How To Make Your Face Mask Fit Better

If a mask doesn’t fit to the skin well – if, for example, there are visible gaps around the edges, or you have to constantly adjust it – you may inhale and exhale viruses around the underneath and sides of the mask.

The Connexions states a face covering should: cover your nose and mouth while allowing you to breathe comfortably; fit comfortably but securely against the side of the face; be secured to the head with ties or ear loops; be made of a material that you find to be comfortable and breathable, such as cotton; and ideally include at least two layers of fabric.

With surgical masks being one-size-fits-all, it’s no wonder plenty of people are wearing masks with gaps. So if you have a smaller face or have gaps around the edges of your mask, here are some ways that may help you get a better fit.

1. The knot and tuck

Once the knots are secured, she opens the mask up and, where the ear loops have been knotted, tucks the sides of the mask into those tiny gaps. She places the remainder of the ear loops around her ears and voilà, she has a tighter and more protective mask.

2. The defogging clip

Masks that don’t fasten tightly around the nose will not only let droplets in and out, but will also be a pain for those who wear glasses.

3. The figure of eight

As seen sported by the Duchess of Cambridge, this hack involves twisting the ear loops once, then tucking them behind your ears – when you look from the side, the loop is in a figure of eight.

4. The ear-saving extenders

Failing that, grab a paper clip and fasten it to either end of the mask’s ear loops so you can wrap it around the back of your head, rather than around your ears.