I’m going to start out this post by saying I have worked in healthcare as a Physician Assistant, but haven’t done so in many years. I maintain my licenses and national certification. Before becoming a PA, I worked as a Medical Technologist. I’m also married to a healthcare professional. I’m sharing this personal information so you know where I’m coming from. My post is not meant to service as medical advice or public health advice. It’s my personal perspective of the best information I am able to cobble together in these uncertain and fast-paced times.
You have likely have seen posts and stories such as Deaconess’ message to the community for homemade fabric face masks. Their call was quickly answered (within 3 days, from what I can tell) and their page is now updated. They’re forming a database to help connect those in need of masks and those willing to supply masks. Another challenge, the 100 million mask challenge, posted by Providence was quickly fulfilled as well, see here and
198 Likes, 17 Comments - ✨MELISSA TIZON✨ (@melissatizon) on Instagram: "I am up at Kaas Tailored in Mukilteo (my old stomping grounds), and I could legit cry. We brought..."
Please note the masks above are being made from commercial grade materials (not cotton fabric) which are not readily available to individuals.
I wanted to take a moment before getting into much more detail about cloth masks to briefly explain personal protective equipment (often abbreviated PPE). In the simplest sense, PPE includes gloves and gowns and other barriers such as masks designed to minimize exposure to potentially harmful things. I want to focus on masks, specifically surgical masks as this is the predominate item social media is all a buzz about and folks are interested in sewing at home.
You’ve likely also heard there are shortages of respirators. Surgical masks and respirators are not synonyms for the same thing. They are fundamentally different. I’ve included an infographic from the CDC below outlining key differences between surgical masks and N95 respirators.
The role of facemasks is for patient source control, to prevent contamination of the surrounding area when a person coughs or sneezes. Patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 should wear a facemask until they are isolated in a hospital or at home. The patient does not need to wear a facemask while isolated.
Use of homemade masks for medical professionals is the last resort, they are not considered PPE!
From the CDC-
“HCP use of homemade masks:
In settings where facemasks are not available, HCP might use homemade masks (e.g., bandana, scarf) for care of patients with COVID-19 as a last resort. However, homemade masks are not considered PPE, since their capability to protect HCP is unknown. Caution should be exercised when considering this option. Homemade masks should ideally be used in combination with a face shield that covers the entire front (that extends to the chin or below) and sides of the face.”
With fabric, notions, and a sewing machine in my arsenal, and a desire to help others, I’m considering the best use of my time, energy, and resources. Start local. Our essential workers making mail and package deliveries are already taxed. I’m going to wait for the directors of the hospitals in my vicinity to make specific requests for homemade supplies of any kind. There’s an over-abundance of patterns and tutorials for masks on the internet. It’s incredibly hard to say any are better than others, most of our information is theoretical and speculative. So I will make the kind of items that our hospital deems best for their patients and if it comes to it, workers.
Before that, I urge you to dig into your closets, attics, garages, basements, storage units for N95 masks. These are superior to surgical masks for protecting our health workers. Should you find you have respirators, call your local hospital, emergency service, or doctor’s office and ask if they will accept your donation. The next step is to visit Mask Match. This is another database whose goal is to connect those in need of respirators and masks with those who have these items to donate.
If your loving heart and hands cannot be idle at this time, consider sewing cloth masks for your immediate household members and neighbors. These would be for use when displaying flu-like symptoms and leaving isolation to seek medical attention (as directed by local guidelines, CALL FIRST), not to enter public places. This may save the medical grade masks for the professionals.
Be safe and stay well, friends. STAY HOME. Much love!
Please also consider reading the Sewcialist’s opinion on DIY masks for more.