iflmasks

The outbreak of the corona virus has put the world in a state of fear and suspicion ,where we all have to walk around in face masks. These masks have become so necessary that they are now part of our daily attire, be it at the market place, work place, religious institutions, even at our homes.

We now need them in plenty especially for the fashion fanatics, who would love to match their masks with their outfits. I have good news! You can make your own face mask at home using cloth pieces. The cloth face mask is as conducive as the other types of masks but they are better since they can actually match up with your outfit and are more affordable.  These can also be reused since they are washable , unlike the  surgical masks that tend to lose their grip when washed.

The cloth face masks can be made out of any piece of cloth, most preferably cotton. There a different types of clothes suitable for making cloth face masks ,e.g.; bandanas, sheets and T-shirts. These are some of the  things to note when making the cloth face mask;

• Thickness

The cloth face mask should contain a number of layers. The purpose of the mask is for protection from pathogens and contaminants in the air. So no matter how pretty the mask is, if it does not serve its purpose then it is of no use. Putting in a filter is an extra advantage to the user. Avoid masks with valves at the front. Even though they make it easy for you to breathe, they do not filter exhaled air so when the user is infected, the people around him are still not safe.

• Fitness

Research has shown that leakages at the sides of the mask counter the efficiency of the filtering of the mask by more than 50%. A mask that fits efficiently will hug your chin , nose and cheeks  with no gaps. It should completely cover your nose and mouth . When you have a perfectly fitting mask it prevents you from touching it from time to time, trying to readjust it , especially when talking. Masks that have a bendable nose strip help in maintaining a firm grip and hold the mask in place.

How to wear a cloth face mask

1) Wash your hands with soap and water , or use a hand  sanitizer before and after wearing or removing your mask.

2). Place your mask over your mouth and nose.

3). Tie it behind your head and ensure it snugs.

4)  Don't touch the mask while wearing it.

5) If you accidentally touch your mask , wash your hands or sanitize.

6) If your mask gets dirty or wet, switch it with a different one and put the used one in a sealable bag until you are able to wash it.

7) Remove the mask by untying it and avoid touching your face or the front of the mask.

8) Wash your hands immediately.

9) make sure you regularly wash your mask using soap and water.

The best mask  is one that filters both small and large particles and droplets suspended in the air.  There is a trick that can be used to test if your mask is offering you the protection required.  This is by blowing off a candle while wearing the mask. An efficient mask will prevent you from putting the flame out.

This is however not an assurance that one is completely safe  from diseases.  You therefore have to apply other measures of controlling the spread of the illness and keeping oneself and their loved ones safe. Always ensure you sanitize and maintain social distance.

The cloth face masks are more affordable and available compared to the surgical masks and equally conducive. Some sites give people instructions in how to make one from home. Get information on how to make an attractive and  effective face mask on your own. It will be much easier than you think.

With the outbreak of the global pandemic, corona virus, the usage of face masks has become the new normal. It is actually necessary! We therefore have to blend in. This necessity has led to the creation of different types of face masks other than the ones that were typically known (surgical masks). Some are even homemade fabric masks.

However , the purpose of the mask has to be fulfilled for the mask to actually be important. Therefore, when making your own mask , you have to consider some major things. i.e. ; fitness, thickness, fabric.

The mask should be fitting enough since any gaps reduce it efficiency.

 The thickness of the mask is important too since it has to have enough layers for filtering out the contaminants.

 In this article, I would like to major on the fabric. As much as you would like a flashy look , not  every fabric is suitable for making a face mask.

Hybrid Face Masks

These are considered the best and safest homemade options. Generally, masks should be woven as tightly as possible. Therefore, masks with high thread counts are the best at filtering particles. An efficient fabric mask is one that has at least three layers ; an inner layer that absorbs , a middle layer that filters and an outer layer made from a non-absorbent material e.g.; polyester. This is the perfect example of a fabric mask.  There is no sin in decorating the third layer however you want it. You could even match it up with your favorite dress!

Silk And Cotton Have More Variable Performances

A research made found that masks made from vacuum cleaner bags were the most effective, followed by  masks made from tea towels , pillow cases, silk , and 100% cotton pieces respectively. Materials made of 100% silk are the most effective at filtering high- momentum droplets. This could be because silk  has electrostatic properties that help in trapping small viral particles. The research also found out that a new cotton cloth is more effective at filtering small droplets than a used one.

Bandannas And Scarves

However flashy these may look, they don't offer the required protection that a mask is meant to give. The material used to make these is not so reliable for use as means of preventing an illness. They reduce the rate of droplet transmission by two. This shows that they are not as efficient as they ought to be.

 As much as the fabric might be great for making a face mask, other factors determine the safety of the user too. For example, the making of the mask, as you have already seen, matters. Though  100% cotton is effective, the number of layers (thickness) and the fitness of the mask  will also determine its effectiveness.

You can make your own fabric mask from home and maintain that flashy look while still protecting yourself and your loved ones. You just have to understand what is important about a face mask so that you ensure that it is not only pretty, but also as efficient and effective as possible.

