I apologize if this info repeats something found elsewhere - haven't been on YLF much of late.
I recommend holding up the fabric you are considering, in the number of layers you intend to wear , and test breathing through it, holding it tightly sealed with you fingers around your nose and mouth. Based on this I will NOT be using high thread count (600+ if memory serves) old worn out sheets from my rag bag for the body of the mask. It is very hard to breath through a double layer, and even a single layer is harder than two layers of my quilting cotton.
A couple of quick recommendation I've gleaned from some of my sewing websites and home experiments.
1) Practice wearing it at home bit before you wear it out, including taking off and putting on - you don't want a failure where you ahve to remove it in the middle of the grocery tore line.
2)You don't need elastic - fabric ties or strips work, even shoe laces work fine. Ear loops (elastic or hair ties) will put more stress on your ears than fabric ties or elastic across the back of you head and neck.
3) There are several designs with a pocket for a filter material. Again make sure you can breath through all the layers you are using before you make a bunch.
4) Knit fabric (t-shirt) is more porous and probably less effective a filter than woven, but use what you ahve. Some studies indicate a cotton poly blend knit fabric is a better filter than 100% cotton knit.
3) If making a two layer mask, use a different fabric on each side so you don't accidentals take off an put on the outside against you mouth before sterilizing or washing.
5) Glasses are tough - they fog a bit for me with this pattern, and with the "Deaconess" (pleated square ) version I tried. I can't show it because DH took it down to his mom. The Deconess was slightly better for fogging, but I suspect it is because it allowed more air to escape.. Here are some tips for glasses wearers.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry.....l_5e8bd866
If you sew a little, this is a good pattern/video for a two layer mask. Don't rewear the second side against you face as the sewist suggests!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?.....e=emb_logo
https://sewitonline.com/pages/.....ee-pattern
It is similar but easier than the one I am modeling below. Tip use a shoe lave or fabric strip about 36" long as a single tie to hold i place like I show. Easier on/off than two ties. I sewed an open chanel to insert a pipe cleaner/twist tie/wire across the nose bridge, rather than inserting inside permanently per the video - but not necessary.
Here is the Pleated Deaconess pattern https://www.deaconess.com/How-to-make-a-Face-Mask
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