TITLE: Pillowcase & rubber band DIY face mask
AUTHORS: Jernej Turnsek

[DESCRIPTION]
<div class = "text-blocks"><div class = "text-block"><div class = "justify" style = "text-align:left">This protocol describes a very simple way to make a face mask at home using a cotton pillowcase, a (coffee) filter, 2 rubber bands, and a minute of your time.</div></div><div class = "text-block"><div class = "justify" style = "text-align:center"></div></div><div class = "text-block"><div class = "justify" style = "text-align:center"></div></div><div class = "text-block"><div class = "justify" style = "text-align:center"><span style = "font-weight:bold;">Wearing a face mask helps stop the spread of the new coronavirus. </span></div></div><div class = "text-block">Useful additional resources:</div><div class = "text-block"><span>1/ </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PI1GxNjAjlw" style = "text-decoration:underline;color:blue;cursor:pointer;"><span style = ":;">Video protocol</span></a><span> for a related face mask alternative.</span></div><div class = "text-block"><span>2/ </span><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html" style = "text-decoration:underline;color:blue;cursor:pointer;"><span style = ":;">More DIY face mask ideas</span></a><span> via the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.</span></div><div class = "text-block"><span>3/ </span><a href="https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make-diy-face-mask-virus/" style = "text-decoration:underline;color:blue;cursor:pointer;"><span style = ":;">Pillowcase alternatives</span></a><span> and strategies to improve/modify (the effectiveness of) your DIY face mask.</span></div><div class = "text-block"><div class = "justify" style = "text-align:left"><span style = "font-weight:bold;">4/ </span><a href="https://medium.com/@Cancerwarrior/covid-19-why-we-should-all-wear-masks-there-is-new-scientific-rationale-280e08ceee71" style = "text-decoration:underline;color:blue;cursor:pointer;"><span style = ":;font-weight:bold;">Discussion on sneeze/cough droplet ballistics</span></a><span style = "font-weight:bold;"> and why wearing a mask, even a DIY cloth-based one without filters, matters.</span></div></div></div>

[STEPS]
?. [Assemble]
Begin with a ~14 inch x ~20 inch (~36 cm x ~51 cm) pillowcase piece, a coffee filter, and 2 rubber bands.
?. [Assemble]
Fold twice along the longer edge; sandwich a coffee filter between layers of fabric.Tip: alternative (more effective) DIY filter options (source):1/ HEPA vacuum filters and bags (make sure they are free of fiberglass)2/ air conditioner filters (make sure they are free of fiberglass)3/ grocery store tote bags made with non-woven polypropylene
?. [Assemble]
Insert both ends of the folded piece through a rubber band.2 long twisted rubber bands as shown below were used above.
?. [Wear]
Fold both outer "flaps" back to the middle creating a total of 9 fabric protection layers. Secure the mask behind your ears with "flaps"-containing side covering your face.  Tip: You can wrap a small piece of moist paper towel around rubber bands for increased wearing comfort.
?. [Wash]
After each use:1/ If using a coffee filter: discard it.2/ Disinfect the fabric by boiling it in water for 5 min. Dry it thoroughly before using it again. It is recommended to discard the fabric after 10 wash cycles.   Cleaning alternatives for fabric face masks are described here.