How To Make a Homemade n100 Respirator for $1.50

With a shortage of PPE including n95 and n100 masks, we need options. In this video I show you how you can make your own reusable n100 mask with replaceable filters out of items you have lying around your house. The best part: the total cost is under $1.50 per mask!
I do a quality test at 7:06
Download the free template and make your own!
makingbigbits....
COPYRIGHT NOTICE: All material in this video is unique and owned by Big Bits LLC. Because the purpose is to help in a worldwide effort, this video (in part or in its entirety) can be freely used, distributed, and exhibited in any not-for-profit means in order to reach more people as long as credit is given to Big Bits Studio. Please share!
Music: www.purple-pla...
Morgan Mead is a maker. Follow him on:
Twitter: @bigbitsus
Facebook: bigbitsus
Instagram: @morganmeadmakes

[@chr1s83]

Before you bash this guy's design remember that medical respirators and remediation respirators are going to be hard to find. There are thousands of people in this country that are going to need a respirator to do jobs that are not in the medical field, or maintaining their own homes. For example sanding. This Man's mask is so much better than wearing a bandana over your face. If you are dealing with lead or other toxic substances then you really need to do your homework on what protective gear you need. Be sure to check the manufacturer's website of any HEPA filters you might find around the house such as vacuum cleaner bags or furnace filters. Some of them are putting up warnings that the materials are not safe to breathe through. This man made a great video and he has great airgonomics in his designs of please don't be a jerk towards him !!

[@chr1s83]

Before using any HEPA vacuum cleaner bag or furnace filter materials, check the manufacturer's website. A lot of them are writing post or warnings about whether or not you can use those materials in a mask, due to potential fiberglass fibers or carcinogenic chemicals in their makeup.

[@nevenkapanic9693]

Wow, thanks for the heads up :-)

[@jasonwilliams9485]

I read this disclaimer in various websites, but then it dawned on me that if the materials used in these filters are not suitable for DIY masks, they shouldn't be for vacuum cleaners an A/C systems either. After all, the air expelled out of the vacuum cleaner or circulated by our central A/C system is going through one of these filters too, and we'll be breathing it too so... what gives? Either these materials are not suitable for any application in which they process air to be breathed by humans or they are suitable for all. Perhaps the standards for A/C and VC systems need to be revised and updated.

[@SaltyDooDoo]

Fact check first- NO FIBERGLASS. Already been confirmed several times

[@leahveal9501]

Jason Williams that's an excellent point you make!

[@leahveal9501]

Chris' S' great advice, thanks!

[@mrdewilliams]

I love your design. I also have an n95 equivalent mask design I created from things around the house, but mine is quite complex and time consuming to make. It also requires considerable sewing skills, and requires turning old clothes into laminated cloth. It took nearly a week of trial and error to complete, and takes me (at my current level of sewing skills) nearly 3 hours to make. After seeing your design, I am abandoning my own design, and going with yours. Kudos on a great design that keeps it all simple.

[@happybatty5142]

I've just been using cloth masks up to this point, but now that we also have really bad air quality due to wildfire smoke I think I'll make one of these

[@AnyHouseCleaning]

This is the best tutorial so far. No need 3D printing lol. Thank you for sharing

[@ChrisGurin]

Agreed! Why do so many of these videos assume we all have access to 3D printers?

[@BlademanZX]

Looks great but that one-way exhalation valve needs to be filtered or it defeats the purpose of the mask

[@cellpamend]

Please tell me that the template is not in that *crazy anachronistic imperial system units!*

[@nunyabiz3453]

Are there enough masks in the USA yet? They're giving them away in clothing stores here in Canada.

[@nardwarbill6209]

I HAVE A CANISTER DESIGN THAT I WANT TO GET TESTED. It is the exact same, but uses a two to three compartment part wet filter.The first section is contained in the same manner as the activated charcoal, and is simply a wet rag stuffed into the front of the filter. The second section is just a dry cloth or sand filter, that can be made using straws (filed with sand and contained using cotton stuffing,) or a second section inside the canister. (possibly a second soda that has been cut in half or a third. Sand is used to absorb excess water from the filter and then dry quickly. Cotton may work just as well to stop water, but is more easily contaminated. You can use a candle wick style water feeder to keep the filter wet, which can be made using a piece of rope, and pill bottle. you drill a hole in the top of the pill bottle, super glue the lid to the bottom of your canister, and then run the rope threw the hole. the filter will then be fed using osmosis, which will only fill the filter with water as it dries out. Came up with this idea for covid. If you used this you would need to replace the or wash the cloth part of the filter on a regular basis.

