Print Email Facebook Twitter Is there an adequate alternative to commercially manufactured face masks? A comparison of various materials and forms Title Is there an adequate alternative to commercially manufactured face masks? A comparison of various materials and forms Author Teesing, G. R. (Erasmus MC; The Municipal Public Health Service Rotterdam-Rijnmond,) van Straten, Bart (TU Delft Medical Instruments & Bio-Inspired Technology) de Man, P. (Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland) Horeman, T. (TU Delft Medical Instruments & Bio-Inspired Technology) Date 2020 Abstract Background: There is a worldwide shortage of medical-grade face masks. Donning masks can play an important role in curbing the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Aim: To conclude whether there is an effective mask for the population to wear in public that could easily be made during a medical face mask shortage using readily available materials. Methods: We determined the effectiveness of readily available materials and models for making a face mask. The outcomes were compared with N95/FFP2/KN95 masks that entered the Netherlands in April–May 2020. Masks were tested to determine whether they filtered a minimum of 35% of 0.3-μm particles, are hydrophobic, seal on the face, are breathable, and can be washed. Findings: Fourteen of the 25 (combinations of) materials filtered at least 35% of 0.3-μm particles. Four of the materials proved hydrophobic, all commercially manufactured filters. Two models sealed the face. Twenty-two of the 25 materials were breathable at <0.7 mbar. None of the hydrophobic materials stayed intact after washing. Conclusions: It would be possible to reduce the reproduction rate of SARS-CoV-2 from 2.4 to below one if 39% of the population would wear a mask made from ePM₁ 85% commercially manufactured filter fabric and in a duckbill form. This mask performs better than 80% of the imported N95/FFP2/KN95 masks and provides a better fit than a surgical mask. Two layers of quilt fabric with a household paper towel as filter is also a viable choice for protecting the user and the environment. Subject ClothePM1FilterMERVSurgical mask To reference this document use: http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:6c396964-1314-4af2-a79a-9190d1419b00 DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2020.07.024 ISSN 0195-6701 Source Journal of Hospital Infection, 106 (2), 246-253 Part of collection Institutional Repository Document type journal article Rights © 2020 G. R. Teesing, Bart van Straten, P. de Man, T. Horeman Files PDF 1_s2.0_S0195670120303558_main.pdf 525.46 KB Close viewer /islandora/object/uuid:6c396964-1314-4af2-a79a-9190d1419b00/datastream/OBJ/view