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

8 Likes

fiesty76 | @fiesty76 | Sep 21, 2020

@sueinmn, Thank you so much for these links! The first I found was $12? but the second link didn't work. Is it one of the ones listed below the main item? by price maybe? https://www.amazon.com/Homemade-Silicone-Comfortable-Breathing-Washable/dp/B08931ZQZC. I want to forward this to others who are wearing masks for longer periods each day. Looks like a real boon and whatever makes it easier to talk …. and chase children! vbg…is a great find!

2 Likes

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Sep 21, 2020

Thanks for those great links, @sueinmn!

2 Likes

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Sep 21, 2020

In reply to @fiesty76 "@sueinmn, Thank you so much for these links! The first I found was $12? but the..." + (show)

I tried the link and it worked just now. Did you copy & paste, or just click it. The one you posted looks very similar, though.
Sue

1 Like

cielo | @cielo | Sep 21, 2020

Is there any place that is it cheaper? if they are only valid for a specific time, you have to have more to replace them.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Sep 21, 2020

In reply to @cielo "Is there any place that is it cheaper? if they are only valid for a specific..." + (show)

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

2 Likes

fiesty76 | @fiesty76 | Sep 22, 2020

In reply to @sueinmn "I tried the link and it worked just now. Did you copy & paste, or just..." + (show)

Oh, @sueinmn, I don't know whether to laugh or throw up my hands in despair! lol If there is an "easy way"..like point and click or a "harder/more complicated way" to get to an answer, I'm most likely to try the "harder" every time….Wish I could say I had mud on my face but we've not had rain in far too long…grins! Thank You! Yes! Both of your links worked if clicked…Google revealed the site I listed.

cielo | @cielo | Sep 23, 2020

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

Thanks. But in amazon are $ 12 each one, them 7.50 delivery.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Sep 24, 2020

In reply to @cielo "Thanks. But in amazon are $ 12 each one, them 7.50 delivery." + (show)

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

3 Likes

cielo | @cielo | Sep 24, 2020

Thank you so much. Have a good day.

2 Likes

Jen, Alumna Mentor | @sandytoes14 | Sep 25, 2020

My family and I are using similar mask brackets. It’s so much nicer than having my mask right against my mouth. It makes me feel less claustrophobic.

3 Likes

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)

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