Make a DIY face mask. Protection from Covid-19.

With the Covid-19 pandemic brewing many are asking should they or not wear a facemask while in public. The simple answer is yes you should wear a face covering. The CDC is now recommending everyone wear a facemask while out in public. By doing so you can help stop the spread of this deadly virus.

Studies show that a significant number of individuals infected with Covid-19 are asymptomatic, that is not displaying any symptoms. The study also showed that those who later develop symptoms may be contagious before they show symptoms. Wearing a facemask or covering helps prevent spreading the virus to others by those who are unaware they have the virus. Now don’t go running to buy all the masks, that is, if you can even find any. ​

To accomplish this new recommendation by the CDC you don’t need anything fancy. All you need is a piece of fabric or scarf to cover your face and you can have an effective face mask. That’s it! There are many DIY projects out there to make your own face mask. In fact, I want to show you how to make your own face mask with an inline air filter. Making a mask instead of buying one helps save precious supplies for our healthcare workers who are on the frontlines.

To make our homemade face mask design you will need a bandana, two elastic hair ties or rubber bands, 5 paper clips, some tape, and if you really want to make your mask awesome, an air filter.

First, fold your bandana in half, straighten out one of the paper clips into a straight wire and place it at the top center side of the bandana where the two edges meet and secure it with a piece of tape.

Fold down the bandana two or three times keeping the paper clip at the top making a thin folded strip. Fold the bottom corners up to make two long triangles. Loop the hair elastics on to the ends. You can also use rubber bands.

Now if you desire at this point you can add an air filter. I used an Honeywell FPR 10 air filter that I got from Home Depot. It can filter out particles as small as 0.3 microns which can even filter out virus carriers. ٌYou can also use another type of air filter from a vacuum bag or air purifier. Cut a piece down to size to fit your mask and insert into the mask securing it under the flaps.

Fold over the ends of the bandana and secure with tape. Secure the bandana at the ends next to the ear loops using the remaining 4 paper clips.

Put on the mask and push down on the top to mold the top wire to your face.

There you have it folks! It’s very easy, very effective, and only takes about 5 minutes to make. So during these unprecedented times do your part and stop the spread. Cover up, use good hygiene, practice social distancing, and most importantly help preserve precious supplies that our healthcare workers so desperately need.

Jason Perez

EMT, BLS Instructor