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Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,611
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

I've noticed that a lot of face masks, particularly the disposable type, have obvious gaps at the sides.  I was having the same problem until I realized the main cause was the ear loops.

 

I solved the problem, or more accurately minimized the problem,  by using a Christmas ornament hook on the ear loops.  I've found the mask not only fits better with the gap minimized I;m also not constantly trying to adjust it.

 

Perhaps the little hook will work for others that have been finding the masks do not fit well, gap or shift.

 

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51BHGC6xXQL._AC_UL480_QL65_.jpg

What is good for the goose today will also be good for the gander tomorrow.
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,527
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Face Mask Fit Observation

@Marp Interesting. So how does that work?  Use the ornament hook in place of the ear loops?  As part of?  Hook the loops together behind the head?

I'm not worried about gaps at the sides, but mine (disposable) rides up on my face (in spite of the nose wire) and tries to get in my eyes!

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Keepin' it real.
Honored Contributor
Posts: 36,354
Registered: ‎05-17-2010

Re: Face Mask Fit Observation


@esmerelda wrote:

@Marp Interesting. So how does that work?  Use the ornament hook in place of the ear loops?  As part of?  Hook the loops together behind the head?

I'm not worried about gaps at the sides, but mine (disposable) rides up on my face (in spite of the nose wire) and tries to get in my eyes!


 

@esmerelda   Are you pulling it down under your chin sufficiently? Same issue here at first. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 36,354
Registered: ‎05-17-2010

Re: Face Mask Fit Observation

[ Edited ]

@Marp wrote:

I've noticed that a lot of face masks, particularly the disposable type, have obvious gaps at the sides.  I was having the same problem until I realized the main cause was the ear loops.

 

I solved the problem, or more accurately minimized the problem,  by using a Christmas ornament hook on the ear loops.  I've found the mask not only fits better with the gap minimized I;m also not constantly trying to adjust it.

 

Perhaps the little hook will work for others that have been finding the masks do not fit well, gap or shift.

 

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51BHGC6xXQL._AC_UL480_QL65_.jpg


@Marp   Thanks for posting the suggestion. Because I have lots going on behind my ears....glasses, hearing aids, don't think this will work, but DD (also a tiny face like mine)  wears child size masks at work and that's what I'm wearing for a closer fit. In a pinch, double stick tape does the trick.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,527
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Face Mask Fit Observation


@Shanus wrote:

@esmerelda wrote:

@Marp Interesting. So how does that work?  Use the ornament hook in place of the ear loops?  As part of?  Hook the loops together behind the head?

I'm not worried about gaps at the sides, but mine (disposable) rides up on my face (in spite of the nose wire) and tries to get in my eyes!


 

@esmerelda   Are you pulling it down under your chin sufficiently? Same issue here at first. 


@Shanus Several times each wearing. If seems to be low enough, under the chin, but it still moves. Probably caused by talking. 

*********************
Keepin' it real.
Honored Contributor
Posts: 36,354
Registered: ‎05-17-2010

Re: Face Mask Fit Observation

[ Edited ]

@esmerelda wrote:

@Shanus wrote:

@esmerelda wrote:

@Marp Interesting. So how does that work?  Use the ornament hook in place of the ear loops?  As part of?  Hook the loops together behind the head?

I'm not worried about gaps at the sides, but mine (disposable) rides up on my face (in spite of the nose wire) and tries to get in my eyes!


 

@esmerelda   Are you pulling it down under your chin sufficiently? Same issue here at first. 


@Shanus Several times each wearing. If seems to be low enough, under the chin, but it still moves. Probably caused by talking. 


@esmerelda   I just recommended to @Marp to try a little piece of double stick tape. It worked for me until I got my kid's masks. Also be sure wire is firmly bent over nose.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 36,354
Registered: ‎05-17-2010

Re: Face Mask Fit Observation

@Marp @esmerelda   At this point wearing the mask properly is more than looks. I've even used a bit a paper surgical tape to hold sides down or guess you could use a piece under the chin. The paper type is easier on skin when removing. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,611
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Face Mask Fit Observation


@esmerelda wrote:

@Marp Interesting. So how does that work?  Use the ornament hook in place of the ear loops?  As part of?  Hook the loops together behind the head?

I'm not worried about gaps at the sides, but mine (disposable) rides up on my face (in spite of the nose wire) and tries to get in my eyes!


@esmerelda,  I had the same problem with the mask riding up toward my eyes.  That too was solved with the hook.

 

I just put one ear loop on one end and the other ear loop on the other end. 

 

This keeps the elastic almost even with the position it is in at the sides of the mask instead of sloping to fit around the ear.  All the slope occurs at the back of the head.

 

It sounds more complicated than it is.  Once you try it the correct position for you will be almost automatic. 

What is good for the goose today will also be good for the gander tomorrow.
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Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,114
Registered: ‎08-21-2014

Re: Face Mask Fit Observation

On knitting and crochet sites people are making little extenders with buttons to attach the mask straps to. I see them constanty so many patterns I don't know why they need so many. Are that many people having trouble with the masks fitting correctly? The extenders make it looks uncomfortable to me. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,484
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Face Mask Fit Observation

@prettychris

Nurses get sores behind the ear from wearing masks 12+ hours a day. The extenders are very popular among health care professionals.