Masks are in short supply across the country. You can help the effort to protect healthcare workers by joining the effort to make masks. Homemade masks are divided into three main categories: Simple Cloth Masks, Larger Face Masks that fit over N-95 Respirators to extend their use and Masks with Pockets for Removable Filters. While these homemade versions are NOT designed for healthcare workers directly caring for patients with COVID-19, they can help reduce the risk for healthcare workers and patients entering a healthcare facility.
• Simple Cloth Masks – These can be made with elastic cord or cloth ties. These masks can be put on patients entering a healthcare facility to reduce their risk of spreading droplets through coughing. You can find a PDF of the pattern at www.deaconess.com/masks.
• Larger Masks to fit over N-95 Respirators – This style mask is essentially a cover that fits over the top of the hard-to-get N-95 respirator. These are being made to help extend the use of the N-95 respirators.
• Face Mask with Pocket – This style facemask has a pocket for a filter to help reduce the transmission through the fabric. The “Made Institute” has an excellent YouTube tutorial on this pocket-style facemask.
• 3-D Printing of Masks and Faceshields – For the tech-minded crafters, there is a call to print masks. Hewlett Packard has downloadable free 3D printable designs on their website at enable.hp.com.
SKY Pediatric Dentistry, at 234 Natchez Trace in Bowling Green, is maintaining a drop-box at the front of our office to accept donations of homemade masks. The masks are taken daily to Pediatricians in our area that are facing a shortage of masks for their providers and for their patients. Thank you to all of the crafters who have already contributed to helping keep our Healthcare workers safe!
-by Dr. Mandy Ashley, DMD, MsEd, MS
About the Author: Dr. Mandy Ashley DMD, MsEd, MS is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist, Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and founder of SKY Pediatric Dentistry. SKY Pediatric Dentistry has locations at 234 Natchez Trace in Bowling Green, 280 Burley Ave in Hopkinsville and our NEWEST LOCATION at 203 Professional Park in Glasgow. With experience and compassion, Dr. Mandy Ashley, her partner Dr. Madison Galloway, and the SKY team provide modern, fun dental care for all children as well as adults with special needs.
