DIY facial masks

[fn59]

A couple of days ago I was thinking about the shortage of N95 facial masks, so I thought why can't you use HEPA furnace filter or vacuum bag. I checked youtube and others were posting videos on making masks from those sources. Then I found this video warning that fibre glass particles are used in those sources, which would be dangerous to breath in.

https://youtu.be/qiYbXsIcI7E

[lonigan257]

I was thinking of making a mask so I went to my workshop where I keep some for protection when working with insulation, sawdust, etc. They are all marked N95, one even says "surgical mask". I got them at Home Depot in the tools section.

[Gabacho]

But Home Depot is OUT of them.

[dishuser]

But Home Depot is OUT of them.

more than likely got them before pandemic like I did
I bought a box over 2 years ago and only a few missing

[nobodyspecial]

I have 2 full boxes and 2 half face respirators and one full face with about ten packs of cartridges...lol

[dishuser]

I have 2 full boxes and 2 half face respirators and one full face with about ten packs of cartridges...lol

same
from using drop dry paint

[nobodyspecial]

same
from using drop dry paint

is dropdry dryfall?...lol

[dishuser]

is dropdry dryfall?...lol

so they say
but I've been more than 10 feet away and got paint on my face...lol

[dishuser]

first time I used it was at a townhouse complex cause some tenants wouldn't move their cars while we were painting the siding
I can still remember the look on the first complainer's face when I sent my buddy over with leaf blower to remove paint from their car...lol

[nobodyspecial]

first time I used it was at a townhouse complex cause some tenants wouldn't move their cars while we were painting the siding
I can still remember the look on the first complainer's face when I sent my buddy over with leaf blower to remove paint from their car...lol

if its too humid it doesnt fall dry...lol

[aPrime]

There is scarcity of mask in our area and if there is available, you would think twice if you'd still buy it because the price is x3! Good thing our friend gave us a washable mask others said it is still unsafe and we have to put a tissue on it. Do you think it will be safe to put tissue in between the mask and nose?

[buddy1862]

My wife works in a hospital and we have a box of 3m n95 masks with a few missing. My wife said they are about 2 yrs old and wouldn't provide 100% protection but even 50% is better than nothing at all!

[lonigan257]

The masks I got at Home Depot are probably about 2 years old and not brand new. No mask is 100% effective but even a simple face covering is better than no mask at all. The tissue inserted in a face mask helps a little but fabric of something like cotton or other densely woven material will be better. Some air has to get in so you can breath. I think the main point of wearing a mask is to catch most of the germs if a sneeze or cough catches you by surprise, and to keep you from touching your face with dirty hands.

[dishuser]

The masks I got at Home Depot are probably about 2 years old and not brand new. No mask is 100% effective but even a simple face covering is better than no mask at all. The tissue inserted in a face mask helps a little but fabric of something like cotton or other densely woven material will be better. Some air has to get in so you can breath. I think the main point of wearing a mask is to catch most of the germs if a sneeze or cough catches you by surprise, and to keep you from touching your face with dirty hands.

I disagree
I watch people touch their face all the time to adjust their masks

[dnasp002]

touching your face to adjust your mask is far less risky than having direct access to your nose or mouth :)

the virus can live on you, on your cheek or chin, or on your mask and not make it into your system

it will not get up and crawl into your nose or mouth, sweat is one way it can move around, but in general you need to touch your nose or mouth to become infected

[buddy1862]

the eyes are also an access point, n95 masks provide 95% protection. BTW, masks bought at home depot, Lowes, etc, are particulate masks, unless certified N95, but some protection is better than none.

[dnasp002]

yes eyes are also an access point but a mask will not help if it enters through your eyes

the best protection probably lies in a combination of wearing a mask and a dirty pair of gloves

gloves that you wouldn't put to your face under any circumstances :)

[buddy1862]

mask and glasses are the best bet, besides a full respirator. lol When I go to the beer store I wear sun glasses, my wife tells me to wear goggles!
I'll quit first!

[dishuser]

I also wear a shield
go through about 30 pair of gloves per shift