[@darknes28]

Excuse me, I did not understand the exhalation valve part, how does it work?

[@ronlabe5487]

Tumble dry your filters with a wool blanket. N95s have a statically charged layer to catch the ultra fine.

[@mijodo2008]

Thankyou for your excellent work. This is a very worthwhile contribution to the DIY mask builds currently available to assist us to resist contagion. 😁. Well done.👌

[@marshallck1209]

Thanks for showing me bro 😷👍

[@MrBugman2525]

Amen to that man,I will share this on the corona19 virus group on Facebook

[@innercityprepper]

The check valve should not be optional. Long term wearing of a mask without it can cause CO2 buildup problems, that's why there's a check valve on silicone/rubber masks with a good factory face seal.

[@daphneraven9439]

If you’re in a situation where u cannot socially distance yourself, you can don a nonsurgical mask over your respirator until you can put some space between you and others.

[@daphneraven9439]

Thank you so much for sharing your design! I certainly appreciate it. :) So many people are freaked out about the check valve...idk why they don’t just tie a simple mask over the respirator when around others in situations where it’s just not possible to be socially distanced. That way, Everyone is protected. I live in a relatively cold climate, and condensation on masks/respirators is an issue; has anyone tried putting a little silica gel moisture-absorbing packet into their designs yet??? I’m hoping that someone out there has already solved this problem and would share their solutions with me, please!!

[@aiochgci]

i'm not as to why. But around 8:30 of your video there's a thumping like someone is tapping the microphone. Just a heads up. Good video none the less.

[@LayZeeDawg]

For the seal on my design I used automotive weatherstripping that I had laying around the garage. If a quick buck could be made, I cant see why this couldnt be molded out of FRP and mass produced. Maybe get GM involved and have the Corvette plant in Bowling Green, surf board manufacturers or any company that lays fiberglass manufacture these.

[@JohnJones-oy3md]

Not only can there be fiberglass or other materials in a vacuum cleaner bag that you don't need in your lungs, but that 99.x% filtration rating is for the entire filter system (usually three filters in a vacuum cleaner), and not just the bag itself.

[@cheetah-virusxi7560]

so the template you provided isnt exactly the same in the video....actually the bottom part does not fit because its just a narrow V shape vs in the video you have wide triangle shape (more like a house roof). if this old un-revised template? also noticed another comment mentioning this

[@Chrontius]

Not enough filter media for adequate air flow.

[@steveelkins52]

Particle sizes are smaller than 0.3 microns when in aerosol so does that not render this somewhat ineffective, especially because exhaled particles are not filtered?

[@markf5029]

is the hepa filter safe to breathe in? either get coronavirus or cough up blood because of fiber glass in lungs.

[@bryco32]

Use the msds sheet to see it they use fiberglass. Most Genuine Hepa cloths do not use fiberglass. All of the 3m HVAC filters do not have fiberglass neither do the genuine Hoover bags.. Add the fact they are solely made to be used behind high cfm blowers in your home and If those can't fog your lungs with glass fibers the average human lung capacity isn't going to either.

[@markf5029]

@@bryco32 cool ill check it out!

[@flyonthewall6883]

Can't wait to try. Thank you

[@alio19]

Great job, amigo.

[@athenearosa]

Do you have a way to make your own papr for those who do not like masks?

[@stadesportsnews3202]

Interesting and it looks out of a videogame. Cool.

[@cathyt144]

GENIUS LEVEL!PLEASE MARKET THESE!THANK YOU

[@timeless_realm]

Just saw a video that it's 1000000 millionths of a meter will the mask work?

[@jasonr415]

Thanks for the video. Great info. Would be kool to make one with a face shield.

[@morganmeadmakes3925]

We did! kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2fUeqp8hsyFsLs

[@FilipMarysko]

If you use the breathing valve for exhale, you can spread the virus, if you are infected. So avoid all respirators with exhaling valve like this. You have to both inhale and exhale through the filter. For the commenters of the usage of this mask. This mask is always better than no mask. #stayhome #staysafe

[@mrdewilliams]

I can't say I agree with you. Not all do, but many commercial n95 masks have exhale valves. I also think the idea with this mask design is for protecting yourself, and the exhale valves helps do this by reducing the moisture that can build up in the filter, reducing the time it is usable. I'm no expert though, so if there are any credible information sources stating that people should not be using masks with exhale valves, I would be very interested in seeing it. For myself and my family, however, I am far more concerned with self protection than anything we might potentially be exhaling.

