Here’s What You Can Use as a Filter in Your Face Mask

While it’s not 100 percent effective at preventing people from contracting COVID-19, using a mask and a filter is very helpful at slowing the spread of the virus. However, the mask and filter won’t do you any good if you can’t breathe properly.

“You need to be able to breathe comfortably with the mask on, so you don’t have to slip it off while you’re in public to take a breath,” Dr. Cassoobhoy told POPSUGAR. “Also, you don’t want to have to fiddle with the mask – for example, if it’s stiff – and potentially contaminate your fingers touching the outside layer of the mask.” The mask should also still fit your face properly, so make sure when you add a filter that it doesn’t cause any bulges or gaps.

Even as parts of the country reopen, it’s essential to wear a face mask in public to protect yourself and those around you. Face masks, as well as proper social distancing, are key to slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus.

For most, homemade cloth masks or face coverings are sufficient, but you can take it a step further by adding a filter. POPSUGAR spoke with Arefa Cassoobhoy, MD, MPH, senior medical director for WebMD, about the kinds of materials to use and more.

What Can I Use as a Filter in a Fabric Mask?

If you made or purchased a well-constructed cloth mask, it most likely has more than one layer of fabric, which provides a bit of a filter in itself. Dr. Cassoobhoy told POPSUGAR that this extra fabric layer acts as a filter to block respiratory droplets while still allowing you to breathe comfortably.

For extra protection, you can also use:

• Coffee filters: The Centers For Disease Control has recommended placing coffee filters in between layers of fabric in a mask.
• Reusable fabric grocery bags: Dr. Cassoobhoy pointed out that reusable grocery bags are usually made from polypropylene nonwoven fibers, so cutouts from these bags work well as a filter.
• Nylon pantyhose: The nylon from pantyhose can work as a filter as long as you place it over a mask. It shouldn’t be worn without one.
• HEPA filters: Dr. Cassoobhoy warns that, if you want to use a HEPA filter with your fabric face mask, you should do your research first. “HEPA filters can have fiberglass, which would be very dangerous to inhale,” she said.

How Often Should I Change the Filter in My Face Mask?

Just like you’re washing your mask every time you wear it, you should also change out the filter with every use. If you’re using a disposable filter (such as a coffee filter), you should throw it out immediately after using it. If you’ve used another fabric (like pantyhose) as a filter, wash and disinfect it the same way you do your mask.

59 Retailers Selling (and Donating) Face Masks During the Coronavirus Pandemic

The Centers For Disease Control (CDC) has advised all Americans to wear cloth face masks while out in public to help minimize the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). These precautions were put in place to prevent the spread of the virus by those who are infected with it and are asymptomatic. The CDC advised wearing a cloth face covering when you’re out in public places, like grocery stores and pharmacies, where the social distancing guidelines are harder to follow.

For many before the pandemic, face masks were not a part of their at-home collection. Luckily, a selection of retailers have now made protective face coverings available for purchase. For those who do not have masks already or prefer not to make a DIY face mask, buying one is an easy alternative.

In order to properly wear a face mask, it must fit closely against the face, be secured with ties or ear loops, include more than one layer of fabric, allow for breathing, and be able to be washed without getting damaged. It’s worth noting that while these cloth face coverings are not medical grade masks like the N95 respirators and surgical masks, which are being reserved for healthcare workers, they are still useful to put on when out in public. Wearing a cloth mask will not ensure protection against ingesting droplets, but it’s a precautionary safety measure worth taking.

Ahead is a curated list of face masks that are available to buy online, including companies and brands that are doing their part by donating proceeds and masks to charities and hospitals to help those working against the virus. If you don’t already have a mask or need another one for yourself or a loved one, shop these picks now and help stop the spread of the coronavirus.