mask-o-tronica with minor updates
May. 15th, 2020 01:21 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
phosfateTwo of the masks I ordered have turned up, so I thought I would write up my mask experience so far.
(Note: if your skin is in any way sensitive, masks will scrape a layer off and there's nothing you can do except moisturize. Make-up will be destroyed, so get used to just doing your eyes.)
First is a laser-cut thick spandexy material from...ebay? Amazon?
Pros: It is light, fits well, easy to put on and off, makes you look a bit like Diabolik, and seems to keep the horrible coronadamp in. If you have a laser cutter you can get a pattern of etsy for US$.70 and make fresh ones whenever you like. If you don't, you can get a hand-cut pattern for about the same. No idea if they make one for Cricut.
Cons: Keeps the horrible coronadamp in so well that no matter how much you've brushed or minted, you will taste your own breath for as long as it's on. I sat on the bus bench outside Target waiting for a cab with my groceries and drank a bottle of chocolate milk because I hadn't had dinner. Imagine the smell of chocolate baby spew. Good for short trips but maybe not all day. I'd hand wash because I don't trust the ear holes to hold.
Second new one is a snazzy handmade Pokeball mask from Snowtigra on Etsy.
I've had it for all of two days and it's easily the best mask I own. I got the Pokeball fabric, which is bright and cheerful and so far makes people on public transport leave me alone. It's thick yet breathable, the cotton absorbs coronafog rather than returning it to you, it covers nose to chin, doesn't dig in my ears, and I can wear it for a long time without wanting to claw my face off. I'd hand wash because the elastic is the kind meant for lingerie, and there's a nose wire inside to keep the shape.
Bandana and hairband mask:
Instructions on cdc.gov. Pros: Easy to make, requires no sewing, but if you don't have bandanas in the house you may be out of luck unless you can cut up a cotton shirt. This mask totally does the job, but will be much more comfortable on your face if you can press the folds. If you don't have an iron, put it under a pile of books overnight.
Cons: If you don't have hairbands, you should be able to find a card of them at the drug store for $2-$5 depending on the quantity and colors. People have reported difficulty if they also wear glasses, but etsy and ebay both offer very inexpensive band extenders so you can stretch the elastic behind your head instead. Easy to disassemble and toss the bandana in the washer, then re-fold. (UPDATE: Drives the beagle next door apeshit, but most things do.)
Hacked up T-shirt mask:
Instructions also on CDC.gov, and there are videos on youtube as well.
Pros: Very easy to make - just a shirt, a pair of scissors, and two minutes. Horizontal designs/stripes are easiest to cut. Can be adjusted if you cut it too big. Ties on. (If you can't bear to destroy a shirt of your own, the cheapass shirts from the grocery store or drug store work perfectly well. If you feel like being more stylin', I recommend the kids' clearance at Target where you can find dinosaurs or phases of the Moon. Don't buy anything with thick silkscreen or heat-sealed rubber because you may die.)
Cons: Ties may not hold if your hair is very slick. I have to make a pony or sloppy bun get shit done and tie the ties to that - also it fits tighter if you put the lower ties over the pony or the top of your head, which is counterintuitive. Sucker stays on but taking it off involves swearing. Can probably go in the washer on gentle/hand wash.
Mystery molded mask from an ancient emergency kit Patti found somewhere in the office:
Pros: No idea how good it is, but it does the keep-your-breath-in thing, so I assume it's at least slightly effective. Easy to take on and off.
Cons: Perfect for your tiny mouth inhabitants to breed. Will eventually decay. Easy to crush in your bag. Use it if it's all you got. (UPDATE: I crushed it in my bag.)
Coming eventually: Tube masks, those Chinese masks from Amazon that are on a boat somewhere, Aziraphale plaid mask from Italy, and custom Redbubble masks that are starting to ship.
Not coming even though I really really want it: Full-head Spider-Gwen cosplay mask, and upcoming Marvel tube masks unless they change their minds and add a damn girl.
