Staying Safe Neednt Cost The Earth

Marie from Waikanae

If you are finding it hard to get hold of KN95 masks, or finding them too expensive, you could perhaps consider the next best thing: Silk.
A number of studies have shown that silk is effective at repelling droplets, with one study showing the best results were the KN95 masks, the next best were silk masks.
These can be made at home, and do have a number of advantages. They can be washed numerous times and dry quickly. They are soft and don't tend to aggravate the skin and generally provide a good seal around the nose. They are a natural product and environmentally preferable to polyester disposable masks. They can be made cheaply.
I have attached a pattern based on a KN95 mask, as it appears when folded. you will need to cut 8 pieces, double layers front and back and then join the middle seam for each side, insert a cotton inner layer, a metal strip across the nose area (you can get these from a disposable mask), close the seam around the outer edge and attach the elastic.
An old silk scarf or shirt is ideal to make these. I have also spoken to the recycle shop at the Otaihanga transfer station and they will collect any silk items that come in so people can use them for mask making.