I’ve been experimenting some and continuing on a learning curve in this whole process of face mask making. Your comments and evaluations on the following research article article are welcome.
I refer you to this article that’s well worth reading:
“Electrostatic interactions are commonly observed in various natural and synthetic fabrics.(36,37) For instance, polyester woven fabrics can retain more static charge compared to natural fibers or cotton due to their lower water adsorption properties.(36) The electrostatic filtering of aerosols have been well studied.(38) As a result, we investigated three fabrics expected to possess moderate electrostatic discharge value: natural silk, chiffon (polyester–Spandex), and flannel (cotton–polyester).(36)”
Notice that when referred to “chiffon” or”satin” in this entire piece it is a polyester/spandex. It is cited as being the least porous of all. So, I’m inclined to think that when it is one layer and/or when a combo of quilters cotton and polyester is one layer it makes the filtration levels most effective.
Fit! Fit! Fit!
It is key to making darts in the masks to make a better fit with less leakage, but keep in mind that it’s also necessary to allow for some release of air.
I’ll share with you some of the issues that I’ve been involved with. Here’s a mask that I made with quilter’s cotton and cotton batting. In this case a pipe cleaner was placed in a channel when I was sewing it together. It’s a small, child size.
As most of us making masks go along, we make so many adjustments it’s hard to keep up. Below is one of many masks I’ve made. Some have said that after having these on for half an hour or so, their ears hurt so here’s one prototype modification I made that seems to alleviate the pain:
I simply added velcro and stapled it on an additional elastic to evenly distribute the pressure. Simple works best! This can only be done on an individual basis so I suggest that you first staple it to fit yourself, then sew it together. You probably can just skip the velcro and just sew the elastic onto itself.
Finally, I’ve made a beak type mask with a channel for a filter, The Olson Pattern. This is a large size for an adult male.
I think most people want this, although I don’t think it’s necessary unless you’re in a high concentration area of infection and/or have a higher susceptibility to infection, such as asthma.
Some tips:
When you put your facemask on, tug to expand the folds by pulling top and bottoms to make sure it covers your face properly, under the chin and over the bridge of your nose. Otherwise, you might think it’s too small when it really fits perfectly. See how Marie is wearing hers. It is fully opened on the face.
Wash your eye glasses with shaving cream, rinse and dry to prevent foggy glasses. I’ve been doing this for years to the mirror in my bathroom so I can see in the mirror after a shower. It works!
Coffee filters work well.
I know we’re all getting very tired of facemasks and all of the issues around the corona virus! Yet, I’m afraid it’s not going to go away any time soon. So, we do the best we can day by day.
“The best teamwork comes from men and women who are working independently toward one goal in unison.” – James Cash Penney
Turtlemoon Impressions 
Here’s a good blog post: https://deavita.net/diy-face-mask-with-filter-instructions-materials.html
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