Whether you want to help someone in need or are looking for a boredom buster that could potentially help people in the future, this post is for you! Today I have a neighbor, a friend, and a nurse here to show us How To Make a Face Mask With a Filter. If you know anyone with a sewing machine, show them this. It’s a great way to pass the time if you have cabin fever. Who knows, you might end up helping people along the way. We’re in this together ? Be sure to pin and share this so others can see it too.

How to Make a Face Mask With A Filter

Before we get started, I must mention that I am not the creator of this mask. As many of you know, I don’t actually know how to sew. However, millions of my followers DO know how to sew and are wonderful at it! My friend and fellow community member, Debbie Valentino, has had A LOT of requests for these homemade masks. I believe she noticed that our local mail delivery men and women didn’t have masks to wear. She was told that there were no masks available, and her creative side kicked in.

Whether you make one for yourself, a friend, a loved one, or if you want to give them away, this is a wonderfully helpful way to pass time. While we make no claims that these masks will prevent anything or save anyone, we do know that some people are extremely creative and the need is there. A mask might be better than no mask at all in certain situations.

For this air filter mask, you will need a superior allergen air filter, OR the air filter material (that is found HERE). If your local store is out of the filters pictured, consider purchasing the white filter material HERE. This air filter material is what’s typically found in home air filtration systems. You frequently replace these filters in your home for the purpose of keeping the air clean in the household. According to sources, you can use a few different materials as a filter in a homemade mask. While these don’t replace an N95 and we can’t claim anybody is safe while using any mask, this is a nice option to know… especially if you can sew!

Air Filter for a Face Mask

This filter says it’s an FPR 9 rating, and that it helps block a number of different things from entering into the air we breath. I have heard that vacuum bags have great filters too. However, if you’re looking for how to make face mask without a filter, this tutorial will work for you too.

Face Mask Using An Air Filter

Begin by disassembling the air filter. Remove the wire and cardboard around it. The white fabric is what is used for this tutorial in how to make a face mask with an air filter. However, if you’re looking to make a basic face mask without a filter, you can use this tutorial too! Note: See all measurements at the end of the post (printer friendly!).

Whether you plan to add a filter to your mask or not, you will need two pieces of fabric (8″ x 11″) and two pieces of elastic (5.5″ long). In this post you can see the video Debbie created for how to sew a face mask. If you want to add an air filter to the mask, you’ll want to sew an extra pocket to the inside of the mask first. The pocket is 6″ x 4.5″ and the air filter piece that goes inside is 5″ x 4″ (See video tutorial).

How to Make a Face Mask With A Filter

Please be aware that if you plan to make a mask for someone else, you need to sanitize the surface you are working on. You also need to wear a mask yourself AND gloves while making masks for others! While we aren’t sure whether or not these air filters can be washed (they say they are moisture resistant to a degree) we have to assume they cannot be washed. However, the fabric face mask itself can be washed in hot soapy water. When giving them to others, place a sanitary mask and a clean filter in a new ziplock bag. Consider putting a few filters in each ziplock bag along with each mask. That way, the person you give it to can replace their used filter with a new one in between washes.

More DIY Posts on Smart School House: