Can You Use HVAC Filters in Coronavirus Masks?

With the shortage of N95 face masks and the need for protection against the airborne spread of coronavirus while going out in public, many folks are sewing their own face masks.The CDC offers a few simple face mask designs that are easy to make, even if you don't own a sewing machine, but if you're wondering if including a piece of filter fabric from a high MERV HVAC filter will make the mask more effective, then you should check out this recent Energy Vanguard blog post by Allison Bailes. His bottom line is that while this may improve the mask's ability to filter out the small droplets that the virus attaches itself to, there are certain health risks to consider. Even though high-MERV filters are typically made of polyester and cotton and don't contain fiberglass - which would be bad to inhale! - most filter manufacturers don't recommend them for their use in face masks. Even so, Bailes thinks it might still be a good idea to consider this option, with a few caveats.