A 2013 study (PDF) by Cambridge University, which studied how aerosolized bacteria and viruses passed through DIY mask materials inserted into a testing device, indicates that only vacuum cleaner bags came close to matching surgical masks’ ability to block one type of virus; among cloth masks, tea towels blocked the highest percentage of the virus. In Thailand, muslin cloth is the most recommended material from which to make masks.

 

1. Vacuum cleaner bag material. I have not been able to locate any sources for that online. If you do, please let me know and I will update this page. Many thanks!
2. Halyard One-Step Sterilization Wrap – https://products.halyardhealth.com/surgical-solutions/sterilization-solutions/sterilization-wraps/halyard-kimguard-one-step-sterilization-wrap.html (based on recommendation by the University of Florida Medical Center – see https://ufhealth.org/news/2020/uf-health-anesthesiology-team-devises-respirator-mask-made-existing-hospital-materials).

 

You can find stores near you by searching for “where to buy halyard sterilization wrap”. Here is the link to the results I got – https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=where+to+buy+halyard+sterilization+wrap.

 

1. Tea towel fabric (recommended by Cambridge University):

1. https://www.google.com/search?q=tea+towel+fabric&client=firefox-b-1-d&source=lnms&tbm=shop&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiCkpCT2bzoAhXEmnIEHZ3gB68Q_AUoAXoECA4QAw&biw=1366&bih=632
2. https://www.etsy.com/market/tea_towel_fabric?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Search_US_DSA_GGL_Categories_Home&utm_ag=Towels&utm_custom1=30fccd12-21dc-4766-b56b-a53088be7f31&utm_content=go_1806416560_75040298288_382067074728_dsa-44364800447_c_&utm_custom2=1806416560&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuN2y-Pm86AIVDW6GCh24xg7REAMYAyAAEgJ9hPD_BwE

 

1. Muslin – JoAnn’s Fabrics has a 100% Cotton unbleached muslin for just $4.49/yd. You get 30% off when you buy online and choose ‘free store pickup’. Visit – https://www.joann.com/roc-lon-100pct-cotton-unbleached-muslin-90inw–15-yd-bolt-natural/3558715.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&source=TIS-S&WT.srch=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0q7YzM686AIVCXiGCh1k-wQPEAQYBSABEgIdBvD_BwE