DIY Mask Resources
The critical shortage of masks means that medical professionals are turning to homemade solutions. Fabric masks catch more than no mask, but can also be worn over a scarce N95 to make it last longer. Here are some resources for people looking to make their own fabric masks and how to donate them.
Also, unfortunately, there has been talk about the legality of these homemade solutions, particularly around 3D printed valves for ventilators, etc. Current CDC guidelines allow for homemade masks in situations where standard options are unavailable, and we are already coming to that point across the US (they've recommended that hospital employees wear bandanas if no N95s are available!) If anyone knows of a good explainer for the current thoughts on that, let me know: happywonderfool@gmail.com.
Picture from the blog Button Counter. Step by step directions with great pictures at https://buttoncounter.com/2018/01/14/facemask-a-picture-tutorial/
Materials - Cotton front, cotton flannel back, elastic loops for ears, vacuum filter cut to size to place inside
The happy compromise between particle effectiveness and breathability are two layers of cotton. T-shirts or pillowcases could be used, but cotton fabric would be better. JOANN Fabrics is providing mask materials for free. Summa Health has requested masks that have a cotton panel in the front and a cotton flannel panel in the back. Hospital workers are cutting vacuum filters and placing them inside the fabric masks, so a filter cut to size would be ideal.
More about the science here:
https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make-diy-face-mask-virus/
Design - standard rectangular mask with elastic in each corner, ideally 2 layers with an opening or pocket for a vacuum filter cut to size
Here's the simplest version, the one pictured above:
https://buttoncounter.com/2018/01/14/facemask-a-picture-tutorial/
And here's a video that shows how to make a the mask with a pocket for a vaccum bag filter, as well as a wire across the nose to help hold it to the face:
I got this video from a friend who works at a hospital, and with a cotton front panel and a cotton panel back panel is in compliance with the masks requested by Summa Health.
Donating - In Akron, Summa Health, nationally JOANN Fabrics
If you're crafty and feeling healthy, but don't have a sewing machine or would like in person guidance, JOANN's is setting up in-store mask making stations that comply with social distancing guidelines. They’ll even provide free materials and machines. And if you’ve made masks at home, you can drop them off at any JOANN's stores. I’ve also heard from a friend they have free kits you can grab and make at home.
finance.yahoo.com/amphtml/news/joann-mobilizes-crafters-across-nation-161100094.html
and
https://www.joann.com/make-to-give-response/
Summa Health is accepting fabric masks in person:
Summa Health’s Corporate Office (back of the building at door number 1)
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays
and by mail:
Volunteer Services Office
525 E. Market Street, Akron, Ohio 44304
Contact: Volunteer Services at 330.375.3247 or at volunteer@summahealth.org for more info.
Finally, at the end of this article is info for drop off locations for standard issue masks and gowns in Summit, Cuyahoga, and Stark counties:
Thank you fellow makers! If you come across other resources for this post, let me know and I will add them! happywonderfool@gmail.com
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Many of these resources came from this article, thank you to Forbes and TJ McCue for compiling: www.forbes.com/sites/tjmccue/2020/03/20/calling-all-people-who-sew-and-make-you-can-help-solve-2020-n95-type-mask-shortage