How to choose a face mask: practicalities

PART 1: Practicalities

When you choose a face mask to suit you it should be much the same as choosing any other accessory. Yes, accessory! Sadly what was once firmly in the category of PPE (personal protective equipment) has now become a worldwide accessory. In some places, like where I live, it has become a mandatory accessory.

In keeping with my ethos, I have decided to go with fabric masks made by local and independent designers rather than disposable masks. There are a few reasons for this:

• I prefer the feel of fabric to paper

• They smell better

• I know exactly how clean and/or sanitised my mask is when I put it on

• I don’t wish to add to landfill any more than I do

• There are better colours available

• I want to support independent designers who produce ethically and locally

• There may be a time when I am unable to find disposable masks

I’ve chosen a selection of masks from several designers. Each mask is slightly different in its fit and feel. Because they take a little while to get used to and I’m quite sensitive in a tactile sense, I like the idea of rotating my masks so that I don’t risk just one style becoming irritating.

Like shoes, the pressure points in a mask all vary slightly. For example; some attach behind the ears, some behind the head, the elastic can be thick, thin, covered, exposed, tight or relaxed. The coverage, fit, breathability and feel of each mask is different.

A lightweight, more comfortable mask will be my choice when I don’t expect to be in close contact with other people. When I expect to be in more populated situations I will choose a more robust, thicker or tighter fitting mask.

An early observation is that wearing a mask obscures peripheral vision. I find I need to focus more when I’m crossing the road or loading the car. I haven’t had to drive with one on yet, but I expect it will require extra concentration. The combination of mask and sunglasses makes it even more difficult to see because glasses fog up very quickly, which can be very dangerous!

Here is a tip for reducing the fog; roll a tissue (concertina style) to place under the top portion of your mask. The tip is from the lovely Emma at Deed Bags who said surgeons do this.

Choose your mask carefully as it can make a big difference to your wellbeing and stress levels. For example, thin elastic on a mask that is tight can prove excruciating!

Another consideration is whether or not you have long hair and how you wear it. I’ve found the masks that attach behind the ears easier for when I wear my hair loose. If you have long hair, the masks that secure behind the head are easier to wear by putting your hair up or in a ponytail. Hats and / or other headwear need to be considered too.

And lastly, think about how easy your mask will be to wash and dry.

If you’d like suggestions on where to find a mask to suit you, let me know.

My next post is about choosing a mask based on aesthetics.

NB: most masks currently being worn by the general public reduce the spread of germs but are not designed to be medical grade.