Yet another mask question: for a snowflake

June 22, 2020 11:06 AM

I am looking for the most snowflake of masks: (A) multi-layer (preferably 3+), (B) multiple types of fabrics (details inside), (C) nose wire, (D) adjustable ties with a toggle, and (E) pleated. If the pleating is not possible though, so bet it. I have found masks with some of these characteristics but none with all five (or even just A through D). I cannot sew worth a damn and have no sewing machine so making my own is not an option.

Regarding the fabrics, I'm going from studies and am looking for at least one layer of tightly-woven 100% cotton, and at least one layer of either fleece, silk, chiffon (polyester-spandex?), or cotton-polyester batting.

I guess I could also buy toggles if the masks have string ties?

I apologize, I know there have been a LOT of mask questions but I've gone through them all and so far none have met the above requirements. I've spent a decent amount of time on Etsy and Google as well with no luck.

posted by anonymous to Health & Fitness (6 answers total)

What about these silk masks from eShakti?

"100% Silk mask, inner cotton voile double liner with filter pocket, 3 layers with a nose wire, and adjustable elastic ear straps."

They have more than just the silk ones, so you might find a different combination of fabrics you prefer (I think I saw some with a sturdier inner layer). Just be aware that they take 4-6 weeks to arrive.
posted by kpetrich at 11:24 AM on June 22, 2020

You can achieve (A)-(D) with the newest model of VPL mask if you use an insert that gives you (B). Just make sure you get the most recent ones, as the older ones didn't have a nose wire and it looks like they're still selling through old stock. Bonus: the patterns are largely neutral but attractive.

Also, just, I know I keep saying this, but people should understand: the protection a cloth mask gives you will always be fairly limited, because they don't seal to the face and the air takes the path of least resistance. Which is not to say there's no value in looking for a little more protection (I myself put shop-towel filters into my VPL), but when people have these elaborate lists they sometimes seem to be under the impression that the criteria they have in mind will make a really protective (for you) mask, and...they won't.
posted by praemunire at 12:14 PM on June 22, 2020 [3 favorites]

I've seen lots of masks with a pocket for a filter. My suggestion: find a two-layer, pleated cotton mask with toggles and with a way to add a replaceable filter, and then buy a small amount of silk, chiffon, etc. Once you get the masks, which might come with filters, you could easily cut the fabric you've purchased to make it the right size to fit the mask (if it comes with a filter, use that as a guide to how big your fabric should be). With this approach, you'll have reusable masks and filters.

Note from that article that proper fit was pretty important, too. My plan right now has been to order a few different kinds to see what fits the best and is most comfortable so I can wear it properly for longer times when necessary.
posted by bluedaisy at 12:36 PM on June 22, 2020

(I feel like it's more appropriate to reply here than to PM, but if I see my comment has been deleted I'll assume the mods feel otherwise.)

I've been making multi-layer cotton pleated masks with a nose wire and adjustable ties with a slider knot. I have several of the fabrics mentioned on hand and can easily sew something with another layer. I don't have toggles on hand but toggles would work very well with the ties I am using.

Please PM me if that is of interest, though I would think anyone sewing masks should be able to work with your requirements.
posted by yohko at 1:02 PM on June 22, 2020 [2 favorites]

I'm currently making what sounds like very similar masks as yohko - they are 2 layers with a pocket, so a 3rd fabric piece or filter material could be easily put in (or sewn in during construction if thats what you'd want - I do have fleece, flannel, and a spun-blown polyester material on hand). Feel free to memail me.
posted by augustimagination at 1:43 PM on June 22, 2020

You can buy stick-on aluminium nose wire thingies quite cheaply in quantities of 50 or 100. I've been turning a 2-layer mask inside out and sticking it inside. So far it's survived two (hand) washes without coming off or getting beaten up enough to need replacement.
posted by Jobst at 12:47 PM on June 23, 2020