Coronavirus Thread

I have seen these mask sewing posts, but am not jumping on it. Gus had the opportunity to speak personally yesterday with a local physician. I got to ask him about these masks. He said that, to his limited knowledge, the fabric has to meet certain strict criteria. Regular fabric is questionable, since the weave is wildly different. He said they are not allowed to use these, YET.

I believe that these sewn masks will be welcomed and used, because something is better than nothing. I am just not quite convinced to start mass producing homemade masks.

I will, of course, fully commit to making them, when we get the detailed composition of the fabric.

We are considering the masks to be a container to keep a filter protected and dry and at maximum efficacy for as long as possible while the user is comfortable as possible. We are not relying on the mask itself for filtration. So, the fabric qualifications are that it must be breathable, lightweight, water resistant and durable enough to handle autoclave steam or commercial laundering. Charles is using something from the camping/hiking world that usually is deployed for stuff-sacks/hammocks/tents.

Our clinical use test resulted in the following commentary:

Summary:

  • The nose piece makes a difference
  • Hospitals "Level 1" (non droplet) masks were used in the pockets for filtering
  • Experiment with ear piece material for comfort
Details:

"You need to know that your masks were a HIT yesterday! We loved them. The three of us working in my treatment room donned them, and couldn't get over how comfortable they were. We inserted one of the hospitals "Level 1" (non droplet) masks in the pocket for filtering, which was perfect & also helped preserve the mask supply for others since we didn't have to reuse them. My boss was also impressed & excited about the washability of them.

The nose piece was the only part that wasn't as sturdy as our work masks, but we opened up a couple of small paper clips and snuck them in for a little better contouring around our noses/faces.

Really--FABULOUS all around--and the color matches our required "Carribean blue" colored scrubs Added bonus

Thank you so much! I work with 23 other therapists, who all said that yours were the best of the homemade masks they'd seen as of yet. Thank you!!!!

<<Really appreciate the feedback on the nose pieces, do you think pipe cleaner would work better for this purpose?>>

Yes--a couple of pipe cleaners rolled around one another (maybe 2, or one long one cut in 1/2). When the nose piece is sturdy, it is super helpful for keeping the mask in place, reducing contamination risk through touching it to reposition it, & preventing exhale from steaming up eye glasses (something all 3 of us struggle with even when using the hospital provided masks). Also, the nicer ear elastic (the black one) that was on one of the ones you donated me seems to yield a better wear. "

Basic Design Approach:

Trying to make the masks into comfortable filter protector pockets - intent is to keep filter dry and effective as long as possible.
Using a breathable, lightweight, water-resistant, durable washable fabric. Filter can be a mask (as in the above clincical use case) or tight weave cotton if desired. Not relying on mask for filtration so mask fabric being optimized for filter holding and protector and user comfort.

Once a filter becomes wet, its efficacy diminishes considerably. Heavy hot fabrics lead to quickly wet filters.

Important Note:

These are not designed to replace N95s or be used in a setting requiring them (e.g. where intubation is taking place). Primary use is to protect from coughs and from face-touching. The basis for comparison is no mask at all.

Also, this is interesting. Shows how in China, the main benefit of masks was having all people wear masks in order to make sick people wear them and not spread the virus.

Interesting presentation of study of 25000 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Wuhan: https://docs.google.com/file/d/14tG...IwQC79mtoujhw_wCzJo76iufZgHTM3NLF1COUsP6LYFQ0
 
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We are considering the masks to be a container to keep a filter protected and dry and at maximum efficacy for as long as possible while the user is comfortable as possible. We are not relying on the mask itself for filtration. So, the fabric qualifications are that it must be breathable, lightweight, water resistant and durable enough to handle autoclave steam or commercial laundering. Charles is using something from the camping/hiking world that usually is deployed for stuff-sacks/hammocks/tents.

Our clinical use test resulted in the following commentary:

Summary:

  • The nose piece makes a difference
  • Hospitals "Level 1" (non droplet) masks was used in the pocket for filtering
  • Experiment with ear piece material for comfort
Details:
"You need to know that your masks were a HIT yesterday! We loved them. The three of us working in my treatment room donned them, and couldn't get over how comfortable they were. We inserted one of the hospitals "Level 1" (non droplet) masks in the pocket for filtering, which was perfect & also helped preserve the mask supply for others since we didn't have to reuse them. My boss was also impressed & excited about the washability of them.

The nose piece was the only part that wasn't as sturdy as our work masks, but we opened up a couple of small paper clips and snuck them in for a little better contouring around our noses/faces.

Really--FABULOUS all around--and the color matches our required "Carribean blue" colored scrubs Added bonus

Thank you so much! I work with 23 other therapists, who all said that yours were the best of the homemade masks they'd seen as of yet. Thank you!!!!

