Mike Hoerger, PhD MSCR MBA Profile picture
Director of the top public U.S. #COVID forecasting dashboard (PMC). #HealthPsych PhD Program Director, #CovidCancer scientist, over 100 science publications.

Nov 14, 2022, 9 tweets

Cloth masks could be customized to look amazing. BUT they offered weak protection (poor filtration, many gaps).

What if you could safely customize an N95 or #BetterMask with a small logo, decal, or other decoration?

THREAD 🧵

1/

H/T 🎩 to @amandalhu for recommending rub-on “dry transfers.”

Follow her & see her amazing thread of several examples. Very fun, especially for kids. Many pre-designed options.


2/

But can dry transfers be customized?

YES. I ordered a 6” x 6” sheet with >50 monotone #cancer ribbons from @stickermule. Cost about $20. Price goes waaaaay down the more you order. Comes with free hot sauce for some reason.

If you find other deals, please post.
3/

Cut it out. Peal off the back. Press on the mask. Use a chopstick, spoon, or pen cap to rub on. Push against a hard surface.

It was too soft through the multiple mask layers, so I inserted a wooden block.

Peel off carefully. Then set the backing on top & rub once more.
4/

I run a #cancer research program.

My friend and collaborator Twitterless Jim Gerhart suggests in our forthcoming publication that we mask with health symbols to remind people that masking is a healthy choice, not a political one. So, I am testing these out.
5/

Also added a ribbon to my @Flo_Mask.

The Flo Mask passes an at-home qualitative fit test with ease, unsurprisingly b/c @NgoTheWorld has meticulous attention to detail. Of course, you could just put a sticker on the non-filter part. 🤣
6/

Are N95s with small dry transfers safe? Yes, they are dry and block minimal surface area. No wet ink or alcohol used.

My go-to expert on mask failure -- @ghhughes -- approves.


7/

My masks still passed a fit test after putting on the dry transfers. No surprise.

FYI, to fit test, you just need a nebulizer & fit test solution (e.g., 3M FT-32). Spray near the problem areas (cheek, nose, chin). Breath through the mouth. If you taste bitter, bad fit.
8/

What did I miss? Have any good suggestions for pre-made rub-on dry transfers? Any good deals on customizable options? Questions on specifics?
9/

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