How To Make Face Masks More Comfortable

Despite global health protocols loosening, face masks aren’t going away anytime soon. You still need to wear them in certain establishments and, depending on where you live, may have to keep them on even outdoors.

In the years since the COVID-19 pandemic, some people have had difficulty staying comfortable wearing one until now, which is understandable. Masks shouldn’t cover faces 24/7, but they help prevent people from getting sick. 

If you still have to wear a face mask but feel discomfort wearing them, keep reading this article. You’ll learn simple tips to help you find comfort in wearing your face mask.

• Replace Face Masks As Needed

The lifespan of a disposable mask significantly lessens if you get it wet or come into close contact with someone sick. If you continue reusing a disposable mask, it can affect your skin, causing it to feel itchy. Thus, you must throw away and replace your disposable mask frequently to avoid any issues with your face. 

Even if you wear reusable masks multiple times, they deteriorate eventually. Thinner masks last less than others. You can check by holding your mask under a light source and see if there are any see-through or faded areas. If it does, you need to replace that one. Consider buying comfortable and breathable fabric face masks from online stores such as masaomask.com.au.

• Wash Reusable Face Masks

Reusable cloth face masks are similar to regular clothing. They need frequent washing, especially since they protect your face from bacteria, dust, and viruses. If your face feels itchy or you’re breaking out after using the mask, it’s already too dirty. 

Fortunately, unlike disposable masks, reusable ones can go through several washes. You can clean them with regular laundry detergent and put them in the dryer afterward. Whether you wash it in a machine or by hand, ensure you rinse it thoroughly.

• Choose 100% Cotton Masks

Many people complain about how wearing face masks give them breathing problems. One possible explanation is that their face mask’s material is too thick and dense. Try wearing reusable masks made of 100 percent cotton to solve this problem.

This material is breathable and light, making it easy for anyone to breathe, even on the hottest days. It’s also thick and safe enough to protect your nose and mouth. 

Additionally, cotton is ideal for people with sensitive skin. If you also suffer from itchiness after wearing a mask, cotton should curb the irritation and make wearing a mask more comfortable.

• Apply Peppermint Oil

If you need extra help breathing, a drop of peppermint oil on the base of your mask should help. Peppermint oil is a natural decongestant. It clears your sinuses when you smell them, helping you breathe normally. In addition, peppermint oil helps reduce stress from discomfort.

• Use Masks With Longer Ear Loops

Most face masks have standard ear loops, which aren’t always comfortable for everyone. If this concerns you, consider masks with loops you can tie around your head.

You can also get masks with elastic bands or ties that go around the top and bottom of your head for improved security. It may look odd at first, but your ears won’t hurt as much.

• Secure Ear Loops With Another Item

If you can’t find masks with longer loops, you can use regular face masks and secure the loops with a paper clip behind your head. A hair barrette or clip is also ideal. You can look fashionable while wearing a mask to stay healthy during the pandemic.

You can also sew buttons onto an elastic cloth headband and attach the loops there instead. Wear the headband when you need to have a mask on, and the skin around your ears will chafe less this way.

• Put Facial Tissue In Your Mask

Fog builds on glasses because of warm air and moisture. A good mask should keep you from inhaling outside particles and allow you to exhale properly. If you don’t like to fog up your lenses, try putting a piece of tissue under the top edge of your mask.

The tissue blocks and absorbs your exhalation and the tiny water droplets that come with it. Similarly, a small strip of cotton cloth does the job too.

• Wear Masks With The Correct Fit

The discomfort you feel from wearing face masks might be due to their size. Your daily mask might be too small, which could constrict your face. Masks that are too large contribute to your glasses fogging up every time you exhale. Your breath escapes through the top of a loose mask.  

Even if you don’t wear glasses, it’s best to wear a mask that fits your face. Find a disposable or reusable mask with a bendable metal piece to adjust to your nose bridge. If you have a larger nose, try using a nose interface piece so your masks always fit the contours of your face.

Conclusion

Wearing a mask when you’re uncomfortable with one is challenging. But it’s one of the best ways to avoid getting sick while a virus is still spreading. Luckily, there are many ways to make wearing a face mask more pleasant. You only need to know what’s bothering you specifically and work from there.