Version 1
: Received: 9 June 2020 / Approved: 11 June 2020 / Online: 11 June 2020 (11:44:17 CEST)
How to cite:
Strong-Wright, J. A Brief Review of Materials and Designs for Homemade Masks to Protect Against COVID-19. Preprints2020, 2020060132. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202006.0132.v1
Strong-Wright, J. A Brief Review of Materials and Designs for Homemade Masks to Protect Against COVID-19. Preprints 2020, 2020060132. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202006.0132.v1
Strong-Wright, J. A Brief Review of Materials and Designs for Homemade Masks to Protect Against COVID-19. Preprints2020, 2020060132. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202006.0132.v1
APA Style
Strong-Wright, J. (2020). A Brief Review of Materials and Designs for Homemade Masks to Protect Against COVID-19. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202006.0132.v1
Chicago/Turabian Style
Strong-Wright, J. 2020 "A Brief Review of Materials and Designs for Homemade Masks to Protect Against COVID-19" Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202006.0132.v1
Abstract
It is highly likely that the wearing of face masks reduces the rate of respiratory infections (e.g. SARS-CoV-2), to protect both the user and those around them. This paper sets out to review the areas that effect the efficacy of masks, the materials, design, hygiene and fit testing, in order to make recommendations as to how to make mask from resources found in most homes for when commercial models are unavailable. This paper finds that a mask constructed with a filter made from high thread count cotton is likely to provide a reasonable level of protection (~70% filtration) and that if a layers of other materials such as chiffon or silk is added the filtration may be much higher (~90%). There is also some promise in less available materials such as vacuum cleaner bags and air conditioner filters. Examples of fabric and rigid designs are reviewed but most are limited by the fit to the users which is hard to determine in a home setting. It would be extremely helpful if a method was devised for people to test or be tested for the fit of home made masks. In the mean time careful thought should be given to whether the user judges a good fit. Users should also be careful to practice other means of hygiene and distancing.
Keywords
COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; masks materials; pandemic
Subject
Chemistry and Materials Science, Materials Science and Technology
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Commenter:
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Commenter:
Commenter's Conflict of Interests: I am the author of this paper.