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<h2>Do fabric face masks actually work?</h2><p>Yes and no. They're not as effective as <a href="https://www.hongyuapparel.com/mask" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(58, 175, 255); background-color: transparent;"><strong>N-95 masks</strong></a> for people treating COVID-19 patients in hospitals. That being said, they're still useful because hospitals are completely running out of masks altogether. The CDC advises using N-95 masks for the best protection, but it says to use a bandana or scarf as a last resort if the hospital-approved masks are not available. Unfortunately we're at that point in this pandemic, so homemade masks are being made to replace bandanas and scarves.</p><p><br></p><p>The homemade versions are also being worn on top of N-95 masks to help them last longer. These masks are being rationed wherever they're still available. Even though they're made for single use, hospital workers are being told to rewear the same N-95 mask for days or even weeks at a time.</p><p><br></p><p>If you or someone you know has any N-95 masks, hospitals are urging you to donate or sell them. The CDC doesn't recommend the use of N-95 masks for anyone other than healthcare professionals working directly with patients.</p><p><br></p><p>If you're looking for a mask for yourself or others that are not treating COVID-19 patients, the CDC says homemade <a href="https://www.hongyuapparel.com/mask" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(58, 175, 255); background-color: transparent;"><strong>cloth masks</strong></a> can help slow the spread of the coronavirus. These fabric masks can help protect you in places like the grocery store or pharmacy where it's harder to keep a safe six-foot distance from other shoppers. This works best if everyone wears them because people who don't have any symptoms can still be spreading the virus.</p><p><br></p><h2>What's the best material for a reusable face mask?</h2><p>The best fabric for homemade masks is a tightly woven, 100% cotton fabric. Things like bed sheets, curtains, and woven shirts are good options if they're made entirely out of cotton. If you're going to donate the masks, we recommend avoiding knit fabrics because they create holes when they stretch, which the virus could get through. Make sure to prewash fabrics using hot water to kill germs and to pre-shrink the material so it doesn't change shape after healthcare workers wash it themselves.</p><p><br></p><p>On top of a sewing machine and fabric, you'll need a nonwoven interface for <strong>reusable masks</strong> to help block out particles, elastic or ties to keep it secure on the face, and a metal piece to make it fit snugly around the nose. If you can't find an interface, you can substitute a nonwoven product like HVAC filters or coffee filters, but remember that these shouldn't be used for donations if they're not washable. HEPA vacuum bags are also nonwovens with good filtration capabilities; just make they don't contain fiberglass.</p><p><br></p><p>If you have clothing or bedding items at home that are in good condition, you can use these instead of having to buy new fabric. All 860 stores are offering the materials in their classrooms with sewing machines, which the company says will follow social distancing recommendations. You can also call the store to have the supplies brought out to your car for curbside pickup if you have a sewing machine at home and prefer to not enter the store.</p><p><br></p>
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