Mask Up and Make a Difference: To Buy or to Make – What you Need to Know
We’ve noticed lots of people are diligently wearing face masks and cloth face covering around Arizona now and expecting others to wear them, too. You are making a difference! Whether you already have a few trusty face coverings and are making spares for others, or you need some for yourself because your area now requires them, we have information to help you make the best choices while shopping and crafting.
| Considerations for all face coverings: 1. Face coverings should have a minimum of three layers 2. The face coverings should be safe to wash and dry repeatedly at high temperatures 3. They should be comfortable to wear for as long as you need to wear them 4. They should fit well and not have large gaps around the edges or move too much when you’re speaking 5. They should not require you to touch your face regularly to adjust them 6. You should be able to breathe comfortably through the face covering 7. Check if you are allergic or sensitive to any of the materials 8. You should have several face coverings so that they can be washed and dried each time you wear them 9. For more information and guidance from the WHO, please review their interim guidance and refer to pages 8-11 for information on non-medical masks. |
| Purchasing a Cloth Face Covering | Making Your Own Cloth Face Covering |
| Style & Fit Check that it has at least 3 layers Check if it has adjustable straps/ties or elastic so that it can be fit to your face Check that it is available in your size Consider the materials: it should be comfortable, and not made of stretch fabric (except for the ties/ear loops) Different styles, colors, fabrics and designs are available, so it’s an opportunity to express yourself and find the right one for your needs Avoid masks with valves, because valves allow your unfiltered breath out, making the mask less effective at protecting others Purchase & Delivery Check if it is returnable if it doesn’t fit well Consider affordability: paying more doesn’t necessarily make them more effective Consider long-term costs: many disposable masks or a couple reusable masks? Check the delivery timeline to make sure that you won’t be waiting for several weeks to receive it Care Consider whether it is machine-washable or will need to be hand-washed and bleached Consider whether disposable masks will be more convenient for your lifestyle Remember: Medical-grade masks should not be purchased, as these should be reserved for healthcare workers, medical first responders, etc. | Sewing and no-sew templates are available from the CDC. Consider the supplies you will need and whether these are available and affordable Construction tips: Shape: Duckbill or pleated shapes tend to fit well Material: Minimum 3-layer design: Inner layer: absorbent material like tightly-woven 100% cotton (you shouldn’t be able to see through it if you hold it up to light) Outer later: waterproof material like polyester blend Middle layer: polypropylene non-woven fabric (such as Oly-Fun or SpunBond), or if that isn’t available use an extra layer of cotton; or leave a pocket for a piece of vacuum bag or even 4 layers of facial tissue Avoid using stretch fabric for any layers Ties: Fabric and elastic both work well Ties can be made of elastic, any fabric with a slight stretch to it, or even ribbon Strips of t-shirt, tights, or leggings also work well Toggle cord locks or sliders can be used on both elastic and fabric for quick and easy adjustment Other: Pipe cleaners, twist ties, or other flexible metal objects can be added to the nose area of the mask to help with fit |
| Elastic vs Fabric Ties – Things to Consider! |
| Elastic bands | Fabric ties |
| Elastic may break down after repeated washing in hot water You or others may be sensitive to it because latex is a common component in elastic Easy and quick to put on/take off Can be used behind the ear or around the head Elastic may be difficult to find/source currently due to high demand | Can be made of any fabric or material Durable, even after multiple washings May be more challenging to put on with tying a knot behind your head May be more comfortable for over longer periods Can be made more user-friendly by making them into a drawstring with a toggle cord lock Easier to adjust fit to different size heads |
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