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How to make a face mask more comfortable

Posted by Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sueinmn, Sep 20, 2020

Among the major complaints about cloth facemasks is what I call the "wet nose" effect - eventually, breathing and talking make the mask feel damp & uncomfortable. And the fabric against the face makes it difficult to speak clearly. I wear my mask all day while caring for my grandchildren, and found I neede 2-3 masks to get through the day.

My son-in-law prefers fabric masks to KN-95 when working unless he is very close to others, and he requested a "mask bracket" to make it more comfortable. I did some looking and found these as well as others online:
Here is my favorite: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08GST35C3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and the guys': https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BQ9B45J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The first is firm and the second is softer - I find (maybe because I am small) that the soft one "collapses" a bit against my nose. These fit over nose & mouth and rest on chin, stay in place in the mask without any tape or fasteners, and are comfortable. I wore mine at least 6 hours a day for 4 days this week - only adjustment needed was to file off the rough spot where it was taken out of the mold. Able to talk, chase children, etc. Because the mask wasn't against my nose or mouth, no temptation to touch my face. Just need to grab the insert when removing mask so it doesn't fall on the floor.
Just another way to make mask-wearing more tolerable.
Sue

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katiejo59 | @katiejo59 | Sep 28, 2020
In reply to @sueinmn "I don't know why they would need replacement very often, they are definitely sturdy, washable &..." + (show)
@sueinmn

I don't know why they would need replacement very often, they are definitely sturdy, washable & resuable. I would estimate that unless you lose the mask insert it should last indefinitely. I didn't think $3.00 apiece was a bad price, but you might be able to find cheaper ones... I was looking for ones with a good rating to avoid a poor quality product.
Sue

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I have been reading some of your posts & they are educational, easy to read, often funny. So thanks for them. I signed up in late 2018 but didn't go on this site very much until I came back in mid-summer & particularly w/ this pandemic I was thinking could be a good place to share, maybe laugh & spend worthwhile time. Am a bit "tired" w/ wearing masks but feel it's the best thing we have right now to protect ourselves & others. Have you tried any of the Etsy masks? Kathy

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2 replies
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Sep 28, 2020
In reply to @sueinmn "If you look at all the options, you can see there are 3-5 in a package...." + (show)
@sueinmn

If you look at all the options, you can see there are 3-5 in a package. Perhaps you know someone with Prime? Then delivery would be free. I also looked on eBay, and there are many with free shipping, and about $2-3 dollars each in quantities of 4-5 with free shipping. Just search for "face mask frames"
Hope this helps.
Sue

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Just got the cages. They are fantastic. How do I get the rubber smell out? 🙂

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1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Sep 28, 2020
In reply to @merpreb "Just got the cages. They are fantastic. How do I get the rubber smell out? :)" + (show)
@merpreb

Just got the cages. They are fantastic. How do I get the rubber smell out? 🙂

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Ii washed mine and put in sun for a day. Only one of 4 types had any noticeable smell and they're better now. Inalso dab essential oil on my mask before wearing each day.
Sue

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1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Sep 28, 2020
In reply to @katiejo59 "I have been reading some of your posts & they are educational, easy to read, often..." + (show)
@katiejo59

I have been reading some of your posts & they are educational, easy to read, often funny. So thanks for them. I signed up in late 2018 but didn't go on this site very much until I came back in mid-summer & particularly w/ this pandemic I was thinking could be a good place to share, maybe laugh & spend worthwhile time. Am a bit "tired" w/ wearing masks but feel it's the best thing we have right now to protect ourselves & others. Have you tried any of the Etsy masks? Kathy

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Hi Kathy, Thanks for the kind words. I've never bought any masks because I make them - have done several different designs and give them to family and friends. I have also donated many to the local school districts and senior outreach. It's my little bit that I can do during the pandemic while staying isolated.

Sue

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fiesty76 | @fiesty76 | Sep 29, 2020
In reply to @katiejo59 "I have been reading some of your posts & they are educational, easy to read, often..." + (show)
@katiejo59

I have been reading some of your posts & they are educational, easy to read, often funny. So thanks for them. I signed up in late 2018 but didn't go on this site very much until I came back in mid-summer & particularly w/ this pandemic I was thinking could be a good place to share, maybe laugh & spend worthwhile time. Am a bit "tired" w/ wearing masks but feel it's the best thing we have right now to protect ourselves & others. Have you tried any of the Etsy masks? Kathy

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@katiejo59, I agree with what you wrote about the value of these forums, even more now with the pandemic turning all lives upside down.

Here is a link to my favorite mask ordered from Etsy: it is lightweight and comfortable, has a pocket for replaceable filters and the best advantage is the velcro strap that once fastened behind head, allows one to remove ear straps while not completely removing the mask. I placed a second order for this one: This is the one I ordered and highly recommend for comfort and easy breathing: $13 https://www.etsy.com/listing/813425809/purple-dare-active-wear-sports-face-mask?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=nylon+facemask+with+velcro+strap&ref=sc_gallery-1-5&plkey=4cd3efd9022d888fc821702318cced1d3c104213%3A813425809&bes=1

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Sep 29, 2020
In reply to @sueinmn "Ii washed mine and put in sun for a day. Only one of 4 types had..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Ii washed mine and put in sun for a day. Only one of 4 types had any noticeable smell and they're better now. Inalso dab essential oil on my mask before wearing each day.
Sue

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LOL- what a great idea! lavender?

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2 replies
fiesty76 | @fiesty76 | Sep 29, 2020
In reply to @merpreb "LOL- what a great idea! lavender?" + (show)
@merpreb

LOL- what a great idea! lavender?

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@sueinmn & @merpreb, I've been applying essential oils to my masks too and Lavender is my favorite!! Grrreat minds....lol

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Sep 29, 2020
In reply to @merpreb "LOL- what a great idea! lavender?" + (show)
@merpreb

LOL- what a great idea! lavender?

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Hi Merry -
I use one from Young Living called Peace & Calming most of the time, or a respiratory one I make up from several oils if I am going to wear it all day (contains lemon, camphor, eucalyptus & peppermint.) I find lavender by itself boring after a while.

I'm a huge fan of essential oils - have blends I use for everything - put them in labeled roller bottles, don't know if they really do anything therapeutic, but they make me feel better!
Sue

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1 reply
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Sep 29, 2020
In reply to @sueinmn "Hi Merry - I use one from Young Living called Peace & Calming most of the..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Hi Merry -
I use one from Young Living called Peace & Calming most of the time, or a respiratory one I make up from several oils if I am going to wear it all day (contains lemon, camphor, eucalyptus & peppermint.) I find lavender by itself boring after a while.

I'm a huge fan of essential oils - have blends I use for everything - put them in labeled roller bottles, don't know if they really do anything therapeutic, but they make me feel better!
Sue

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@sueinmn- Hi Sue- I stay away from scents because too many make me sneeze. I once was given lavender and it did nothing for me. I wish it had.

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1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Sep 29, 2020
In reply to @merpreb "@sueinmn- Hi Sue- I stay away from scents because too many make me sneeze. I once..." + (show)
@merpreb

@sueinmn- Hi Sue- I stay away from scents because too many make me sneeze. I once was given lavender and it did nothing for me. I wish it had.

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Merry - Yes, I really have to check each one out beforehand - when I get a new scent, I dab it on my forearm daily for 2-3 days before putting in general use - both because of sneezing & reactions. Fortunately, my supplier is always happy to take back those I cannot use & give me credit.
Sue

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