[@pheenix42]

Pudding cups?? I love it! Also: How'd you come by a roller derby team t-shirt?

[@morganmeadmakes3925]

Naptown Roller Girls are awesome!

[@yeahidoubtit2094]

I thought those fancy respirators can’t filter COVID particles ?

[@TypicalLk]

"Jesse we need to cook"

[@cellpamend]

I came to this video thinking ( *in that strict order* ) ... Oh a Swedish-like attractive and possibly charismatic Caucasian male in KZbin [ *SOMETHING SUPER SCARCE THESE DAYS* ] !!! ... MY OH MY! What a horrible Yankee accent and pronunciation, probability he he is not even able to pronounce "COTTON/GOING TO; WANT TO; NINETY FIVE" propperly! Oh wait He knows about and can handle super advanced Design/Engineering software.. Let US GIVE HIM A GO!

[@matthewdelbelbelluz6266]

How long can you wear it for?

[@miguelmorales2907]

Hello how's it going just wanted to let you know that I think you're excellent with the things you come up with and create but I'm having a little

[@themistoklis6237]

Your beard compromises the masks to some degree. Most likely the cloth seal of the N95. Your seal may be better and a good improvement on the N95. Possibly the reason you could smell the smoke. Manufacturers warn against facial hair. Good job!

[@williamwhitman9804]

Fit testing for N95 masks in healthcare settings does not include people with facial hair. They are automatically assigned a PAPR.

[@landonmillett6167]

Lemie put that on quick and go to the store 🤣

[@ThatOneScienceGuy]

I had seen another video about making N95 using a HEPA filter but it was later criticized because the filter used in the tutorial had fiberglass in them. The filter you used for this, is it safe to breathe through so directly?

[@miguelmorales2907]

I'm having a little problem with getting the Maya rendering and at home I don't have a printer is there any chance of getting one from you I have everything else. Thanks Bronx NY

[@pr59052]

Is there a list of suitable hepa filters for this aplication ? I believe some of them in the market can be harmful

[@genericamerican7574]

Some have fiberglass

[@DarrylGold]

How do you sterilize it?

[@DalsyHuber]

Could we use a plastic sheet instead of cardboard?

[@morganmeadmakes3925]

Yes! But it would be heavier, possibly sharp around the edges, and you'd have to be careful about plastic dust that could be toxic. Wash it really good and avoid anything brittle because a crack would make it useless.

[@netfierce960]

Did I miss something? It doesn't look like the exhalation is being filtered and that should be a big no no. I do appreciate that this design can be so easily created from stuff on hand. Thank you very much for the walk through.

[@SW-ii5gg]

Yeah, exhaust valves should be covered in my opinion with an easy flow filter to at least catch droplets and absorb moisture.

[@MyTgangsta]

1.50 per mask is misleading you have to buy the filter,paint,rubber gloves,and you need to buy the snacks to get the pudding and snacks for the box if you don't have it maybe cornflakes box would work but the stuff he mention we don't have let me buy what you used plus not forget the silicone ,make mask then calculate what was spent then tell everyone the price before you list how much when it's well over your 1.50 price

[@shaunzie113]

The total cost is a lot more than 1.50. The Hepa filter alone is 15-25.

[@DarienDrakee]

Not to mention if you want it to be safe that means no facial hair

[@dj1NM3]

...to a certain extent and the mask should seal under the chin, so a "sould patch" or moustach that fits inside the mask would be OK, but all-over 3-day stubble would prevent a good seal.

[@brianhamilton7968]

What where site for template

[@HustleWorldEnt1]

Great video and all but all the materials needed to make this mask is gonna be more than $1.50, more like $10.50!

[@cartersharpnack]

But you can make multiple masks. It's 1.50 per mask

[@TreeLuvBurdpu]

Where did you get that DigiKey straight edge? Can't find it on their site

[@clothespinguy]

It came with an order I placed

[@ezwa9979]

wA, is sRz .3 - .5 or .1-- ?

[@jaypote1926]

While surfing I got on this project and made one such N100 mask. But the temlate provided on the website is wrong. If I would get your E-mail Id then I would be grateful to discuss further about the flaw.

