DYI Bandana Mask

First a point of clarification, this is not a mask in the personal protective equipment (PPE) sense of the word. It is a covering for your face for use when you go out in public. It is not a substitute for PPE if you are caring for or otherwise forced to be near sick people. My design is based on the “No Sew” option published by the CDC.

I had several problems attempting to follow these directions: 1) What’s the coffee filter for? Extra protection or just a stiffener? 2) Step 5 says fold and “tuck”. Not sure what is being tucked and where? and 3) The final product in step 6, must be spread/unfolded to get the wrap-around, under the chin effect shown in step 7.

Here’s my take using a standard bandana, two short elastic toggles (remove one of the plastic balls), and two safety pins.

Step 1: Fold the bandana in half.

Step 2: Fold the top down about a third and the bottom up two thirds at the ends but less so in the middle.

Step 3: Slide the cloth through the elastic loops approximately one third from each end (shown above).

Step 4: Fold the ends over the loops and pin them. You can adjust the tension on the loops around your head by pinning a bit more or less fabric.

Step 5: Place over your face with the loops around your ears. Then catch the toggle ball in the opposite loop at the back of your head. You can then slide things around to adjust the fit.

I shopped for an hour wearing this configuration and it wasn’t bad. It took a little rolling and tucking to prevent my glasses from fogging. I’ve heard of people using little strips of aluminum or copper wire to give a better fit around the nose.