Why Mask?

I require respirator masks (N95 / KN95 / KF94  / FFP3 or better) for my sewing classes, and it's completely fair to ask why I do this now that it's 2026 and you rarely see masks in this corner of the world. Here are my reasons:​

​

• Disability justice is important to me, and in order to be inclusive to everyone, protective masks should be worn in shared spaces. For people with compromised immune systems, one infection--as innocuous to many as the common cold--can lead to the development of chronic disease, hospitalization, disablement, and even death. Since many viruses are airborne (meaning that they travel through the air like smoke), cleaning the air and masking are two of the best tools we have to prevent transmission between people (and some mammals). 

• I am one of those immunocompromised people. I possess a genetic variant that has lead to both type I diabetes (t1d), and autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease (ADTKD). At age 40, I became eligible for a kidney transplant, and am currently on the waiting list. I wear a mask to protect myself from a viral infection that could land me on dialysis before a working kidney can be found. Since dialysis is associated with both poor quality of life and death, I take viral mitigation seriously!

• Cutting and sewing kick up a lot of fibers and dust (this is especially obvious to anyone who has ever used a serger!). Masking is one way to prevent this debris from getting into your lungs and causing respiratory issues. I also run a HEPA air purifier in my studio, and open the window to get fresh air whenever weather permits.

​

I am not naive to the fact that masking has become controversial in our society, and some people will choose not to patronize my business because of my masking policy. For those that cannot mask for medical reasons, I am happy to accommodate by setting up the sewing machine outside at temperate times of the year!

If you're a nerd like I am, or just want fantastic visual of how N95 masks work, check out The Astounding Physics of N95 Masks!

​

Julie Napear, June 2026

​