Filter material for masks, need some help.

[essaynnc]

I want to make masks from hand-sewn materials, but I understand the ones with N 95 filter as an insert are the best.

Does it make sense to use the filtering material from a 3M Filtrete furnace filter to keep out viruses as would an n95 mask? There are different versions of the filters, with a higher MPR rating. Does anyone have some information about this ??

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. Some mask-makers are using HEPA vacuum cleaner bags.

[Alex4Martinez]

3. I'm doing that. HEPA is superior to n95 in filtration specs. DETAILS HERE:

I use a neck gaiter to hold these filter papers in place.

Filter squares: https://www.amazon.com/CP3-Environment-Purifiers-FreshAir-Surround/dp/B01KAZ0ULS/ref=sr_1_3?crid=FW2YW26H8VRB&dchild=1&keywords=hepa+filter+paper&qid=1585843096&sprefix=hepa+filter%2Caps%2C214&sr=8-3

Neck gaiters: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SVN4BCT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You can probably buy HEPA filters or vacuum bags at markets or hardware stores and fashion a neck gaiter at home using whatever is at hand.

HEPA is superior to N95 and N99:

Respirator Rating Number Class
95 - Removes 95% of all particles that are at least 0.3 microns in diameter
99 - Removes 99% of particles that are at least 0.3 microns in diameter
100 - Removes 99.97% of all particles that are 0.3 microns in diameter or larger. HE or HEPA quality filter.

https://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/resources/dust-masks-whats-the-difference.html

[CountAllVotes]

2. There is another type of mask called the KN95

I bought some of these on ebay.com awhile ago.

The KN95's are not the same nor as good as the N95 as not approved but they have filters and are superior to the ones you see everyone wearing that does not have an N95.

That said, the ones I have are from China where they are very popular right now!

Best of luck!

[Alex4Martinez]

4. KN95 are equivalent to N95, the K indicates made in China

Which is fine by me at this point in time!

[CountAllVotes]

7. Me too!

I have an assortment of different types that I bought before this got to where it now is.

What a damn hell!

[Goonch]

5. HEALTH WARNING - HEPA FILTER MASK

[BigmanPigman]

8. The .3 micron polypropylene filter fabric

doesn't have fiberglass and is safe but also sold out all over the internet already.

[2naSalit]

10. Good warning!!

I'm using a bandana with quilt batting inside. Not sure about particle size but I keep my distance during the few occasions when I do venture out for supplies.

I only see a few people wearing masks yet but more are wearing gloves. Got a disgusted look from the women in the CU who were working in close proximity at the drive up. The main branch tellers are all closed.

[BigmanPigman]

6. Yes I do.

I researched it for hours last night. Here is a video I saw on DU and if you watch the whole thing it will tell you to go to 3 links for the products used.

I went to the link for the .3 micron poly... fabric and went on-line when they said they were sold out. Everything I found that was similar was sold out too.

You can get the filter fabric to place inside vacuum cleaner bags. Look at the video on You Tube for the links under it. Also look at the comments on the DU link for more info.

Sold out but try to copy it...
https://superstitch.com/shop/filter-fabric/polypropylene-filter-fabric-1-yard/
https://superstitch.com/shop/vacuum-bags/miele-u-bags-4pk/
https://superstitch.com/shop/vacuum-bags/envirocare-vacuum-bags-3pk/

Also... I found this chart and it shows how effective various materials are and it says that doubled dish towels are second best to a surgical mask and a vacuum cleaner bag is the third best...

What Are The Best Materials for Making DIY Masks?"
https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make-diy-face-mask-virus/

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100213128319

This link has charts and graphs which show the materials, thicknesses, filtering abilities, etc of various items used to make masks.

Here is the the other DU video with replies...

https://www.democraticunderground.com/1017575047

[eleny]

9. I'm using Filtrete F1 HEPA filters for air cleaners

They have no glass fibers in them.

According to this video by an ER physician whose wife created a pattern we can use vacuum bag HEPA filters.
I couldn't find any at a decent price anywhere. So I found another video where a woman made them using the F1 HEPAs.

Both videos that I referred to above
"A Doctor Explains How to Make the Safest Face Mask"

&t=354s

"DIY Face Mask Filter with HEPA Fabric"

[58Sunliner]

11. Another option I read about, is to add is activated carbon cloth.

[Lars39]

12. I've added your op to the compilation thread in the Crafts forum!

Sewing Mask Threads Compilation

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10321712

[Bev54]

13. Not sure but I read

that it is best to cut up a vacuum cleaner bag and sew it up, there is a video, probably on youtube.

[Alwaysna]

14. I would like to know if fusible interfacing blocks out the covid particles. Does anyone know?

[Demsrule86]

16. interesting