You can always make a mask with any material and color provided it is fulfilling its intended purpose. You could even try  making a mask with the color of your favorite pair of sneakers!

Since the outbreak of this drastic pandemic, it has become the new normal to walk around with face masks as a way to protect oneself from getting infected with the corona virus.

There are a lot of things we are yet to learn about face masks, and here, I would like to take you through some of these.

What Is The Importance Of A Face Mask?

The face mask , is a great tool in controlling the spread of any airborne illnesses and contaminants. However, just because you are wearing a mask doesn't mean that you are completely out of danger.

You have to apply other measures of ensuring you are safe from any contaminants. These include washing of hands, sanitizing and maintaining social distance.

There are two major types of face masks; surgical masks and N95 masks

Surgical Masks.

This is also called the medical mask. They are loose-fitting disposal masks that are used to protect one's mouth and nose from contacting droplets, spray or splashes that may be contaminated. These masks are also capable of filtering large particles suspended in the air. They are useful in protecting the people around the user of the mask from contacting air and fluid secretions from the user of the mask.

N95 Masks

Unlike the surgical masks, the N95 masks are able to filter out both small and large particles, hence offering more protection. It filters 95% of the small particles in the air that the user inhales. Some have valves that make it easier to breathe through.

Some precautions on face masks include;

• Don't use a face mask as a substitute for social distancing. As I already pointed it out above, the face mask is not an assurance of safety.
• Don't put masks on children under the age of 2 years as this could make it hard for them to breathe.
• Don't put the mask on anyone who has trouble breathing, or unconscious. i.e.; someone who will need help removing the mask.
• Always make sure you have it with you.
• Wash your mask as often as possible. It is advisable to have several so that you always have a clean one available when needed.
• Don't pull down your mask to talk. Sometimes the mask might make communication harder since one may not hear you clearly. However pulling it down counters the whole purpose of wearing it in the first place.
• Make sure it fits. Make sure you are comfortable in the mask and you can breathe comfortably. It therefore needs to fit snugly especially around your cheeks and at the bridge of your nose.
• It should cover your mouth and nose. If it doesn’t, then it does not fulfill its intended purpose.
• Do not play around with your mask. Treat your mask like a dirty object, because it actually could be. Before and after using your mask. Wash your hands with soap and water.

         Adjusting To A Face Mask

Most of us have probably never used a face mask before and we might find it hard to use one even now that it is a necessity. Most of us even tend to forget them and remember only when we see people around us using them. It is therefore important that we try to use the mask as often as possible so that we get used to it as part of us, since it sadly is.

Before the world was struck by this pandemic (corona virus), most of us knew so little about face masks. Personally, I only saw them on medics. However, today, face masks have become a necessity and therefore, it is important to get information on them.

A face mask is one of the tools used in the control of the spreading of a disease. It is a loose fitting mask that covers the nose and mouth, and has ear loops or bands at the back of the head.

A face mask helps in limiting the spread of germs and bacteria. When one talks, sneezes or coughs, they can release some tiny droplets into the air that when inhaled by someone else may be harmful. This is especially when they are infected with a disease, for example flu. So, when one has a face mask on, it reduces the risk that they pose to people around him or her.

It is therefore important to consider wearing a face mask when you are sick with a sneezing or coughing illness, especially when you expect to be around other people.

How to Put On and To Remove a Face Mask

1) Clean your hands with a sanitizer, or soap and water before touching the mask. This will remove any toxic things that might be on your hands, to protect you from inhaling them and putting you out of harm’s way.

2) Remove the mask from the box (or packaging) and check for any holes on either side of the mask, or fluid patches.

3) Be sure to note which side of the mask is the top. This is the side with a stiff bendable edge, it moulds to the shape of your nose.

4) Note which side is the front of the mask. Mostly it is the colored side (or the side with a brighter coloring). This side faces away from you.

5) According to the type of mask you are using, here are simple instructions to follow:

1. A) One with bands

Hold the mask on your hands with the top part at your fingertips, and the bands hanging freely. Get the mask to the level of your nose then pull the top strap on over your head, and rest it on the crown of your head. The same goes for the bottom strap and rest it on the nape of your neck.

1. B) One with ear loops

Hold the ear loops of the mask and place each loop around each ear.

1. C) One with ties

Get the mask up to your nose level and place the ties over the crown of your head and secure the mask with a bow.

6) Pinch the stiff edge to the shape of your nose.

7) Pull the bottom of the mask over your mouth and chin.

How To Remove A Face Mask

1) Clean your hands with soap and water before touching the mask. Avoid touching the front of the mask, since it could be contaminated. Only touch the ear loops or bands. Here are some simple instructions, according to the type of mask you are using;

2)  One with bands ~ Lift the bottom strap over your head first then repeat the same on the upper strap.

3) One with ties ~ unties the bottom bow before you untie the top tie then pulls the mask away from you.

4) One with ear loops ~ Hold both ear loops at once then remove the mask gently by lifting it.

5) Dispose the mask in a trash and wash your hands with soap and water or a hand sanitizer.

This is the basic information you need to know about face masks. I hope you get to use them better with the new knowledge gained.