DIY No Gap Mask

Medical masks don't provide a lot of protection, because they gap around your face. N95 masks fit tightly. In the video above, I show how to make a mask with a tight seal, made entirely from stuff you already have in your home, so you don't have to go out to make it. Summary steps below, but please click above to watch the video if you really intend to make this.

Step 1: Materials

Some kind of filter. I used a paper towel. You could use several tissues taped together, a Swiffer pad, or even a tee shirt. Be creative. Look around.

Stiff wire. I used a coat hanger which works well. If you don't have that, be creative and look around for: Long twist ties, pipe cleaners, arts and crafts wire, spare electrical wire, garden wire...

Rubber bands and tape.

Step 2: Build Frame

Bend your wire into a frame that covers from the top of your nose to under your chin. I had a rubber mask to go by, but you don't need that.

Step 3: Shape Frame

This is the hardest, but most important step. Carefully band and shape the frame to custom fit your face, so there are no gaps. Compare this picture to the one in the last step, and you will see the frame fits much better here. This took at least 20 minutes in front of the bathroom mirror.

Step 4: Attach Filter

Tape a temporary criss cross on your frame.

Set it on a ball or fruit or paperwad on top of your filter material.

Lift up all edges of filter and mark one inch above the frame.

Cut out traced filter.

Tape filter to frame by folding down one inch, all the way around.

Step 5: Attach Rubber Band

Cut two rubber bands and tie them into one long string.

Poke small holes in the sides of the mask.

Push ends of rubber band string through holes and tie.

Step 6: Put on and Breathe

If you have done this correctly, there will be no gaps anywhere around the mask.