Need a mask? DIY face masks, free masks, and masks for sale

Current recommendations are that everyone wear a face mask in public until further notice. Some businesses are requiring that masks be worn by customers and employees, while other places strongly encourage them. It’s important to use clean masks, so if you are using disposable options, you should not reuse them.

If you are using cloth masks, you should wash them after each time you are in public, so you’ll probably need a few for your rotation. We’ve gathered a few resources about how to make easy DIY face masks, where to buy face masks, and what can be used for masks.

Note about masks: Masks are intended to protect other people from germs that you may not know that you have. Since you may be contagious for 2 weeks prior to symptoms, you have no way of knowing whether you can pass the germs to others.

When you breathe out, your “breath vapor” is expelled into the air. This is easily demonstrated on cold days, when you can “see your breath”. If you wear a scarf or something on your face, you aren’t able to see your breath, or at least not as much of it. Thus, you are expelling less of your breath vapor into the air because it collects in your face covering or scarf. 

Need another example? This meme give a different, humorous view.

via Reddit

How to make your own mask (no sew DIY masks)

CDC cloth face covering recommendations and tutorials: They offer instructions for DIY sewn, no-sew ts-shirt mask, and no-sew bandana options. This also includes the proper way to wear and wash a face covering 

Easy mask using a sock

Making A Face Mask From A Sock In Seconds

Easy no-sew mask using a tshirt

https://jennifermaker.com/no-sew-face-mask-tshirt/

DIY no-sew 2 layer face mask from leggings: Have an old pair of Lularoe or other stretchy leggings? You can make an easy no-sew mask from leggings with just a few cuts.

Where to buy face masks

Disposable Face Masks

Many prefer wearing disposable face masks over cloth face masks. You may find it easier to breathe in the paper face masks, and you won’t have to worry about washing them regularly. While they were hard to find for awhile, you will find them in stock in most stores and on Amazon. When buying from Amazon, check the shipping date and reviews before you order. We don’t worry about a few negative reviews (some people are never happy), we suggest buying a product with hundreds of reviews (with the majority being positive). 

Disposable Face Masks from Amazon 

(affiliate links included)

• Link to variety of options
• 20 Pcs Disposable Filter Masks
• FUDI 50Pcs Disposable Face Mask, Protection Anti Dust Particle 3-Layer Design Mask with Earloops
• Face Mask, Pack of 50 (10,000+ customer ratings)
• Modenna Face Mask Disposable (2700+ reviews)

Reusable Face Masks

Different styles of masks are available, so you’ll have to determine what is most comfortable for you. I prefer the behind-the-head options, but many prefer the behind-the-ear versions. You may have to try a few to figure out the best fit for you.

Farmers Markets: Now that farmers markets are in full swing, you’ll likely find handmade masks for sale at nearly every Farmer’s Market. Some will also give them out to people in need. 

Local Buy/Sell pages: If you need a mask fast, and don’t want to make your own, check your local buy/sell pages. There are 1000’s of people in Central Ohio making masks as a hobby and either donating them to people or selling them very inexpensively. Use the search function to find people making face masks, or post a ISO (In search of) post.

Craftin’ Outlaws Mask Makers: This is a collection of makers from around Central Ohio making masks for sale. All questions should be directed to the individuals offering them for sale. Be safe. Be an Outlaw.

Etsy: There are 1000’s of options for handmade masks on Etsy. Check shipping time before you order. 

Disney Store: You can preorder Disney Cloth Face Masks with all kinds of cute designs in 3 different sizes. They come in packs of 4 for $19.99

Old Navy: The clothing retailer is selling 5 packs of triple layer masks for $12.50. There have kid and adult sizes. They sell them in store as well.

Buck Mason: Offers a Anti-Microbial Prevention Face Mask 5-Pack for $20. They are donating one mask for each mask sold!

Have a favorite brand, company, character, or sports team? They are probably selling masks. 

Free Face Masks

FREE face masks from Dhvani for all Americans. Note: they have received over 1 million requests and are prioritizing frontline employees. If you request a mask, you may not receive it for weeks or months. They are asking for donations, but making a donation does not mean you’ll receive your mask first (nor does it register you for a mask – you have to make the separate request for that). We aren’t affiliated with the program, so if you aren’t able to make a request at any point, the offer may be paused or discontinued.

We expect that face masks will be like reusable grocery bags. First you had to purchase them, but eventually you started getting them for free from businesses (if you don’t mind the logos)

It is not a law that you have to wear a mask, but businesses reserve the right to require masks for entry.