Practical problems with face masks

[Lochinvar2020]

Now that masks (I realise it’s technically “face coverings”) are going to be compulsory on public transport, and may well end up being compulsory in all public places for all we know – has anyone found a solution to the practical problem of the elastic pushing your ears forward so the mask feels like it’s going to fall off all the time? Or do I just need to send away for another mask as mine doesn't work well? (Not going to attempt a homemade one.)

I’m sorry if this has been covered in a lot of these threads anyway; they’re pretty long and I haven’t read them as wouldn’t know where to look for this info. If anyone prefers to send me a link I’ll happily follow it.

I'm dreading having to wear them but soon we may not have any choice - fortunately I can avoid public transport as I normally walk everywhere.

I might be wrong but it sounds like the ear straps aren't long enough for you? these masks below have adjustable ear elastics which might fit better? all the best

www.etsy.com/uk/listing/800651204/plain-colours-face-masks-with-filter?ref=shop_home_active_6&frs=1&crt=1

Google “mask ear savers” - they should help with the problem

Thank you sleep :) I didn't know it was possible to buy ones with adjustable elastics. It's very annoying to have to shell out again but those might be the best option.

The ear savers might well be an option actually - thank you!

My main problems with them are that my glasses steam up and that I feel panicky because I can't breathe properly. Thankfully I don't use public transport often, but if it becomes mandatory to wear them in the shops I'll struggle.

Ijustneed I completely understand! This is how I feel too (I also wear glasses). I tried once wearing the mask I've got and once wearing a scarf (in a large supermarket) and ended up just taking them off very quickly because the sensation was so unpleasant - and also because I couldn't keep them in place properly and had to keep adjusting them, which is a really bad idea.

Apparently there are things you can do to stop your glasses steaming up so much:
www.visionexpress.ph/ways-to-keep-eyeglasses-fog-free/
Haven't tried yet but will do.

Hair clips over the elastics, also hold them in place better.

Eyeglasses?

A cloth Head band with buttons for the elastic to hang on too works well to save the ears.
Or tie a ribbon from one elastic behind your head to the other elastic. Like a strap.

Hairclips! That's a good one.

lemontreebird Not sure I follow?

You could just replace the elastic in your existing mask rather than buy another. Hair bands, strips of old t-shirt or even shoe laces would all work and you could change it from an ear loop mask to one where the straps go around the back of your head.

Thanks all for your suggestions - will try a few of those before I end up giving up and buying another one!

DD3 finds the masks very scary, we are practicing by draping a very light scarf of DD1’s over her mouth and nose while she is lying down and reading or playing on her phone. She relies on public transport for uni so it’s very important to us that she gets used to them. DD4 is making and selling them- she’s sold 76 so far with profits going to the NHS charities, so our house is quite focused on masks currently!

I wear a mask and glasses all do everyday at work. To prevent steaming up the nose needs to fit really snugly and the glasses need to sit on top of the mask. You need to use ear savers or ensure the elastic is fitted really snugly behind ears.