You might be required wearing a mask to protect your privacy. Or maybe a business you frequent has just added a “No masks, no services” sign. research showed that public wearing face masks can actually make a difference in the prevention of the virus causing coronavirus infection 2019 (COVID-19).
A 6-foot (2-meters) U.S. recommendation on social-distancing may make masks even more important. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is based upon research from the 1930s. It was decades before scientists had the technology to detect submicron airborne aerosols. These aerosols can be generated by breathing, coughing, or sneezing. These smaller particles travel much further and take much longer time to settle to earth. While universal masking provides the lowest exposure for all, it can be hard for medical professionals who rely on them to purchase masks.
So what should a person do? Although masks made from common fabrics can be used, they are not sufficient. Leakages around the mask area will dramatically reduce their effectiveness. Consider making your own mask if you don’t like the fit of your existing mask.
Our staff at American Scientist are constantly trying out new designs to find the ones we love. Below, we’ve reviewed several masks. We may add more as soon as we try them. In this review, we will discuss user experience. How easy the masks are to make and how they feel to wear. Click the masks below for each review.
Stacey’s Third Mask –TESTED BY Stacey Lutkoski
There are hundreds upon hundreds of masks available to buy or make. And there seem to be new mask-making tutorials appearing every day. I tried a style and it worked for me. But, I saw a YouTube tutorial for a different type of mask that caught my attention, so I decided give it a chance.
This style of mask appealed mainly to me because it addresses the issues I had when using a flat design. The new design has some structure to it so the fabric doesn’t press against your nose and mouth. This design makes the mask more comfortable. It is also much cooler to wear which is an advantage in the North Carolina summer, where I live.
The design this mask uses is similar to a pattern I received from my sewing instructor in April. The fabric pieces in this mask are more complicated that the rectangular ones I made. You need to pay more attention when sewing the pieces together. I was prepared for the challenge because I had sewn more than 12 flat facemasks over the course of the past month.
Mia DIY’s video tutorial is clear. I have now made six masks following her instructions. I used the majority her techniques, although I did make some modifications. I used a pattern paper that my April sewing teacher had given me to cut the fabric. However, I did not try the tutorial which uses a pot lid in order to trace circles or curves. has a example of a template that comes in different sizes. I chose to keep some features from my original design for three masks. I was able wrap the mask around me using one long drawstring. If the fabric isn’t tightened with a drawstring then the mask can be expanded or contracted using the pleats. Mia DIY’s seam-binding technique is not the best, so I saved time and folded the sides of fabric over to create channels that would allow me to attach the drawstring.
Stacey’s Second Mask—TESTED BY: Stacey Lutkoski
I was successful in my first attempts at making masks. I was discussing my progress with digital features editor Katie L. Burke, and she pointed me to a tutorial for a similar-but-more-refined version. The design was straightforward and I had the necessary materials so I decided I would give it a go.
This design is my favorite. It’s been a great help in making 18 masks for my family and friends. Brie of Homemade On Our Homestead was the blogger who created it. She is a registered nurses, so she understands what a face mask is for. However, she also has experience as a crafter and can provide clear instructions.
Naturally, everyone has their preferences. I did make some changes to her design. Because it is so easy, I kept the little compartment that holds the pipe cleaner nosepiece. I used macrame string for the drawstring as it was readily available at the craft stores. I made a few masks with rectangles measuring 9x7inches, instead of the 10-x-8 inches needed for adult masks.