[@worldlook9303]

How can I know the model in maya fits my size?

[@ChrisGurin]

Yeah, and scaling in Maya is a bit obscure. Best to make everything adjustable: this is a prototype.

[@Denise_Suzanne]

I am an RN who floats to a COVID-19 positive unit. I know I could not make this and do not have a man, in my life, who could. Can I pay someone to make this for me? Anyone?

[@KVStarStruck22]

what about the inside ? would be difficult to clean since cardboard breaks easily.

[@daphneraven9439]

Inside was laminated with clear plastic packaging tape, remember... should be a very long time b4 having to make a new one, as it should clean easily

[@johnsmith-sk1ep]

No, no, this is actually dangerous. If you're going to make your own mask, consider using n100 or p100 filter pads which are back on the market. I made a custom respirator mask out of an old respirator mask I used for painting and custom filters I made from the pads I had on hand (

[@ThatOneScienceGuy]

Hmmm. Wondering if I shouldn’t have spent $1,250 on eBay for 180 NIOSH N95 masks...

[@bobhoskins9595]

This filters down to .3. The virus is carried on droplets .5 and up. Big problem.

[@loveorama]

Those HEPA bags cost between $20 & $30

[@MATERESAParra]

Dónde se puede conseguir?

[@adrianajimenez5368]

Hola buen día Podrías dejar un enlace para idioma español muchas gracias Feliz dia

[@Bivoladi]

Do you have a 3D printable template for this?

[@LemonCreationsUS]

Did anyone notice that for the surgical mask on tge cartoon was upside down? Just me? Ok

[@jasonwilliams9485]

My main concern when you say N100 (and will al DIY masks really) is that you're saying that this mask blocks 100% of all particles (above certain size). That's a lot of blocking. The N99 (99% blocking), and even the N95 (95% blocking) masks can have the effect of restricting the user from getting enough oxygen, and manufacturers warn about it. Of course, if you have to go to the grocery store, hardware store, etc. you better wear something, but try to pay attention to your breathing and if you start feeling lightheaded or your breathing becomes laborious, step out of the place and remove the mask immediately, and don't put it back on until you feel completely normal. At the very least you may pass out, and somebody is going to have to remove the mask anyway, at worst you may need to go to the hospital to receive oxygen support and be monitored for a while, and a hospital is the last place anyone wants to be these days. Again, I'm not saying don't wear it, I'm saying be aware that you need certain amount of oxygen to function so, make sure you get it.

[@lightlord21]

I wore a p100 mask to the store, I almost passed out on one of the trips, my arms, and stuff felt funny and tingly. It was a 3M 6000 series mask, with p100 filters. I took it out in the car, to recover, quite scary. I still wear them when ever I go out. But yes cautious not to run in them, and to check if I get light headed.

[@thekingpug8281]

It’s have to the hands too

[@instinct1688]

thats smart

[@spaideman1997]

it is tough to breath thru that vacuum bag material, hope CO2 doesn't build up in your blood

[@Friendsshare]

You wanna know something, I just bought 4 "n95" masks from amazon and I bought HEPA vacuum bags and they look exactly the same. Just wanted to throw in what I've experienced, do you due diligence. EDIT: I meant amazon NOT ebay (ebay is sold out)

[@mwatercress]

The check valve should help with that.

[@veronicats100]

$1.50, no way.By the time you are done buying what you don't have this is easily 10-20 dollars.

[@daphneraven9439]

Yes; if u only ever make the single one... but those same materials will certainly make quite a few, so that same cost gets divided by the number of respirators that you make.

[@mariaheshmatg7806]

Naptown!!!

[@kelliethorne1200]

Your off-the-shelf N95 would have sealed better had you been clean-shaven. You can't fault the mask for your unwillingness to follow the guidelines.

[@ChrisGurin]

I wish to echo Chris S' sentiments about responding to this effort: first-this is a prototype, and reflects the fact that we, in the finest American tradition, were caught naked and stupid by this (just like Pearl Harbor, 911, the 2016 election, etc.) The difference now is we have the worst possible confluence of leadership, backed by its own media and a craven, dishonest and willfully stupid majority in our senate. My point is, we will need ALL the ideas and efforts we can get to survive as a nation with a minimum of scars. My ONLY problem is finding HEPA filters ANYWHERE in the Philadelphia metro area. Hens teeth and unicorns, however, are abundant.

