FDA approved supplies)
User Quotes
A Charlie’s Produce in California asks for 1,000 masks saying “we need to protect our employees and the products going to consumers.”
Masks are being prioritized to the most critical hospital workers - "supervisors are questioning nurses: 'Why are you wearing that mask?' " - Maria Louviaux, a clinical nurse at UC Irvine Medical Center in Orange County, Calif. (NPR)
“We do breakfast on Sunday morning for homeless. We assist other groups who assist homeless with sheltering...this will be for volunteers.” The Salvation Army, CA
Viability
How Effective are Homemade Masks
“Any type of general mask use is likely to decrease viral exposure and infection risk on a population level” (research article - associated with National Institute for Public Health and the Environment)
“Of course masks work — maybe not perfectly and not all to the same degree, but they provide some protection” - (New York Times - Why Telling People They Don’t Need Masks Backfired)
Material Effectiveness
Researchers at Cambridge University studied the Best Materials for DIY Masks with 0.02 micron particles (smaller than the coronavirus). Of the household materials tested, the recommendation is to use two layers of tightly woven cotton to maximize breathability and effectiveness. Improve results by conforming tightly to the face to create a seal.
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Iterations of Making and Testing
The below section is a work in progress. Sorry I haven't finished adding what I did, will do soon.
Supplies
For my fitted masks - I chose Luxe-Cotton tightly woven 100% cotton for the outside and a flannel 100% cotton for the inside. Thinking the flannel would be nicer on your face.
For the simple rectangle masks - I chose a fun 100% cotton fabric (Captain Marvel) and used the flannel 100% cotton on the inside.
I tried both 1/4" Double-fold bias tape & elastic for the straps.
For my fitted masks - I chose Luxe-Cotton tightly woven 100% cotton for the outside and a flannel 100% cotton for the inside. Thinking the flannel would be nicer on your face.
For the simple rectangle masks - I chose a fun 100% cotton fabric (Captain Marvel) and used the flannel 100% cotton on the inside.
I tried both 1/4" Double-fold bias tape & elastic for the straps.
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Custom Nose Piece
To create the tightest fit and seal around the nose, Shari Farley (my wife) modeled a nose piece. She used her vac-former to reproduce the shape and cut it out. To secure the nose piece to the fabric we used both glue (contact cement) and stitches.
To create the tightest fit and seal around the nose, Shari Farley (my wife) modeled a nose piece. She used her vac-former to reproduce the shape and cut it out. To secure the nose piece to the fabric we used both glue (contact cement) and stitches.
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