Introduction: Face Mask Adapted for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing
I am not a professional sewer but after seeing the need for cloth face masks, given the shortage of supplies, I dug out my grandma's sewing machine and got to work. I followed the A.B. Mask (which is an awesome pattern for those looking for a basic mask with great fit) at https://www.instructables.com/id/AB-Mask-for-a-Nur...
After a week of sewing a few dozen masks I saw someone had created a see through mask for those who rely on lip reading for communication and knew I had to switch gears. You see, I am DeafBlind and rely on lip reading to fully communicate. But I couldn't find a pattern anywhere online. So I did some research and with the help of some friends decided to make my own. But I didn't want to recreate the wheel so I used the A.B. Mask as my template and adapted it. I found that by adding a "window" to this existing pattern worked great. So here are the directions for the adaptation. Please visit Jessica's instructable page for more tips and tricks on how to make a face mask.
NOTE: These are NOT N95 grade masks but according to the CDC can be used for personal use.
UPDATE: To create a better fit make the nose dart the same length of your nose. This means trimming up to 1/2 inch off the top of the pattern. I have now been making the larger size pattern and trimming off the top 1/3 inch with a good end fit for me. The key to masks is they need to be tight around the edges so the fabric can do its job and "filter" the air you breath to the best of its ability. any gaps around the nose or edges create unfiltered air exchange and is less effective.
Update 2: You can add a metal wire to the top trim/casing of this mask. It can be sewn in while making the mask or added later by creating a slit at one end to thread the wire into the top casing. the mask cannot be machine washed with the wire so a removable wire is best. People have been using all sorts of wire from gardening wire to pipe cleaners to twist ties. The idea is to have a wire that can hold its shape and keep the upper edge of the mask tighter to your face.
If you machine wash the mask the vinyl can be "refreshed" by using a warm hair dryer. this will remove wrinkles and possibly help with fogging. Be sure not to over heat it.
I am also updating the pattern so it can be cut on the fold of the fabric and creates a better positioning of the window. That will be updated later today.
Supplies
100% cotton fabric (two colors preferably)
clear vinyl or other see through material that can withstand washing. Note: clear vinyl can be washed in cold water only with a mild detergent. Cannot be sanitized. You can soak in a vinegar solution if deeper cleaning is needed but it may cloud the window after repeated soaks.
thread
sewing machine
washable glue (optional for holding vinyl in place while sewing)
Wire (optional to put in upper casing of mask)
Step 1: Step 1: Cut Out Fabric
Cut out two pieces of pattern.
Cut out two strips of fabric that are 40 inches by 2 inches for the straps. Can use smaller strips and combine them together by following directions on Jessica's pattern(Link above).
Sizing note: two sizes in medium and large to make the best fit for your face. Can also change pleat size to adjust sizing and fit.
Printing Note: When printing be sure to set scale to 100%
Step 2: Step 2: Tack Sides
Place pattern right sides together and sew a line on each end to hold the two pattern pieces together.
Step 3: Step 3: Frame Window
Use a glue stick to help tack down the edge of the window on one side.
Flip over and repeat on opposite side.
Step 4: Step 4: Insert Vinyl
Turn fabric right side out. Iron end seams(optional)
Place clear vinyl piece 4.25" by 2.5" between layers. I use glue to help hold vinyl in place during sewing.
Sew around the window 1/4 inch from edge.
Step 5: Step 5: Sew Darts
Fold mask in half with outside fabric together. Be carful not to crease the vinyl.
Mark darts, and pin in place.
Sew darts and cut off extra fabric. Immediately unfold mask to prevent creasing of vinyl.
Step 6: Step 6: Make Pleats
Fold, pin, and sew pleats. Make sure the pleat opening faces down on outside so nothing gets trapped in the pleat fold.
Two large pleats are fine, Three pleats creates a tighter fit and is preferred.
Tip: to make pleats symmetrical lightly fold mask in half to compare pleats on each end.
Step 7: Step 7: Sew on Ties
To sew on ties align the middle of the 40 inch tie with the center of the mask and pin with right sides together. Sew into place.
Fold tie length wise to center of tie, then fold again over raw edge of mask as shown. Sew in place.
To finish ties fold both edges into center, then fold over again so both raw edges of the tie are folding inside. Sew in place.
Note: can also use double fold bias tape to cover raw edge and create ties.
Step 8: Step 8: Sew on Bottom Tie
place right side together and sew along bottom.
Fold tie over, then fold over again to cover raw edge of mask. Pin in place and sew.
Complete ties fold both edges into center, then fold over again so both raw edges of the tie are folding inside. Sew in place.
Step 9: Step 9: Use Anti Fog Agent on Clear Vinyl(optional)
One suggestion I saw said to reduce fogging of the clear vinyl you can use an anti fog agent like those used in swimming goggles. I have not tried it yet, let me know if it works for you.
24 Comments
3 years ago
Thank you!
Question 3 years ago on Step 6
what weight of vinyl for insert?
3 years ago
This step-by-step document with photos and printed description is fabulous. I am an audiologist and a speech pathologist who specializes in working with individuals with hearing loss at Northeastern University. Do I have your permission to post it and list that it was found on www.Instructables.com? May I share it with Hearing Loss Association for America too? Thank You, N.Laffan@northeastern.edu
Reply 3 years ago
Thank you for the compliments. You can share as much as you like. That is why I posted it for free so that anyone who needs a pattern can use it.
Question 3 years ago on Introduction
Do you find that the clear window fogs up? I would think that if a mask such as this had an adequate "seal" that would be the result. I would like to produce these for my dad's assisted living community.
Answer 3 years ago
Of course it does. Try to use an antifogger. Ask your eye doctor what they use for glasses or google it,! Good luck
Reply 3 years ago
Shaving cream is a solution to fogging.
Answer 3 years ago
Yes it does fog up some. Someone mentioned wiping the vinyl with vinegar can reduce fogging. Also there are anti fog sprays for things like goggles that can help prevent fogging as well.
Reply 3 years ago
Tiny dab of Dawn Dish Soap rubbed on it,
Reply 3 years ago
Thank you. I will run some tests. Good luck with your project! Thanks for your work on this.
Answer 3 years ago
Mine fogged up some but i used anti fog spray on it and that solved the problem. I suspect it will need to be reapplied at least after every wash.
Question 3 years ago on Step 9
What is your suggested lining fabric?
Answer 3 years ago
Line with cotton or heppa filter if you need protection. I’ve made so many if you need help please text me or find me on Facebook. If you have friends who’d like to order them find me to help. You need to be safer. Use a antifogger for the plastic too!
Reply 3 years ago
Thanks!
Answer 3 years ago
100% Cotton.
Reply 3 years ago
Thanks
3 years ago
Can you adapt so you can remove the plastic part for washing? I am thinking i will try and adapt this so that you can slot the plastic bit in for use and out for washing - my dad is hard of hearing and lip reads - this is a great mask. I shall try this method and update y'all! thanks so much for the instructions
Question 3 years ago
Does anyone know if vinyl can be machine washed using gentle cycle and detergent? I'm going to assume using a dryer is out of the question, but if someone knows differently please educate me.
Answer 3 years ago
I have been machine washing mine on warm cycle, and even placing them in the dryer on low heat. After a few washings, they seem to still be fine. Of course, max longevity would probably come from hand wash/ line dry, but that makes me worry that they have not been sufficiently cleaned.
Answer 3 years ago
Better to hand wash with mild good soap it is fast and easy and will keep it safer.