Non-Medical Face Masks
Last week the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommended that all Americans wear a cloth mask while in public to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Strong emphasis has been placed on the fact that N95 and surgical masks should be reserved only for the medical professionals and people on the front lines. However, wearing a cloth mask in public might help asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic people from transmitting the virus before they have shown symptoms. In addition to that, wearing a cloth mask will also prevent people from unconsciously touching their face while in public before having a chance to wash their hands.
In light of this, there is a frenzy of people looking for non-medical masks. I thought I would take the opportunity to provide you with some options.
Hand Made Face Masks
There are several videos online providing tutorials on how you can make a face mask out of common household items such as a bandana. All you need is a large piece of cloth and two hair elastics. This would provide a free and fast way to obtain a mask. CNN has also put together a tutorial on how to make a mask if you know how to sew.
Cloth Face Masks With HEPA Filter Inserts
As stated above, N95 and surgical masks should be reserved for medical professionals. However, there are some materials that provide the same type of filtration that N95 masks have. Specifically look for HEPA grade filters found in air purifiers or air-conditioning units. Vacuum cleaner bags are also very effective, and even disposable paper materials such as coffee filters can be used with varying levels of effectiveness - strange but true!
Hedley & Bennet - The Wake Up & Fight Mask
Hedley and Bennett, which is known for making high-end products for the restaurant industry, has converted their factory here in Los Angeles into a center for mask production. According to their website: “We developed these non-surgical masks in concert with Dr. Robert Cho, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at a local children’s hospital. They are not direct substitutes for surgical or procedural masks and are not FDA approved. However, these masks, if used correctly, should help contribute to less person-to-person droplet transmission.”
For every mask that you purchase Hedley & Bennett will make and donate one to someone working in the front lines of the COVID-19 epidemic. What’s great about these masks is that they have a pocket sewn into them where you can insert a HEPA grade filter. Hedley & Bennett partnered with Think Solutions to offer filters that you can purchase separately. It should be noted that you cannot choose the color of your mask. The color and fabric of the masks will change as they move through their supplies. Hedley has a pattern that you can download off of their website and use it to trace and cut out filters that will fit perfectly in their masks. For $22 this is a great option to protect yourself.
Franne Golde - Fashion Masks
Franne Golde is small business located here in LA. They are creating fashion masks that can be used to protect yourself from touching your nose and mouth when you are out and about. Due to high demand, they are currently offering a waitlist. I pre-ordered a black mask for Bruce and myself. I think it’s really important that we try and support small businesses during this time. These masks are very reasonably priced and they offer some great patterns, as well as some more subtle colors.
*These are NOT intended for medical use.*
pleated to fit most faces
form fitting wire for your nose
100% cotton, washable
Dolan - Protective Face Masks
I found these masks to be helpful and endearing as they all come with a message of positivity printed on them. Also, they offer masks in both Adult and Child, sizes which is great for those of you with little ones at home. Like the Hedley & Bennett masks, these also have a pocket sewn into the mask where you can insert a purifying filter.
Details:
Breathable, lined with compact cotton/poly woven fabric.
Have a pocket to insert a filter if desired. Pocket is the length of the mask with a 2" opening (filters can be folded to insert).
Elastic loops to go over your ears for more accurate fit (contains latex).
Printed with little messages of affirmation.
Easy to wash (we recommend washing before your first wear and regularly thereafter: machine wash in hot water).
Made in the U.S.A. of imported materials.
Sizes (measurements not including elastic ear loops):
Adult 7 1/2" x 6"
Kids 6" x 5"
Additional Options
It is so inspiring to see so many companies finding creative ways to change their business model to serve the immediate needs that COVID-19 has created. Below I have linked 4 other companies that are creating cloth masks as well. Due to the high demand, some styles are temporarily sold out but they are taking email addresses for their waitlist.
I hope this post was helpful to some of you. If you have any suggestions for great places to order face masks from, PLEASE leave the link in my comments below so we can all benefit. Please stay safe out there friends!
Virtual Hug,
xx Barbara