[SML] DIY masks

[William Knapp]

I'd like to advocate for disposable respiratory face coverings. Cotton
masks are definitely better than nothing. But if they have done their job
they are covered with viruses when we get home. Even if they have a filter
slot, the outside is what may be contaminated so they must be washed with
each wearing religiously.

Cheap, one use masks can be disposed of before entering the home. And they
can be changed while you're out if you feel you've gotten in a potentially
contaminated situation.

A garment company in LA, that is now sewing masks, did tests on numerous
fabrics with a specialized machine (a TSI PortaCount Pro); shop towels
tested to provide the best filtration.

https://suayla.com/pages/suay-community-mask-coalition

This company is sewing "reusable" masks. They admit that cleaning reduces
their longevity. I believe that easy to make, cheap, single use masks are a
better choice.

In January there were widespread shortages of masks in Hong Kong. The
University of Hong Kong set up a task force to create a DIY mask design.
The following link is the research on that project which yielded a design
they estimated to be 90% as effective as a surgical mask.

https://www.consumer.org.hk/ws_en/news/2020/covid-19-diymasks

I have made some adjustments to the fit of the mask and substituted shop
towels for kitchen paper towels. I believe it provides excellent fit and
filtration; better than the original design.

That, combined with its no-sewing, no-tech, easy, cheap fabrication make it
a superior choice to a sewn cotton mask. Its cost (~20¢ each) means a new
one can be used each time you need one.

Instructions: https://youtu.be/l-2ElKi1F6E

Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good. And certainly don't let
social positioning anxiety lead to not using anything because you don't
have what the rich kids do.

-- 
Will Knapp
will at thebase.com
+1 212 475 3110
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