Though there are no universal instructions for reusable cloth face masks (as-of Spring 2020), we have compiled information from various references about their intended use and proper wear & care.  Please also be sure to read through our safety disclaimer.

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For partners distributing SFMP masks in person (food drives or other locations) -- please see safety handling instructions in English and Spanish

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What is COVID-19?

• Coronaviruses are a common family of viruses that can infect both humans and animals

• SARS-CoV-2 is a newly identified virus.  It is short for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2

• COVID-19 is the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2.    For symptoms and other information, please consult the CDC Factsheet.

 

How a face mask may help:

• A virus can spread directly person to person, and via contaminated surfaces. 

• A cloth mask, similar to a procedure mask:

  • Acts as "POE" (protect others equipment), otherwise known as source control, by decreasing transmission to others via respiratory aerosols and droplets, which are released when we sneeze, cough, speak, sing, or even simply exhale.

  • Discourages touching one’s face, reducing the likelihood of surface spread.

  • Serves as a visual reminder of the presence of active community spread and the continued need to exercise caution through other intervention measures.

  • Offers limited PPE protection for the wearer, as well -- although they do not filter aerosolized particles for the wearer nearly to the same degree as an N95, overall spread is reduced in a universal masking environment where other parties are also properly wearing masks and physically distancing in well-ventilated areas.  Masks also increase humidity of inhaled air.

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• Limitations:​

  • In areas without universal mask wearing practices, or while interacting with those who may need to remove their mask as part of the interaction indoors (e.g. waiting on dining patrons, attending a performance or worship service) -- proper PPE such as an N95, KF94, FFP3, Filti, or reusable elastomeric respirators would be required for personal protection.   

  • The CDC estimates that 60% of KN95s in the US market, as well as a smaller percentage of N95's are counterfeit -- with some KN95's providing protection no better than reusable cloth masks.  Please visit ProjectN95 for verified manufacturers. 

  •  Individuals who are more vulnerable should also seek out N95, KF94,  at all times indoors with others outside one's household, as well.   Alternatively, if N95's are not available in your area -- a well-fitting cloth mask with nose wire, preferably with ties, can be worn as a cover in these scenarios to improve fit of a procedure mask, extend the life of the medical grade mask, while providing a personal touch.  Medical grade surgical masks may also be worn with a mask brace, to ensure a tight seal.

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• Unlike some other infections, individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 may be contagious prior to experiencing any symptoms (presymptomatic), with some never actually developing any noticeable symptoms (asymptomatic).

• Community transmission may be reduced by assuming anyone could be a carrier, and always wearing a face mask when in public or interacting with others outside your household indoors.   

• In short:  If you feel sick, stay home.  If you feel healthy, wear a mask around others outside your household or pod, particularly when indoors or in close stationary contact outdoors.

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Use:

• We recommend that each individual have at least 2 masks. Depending on your routine and habits, you may want to have a larger set.

• Fabric masks are reusable, but each person should have their own designated mask

• Children under 2 years old: face masks should NOT be used

• Children ages 2 and up: supervise at all times when they are wearing a mask 

• People that should not wear a mask: anyone who has trouble breathing, is unable to remove a mask without assistance, or is unconscious.

• Per CDC and PA Dept of Health recommendations, wear a mask:

  • At all times outside of your home 

  • Inside your home in the presence of others outside your household

  • When isolating from household members 

• Face masks are not a substitute for continuing to maintain physical distancing, proper hand hygiene, avoiding face contact, and limiting the duration of interaction with others indoors, particularly in poorly ventilated areas — in combination with these intervention measures, face masks can help reduce community spread

• Masks must be changed frequently

  • Masks should be changed every 2 hours, after sneezing, or once the mask becomes damp - whichever comes first

  • Each time you put on a mask, use a clean mask

  • Decide on how many masks you need for yourself based off of how much you are outside your home.

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Care: 

• Please note that masks should be washed before use, and after each time they are worn.

• Upon first receiving the masks, let them sit for a week. Alternately, masks may be boiled, or soaked in bleach solution and rinsed well, prior to initial use.  

• Going forward, provided masks were worn in non-clinical settings, worn in universal marking environments, not exposed to droplets, not worn by or shared with others, and not dropped or left on potentially contaminated surfaces -- simply using normal laundering methods, is considered sufficient for subsequent care.  The goal here is to practice basic hygiene, as with any other personal items, as well as to limit the growth of mold, bacteria, and other infection.

• After suspected contamination in higher-risk settings, however -- or proactively and periodically to prevent the built-up of bacteria and other cultures -- boiling for 5 minutes, or using an Instant Pot, will provide autoclave-like sterilization temperatures necessary to destroy the SARS-CoV-2 virus and other unwelcome objectionable organisms (see links for studies and experiments with both methods).   

• For further information on the somewhat different yet complementary goals of cleaning and disinfecting, please visit https://makermask.org/fabric-masks-cleaning-and-disinfection

• Warning:  Due to fire safety concerns, NEVER use a microwave to sterilize masks at any time of any material.

• Some masks have a nose wire, which should be shaped to the bridge of the nose to provide an improved fit for further protection from droplet spread, and to reduce fogging of glasses.  If a mask has a channel that allows for the wire to be inserted, it should be removed prior to cleaning.

