As of this writing (March 31, 2020) there is a shortage of PPE (personal protective equipment) in the United States as we face an outbreak of COVID-19.
Many people have been making masks at home in an effort to provide a minimum of protection to frontline healthcare workers, and some hospitals have begun accepting these homemake masks.
I began making the usual surgical-style masks at home, but found them to be frustratingly uncomfortable and seemingly ineffective, as they fail to form even a rudimentary seal around the wearer's mouth and nose.
Instead, I decided to try and make a smaller, more comfortable, and potentially more effective homemade mask in the style of certain disposable Chinese KN95 masks that are available online.
This design has gone through several iterations and seems to work well. It uses less material than a surgical-style mask, is more comfortable (in my opinion), is easy to sew, and offers better protection by eliminating any large air gaps.
Please note that this mask has NOT been rated or certified in any way whatsoever! Its effectiveness will depend on the quality of construction, the particular materials used, and the fit on the person wearing it. Like certified N95 masks, this mask should NOT be used by anyone with a beard.
This mask should provide better protection than a surgical-style mask (homemade or manufactured) or a simple bandana, but it should still ONLY be used when medical-grade equipment is unavailable.
