Any interesting ,Mask ideas, photos + patterns and Hi flowing designs ? funny ones too

Hi all.....

Since we are going to be wearing masks for months ,  I  would love to see what your ideas to make them are , 

I have a pile of surgical masks and a few N95s , but after wearing them for less than an hour they are moist ,  and really do not flow much air ,  I could not see wearing them all day in the summer sun , 

So are there designs that allow more air flow like a K+N filter :)

And if you are sewing any of them do you have any  neat patterns that you like , 

My neighbor just bought a sewing machine  so she can make some , 

If you have any funny ones that is even better !

Yes I know homemade ones are not as good as N95s ,  but something is better than nothing  ,  

anyway have FUN with this ,  its not the place to argue about if masks are good or bad ,   lets just make some funny ones !

Stay safe , Live long and prosper.....

Made two for myself from an old shirt of mine. One's in my car currently getting a sun bath on the dash, so here's the other:

It's a design that a lady used in her Youtube video. I like it, pretty easy to use, looks better than a rectangle. These two were based on the measurements she used. They work, but they're too small for my taste and face, so I added a couple of cm or so on the sides and it works much better. I just need another shirt to cut up.

Only other difference between the video's and mine is the addition of another layer that isn't sewed on the sides, allowing for another filter element to be put in it.

I made the Olson mask, there's a ton of free patterns online you can download. Fits pretty well and has good coverage. It has a pocket inside for a filter. I used #4 coffee filters cut down to fit. Some have mentioned using HEPA vacuum bags for their filter. Whatever filter you choose, make sure it doesn't have glass fibers incorporated, 'cause that would be bad. I'll try to post a pic tonight.

Edit:

Here is a link to the pdf of the pattern I used. The only change I made is I added two tack stitches on the nose area so I can slide a folded pipe cleaner into the bridge of the nose area in the pocket where the filter goes. I cut up an old pair of ill-fitting slacks for the outside of the mask, and an old polo shirt that had a stain for the inner filter pocket since it was soft. I had elastic on hand since I do sew on occasion. Amazon has a bunch of 1/4 wide elastic that you can buy, or you can use tshirts or just about anything cut into strips, it doesn't have to be stretchy just tie it on.

Here is my ugly mug:

For what it's worth there are VERY basic guidelines on the CDC website. Not great though.

I've sewn a couple for the wife and I based on a pattern I found on line. I'll hunt it down.

I like this pattern because it fits over my short goatee and mustache and still seem to seal well. I used two layers of cotton blend fabric we had at the house. I've heard the best non-standard filter material they've found in lab testing is blue shop towels. No, really. I plan to make a couple more and figure out how to incorporate a layer.

I don't think you are going to do better on actual filtration than the standard N95 but the cloth DIYs are definitely a step up from nothing and are more available. 

Have you seen the glass pot lid inside the hooded sweatshirt? Funny, but could be pretty effective if done right. Not great in the deep south.

EDIT: My pattern came from Sew It Online, but they want an email address now to download it. Similar patterns are available for free on Joann Fabric's website.

DOUBLE EDIT: DEAR GOD can we please get some upload photo size controls?! NOBODY wants to see my ugly mug that big, including me!

This is what they issued us Friday at work.  Two layers so a "filter" could be inserted.  But no filters are forthcoming.

Tiger Mom (phillipino) cackled like a hyena at this one.

And when we're done we can all look like this.

For those of you making them at home, where are you getting the elastic?  I wasn't able to find any the few times I've been out.  Cut up one of SWMBO's hair ties, but that was the only longer one she had.  Was thinking about using those bungee cord things for holding down tarps.  I'd just like for the wife and I to have a couple of extra to wash between uses.

-Rob

I happened to have the elastic in a box of accumulated sewing notions. I think I bought it a couple years back when I was making bikepacking bags but never used it. Total luck.

In reply to rob_lewis :

I just ordered 10yds for I think $12 on eBay. Then I also ordered 100 aluminum nose strips for $11.

For my two practice masks, I cut up one of my daughter's old headbands. They work, but not that great.

My current setup is a leg of some underwear I made into a face sleeve. Really breathable fabric. Super stretchy and soft. 

I was gonna make one out of an old bra of swmbo's, but lace and hearts is apparently frowned upon here. 

Edit- im having a hard time finding someone local with a 3d printer to make me some mortal Kombat scorpion masks. Insert merv13 filter square, go. 

rob_lewis said:

For those of you making them at home, where are you getting the elastic?  I wasn't able to find any the few times I've been out.  Cut up one of SWMBO's hair ties, but that was the only longer one she had.  Was thinking about using those bungee cord things for holding down tarps.  I'd just like for the wife and I to have a couple of extra to wash between uses.

-Rob

Running shoes laces. Lots of elastic ones these days. 

My sister made one for me. It doesn't have elastic. She used the handles from a reusable grocery bag to make ties. And it has a pocket where some kind of filter cold be inserted, although I'm not sure what that would be (paper towel or coffee filter I guess?) Anyway I had it on for a little while and it fogged up my glasses, which is the same problem I've had with the sanding or whatever masks I've used in the past.

My wife has been either making straps from strips of fabric or cutting up cotton t-shirt and pulling the strips to make ties.  The pulled T-shirt  strips become like cord.  You just tie them 
My father-in-law came up with the brilliant idea of getting those spring loaded locks like on the end of the ties on jackets.  Put them on a pair of ties and you don't have to tie them any more but the mask stays tight

Someone, somewhere, has gone full Darth Vader with this..... No, I don't have pictures, just a hunch that some has done it....

rob_lewis said:

For those of you making them at home, where are you getting the elastic?  I wasn't able to find any the few times I've been out.  Cut up one of SWMBO's hair ties, but that was the only longer one she had.  Was thinking about using those bungee cord things for holding down tarps.  I'd just like for the wife and I to have a couple of extra to wash between uses.

-Rob

Cut open a fabric bungy coard.

I used what appears to be the same pattern as most of you, but cut the tail ends extra long and sewed on some velcro patches to close it at the back of the neck. More comfortable than elastic and easier to remove without dragging it across your whole face.

In reply to Professor_Brap (Forum Supporter) :

Is that made from a Crown Royal bag? Swanky!

EastCoastMojo (Forum Supporter) said:

In reply to Professor_Brap (Forum Supporter) :

Is that made from a Crown Royal bag? Swanky!

It is, swmo made it. Even has my username embroidered on it. Customer of mine got it for me, I never knew what to do with it 

In reply to Professor_Brap (Forum Supporter) :

I see that, and I am super envious of her embroidery machine!  Very nice!