During the current pandemic (COVID-19), some public members asked the public to wear face masks in enclosed spaces such as hospitals, schools, and public places. A simple face covering can reduce the coronavirus’s spread by preventing germs from sneezing, coughing, or speaking. The mask should also cover most of the nose and the entire mouth, as well as the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat.
Surgical Masks and N95
Surgical masks and N95 respirators are not intended for the general public, but the CDC recommends that many start making their face masks from fabric. Depending on the fit and material of the mask: there are some self-made masks such as cotton or polyester that could protect the wearer from penetrating germs. High-quality materials for a face mask absorb the filtering of microscopic particles, which works better.
Cotton
However, many of them only work with materials that many already know, such as cotton, polyester, or polyethylene. For example, cotton flannel pajamas and flannels perform better than medium-score coffee filters, while scarves and bandana materials score lower but still capture a smaller proportion of particles. Cotton, for example, works better than polyester and polyethylene in the face mask test, but is not as good as a coffee filter, according to the study.
Nylon
The ideal materials and fabrics for face masks are those that offer both filtration and breathability. Since they are widely used in garments, they are already known to embody the protection against breathable materials. They work by having tiny fibers that can stop viruses and particles flying through the air and have low breathability levels. 70D nylon is breathable and effective infiltration, as it removes up to 80% of the harmful particles in the face mask.
Paper Materials
As already mentioned, paper towels and shop towels, which are generally used to clean grease, offer protection and breathability and coffee filters. The quality of the material should be checked and compared by a light test to make it suitable for a face mask. If light passes quickly through the fibers, it should pass easily, but keep it under bright light, and you can almost see the fibers.
Bottom Line
Thick fabric with a thick material under light does not penetrate so much, and this should have been the main reason for the choice of this material in the first place, as well as for its use in face masks. A thicker weave of material and light does not pass through it as much, that should be the material you opt to use. Find a fabric that is compact enough to capture viral droplets, but breathable enough to wear it.