(Note: if your skin is in any way sensitive, masks will scrape a layer off and there's nothing you can do except moisturize. Make-up will be destroyed, so get used to just doing your eyes.)
First is a laser-cut thick spandexy material from...ebay? Amazon?
Pros: It is light, fits well, easy to put on and off, makes you look a bit like Diabolik, and seems to keep the horrible coronadamp in. If you have a laser cutter you can get a pattern of etsy for US$.70 and make fresh ones whenever you like. If you don't, you can get a hand-cut pattern for about the same. No idea if they make one for Cricut.
Cons: Keeps the horrible coronadamp in so well that no matter how much you've brushed or minted, you will taste your own breath for as long as it's on. I sat on the bus bench outside Target waiting for a cab with my groceries and drank a bottle of chocolate milk because I hadn't had dinner. Imagine the smell of chocolate baby spew. Good for short trips but maybe not all day. I'd hand wash because I don't trust the ear holes to hold.
Second new one is a snazzy handmade Pokeball mask from Snowtigra on Etsy.
I've had it for all of two days and it's easily the best mask I own. I got the Pokeball fabric, which is bright and cheerful and so far makes people on public transport leave me alone. It's thick yet breathable, the cotton absorbs coronafog rather than returning it to you, it covers nose to chin, doesn't dig in my ears, and I can wear it for a long time without wanting to claw my face off. I'd hand wash because the elastic is the kind meant for lingerie, and there's a nose wire inside to keep the shape.
Bandana and hairband mask:
Instructions on cdc.gov. Pros: Easy to make, requires no sewing, but if you don't have bandanas in the house you may be out of luck unless you can cut up a cotton shirt. This mask totally does the job, but will be much more comfortable on your face if you can press the folds. If you don't have an iron, put it under a pile of books overnight.
Cons: If you don't have hairbands, you should be able to find a card of them at the drug store for $2-$5 depending on the quantity and colors. People have reported difficulty if they also wear glasses, but etsy and ebay both offer very inexpensive band extenders so you can stretch the elastic behind your head instead. Easy to disassemble and toss the bandana in the washer, then re-fold. (UPDATE: Drives the beagle next door apeshit, but most things do.)
Hacked up T-shirt mask:
Instructions also on CDC.gov, and there are videos on youtube as well.
Pros: Very easy to make - just a shirt, a pair of scissors, and two minutes. Horizontal designs/stripes are easiest to cut. Can be adjusted if you cut it too big. Ties on. (If you can't bear to destroy a shirt of your own, the cheapass shirts from the grocery store or drug store work perfectly well. If you feel like being more stylin', I recommend the kids' clearance at Target where you can find dinosaurs or phases of the Moon. Don't buy anything with thick silkscreen or heat-sealed rubber because you may die.)
Cons: Ties may not hold if your hair is very slick. I have to make a pony or sloppy bun get shit done and tie the ties to that - also it fits tighter if you put the lower ties over the pony or the top of your head, which is counterintuitive. Sucker stays on but taking it off involves swearing. Can probably go in the washer on gentle/hand wash.
Mystery molded mask from an ancient emergency kit Patti found somewhere in the office:
Pros: No idea how good it is, but it does the keep-your-breath-in thing, so I assume it's at least slightly effective. Easy to take on and off.
Cons: Perfect for your tiny mouth inhabitants to breed. Will eventually decay. Easy to crush in your bag. Use it if it's all you got. (UPDATE: I crushed it in my bag.)
Coming eventually: Tube masks, those Chinese masks from Amazon that are on a boat somewhere, Aziraphale plaid mask from Italy, and custom Redbubble masks that are starting to ship.
Not coming even though I really really want it: Full-head Spider-Gwen cosplay mask, and upcoming Marvel tube masks unless they change their minds and add a damn girl.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-05-14 05:40 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2020-05-14 05:48 pm (UTC)I am stupidly excited for the Italian one because the word "stylish" may or may not be misspelled on it. Either way is delightful.
