My project can quickly test masks and publish the data to a public database. People around the country would be able to send their masks to my device and get the results quickly. If the mask was already in the database, they could make an informed decision before purchasing. This service would be important for people who are making their own masks or selling self-made masks. If a seller on Etsy or eBay wanted to get their masks tested, now their customers would be able to see exactly what they were buying. The CDC recently came out and said that cloth masks are often not effective. There’s also a problem with counterfeit masks and those that do not meet the manufacturer’s standards. People need to know which masks are effective to keep themselves safe during the pandemic.

I created the website testmymask.org, which holds both the online database and a test request form where people can submit their masks for testing. The database shows a variety of important information including filtration and breathability.

My device is able to calculate the percentage of different-sized particles filtered by the mask being tested. It can also measure the breathability of masks using a flow rate sensor.

All of the data I've collected so far is posted and I hope to keep growing my public database in the future.