The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of fabric type on the protection and comfort properties of fabric face masks against covid -19. Five different fabrics; Cotton, Poly-cotton blend, Light Neoprene, Polyester, Neoprene were purchased from Gashua market and 500 fabric face masks were produced. Three parameters; air permeability, elongation, and tensile strength were used to determine its fabric functional and quality properties. Laboratory tests as well as structured questionnaires were used as instruments for data collection. Polyester has the highest tensile strength of 1214.02N, followed by poly-cotton blends and the lowest being cotton 714.80N. Neoprene has the highest elongation of 78.81%, followed by light Neoprene and the least is 20.29%. Cotton has the highest air permeability of 118.36 ft3/ft2min, followed by Neoprene and light Neoprene respectively; the lowest is poly cotton blends. The cotton face mask has the best characteristics in terms of ease of breathability, can easily be washed and does not fog on the glass of the wearer. Poly-cotton blends face masks follow cotton in all the three characteristics stated above and it was adjudged to be the best in fitness for wearing. Polyester face mask produces the lowest result in breathability and fog production in the glasses.
Keywords: COVID-19, air permeability, fabrics, face mask, tensile strength
