New stiffener design

Mid 2021 update:  High thread count cotton and/or multi-layer polyester satin isn't a good choice for high filtration masks. They're not breathable enough at mid filtration performance. And additional layering to get to hight filtration still only decreases breathability further. With that they get hot and uncomfortable as well as giving your chest muscles a good workout.

Two stiffeners - one for each side. What’s new is that this time they are sewn into the vertical seam 


insert stiffeners between cotton and satin. make sure they don't overlap:



sew the vertical seam (top of nose to under chin), going through the two stiffeners:


looks like so after:


cut off the excess fabric:


cut some satin/acetate bias tape:


cut the zip tie to shorten it, and anchor it to the bias tape:


sew on that bias tape carefully:



and trim excess when finished:



turn inside out (note the 3D feel is more solid than fabric alone), and sew all the way through the center line twice - one above and one below the stiffeners hidden between the layers.


fold over the pockets for the elastic, sew, insert 25cm (10 inches) of elastic 
and tie with the shortest ends you can make:



In the UK at least COVID-19 is trending down (a generalized pareto distribution), meaning we no longer have to think about super filtering masks for self. We can now ride this out with lesser masks and renew our enthusiasm for annual immunizations (flu and covids). 

Health care professionals need to think about super-filtering face masks (FFP2 grade and better) of course, and the UK government still hasn't issued the face-coverings for all when mixing in enclosed spaces with non-family. They have for mass transport, but not shops (etc).


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