Masks!

[sonia]

Lo these many years ago, jesse_the_k recommended [locked] some N95 masks to filter out fragrances, and then in 2012 when I needed to fly on an airplane I actually bought a box of 20. I didn't end up liking them much, so I had only used a couple of them.

I eyed them when this recent crisis started, but 1) I still don't like wearing them and 2) I didn't want to waste them on going for a walk outside when they might be needed more later.

Sure enough, various cities in Oregon are requesting donations of masks, gloves, and gowns. I biked down and dropped off the N95 masks at the county headquarters today, and the kind person taking the donations was very appreciative.

I thought they wouldn't want the opened box of non-latex gloves I bought for my bodywork practice and actually use more for bike maintenance, but he said they would take them, so I'll be dropping those off too.

Can I just say how scary it is that we're at the point where a donation of half a box of gloves and a few masks makes a difference. I hope they ramp up production and ramp down cases soon!

I saved one mask and two pairs of gloves against future needs.

I'm looking at making fabric masks from a torn organic flannel sheet, maybe from this pattern. I saw a note in comments to make fabric ties instead of using elastic, because the virus can hide in the elastic crevices. I saw a note on another pattern to run a single longer tie through both sides of the mask so they run behind the head instead of uncomfortably pulling on the ears. Here's a video tutorial on sewing masks. ETA: And here's some research on good materials for masks.

Comments

[asakiyume]

It is crazy that it's like this, with hospitals needing donations from the public. I am so glad you had some to donate, though. You've helped save lives.

I saw a pattern for a mask on Twitter and downloaded it, and may try making it.

[sonia]

Good luck with the mask-making! Oh yeah, forgot the link about mask materials, adding now.

[cahn]

You are a hero. And yeah, that's pretty scary.

[sonia]

Thanks for the thought! I think of myself more as an enthusiastic supporter of heroes. They're the ones taking the risks.

[rosefox]

I like this pattern for making one from a t-shirt because it pulls the fabric in two directions for a better fit.

I keep in mind two things, though:

1) Unless you're a first responder or otherwise putting yourself frequently in close contact with infected people, masks are most effective for protecting other people from your droplets, not for protecting you. If you're sick, stay home and don't accept visitors—no mask needed. If you stay home for two to three weeks and don't get sick, or get over any illness you have, you don't need to worry about getting other people sick—no mask needed.

2) Personal protective equipment is a poor second-best; the safest path is complete avoidance of the dangerous situation. Condoms exist because people enjoy sex enough to do it despite the risk, and face masks exist because people want to leave their houses enough to do it despite the risk. But abstinence is best.

So I doubt I'll be either making or buying a mask anytime soon. I might wear a scarf over my face when I go out, but it would just be there to remind me not to scratch my nose.

As it happens, last month we bought two cases of nitrile gloves. (We mostly use them for cooking and cleaning. I think it took us five years to go through our last two-case order; we just habitually buy in bulk.) I've written to our local city council member to ask how to donate them.

[sonia]

Thanks for the additional link and analysis.

The kicker here is asymptomatic transmission. I'm wondering if we'll eventually be required/strongly encouraged to wear masks whenever we're out, to help catch folks who don't know they're emitting viruses. I'm still going out on walks and bike rides, and I will eventually have to go to the grocery store.

If the mask-making is at all successful, I can make several and donate them or give them to neighbors. Another use for masks is when someone in a household is sick, and given the comings and goings I'm seeing next door, they might need some.

[rosefox]

Asymptomatic transmission is the horrorshow factor in all of this, for sure. :/ That's why I specified staying home long enough to be certain you don't have it or have gotten over it. And of course there's the social factor; if it became simply more socially acceptable to wear a mask, to the point where not wearing one would make other people anxious, then of course I'd do it. I think we're not there yet.

I'm sorry you're having to watch your neighbors be unsafe and fear for the consequences. I was very relieved that both sets of downstairs neighbors assured me they're being careful. It'll be odd not to hear their grandkids on Sundays.