In the next few days, we will post more on reusable masks and how to properly disinfect them. Subscribe to The Colitis Blog or like us on Facebook (sidebar) to receive those posts.
With the coronavirus (COVID-19) upon us, people with chronic conditions, immunocompromised, and the elderly are at a greater risk of severe symptoms. Masks have now become almost impossible to find and, yet, they are an important personal protection item especially for those with a weakened immune system. Here, we show you how you can make a mask at home.
Materials for a Mask: Researchers at Cambridge University tested a wide range of household materials for homemade masks. Read this article about choosing the right material.
In our demonstration, we will be using vacuum cleaner bags because they have the highest filtration level (99.7%) compared to other household items and they are still in stock. Buy Vacuum Filtration Bags.
You can get bigger bags like these for more masks.
We also got these handy elastics to afix the mask behind the ears. You can use any elastic or strings. They MUST be clean.
Other Materials: You can use other close-knit fabrics for your face mask – bedsheets, kitchen (tea) towels, t-shirts. You can use our folding technique for creating a close fit around your face. We will make a post on cloth masks soon. Stay tuned. Remember that cloth masks – if reused – need to be immediately disinfected in bleach solution and preferably ironed when dried.
Remember: Change your mask every 2-3 hours. When disposing of a mask, handle it by the straps. Wash hands before and after handling a mask. Remember that this is a DIY mask. It does not equate to a surgical mask, it does not substitute hand washing or social distancing.
Step 1: Disinfect Your Working Surface
Step 2: Prepare and Disinfect Your Supplies
Step 3: Take A Vacuum Cleaner Filter
Step 4: Cut Out the Closure Collar
Step 5: Cut the Bag Along Seams. Lay out Flat with Thin Liner Up
Step 6: Cut Out a 8 1/2 x 6 1/2 inch (approx. 22 x 16cm)
Step 7: Lay in “Landscape Mode (as above)” with soft tissue side up. Fold Lengthwise into Thirds – Like a Letter
Step 8: Then Fold Into Half
You should obtain this fold pattern, with soft tissue side up
Step 9: Fold one corner toward the Center (1/2 fold) Line and Staple
Repeat the Fold & Staple on the Bottom half. Repeat on the other side.
You Should Obtain a Construction like This
Step 10: Make small holes on side with scissors or a hole punch. Insert Elastic Bands (You can also use strings
Keep the masks in a clean bag for your next use and dispose of them in a bag before throwing away.
The mask should fit stuggly over your face. It should cover your nose completely and go down over your chin.
You can adjust straps or elastics, do 2 holes on a side instead of 1 if using strings.
