If anyone is interested, I found a good 3D printable face mask that uses cotton makeup remover pads as a filter. Is it N95? No probably not. Is it better than nothing? Probably.

[www.thingiverse.com]


[smile.amazon.com]

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MacResource User Map: [www.zeemaps.com]#

People are resourceful!

Here's instructions on using vacuum cleaner bags to make facemasks: [starks.com]

It ought to be possible to make face mask filters out of high efficiency furnace filters, FPR 4 rating looks like it would be the closest to N95. The larger the filter, the easier it will be to breathe through it.

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In tha 360. MRF User Map

are these masks proven to help? how small is the virus? what is the size of these particles that can go through the filter?

I had to take my son to the doctor for allergy shots today, the CHOP (children's hospital of Philadelphia) NJ branch was empty. 3 ladies at the reception, 2 nurses in the allergy area, presumably also the doc was there, and a few more nurses in other area. We were the ONLY people there. I did use 2 N95 masts that I found around the house, a CVS simpler model without exhaust port, and an older, USED 3M mask that I used some years ago but I didn't throw out. It looked clean. I am not sure if it did anything or if were just looked like clowns, but better look foolish than get sick.

Yes, we also washed hands.

Did the ladies at the reception or the 2 nurses have masks on?

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Edited 999 time(s). Last edit at 12:08PM by jdc.

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jdc
Did the ladies at the reception or the 2 nurses have masks on?

no, none of them had any masks.

We did see another lady with her daughter leaving when we came in. Those were also not wearing masks.

The size of the “particle” or droplet is between 60 and 120 nm. The size of a leukocyte (the smallest of the 3 main immunity cells in the body) also varies a bit, and is about 12 um (micrometers). 1um is 1000 nm. The leukocyte fraction is the one containing the B cells and T cells, the cells involved in immunity response. Once they are subjected to attack, they present the antibodies required to mount the body’s defense.

Yes, this is a GROSS simplification of what happens; I’m not an immunologist but I work with a LOT of them so I may have this somewhat correct.

As far as the antibody test that people are going on about, I’m told that IgE is first presented, indicating that the cell has been very recent exposed, followed by IgM, indicating recent exposure/after infection. These antibody-based tests have not yet received Emergency Use authorization for clinical care in the US. I am also told that they can currently be used for research studies, to evaluate how frequent exposures have been in a region and potentially help prioritize people who should get the viral RNA-based tests. This is from an immunologist at work.

Hopefully the antibody testing will be approved. It’s fast, and it will answer the questions we all want answered.

Diana

Keep in mind stays have shown that these kind of homemade mask can actually increase the chances of infection due the added moisture.

Unless you’re infected, you don’t need a mask.

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space-time
I had to take my son to the doctor for allergy shots today, the CHOP (children's hospital of Philadelphia) NJ branch was empty. 3 ladies at the reception, 2 nurses in the allergy area, presumably also the doc was there, and a few more nurses in other area. We were the ONLY people there.

I recently finished up a course of allergy shots. You should probably check with the doctor before your next appointment. Yes, its potentially a pain but best to avoid the worst of two fates.

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space-time

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jdc
Did the ladies at the reception or the 2 nurses have masks on?

no, none of them had any masks.

We did see another lady with her daughter leaving when we came in. Those were also not wearing masks.

If I saw you with a mask on, I might say WTF are you doing out? Get home, get isolated, get away from everyone. Go to the hospital, stay away.

Cause the only peeps that should have masks on are the infected.

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Edited 999 time(s). Last edit at 12:08PM by jdc.

My daughter, headed to the clinic today for a lab, with a mask made by the Girl Scouts:



She has a chronic cough so the mask is to protect others, more or less.

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Saint Cloud, Minnesota, where the weather is wonderful even when it isn't.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/25/2020 11:20PM by Speedy.

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ztirffritz
If anyone is interested, I found a good 3D printable face mask that uses cotton makeup remover pads as a filter. Is it N95? No probably absolutely not. Is it better than nothing? Probably I have no idea, but it feels better to have something than nothing, and the placebo effect is clinically significant, so there!.

I encourage you to do for yourself what feels comforting and safe, but please don't offer others an unsubstantiated sense of protection by suggesting that it works.

As with all non-certified masks, it probably would reduce the risk of the wearer spreading infection to others. No evidence at all that it would protect the wearer from infection.

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rj
AKA
Vreemac, Moth of the Future

N95 masks also don't offer much protection against viruses. They do however contain the exhalations of the wearer which can help reduce the spread of pathogens. If everyone is wearing a mask it collectively helps. Yes, they need to be cleaned and sanitized frequently.

Is the mask you have better than the mask you don't have? That's the question everyone needs to answer for themselves.

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MacResource User Map: [www.zeemaps.com]#

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ztirffritz
Is the mask you have better than the mask you don't have? That's the question everyone needs to answer for themselves.

I prefer to rely on experts for answers to such questions, but to each one's own.

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rj
AKA
Vreemac, Moth of the Future

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rjmacs

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ztirffritz
Is the mask you have better than the mask you don't have? That's the question everyone needs to answer for themselves.

I prefer to rely on experts for answers to such questions, but to each one's own.

The benefit of having everyone wear masks when leaving home is this:

Some people don't like wearing masks due to perceived stigma. A virus-carrier should wear a mask.

If everyone is wearing a mask, there's no stigma.

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Sarcany

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rjmacs

Quote
ztirffritz
Is the mask you have better than the mask you don't have? That's the question everyone needs to answer for themselves.

I prefer to rely on experts for answers to such questions, but to each one's own.

The benefit of having everyone wear masks when leaving home is this:

Some people don't like wearing masks due to perceived stigma. A virus-carrier should wear a mask.

If everyone is wearing a mask, there's no stigma.

This argument, if correct, will only be countered by a public service campaign that backs the practice.

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rj
AKA
Vreemac, Moth of the Future