Like many people, because of the coronavirus, my family and I use masks. Wearing masks is a precaution and where I am, wearing a mask is necessary. Many people use thin disposable masks, either pale blue or white. The style mask that traditionally been available came in very few color options and patterns. I have seen some interesting masks. The other day, I even spotted some people wearing gas masks. So there are some extremes in what people are wearing.
If you are looking for medical recommendations, advice on where and how to wear a mask, and safety recommendations for exercise while wearing a mask, look elsewhere. This article covers the style.
One size fits all disposable masks just don’t work for me.
I needed a better kind of mask. Wearing a disposable pale blue mask that the rubber band breaks half the time I put it on isn’t for me. Those one-size-fits-all masks just don’t fit my face well. I started my search for a mask that will fit my face. I didn’t need a FALLOUT 4 power armor suit or even a gas mask respirator with canister military-grade mask. Although I am sure that there are excellent places for using these types of masks, I just needed a face mask. The gas mask can stay in my 60 Seconds Atomic Adventure game for now.
I just needed a face mask that fit me, but with style.
Some guidelines on the CDC website summarized here: (Full CDC POST)
- fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- secured with ties or ear loops
- include multiple layers of fabric
- allow for breathing without restriction
- laundered and machine dried without damage or change to the shape
I needed something that would be a suitable fit and quality. I wanted a mask that fit my personality and gave me some protection. As an engineer, I guess I qualify as a geek. For a geek like me, I want to sport my mask with style matching my personality. Some cool patterns, a walking meme, whatever. I wanted something that brightens up not just my day, but others around me. Having a little of joy to brighten up the day isn’t too much to ask for?
Like millions of others, I searched Amazon. I found some options. During my search, I realized that I didn’t know really where the product was from. I had just watched a news piece on how unemployment was still climbing in the USA. There was an option for the seller location, but many products didn’t disclose the country of origin.
I wanted to buy “Made in the USA” to help the economy.
USA seller and Made in the USA are different. Made in the USA designation affirms the location of manufacture. The second only states the seller’s location, not necessarily the item’s origin.
Example Made in the USA mask I found through TEXT search:
In the same search term, right next to it on the screen, I found this “USA SELLER”:
If you can help me find a filter for “Made in the USA” on Amazon, that would be great. This is what I found for an article on the subject… Amazon Made in the USA. If you can help me find a filter for “Made in the USA” on Amazon, that would be great.
So if you don’t care where the mask is coming from, Amazon is an excellent choice. Sometimes you will get a facemask made in China. With extra effort, you can sort through the listings and find some made in the USA, UK or other countries. Yes, people make things in the USA and can put that “Made in the U.S.A. label on those products.
Make your own mask
I will not repeat what many other websites have shared. I ,by no means, intend to describe how to make your own face mask. If you want to know how to make your own, then you can buy some cloth or even use a t-shirt. Some instructions on how to make your own facemask are available here from the CDC.
If you are like me, I prefer still to get one made. So with the challenge of finding a USA facemask, I got to thinking. If we can make rockets in Huntsville, why not face masks?
Luckily for me, I know a crafty someone living in the Rocket Capital of the World, Huntsville, Alabama. First, before we get to why face masks from Huntsville mean anything, it might help to have some perspective. Why consider Huntsville Alabama the rocket capital of the world and why does it matter?
Why is Huntsville the rocket capital of the world?
In the heart of northern Alabama, Huntsville attracted a multitude of space-related companies. Companies like The Aerospace Corporation, Lockheed Martin, Blue Origin, and many others call Huntsville home. The city dates back to 1805 and grew over the years to its current size of over 180,000 residents. Why does this compact city attract such big names in the space industry?
The proximity to key customers like NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, The United States Army Aviation and Missile Command, and the nearby Redstone Arsenal drew these companies here. With these space companies located there, the need for highly educated workers also surfaced. Huntsville enjoys the status of one of the top 25 most educated cities in the United States.
Cool geek space masks.
Onto cool geek space masks. So my sister lives in Huntsville and runs http://hookandbobbin.com/. Being that I am halfway around the world, she gives me the scoop on what is going on there in Huntsville. She explained that getting face masks was a challenge. Many people not knowing or wanting to make their own turn to her.
Her facemasks impressed me. She had a wide range of cloth to choose from so you need not cut up your shirts. She made with skulls and crossbones, flames, and lots of other cool designs. Seeing the impressive work, I suggested that she should make some masks more in alignment with my style. I wanted some space style. I suspect that my style might match yours a bit if you’re looking for space face masks.
The issue with most places revolves around the selection. They don’t have any interesting fabric. Deb used to run a fabric store, so she has a large inventory of fabric. She told me she has over 300 unique types of fabric. I suggested that she make a few for us space geeks… and she did. It quite surprised me was quite how cool these masks look.
If you want to order one, you can. Click here to order your custom mask.
I am including a few selected ones that I will share with you here. https://www.facebook.com/OffKilterQuilter
Whether you buy the mask from eBay, Amazon, or from a private seller, I hope you stay safe and find a mask you like.
About The Author
Bill D’Zio
Co-Founder at WestEastSpace.com
Bill founded WestEastSpace.com after returning to China in 2019 to be supportive of his wife’s career. Moving to China meant leaving the US rocket/launch industry behind, as the USA and China don’t see eye to eye on cooperation in space. Bill has an engineering degree and is an experienced leader of international cross-functional teams with experience in evaluating, optimizing and awarding sub-contracts for complex systems. Bill has worked with ASME Components, Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) for use in launch vehicles, satellites, aerospace nuclear, and industrial applications.
Bill provides consulting services for engineering, supply chain, and project management.
