Things To Use As A Face Mask If You Can’t Find Masks
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It’s no secret that there is a mask shortage in this country. Hopefully we now all know that the more advanced N95 masks that can block the majority of even the tiniest particles in close proximity should be reserved for health workers since they go into small rooms with no ventilation and are within feet of infected patients. So if you’re a civilian hoarding those for your dog walks, I’ll skip the part where I shame you and just say for the love of all things good donate your unused masks to medical workers.
Now onto the rest of us who are scrambling to find a way to cover our faces when we leave our homes, especially since some cities have now made it illegal to enter the grocery store or other businesses without a mask on. Sure, there are entrepreneurs popping up making and selling masks. But there is some price gouging going on there. And you may need more sustainable, long-term, affordable solutions.
So long as you don’t knowingly go near someone who has been exposed to COVID-19, you should get some protection from these household items. Here are things to use as face masks if you can’t find face masks.
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Your turtle neck
If you have a turtle neck, then you have a mask. Simply pull your turtle neck high enough to cover you mouth and nose. You’ll want a turtle neck made of breathable material like cotton—the synthetic stuff will have you so hot you want to pull your shield down quickly.
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Bandana
Bandanas are a nice and easy alternative to masks. When folded in half, they create natural long ends you can tie behind your head. Plus, you can get a multi-pack for barely a few dollars. You’ll look like you’re robbing a bank but, everyone does now.
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T-shirt
Rip up some of your old cotton t-shirts and you can make multiple masks out of one, so you can make a few outings before even having to clean your masks. And it’s a much better way to use these than letting them take up space in your drawers.
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Scarf
Use scarves made of breathable material to wrap around your face. Keep in mind that authorities do not expect everyone to have proper medical masks. They know about the shortage. They just want to see your mouth and nose covered in public spaces.
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Kitchen towel
A kitchen towel or a tea towel can also make a nice little face mask. Plus, it’s absorbent so it’s ready to suck up any sweats or sneezes that occur beneath the mask. Just be sure to put these in the laundry when you get home, so others don’t accidentally wash dishes with them.
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An old bra
Hey, a bra cup makes a mighty fine face mask. It’s just the right, round shape and it has that air pocket built in so it won’t sit right up against your mouth, allowing you to breathe while still creating a seal at your cheeks. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it.
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Dust mask
If you have any dust masks lying around from hopeful DIY projects you didn’t get to, like sanding down that chair or painting that office, use these. They’re already real masks so you don’t need to add straps or elastic.
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Coffee filters
These won’t be your full mask but rather can act as filters in your homemade mask. Consider adding a coffee filter between the two cloth layers of a mask—it can further block out tiny particles.
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Paper towels
Paper towels can also act as filters between the fabric layers of a mask. Their tightly-woven material breathes while keeping out tiny particles. But, with the toilet paper and paper towel shortage, we know you may be hesitant to use these. You can still use them to wipe later! Or you can wipe other ways.
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Fabric reusable bag
Do you have some ultra lightweight reusable grocery bags? Perhaps ones made of linen or cotton? Cut these up and turn them into masks—if you don’t mind sparing one in the midst of the grocery hoarding you may be doing.
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A costume mask
Hey, if all else fails, use that costume mask—that Darth Vader or werewolf or Lion King mask. If it covers your nose and mouth, let’s you see, and has room inside for you to breathe, it’s better than nothing. But know you’ll have to take it off if you want to buy booze—the cashier needs to ID you.
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A sanitary pad
This will only be a solution for those who truly don’t care what others think—they’ll be in the bra-mask-wearing camp. But look: sanitary pads are absorbent and breathe well so moisture won’t build up when they’re on your face. Here is a video on how to make a sanitary pad mask.
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Some Dos and Don’ts. Ok just Don’ts
It’s worth going over some best practices for when using masks to prevent against COVID-19. There’s little point in buying or making masks if the way you’ll use them still puts you at risk for contagion. So first thing is first: don’t share your mask. Even if you feel certain you’re healthy and your housemate or neighbor is hitting the grocery store without a mask, do not share masks. You could be a carrier, or they could be, and sharing a mask is a surefire way to share the disease.
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Don’t take a break
I know wearing the mask can be annoying. It gets hot. It’s hard to have a conversation in it. You want to itch your face. But do not remove your mask until you get home. If you’re not going to wear it the whole time you’re out and could contract the virus, then why wear one at all?
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Don’t touch the inside
Don’t touch the inside of your mask until you have properly washed your hands. Your hands could carry the virus and if you touch your mask and put it on you’re bringing that virus right up to your nose and mouth.
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