For my final project, due to the current restrictions of Covid 19, I decided to make a face mask prototype. In recent weeks I have seen countless mask adaptations, many made cheaply using ubreathable and uncomfortable materials such as polyester.
I wanted to solve this issue by sourcing natural materials which were recycled, breathable, comfortable and natural. The materials I chose were cotton, recycled from a high thread count pillowcase; and natural sheeps wool.
Generaly speaking, the thicker the fabric the better. However, this premise has lead people to look to things such as vaccum filters in their mask, which can restrict breathing and contain potentially harmful coatings.
In comparison, cotton is the best readily available fabric to use in masks as they are breathable and naturally good at filtering pathogens due to its high thread count.
Simalarly, sheeps wool contains multiple proteins which purify the surrounding air by absorbing and neutralising pathogens. These naturally occuring keratins are also found on the outer layer of our skin; meaning the wool acts in total synchronisation with our bodies own protective processes.
Merino wool properties under a microscope:
100% Merino wool face masks have been used by ‘Merino Country’ company in Austrailia. (https://www.merinocountry.com/blogs/news/australian-merino-face-masks-naturally)
My idea is to create a mask prototype with three layers of filtration: an outer cotton layer, then wool layer, then final cotton layer to make user friendly. The addition of wool also adds an added layer of comfort to the user, where other masks are often tight and confining.
MATERIALS:
- 100% Raw undyed sheeps wool (these were recycled from crate delivery packaging)
- 1 mediums sized bowl to measure
- Tailors Scissors
- Glue Gun
- Needle and thread
- recycled cotton, I use an old pillowcase:
- Elastic string
METHOD:
- I first cut around a medium sized bowl from my piece of cotton and wool.
2. I then folded the piece into a quarter and cut the sides so that I had 4 pieces.
3. Next I alternated between sewing and glueing the seams to see which was most effective.
4. I did the same with the wool, although I also separated the wool so that it was thinner, and cut it down so that it would fit better inside the cotton.
5. I then closed the seams and and folded an inch of the sides so that I could loop string elastic through for the ears.
6. Finally I added a stylistic aspect to the bottom of the mask to better distinguish my product and make it aesthetically pleasing as well as comfortable. I used one of my old screen prints for this.
Final Product:
ANALYSIS:
I am pleased with the outcome of this prototype as it is comfortable to wear, which will therefore encourage usage. The mask can also be machine washed and is environmentally friendly. I believe the mask also does a good job of filtering bacteria and pollution and can be delveloped futher to become the most effective and sustainable of its kind.
On the otherhand, next time I would procure a sewing machine to sew the seams and make all of the seams invisible. I would also measure the elastic from my mouth to ears so that it better fits the face.
In the future I would also like to add an LED aspect to the mask, as the wool wadding allows for a soft circuit. I would like to try connecting a microbit to the mask so that the user can showcase a welcoming signal such as a heart when they come into contact with another. This is because masks can interfere with the human instinct to connect with others, and social distancing protocol have proven to be depressing for many. Using technology to show emotion, when it is unsafe to speak, would be a very excitng prospect.
