Unused 8" filter socks into masks?

[action21]

I have a number of brand new 8" filter socks - might be a dumb question - could I utilize these and make them into protective breathing masks during this Corona crisis? Just trying to think outside box since masks are hard to come by? Suggestions on how to do this? Any sewers?

 

[robbyg]

It would not be very effective as the virus is small enough to pass right through it like a BB going through chicken wire. It still helps in preventing you from putting your hands on your lips and nose. There are several YouTube videos on making DIY masks including some on using carbon cloth in between layers of cloth. I have not seen any of the videos but a friend of mine told me she had watched them and had sewn her own masks.

 

[mfinn]

Most of the experts are recommending that you wear some sort of face covering.
Any little bit will help.

 

[xxkenny90xx]

Most of the experts are recommending that you wear some sort of face covering.
Any little bit will help.

I agree, anything is better than nothing

 

[robbyg]

Maybe this info will help in your design.
You need to be filtering for at least .1 microns to stop a virus. I have some 1 micron filter pre filter floss for an rodi system but I now known that is to big. It’s still better than nothing if Stiched into cloth layers.

 

[Thespammailaccount]

I have some dirty but dry filter socks that I was thinking about puncturing two holes in for a head strap and just wearing it like a feed bag

 

[Thespammailaccount]

I have some dirty but dry filter socks that I was thinking about puncturing two holes in for a head strap and just wearing it like a feed bag

Patent pending

 

[Tamberav]

Probably just easier to put something else over your face. Viruses are very small and it won't filter those if they are aerosolized.

There is a reason the N95s are bruising nurses faces....a proper fitting N95 is hell to wear for more than a short period and feels pretty suffocating as something that can filter a virus isn't exactly great airflow.

For the most part a typical face cover will just help you not touch your face and help you not spread it if you are infected.

 

[Ron Reefman]

First, wearing a mask other than an N95 or equal mask is to stop people who have the virus and are asymptomatic from spreading it so easily. The home made masks help in that regard.

If you want to wear a mask to protect yourself, good luck. A homemade, double layer of cotton mask is of very little help (but I'll wear one when I go to the grocery store). Adding aquarium filter sock material inside a double layer of cotton would be better. But how much better is very questionable. The bigger issue is how well you get a homemade mask to fit tight to your face. The gaps just under your eyes on either side of your nose will allow you to suck in a lot of unfiltered air.

I'm thinking of wearing my snorkel mask with a filter sock tied over the air intake of the snorkel. That way I have both filtered air, an air tight fit so all air I breath is filtered and it's a mask that protects my eyes! OK, maybe that's a bit over the top, but if the threat level where I live keeps going up...???

 

[lilgrounchuck]

It’s not going to help as it’s not fine enough. People wasting PPE is killing me. They’re out there gardening with a mask on, as if this virus is just floating around in the ether. Some neighbors were playing basketball with gloves on, then went to take a drink with the same gloves, butting the container up to their lips. I tried to tell them that they’re just wasting gloves because if they had contacted it with the gloves, they just ingested it. Even the best made PPE available doesn’t do anything if you don’t follow proper protocols to make it effective. They’re all acting like you absorb this thing through contact with your skin.

 

[homer1475]

Went into the city(not NYC, I live several hours away from that crap hole) the other day to get very needed supplies(I live about an hours drive to the city), saw quite a few people wearing masks and gloves. Now being trained to work in a kitchen all my life I know how to properly use gloves, most people don't have a clue. When you touch everything, then rub your face with the gloved hand, it's pointless to wear gloves!

 

[mfinn]

There is a reason the N95s are bruising nurses faces....a proper fitting N95 is hell to wear for more than a short period and feels pretty suffocating as something that can filter a virus isn't exactly great airflow.

I just don't understand this. I did see the stories with pictures too.
I've been using N95 masks at work for as long as they have been around and I have not seen this bruising on myself or any of the other dozens and dozens of other insulators ( what I do for a living).
We wear them all day too. Sometimes for 10-12 hour shifts.
The newer style N95 masks have a air valve that allow for easier air flow.
The half face respirators have a better and tighter seal and even these don't cause bruising.

Having said this, I agree that masks need to be worn when out in public.
Even a few layers of cotton is going to be a better option than none at all

 

[Bruce60]

It’s not going to help as it’s not fine enough. People wasting PPE is killing me. They’re out there gardening with a mask on, as if this virus is just floating around in the ether. Some neighbors were playing basketball with gloves on, then went to take a drink with the same gloves, butting the container up to their lips. I tried to tell them that they’re just wasting gloves because if they had contacted it with the gloves, they just ingested it. Even the best made PPE available doesn’t do anything if you don’t follow proper protocols to make it effective. They’re all acting like you absorb this thing through contact with your skin.

The purpose of everyone wearing home-made masks in public is not to prevent the wearer from catching the virus but to prevent individuals who are infected from spreading it to others. For example, if I am infected but asymptomatic, I am spreading it by breathing, talking and touching my face and then objects in the environment. If I am wearing a home-made mask it will decrease the number of viral particles I am exhaling from getting into the environment. It will also slow my ability to spread by touch. It is far from perfect, but in this situation, any small thing we can all do to help decrease the rate of spread will help all of us.

 

[moz71]

Seems to be just as many opinions on masks as there on correct reefing!!!!!

 

[jaxteller007]

This study shows how effective different material is at blocking virus sized particles. So even a cotton blend bandana or tshirt can stop like 60%. Better than nothing and better than hoarding masks that are needed by our healthcare workers.

 

[jaxteller007]

Maybe this info will help in your design.
You need to be filtering for at least .1 microns to stop a virus. I have some 1 micron filter pre filter floss for an rodi system but I now known that is to big. It’s still better than nothing if Stiched into cloth layers.

.002 actually.

 

[Bruce60]

Maybe this info will help in your design.
You need to be filtering for at least .1 microns to stop a virus. I have some 1 micron filter pre filter floss for an rodi system but I now known that is to big. It’s still better than nothing if Stiched into cloth layers.

Great thought, but even of you find a material that can stop the virus, it has to be fitted around your face to prevent air from going around...air, like water, will seek the path of least resistance. In the case of a face mask, that is the seal between the mask and the face. A N95 mask is rated to block 95% of particle 0.3 microns or greater...if you are wearing it correctly.

 

[AJsReef]

Food for thought

I’d rather have some protection than no protection.

 

[jaxteller007]

Also according to that study, we should all find a way to wear vaccum bags as masks lol.

 

[Bruce60]

I'm thinking of wearing my snorkel mask with a filter sock tied over the air intake of the snorkel. That way I have both filtered air, an air tight fit so all air I breath is filtered and it's a mask that protects my eyes! OK, maybe that's a bit over the top, but if the threat level where I live keeps going up...???

If you happen to do that, I am sure we would all appreciate a selfie!