If I can get any joy out of this stupid panfucktastrophe, by golly I will.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-05-14 05:50 pm (UTC)Yeah, I'm splurging on fancy fabrics, because I figure that I can combine my "Helping people in need" money and my "Treats and hobbies" money for that, and there's not much else to spend on.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-05-14 05:52 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2020-05-14 05:54 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2020-05-14 05:56 pm (UTC)Fat quarters of fabric are generally a couple of bucks apiece, and some of them are very pretty!
(no subject)
Date: 2020-05-14 05:56 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2020-05-14 06:08 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2020-05-14 06:11 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2020-05-14 06:18 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2020-05-14 06:19 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2020-05-14 06:26 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2020-05-14 06:59 pm (UTC)Okay, it's these guys from China. I can't see well enough to tell what the adjustable thingie does. Also don't order it because they're sitting on the last ones at a higher price and insane shipping.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-05-14 07:07 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2020-05-14 07:09 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2020-05-14 08:53 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2020-05-14 08:56 pm (UTC)https://www.amazon.com/Spider-Cosplay-Elastic-Breathable-Halloween/dp/B07MPBHR9B/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=spider+gwen+mask&qid=1589489635&sr=8-1
this is the tube one that is basically out of print now:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/458733912029740169/
Which I thought, that's really awesome but what possible use could it ever be?
(no subject)
Date: 2020-05-14 08:57 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2020-05-14 09:01 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2020-05-15 06:00 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2020-05-15 06:02 pm (UTC)I saw some in a kwik-e-mart but they were a very thin open-weave cotton designed to prevent sun and wind burn and wouldn't do a thing to keep moisture in or out. They were also very specifically designed for the sort of men who need the world to know they own guns, love the police, and are not gay.
Masks
Date: 2020-05-15 07:09 pm (UTC)The aplat mask (https://aplat.com/blogs/shus-notebook/diy-cloth-face-mask) is pretty simple to make, but fits weird over the nose, which isn't a surprise given its construction. I left one bottom seam open to put a filter material inbetween the layers vs just shoving a coffee filter in the fold like they show.
This pattern is fiddly af (https://www.craftpassion.com/face-mask-sewing-pattern/), but I wanted to try it because it had sizes and I made the largest one. Fits husband's face, but the liner fabric seems to get sucked into the nose too easily, which causes gag problems. Bonus: cricut SVG files at least.
The TM 2020 looks pretty promising, even if it is basically a feed bag. The instructions are...not really complete (and I've had to search around for news video coverage and text info to get alternate views): https://www.universityhealthsystem.com/~/media/files/pdf/news/tm-2020-mask-pattern.pdf But I think I've figured it out. I just need to adjust the elastic length and I think it'll fit. I've made the outer covering and it seems to work okay having that breath pouch I think is really clever. I have some air filter material I can use as an inner layer.
Ultimately, I think a simple pleated one with an emphasis on the pleats closer to the chin may result in better air capture before you pass out from inhaling fabric to your nose/mouth and CO2 buildup or whatever, plus having a pocket for a nose wire for better sealing up top.
The tube cowl thing is an interesting idea. I have a Buff (brand) long cowl thingie that I use for bicycling when the air temp is chilly but of course now I can't find it to see if I can double it up over my nose and not die.
Re: Masks
Date: 2020-05-15 07:25 pm (UTC)I was wondering about the ones with the plastic plugs. The descriptions on their sales sites kind of forget to say what they're for, which is a red flag.
The one that works best for me so far is the one with the center seam that basically looks like an executioner's mask cut in half and sewn together on the curve. The wire helps, but it's hard for a thin wire to battle four layers of cotton fabric. I can't quite get a perfect seal, because it's one size fits all, but it's better than most I've tried. T-shirt gives the best seal so far when tied correctly.
I haven't used liners yet (is it true that a coffee filter will do the job?), but I've got three coming off Kickstarter that will have pockets, filters, and behind-the-head clips. Also they're hella cute.
