The fur-fabric bandana
Wearing a normal medical-type mask is problematic when you have a beard because of the lack of fit around the edges. Also having a big nose does not help.
Having read the limited scientific research on effectiveness of different fabrics for stopping other people's saliva droplets and aerosols getting into your nose and mouth, it seems that flat, woven cotton and polycotton are virtually useless as filters. Dense, complex fabrics with a nap or pile, like fleeces and velvets are most effective, sometimes achieving 60% filtration for micrometre-scale aerosols. No normal fabric can achieve the >= 95% filtration of a proper N95 respirator.
I also read that pet fur is an effective trap for micro-droplets and aerosols. So I made this bandana out of the corner of a lined, fur-fabric couch throw. It is hot to wear, very bulky, and more resistive to air movement than I had hoped, but probably pretty effective. Because it extends from just below the eyes down to the chest, there is no fitting issue due to beard.
Next, I will try making an unlined version, as much of the resistance to air movement seems to be down to the velvety lining material. It is all synthetic (polyester and elastane blend.)
The fur-fabric bandana
Wearing a normal medical-type mask is problematic when you have a beard because of the lack of fit around the edges. Also having a big nose does not help.
Having read the limited scientific research on effectiveness of different fabrics for stopping other people's saliva droplets and aerosols getting into your nose and mouth, it seems that flat, woven cotton and polycotton are virtually useless as filters. Dense, complex fabrics with a nap or pile, like fleeces and velvets are most effective, sometimes achieving 60% filtration for micrometre-scale aerosols. No normal fabric can achieve the >= 95% filtration of a proper N95 respirator.
I also read that pet fur is an effective trap for micro-droplets and aerosols. So I made this bandana out of the corner of a lined, fur-fabric couch throw. It is hot to wear, very bulky, and more resistive to air movement than I had hoped, but probably pretty effective. Because it extends from just below the eyes down to the chest, there is no fitting issue due to beard.
Next, I will try making an unlined version, as much of the resistance to air movement seems to be down to the velvety lining material. It is all synthetic (polyester and elastane blend.)