• Popular Science Article:  best ways to clean fabric face masks.

• Philadelphia Inquirer Article:  How to clean your face mask to help prevent getting and spreading the coronavirus.

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Putting on a face mask: 

• Donning and doffing videos: Dr McElroy,  Patty George, MD or Grundy County Memorial Hospital

• Before putting on a mask, wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water. If this is not an option, you can use an alcohol based hand sanitizer (look for ethanol content >60% or isopropanol >70%)

 

How to tie a face mask:

•  Click here for a video showing how to tie a face mask (square face mask with loop tie)

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Wearing a face mask:

• Inspect your mask before putting it on to ensure there are no holes or tears

• Make sure the mask fits tightly across your face and extends below your chin. 

• Do NOT wear mask below your nose, leave your chin exposed, or push mask under chin or on top of head temporarily, and then put it back. 

• Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you need to adjust the mask after putting it on, wash your hands first 

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Removing a face mask:   

• To remove a mask, use your fingers to only touch the ear loops or ties. Do not touch the main part of the mask. Pull it away from your face and place directly into a plastic bag or other designated storage container. Keep in a storage container labeled “dirty” until sterilized. 

• Masks are never to be reused without washing (even if you only had it on for a short time period).

• Wash your hands every time after handling your mask.

 

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Do not wear a face mask that:

• Is dirty

• Is too loose and allows air to flow around the mask

• Is too small and does not fully cover both the nose and mouth

• Has stretched out or damaged ties/straps that don't hold the mask in place

• Does not stay on the face 

• Has holes or tears in the fabric

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• Filters:

  • Some mask patterns will contain a slot for a removable filter.  

  • Filter inserts should be removed prior to washing the mask.  They typically have a limited number of uses.

  • While data around both safe and effective filter material is still limited, disposable surgical procedure masks, or Halyard H600 sterilization wrap masks are the two materials that already have well-established use in area hospitals for filtration purposes in the setting of SARS-CoV-2.  As a result, they hold the most promise in terms of safe use near the face and improved filtration. 

  • The use of Non Woven Polypropylene (NWPP) is another option, however due to the variety, the complexity of sourcing appropriate NWPP may make the more ubiquitous procedure masks a more obvious choice at this time.  Further reading reference here

  •  Other products marketed as filter material, such as HEPA or carbon-based filters, should be evaluated by the wearer to ensure breathability is not adversely affected. 

  • We discourage the use of "off label" material for filters, such as HVAC filters, as these vary in manufacturing methods, and may release small fibers or particles, and have not yet been proven to be safe this close to the face.

  • For additional reference, we suggest https://makermask.org/the-big-four-criteria-for-community-mask-materials/  and https://makermask.org/who-fabric-mask-updates-december -- please note, however, that this data is still emerging, and the additional protection from filter inserts is typically only necessary in higher-risk settings (e.g. indoors, where universal masking may not be fully enforced or distancing is difficult).

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Note: While a handmade face mask has been recommended for community members in order to preserve disposable medical grade PPE for high-risk and clinical settings (as well as where use of N95 respirators was cost-prohibitive, not practical due to comfort, due to lack of fit-testing, or out of zero waste considerations and efforts to reduce microplastic pollution) -- homemade face masks are NOT a replacement for proper protective personal equipment (PPE) in high-risk or clinical settings.

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PA Health Dept Guidance:

Pennsylvania Department of Health: Guidance on Homemade Masks During COVID-19

Pennsylvania Department of Health Help Stop the Spread: Wear A Mask in Public

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CDC Guidance:

Please note that since the CDC guidelines are continuing to evolve rapidly in the setting of COVID-19, we recommend referencing them only in combination with other sources.

CDC: Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19

CDC: Use of Cloth Face Coverings, Especially in Areas of Significant Community-Based Transmission

CDC:  Cloth Face Coverings: Questions and Answers

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Note

The above information was linked and developed primarily in the spring of 2020, and as such, may be out-of-date.

Disclaimer

References to studies, experiments, and guidelines above are provided for informational purposes and is subject to change.  A reusable face mask is NOT considered stand-alone PPE; it does not provide adequate protection from smaller aerosols and is not intended for clinical use.  Cloth face masks are intended to be used with other NPI's in order to slow the spread of illnesses.  Please use your personal judgment and discretion and make your own decisions regarding the use of reusable face masks, as information from this page is NOT medical advice and should not be relied upon as such. Please note that these are not FDA-regulated medical devices, and have not been manufactured to the same degree of sterility as face masks or other items that directly interface with mucous membranes.  We make no claims regarding the safety and efficacy of the face masks in preventing any disease or illness, including, but not limited to COVID-19. We also make no claims of antimicrobial or antiviral protection or infection prevention or reduction or regarding flammability.  By accepting and using donated face masks, or following the above instructions, you are releasing, waiving, and discharging SFMP and our volunteers from any and all liability, claims demands, actions, and causes of action arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by you or anyone who receives the mask from you.  To the extent you provide the mask to others, you hereby agree that you will provide a copy of this disclaimer to them.