I hope the tubes work. If not, I'm going to have a lot of little bags, bolsters, weird sock monkeys, or door draft blockers.
Re: Masks
Date: 2020-05-15 07:30 pm (UTC)Good luck with your mask endeavors! There are too many options, but also many different types of faces. I sort of wonder if we should just use our N95s with a t-shirt cover or something.
As for the filter, I haven't tried a coffee filter myself. I know all the guidance says "non-woven fabric" but it's not like everyone can tell what that really means. We have disposable shop towels that we fold in half that are okay. I've heard a folded paper towel/tissue will work in a pinch. It's a bit nebulous. :/
Re: Masks
Date: 2020-05-15 08:01 pm (UTC)Re: Masks
Date: 2020-05-15 09:31 pm (UTC)Re: Masks
Date: 2020-05-15 09:36 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2020-05-16 07:18 am (UTC)Re: Masks
Date: 2020-05-18 02:30 am (UTC)I think this one works the best for my husband. The nose dart pushes the top of the mask out and the pleats give him room to breathe (which makes sense, since this design was meant to be used standalone or over an N95-type mask).
I made one as-is with ties and I think I can mod it to use a single long loop of elastic that goes behind the neck and head if needed. There's also a pocket to put in a filter material if you have it. I cut up a soda can and folded it over to use as the nose wire.
Re: Masks
Date: 2020-05-19 04:04 pm (UTC)Saw at least two people in valve masks at the grocery last night. It's frustrating because you know they mean well and probably spent a bunch of money on them. But there were still folks in there unmasked, so at least these half work.
Re: Masks
Date: 2020-05-19 05:06 pm (UTC)I made ferret face mask last night and made extra wide binding tape for the sides so I could thread through elastic cording and used a cord stop to secure it so now he won't have to fiddle with tying ties behind his head.
Re: Masks
Date: 2020-05-19 05:12 pm (UTC)CORD STOP! THAT'S THE WORD I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR ALL WEEK! Thank you.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-05-19 05:13 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2020-05-19 05:16 pm (UTC)Re: Masks
Date: 2020-05-19 05:31 pm (UTC)and you're welcome XD i had to look up that product recently and i'm like "wtf is it called...squeezy thing doesn't seem to be it"
Re: Masks
Date: 2020-05-19 05:42 pm (UTC)Re: Masks
Date: 2020-05-19 05:45 pm (UTC)I think the only other tweak I want to make is to put a bias tape "pocket" up top so that the nose wire is removable instead of sewn in. I'm not sure how well folded aluminum can will hold up in the wash or if it will eventually rip through the fabric, which would be sad.
Re: Masks
Date: 2020-05-19 05:53 pm (UTC)I am excited for my first Redbubble mask to turn up, because if it works, they have any number of designs that will make people leave me the fuck alone.
Re: Masks
Date: 2020-05-19 07:06 pm (UTC)may your redbubble adventures be great :D
Re: Masks
Date: 2020-05-19 07:13 pm (UTC)https://www.redbubble.com/i/mask/Gavotte-by-andycwhite/47728462.9G0D8?ref=explore-for-you-recently-viewed
If this ever goes away, in a few years I can make some really disturbing bunting or throw pillows.
Re: Masks
Date: 2020-05-19 07:49 pm (UTC)Re: Masks
Date: 2020-05-19 07:51 pm (UTC)Re: Masks
Date: 2020-06-13 10:01 pm (UTC)My friend E got one and says that it does not fog up her glasses much, which may be a concern for some. I have since ordered a couple, but not sure when they'll actually arrive. I like that it has a nose dart and a chin seam. Cons: white liner (may become unsightly faster), polyester, wtf don't they let adults get the kid prints ffs
Anyway. Size wise they are at least as wide as the ones I made that we've been using, but we should have a few more and my desire to sew is kind of low so...yay, consumerism.