What Types of Material Work Best for DIY Face Masks?

Face masks have become a necessary part of life over the last six months, and depending on how often you leave the house, you probably have more than one on hand. What happens if you’re in a pinch and need to leave the house, but no masks are available?

DIY face masks are just as useful as pre-made masks, whether you sew your own or end up tying a bandana around your nose and mouth. However, some materials prevent inhaling incoming germs more effectively than others.

Here are the best materials for homemade face masks in Tacoma, WA—and remember, when booking a ride with Around the Sound, you are required to wear a face mask to prevent virus transmission.

Best materials for DIY face masks

Generally, the thicker and tighter the weave, the better the fabric will be at preventing the spread of germs, and any face mask is going to be better than not wearing one at all. If you’re not sure whether your fabric is a good choice, hold it up to the light. The more light you can see through the weave, the less effective it will be:

• Flannel: Flannel and flannel-like materials are excellent for blocking respiratory droplets from escaping or being inhaled. The tight weave is effective in keeping germs from spreading, and as a bonus, it’s super soft and comfortable to wear.
• Stacked coffee filters: If your mask has a pocket for inserts, or if you’re improvising, stacking coffee filters is another effective way to prevent virus transmission. However, it may be more difficult to breathe with this method.
• Pillowcases: 600 thread count and above pillowcases have a tight-enough weave to do a great job in keeping you and passersby healthy. You can tie the entire length around your face in a pinch, or use it to sew a mask.
• Quilted cotton: Finally, quilted cotton is particularly effective for face masks. Quilted cotton has multiple layers, including a layer of batting that helps filter out germs. If you have a friend who quilts, it might be worth asking them if they will make you a mask or have any material you could use.

No-sew face mask patterns

The CDC has released a no-sew face mask pattern, which uses fabric and rubber bands to make a temporary piece of protective equipment. This helps the mask rest snugly against your face, stopping the escape of respiratory droplets—and you probably already have the materials right at home.

Of course, tying a scarf or bandana around your face works, too, as long as there are multiple layers of fabric and it covers both your nose and your mouth at the same time. Just make sure that the fabric has a tight weave, and you’ll be doing your part to protect yourself and others.

Now that you’re familiar with the best materials for face masks in Tacoma, WA, reach out to Around the Sound to book a ride with us today. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Categorised in: blog, Safety During Transit

This post was written by Writer