Instructions on how to make your own HEPA mask which filters out 99.97% of particles .3 microns and larger, especially useful when N95 masks are not available. HEPA stands for “High Efficiency Particulate Air”, and HEPA filters, commonly used on air filters and purifiers, state that they can filter 99.97% of particles, or in other words, filter particles .3 microns and larger. This is meant to be a better mask than cloth only masks and can be used when N95 masks are unavailable. Keep in mind that N95 masks are usually airtight providing it’s worn correctly, so even though this HEPA mask put together it’s not airtight, it should still provide a level of protection greater than cloth masks when moving in a straight forward direction.
1. Taking apart a HEPA filter and cutting it into smaller pieces to place into face mask. In this case a Microguard HEPA cabin filter for a car is used. HEPA filters can commonly be found for home air purifiers and other household and commercial filtration units. You can simply search your local home improvement or automotive store, try searching for “HEPA filter”.
2. cutting a shirt and folding it into a rectangle and folding it so it can be tied around the face:
3. Continued with the extra knot:
4. Taking a piece of the HEPA filter:
5. Slide the HEPA piece under the front of the cloth mask:
6. Wear HEPA mask: