Reviewing my face masks

[spinbaby]

In preparation for my next outing to pick up my cat’s prescription, I tried out the face masks I had on hand and thought I would review.

Classic pleated rectangular with elastic ear loops, disposable: this is the only “official” face mask I have. It’s black and advertises itself as charcoal filtered, which would be great if it weren’t so loose I breathe through the gaps on the sides. It does lend a spiffy ninja look to any outfit.

Classic pleated rectangular with ties, homemade cotton with filter pocket : comfortable and washable, fits more snugly than the disposable mask, but still tends to gap under the eyes and below the chin. Stuffing the gaps with tissues works to seal it up and also prevents eyeglass fogging.

Shaped with elastic ear loops, homemade cotton with filter pocket: fits nicely with no gaps, but the ear loops that keep it snug make my ears stick out like Dumbo and are frankly uncomfortable.

Scarf, cotton gauze with coffee filter: simply wrapping a cotton scarf around my face was the most comfortable and also provided the snuggest fit of all the options. But cotton gauze isn’t protective enough, so I added a coffee filter next to my face. The coffee filter tends to slip a little, but with a little attention and snug wrapping, will stay in place.

Scarf, heavy silk: snug fit and I’m pretty sure this scarf would be protective because I couldn’t breathe through it. Also, it was hot.

I think I will probably go with sewing ties to the shaped cotton mask.

[AirmensMom]

1. Good job!

I made a pleated one with a filter pocket, but it was a bit clunky, even for my husband's big face. So I made some shaped ones like this and he prefers them:

https://www.craftpassion.com/face-mask-sewing-pattern/#face-mask-pattern

They look trickier, but they're really easy. He didn't like the wire, so I took it out. Maybe if we could actually get the nose snug things for masks, like they're price-gouging for at a certain online retailer that begins with an A, and won't arrive until June, they would be more comfortable than pipe cleaners. So for now, at least he's wearing a mask and gloves when he buys groceries.

I tried putting a filter in the pocket, but ended up making a smaller double t-shirt material insert that I actually sewed right to the inside of the liner before sewing the liner and front piece together. That way, it is less bulky overall but still with added protection. I made some with ties and some with elastic. Two were made from bandanas, still with the t-shirt insert, one from some cotton fabric I had lying around, and one from an old flannel shirt. So far, he likes the bandana ones and doesn't seem to care if they're elastic or ties.

It's a fun rainy day project.

[AirmensMom]

5. Where did you get those?

I don't know why, but there are no gaps when my husband wears the masks. I'm not sure he'd wear them with any kind of metal in them since he specifically told me he didn't want them. I have my own masks that I bought years ago with charcoal filters that fit me very well. And I don't go out anyway.

[AirmensMom]

7. LMAO

We were well-endowed there too. My uncle used to say to me, "Eek what a beak! Is that a nose or a hose?"

Maybe it has something to do with the placement of the cheekbones or how round his head is. Beats me. I'm just glad he'll finally wear a mask!

[sl8]

2. I don't understand why so many of the DIY masks use behind-the-ear elastic.

All the store bought masks I've used had behind-the-head elastic, which is what I'm using for my homemade version. I tried the behind-the-ear elastic, briefly, but it was pretty uncomfortable.

I don't recall seeing any DIY plans or patterns that use behind-the-ear elastic and I'm not sure why.

[CrispyQ]

4. I saw a photo of a nurse wearing a headband with big buttons sewn onto it near her ears.

She loops the elastic ear bands over the buttons on the headband. No more ear irritation.

[AirmensMom]

8. I was thinking of some way to incorporate buttons.

The thought occurred to me as I was cutting apart a shirt, with the nice buttonhole placket. Seems like there should be a way to be able use that. Haven't figured it out yet, but I haven't given up.