DIY Modified N99 Masks for Toddlers

So, N95 masks are what we need to keep the germs from getting in through our respiratory system. The little surgical masks you can grab at the hospital keep sick people from spreading germs when they breathe and cough. This excerpt is from my Coronavirus Prep Post.

You need 2 types of masks. You need surgical masks for anyone that is actively sick. These only help keep the germs in. There is a huge shortage of all masks right now. Then you also need N95 or N99 masks to keep the germs from getting in. Most masks like these only last a total of 8 hours of use. I found some at my local store but they are completely gone online. I then began my search for reusable N95 rated masks. Most of them only keep out .3 microns. Most viruses range from 0.004 to 0.1 microns and we currently don't know what size the coronavirus is. To top it all off two of the major reusable masks are sold out and most single use are as well.

I THOUGHT I FOUND A SOLUTION FOR MY TODDLERS.

I kept searching and found a local company called RZ masks. There masks are .1 micron rated and if you're just using it to walk around the city, it should last about 50-60 hours. They also have placeable inserts so you don't have to constantly buy whole new masks. I bought one for each of my family members--The smallest size (medium) fits my 9 year old good enough but it's way too big for my toddlers.

FOUND A SOLUTION FOR MY TODDLERS!

So I did make my toddler make-shift masks by using the inserts from the RZ masks. Now I will say right now. My videos and photos are going to be crap--and my final product looks like child's work, but I know a seamstress could make these look bomb. This is not what I'm here for, I'm here to keep families protected. So bare with me. I'll try to explain better than I did with the footage.

Hope this helps and hope RZ Masks isn't too mad at me for botching their beautiful masks. RZ has amazing customer service as well but when I called today they changed their message. I think they're becoming bombarded now, so I'd order before it's too late. I also understand that I have modified their product so they are not liable to functionality and protection.

What you'll need.

• Two pair of men's socks. I took some of my husband's socks--yes I know that's gross- get over it!

• Two RZ masks or you can just buy a set of valves and the inserts. I went ahead and will keep the full mask set because my kids will eventually grow into them and can be used for forest fires, around the camp fire, and traveling on planes. (You can buy three filters and three sets of valves for under $20 where as one mask costs $35. RZAIR gives you 15% off all products I think. It worked for me!)

• Scissors

• Super glue or another glue you prefer

• A child's head to guesstimate the cuts for the length of the sock to wrap around the back of the head.

• Needle and thread

• I cut the sock down the front, opened it up and used the heel of the sock for the filter to be inserted.

• I flip the top of the filter with the foam down, and marked just below the foam so I knew where to cut. This cut allows the mask to still cover the nose but not be all the way up in the eyes for the child.

• I carefully peeled off the foam and re-glued it to the new top of the mask.

• I then pressed the filter into the heel off the sock and traced around the insert. I then cut the tracing out leaving a little extra room around the edges for now. I replaced the filter into the heel of the sock and made marks where the open circles were for the valves. I then cut one valve whole from the sock.

• I attached the valve on one side and then traced the circle on the remaining side, and repeated.

• The mask is now almost done. I trimmed around the edges to make it look nicer.

• I then took the black sock and guessed how long the strap around the back of the head would need to be. I made a cut down around the heel area and then cut the tub of the sock right down the middle. This makes two straps if you want to do an upper strap and lower nape of the neck strap. I used safety pins to pin on the straps first to get a feel for how to fit it on my child.

• I then sewed them into place. I had the strap of the outside of the mask to keep a tight fit around the face. I know it looks crappy but it actually does keep a close fit.

Please share with loved ones, if you feel called to do so <3