How to make a CDC-approved face mask for Coronavirus

As Covid-19 cases continue to intensify globally, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising everyone to wear a face mask whenever they go out in public places to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

The health agency says individuals can wear homemade face masks to protect themselves in the event that they cannot get hold of a medical-grade face mask.

Following the CDC recommendations, millions of people are now turning to the Internet to look for ideas on how to make their own face masks at home – be it by sewing or shaping something out of old T-shirts.

Here’s how to make your own face mask without sewing:

Editor’s note: These instructions are based on a recent guide provided by the U.S. CDC. They even made a short video to show you how to make a DIY face mask for coronavirus.

How to make a T-shirt face mask

While the no-sew option is quite easy to make, you are advised to ensure that your fabric of choice is several layers thick and that the final product fits tightly to your face.

What you’ll need:

    A T-shirt (made of tightly knit cotton). It should be foldable to cover your nose and mouth.

    A pair of scissors

    A ruler

    Two rubber bands or hair ties

Instructions

Step 1:  Measure and cut off the bottom 7-8 inches of a T-shirt. Place the piece of cloth on the table with the double stitched (bottom) part of the T-shirt facing left or right.

Step 2: Fold the fabric from the top to the centre and from the bottom to the centre – to make a two-layered rectangle. Repeat this step one more time.

Step 3: Twist a rubber band or hair tie around each end (both left and right). Be sure to leave some inches of cloth so that each side looks like a sweet wrapper.

Step 4: Fold the additional cloth over the band, with each side meeting in the centre – adding an extra layer to the cloth face mask.

Step 5: Position a band over each of your ears – ensuring that the cloth fits tightly to your face.

How to make a bandana face mask

* This face mask should be fitted with a coffee filter for enhanced protection.

What you’ll need:

    Bandana (or a square cotton cloth)

    A pair of scissors

    Cone-shaped coffee filter

    Two rubber bands or hair ties

Instructions

Step 1: Fold the bandana into two.

Step 2: Cut the cone-shaped coffee filter horizontally across the middle.

Step 3: Lay the wide section of the coffee filter in the centre of the folded bandana.

Step 4: Fold the top of the bandana down to the centre, covering the filter, and fold the bottom up covering the bandana again.

Step 5: Twist a rubber band or hair tie around each end (both left and right). Be sure to leave some inches of cloth so that each side looks like a sweet wrapper.

Step 6: Fold the extra cloth over the band so they meet in the centre and tuck them together.

Step 7: Position a band over each of your ears – ensuring that the cloth fits tightly to your face.

Important mask rules

• Do NOT put a face mask on children below two years or anyone who might be unable to remove the mask in case of breathing difficulties.
• Do NOT wear a single layer cloth face mask. Create a mask that has multiple layers and one that fits tightly to your face.
• Do NOT touch the mouth area of a mask. Grab it by the straps – both when putting it on and when removing it. Always wash your hands after touching the mask.

Note: The CDC advises you to frequently wash your hands with soap and to observe social distancing measures, in conjunction with wearing a face mask in communal spaces.

Join 15,000+ pros getting our weekly digest of news and insights.