So the issue with a lot of respirators and dust masks is the exhalation valve which is totally unfiltered. This makes them pretty useless for COVID-19 safety. You can read more about what the CDC says about masks with valves.
Everything I used for this 5-min hack:
- 3M Rugged Comfort Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator 6502QL (Medium)
- Electrical tape
- Scissors
- Non-Woven Polypropylene Fabric (woven fabric will work too)
Check out the gallery below to see how I added a filter to my valve. I specifically added it to the outside so it would last longer before getting moist and so others could see it. I used two layers of material for the filter.
Thank you! I have been scouring the web for others that are thinking and looking for the same thing. This is a good temporary option. These 3M masks are the most comfortable and airtight to wear because of the face seal, they just have this glaring flaw in the unfiltered exhalation valve. The sewn masks and “disposables” constantly fog my glasses. I got one for my mother ( I already had some for myself for the different projects I do), but how to filter the exhaled air? I am thinking of a sewing project to cover the entire mask and/or maybe a 3D printed frame that could be inserted into the exhalation port itself. I think this is going to be a long haul, so it might be good to have a long term answer. I also hope that maybe 3M comes up with something on their own as well. They would have the engineering and production capability.