Lizzy, I found a pattern online for a shaped mask, instead of the flat ones with pleats along both sides. Because it's shaped, it can be held in place with a single band that runs entirely below your ears. It slips a little while you talk, but not enough to be a problem, and far easier to cope with than anything above your ears. E-mail me (can't post my mail here but you can get it by going to group members and searching for "joyces." Naturally, I tried a couple of placements before I found what actually works, so got to use my brand-new seam ripper!