[@GarryBurgess]

Use the melt-blown nonwoven electrostatic polypropelene fabric instead of HEPA filters. This is what is used in the Asian Kn95 version of the mask, and is widely available and easy to work with.

[@ChrisGurin]

Garry Burgess thank you for replying- is this fabric known by a brand or trade name, something available at Lowe’s or Home Depot?

[@emremutlu44]

That reminded me old days Madonna... Sexy somehow...

[@AnyHouseCleaning]

Me too. You are right lol

[@darknes28]

where can i download the pattern?

[@cognophile]

makingbigbits.com

[@plauguedoctor2930]

Wehrse hte lkni?

[@Denise_Suzanne]

How can you be this smart? Haha

[@gaylecheung3087]

With all that time, scanning, testing it’s more expensive than $1.50 and it doesn’t look waterproof

[@ChrisGurin]

Yes, but what else are you doing? Time seems to be pretty abundant for now.

[@Tat2Dragons]

Christopher Gurin You are joking right? Apparently you seem to think people are just sitting around doing nothing with their time.

[@susanabushaban2719]

Nice video but all those chemicals I be afraid breathing those in

[@ccolina8176]

So you need a P100 mask to make an N100 mask? Ha!

[@alio19]

PLEASE make me one.

[@Djmack1992]

yea that one-way air exhaust is going to defeat 50% of the reason for wearing the mask unless you filter it, defeating its purpose of making breathing out easier...

[@b6studios131]

there is only one fully anime character in this video otherwise it's just props that are animated by cutting them

[@thequeen9188]

Can you please make me one or give me that one!

[@JohnJones-oy3md]

Origami PPE

[@ezwa9979]

alot of Ppl, inclUDng this viDO at 1 point.. said it ws .3-5, which mEns N95s DO hLp.. I got N n95 4 a quarter viDO,(click smrkE - thats the tItL- no1 is as chEp as me)👋😐

[@patbrunell3032]

What?

[@mujjuman]

white people are so cool and smart

[@NikSparrow]

Seriously you use this?

[@owndoc]

Helluvalot better than dying a horrible death!

[@xXKisskerXx]

I'd like to say thank you for the mask idea and concept but this isn't ideal for 2 major reasons. 1) those that are not positive won't gain much benefit over a tight fitting mask as the liquid droplets in the air from sneezes/talking/etc are the carriers, it's not air borne itself. 2) those testing positive using these sorts of masks will have liquid build up in/on the mask, a 1 way valve may then 'drip" COVID-19 rich fluids and if it comes in contact with anyone (or even some animals) it will then transmit at a higher rate. Even if no dripping occurs, you have to clean the mask sometime, and take it off- which then means another surface (hand, glove, rag, etc) will then have come in contact with the "COVID19 Rich Fluids" that built up during use. a simple cloth mask and plastic face shield will do better in the long run, for those infected, and for those avoiding infection. Also directing your breath/etc away from people (down, ideally) will help as the particulates are heavy in air -and will naturally want to fall to the ground from gravity (looking down or speaking with your mouth pointed downward, or sneezing down and away from others) will all help it get to the ground faster. This is, however, an amazing DIY guide for a dust mask for sanding, painting and the like. Just not great for virus or bacterial problems.

[@dennisosoy7615]

This looks very dangerous...

[@johng9562]

THIS VIDEO IS EXTREMELY IRRESPONSIBLE ~ THERE IS NO WAY TO MAKE AN N95 OR N100 MASK AT HOME! EVEN IF YOU COULD OBTAIN MATERIAL THAT WOULD BLOCK 95% OF PARTICLES (BUT HOW WOULD IT BE TESTED ANYWAY, WITH SMOKE, REALLY?) IT WILL NEVER SEAL PROPERLY, LEAVING THE WEARER EXPOSED.

[@-johnny-deep-]

Yeah, he should not have made those claims, and instead made it crystal clear that exhaustive testing wasn't done and to use at your own risk. But, in fairness, the true 3M N95-branded masks don't seal that well either (I have two from an old painting project, and the seal is lousy) , and he did in fact do *some* decent testing, which is more than a lot of videos I've seen do.

[@loridukes7273]

Interesting, but it’s ugly.

[@joweydelanota5558]

So you need a real mask to make a $1.50 mask? Look dude is this for sell or just a waste of time?