<<Really appreciate the feedback on the nose pieces, do you think pipe cleaner would work better for this purpose?>>

Yes--a couple of pipe cleaners rolled around one another (maybe 2, or one long one cut in 1/2). When the nose piece is sturdy, it is super helpful for keeping the mask in place, reducing contamination risk through touching it to reposition it, & preventing exhale from steaming up eye glasses (something all 3 of us struggle with even when using the hospital provided masks). Also, the nicer ear elastic (the black one) that was on one of the ones you donated me seems to yield a better wear. "

Basic Design Approach:

Trying to make the masks into comfortable filter protectors - intent is to keep filter dry and effective as long as possible.
Using a breathable, lightweight, water-resistant, durable washable fabric. Filter can be a mask (as in the above clincical use case) or tight weave cotton if desired. Not relying on mask for filtration so mask fabric being optimized for filter holding and protector and user comfort.
I am taking notes. I know that pipe cleaner does rust easily, if damp. So that would need replacing. But still, dont you think pipe cleaner to be more comfortable than paper clip? Safer, too, if crimped on the ends.
 
I am taking notes. I know that pipe cleaner does rust easily, if damp. So that would need replacing. But still, dont you think pipe cleaner to be more comfortable than paper clip? Safer, too, if crimped on the ends.

Yes, totally agree. I was the one in the dialogue who suggested the pipe cleaner. ;) My daughter has been making sculptures out of them while bored and at home. She handed me a hat made out of them during a video conference....

The design we are using allows for removal of the metal piece for laundering and comfort. During the test, the users were at the hospital and so scrounged for a replacement and paper clips were what they had on hand.

Our next clinical test is for two wires wrapped around each other vs. pipe cleaner and ties vs. elastic...
 
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Well, I am STUNNED. Our local ICU just called. Asked for masks and gloves, any size, any kind. Gus took the call. We already donated ours, since he is closed by mandate.

So I asked her, do you have a pattern or want fabric masks if I make them? She said no, that those arent approved for hospital use. I told her, hey, other states are using them, with inserts. She claims they cannot.

I let her know to call me back if this changes. I can make several hundred per day, with my home studio set up.

So........
 
If you build it, they will come. If not your local hospital yet, they can be used by anyone facing the public: food pantry volunteers, delivery personnel, cashiers at the groceries, gas stations and pharmacies, nursing home staff and residents, elderly neighbors who must leave their homes, patients, police, first responders, etc. Check locally for the demand and any requirements.

Also, here's one childrens' hospital in my area that is accepting donations by mail for patients and non-clinical staff. They are requiring the Joann Fabric pattern and materials; this is different from what Charles is doing.

La Rabida is currently accepting sewn non-clinical masks. Although we currently have a sufficient supply of surgical masks and personal protective equipment (PPE) for our clinicians, you can help make a difference by sewing non-clinical masks for the safety of our patients and non-clinical staff.

For those who wish to make masks, the following criteria must be followed:
· Make masks following these directions online: https://www.joann.com/make-to-give-response/
· Bundle 25 masks in sealed zip lock bag.
· Deliveries should be dropped off at the front desk of the Main Entrance of La Rabida Children’s Hospital. Please put Brian Reiher as attention if mailing. We are located at 6501 S. Promontory Dr., Chicago, IL 60649. Drop off must be arranged by emailing [email protected] or 773. 256.5985
· Lastly, feel free to share a picture of your sewing making journey! We want to see how volunteers are remaining active during this time. Please send pictures to [email protected]. We plan to post a few on our social media page.

Before use, masks will be sterilized and inspected to make sure they are safe and appropriate, and health care workers can soon be wearing them.
Thank you for your support during this most unprecedented time as we strive to keep our patients and healthcare workers safe.
 
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Its not surprising to me that my local hospital is not with it. We have to travel for the DS, and also for DHs prostate cancer. Childbirth, too. This area is notoriously inadequate. The infant mortality rate here is almost as high as Detroit. We are north of that.
 
You folks are far more ambitious than I am. I'm just thinking of making a couple for my own use, like when I go grocery shopping. I have lots of cotton fabric already so no problem there, and I'm going with the something is better than nothing theory.
And Spiky Bugger, Joann's is available online, which your sister probably already knows.
 
You folks are far more ambitious than I am. I'm just thinking of making a couple for my own use, like when I go grocery shopping. I have lots of cotton fabric already so no problem there, and I'm going with the something is better than nothing theory.
And Spiky Bugger, Joann's is available online, which your sister probably already knows.

Yes, but...that's the internet, so not really welcome in her world. She still writes checks and mails in her bills, because that’s how she’s always done it. I explained that, as long as there was no extra charge, we put most of our remodel stuff on a credit card that gives points that we exchange for account credit. ”No! Too much math!” I told her we go right to the account and pay off what we charged, before we get the statement. But she’s afraid that living on a credit card means living in debt, so “No! “ to that, as well. We are not very alike...lol
 
Just lost a good friend to the Corona Virus. He died alone because no visiting is allowed at the hospitals. So sad!
I’m so sorry! Wrong as it might be,when you personally know someone it really makes it hit home. So far my connection to anyone who has died is a close friend of a close friend.
 

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