Face masks for the beaky

August 12, 2020 4:17 PM

My nose is prominent. All the face masks I’ve tried (mostly the fabric ones that have a seam down the center, but the one pleated mask I tried was worse) squish the tip of my nose. Is there a specific mask you’d recommend - preferably from experience?

I’ve ordered but not received yet a “box” style mask and a “duckbill.” But I’d rather have a mask that was less of a conversation piece. I can live with a squished nose tip, but it would be nice if I didn’t have to. It seems like it wouldn’t be hard to change the profile of a typical mask to fit me... if I knew how to sew and had a sewing machine.

Bonus features: I prefer earloops. It would be awesome if the mask didn’t look like it ought to be ironed after I wash it. I also wear glasses, so the metal nose piece is nice (I haven’t had a fogging problem - maybe the positive side of my nose shape?).

posted by Kriesa to Health & Fitness (14 answers total)

These aren't cheap, but the ones from masqd have basically something like underwire from a bra at the top of them. You can pull that up over your nose and then sort of mold it around the contours of your face and it shouldn't smoosh your nose.
posted by pazazygeek at 4:29 PM on August 12, 2020 [1 favorite]

I don't have a specific seller to recommend, but I've tried the "3D" style masks and they're pretty good at not squashing my nose while not looking weird. The key to look for is the line of stitching across the top front that lets the mask hold its shape better. I've found they also come out of the wash looking better than others I've tried, although there's still some wrinkles because, well, cotton.

I sew, and am using the 3D mask pattern from this channel, which is why I don't have a specific recommendation for buying. But it looks like there are multiple Etsy sellers selling masks advertised as "3D" or "origami" style.
posted by pie ninja at 4:32 PM on August 12, 2020 [1 favorite]

Take a look at duckbill style masks. Here is an example.
posted by jilloftrades at 4:35 PM on August 12, 2020 [1 favorite]

On closer read I see you already have one on order. Carry on.
posted by jilloftrades at 4:37 PM on August 12, 2020

I am beaky! The softer the material the easier on me beak. Honestly I grabbed a pack of Old Navy's masks just to have a few extra around and they hang on my beak pretty well because the fabric is light and soft, I put my glasses on top of them. I have tie style stiffer ones that I wear when I want the fit to be close - they are the pleated type as well - but they are less comfortable...I just feel safer in them.
posted by wellred at 5:03 PM on August 12, 2020 [1 favorite]

As the owner of a pretty prominent nose, I've had the most success with the 3d/origami-style mask pattern.
A hack that has helped a lot is sticking a zip tie or pipe cleaner inside, bowed across my face from ear to ear, where the upper fold sits, so that it stands away from my nose and mouth (and, bonus, doesn't suck up against my mouth.) I'm sure it can be stitched in or something, but I just stick it into the ends of the little folds and remove before washing.
posted by fountainofdoubt at 5:10 PM on August 12, 2020 [1 favorite]

Hello, I've pm'ed you.
posted by cowlick at 5:11 PM on August 12, 2020 [1 favorite]

Proper Cloth's masks have a ton of nose space.
posted by pinochiette at 5:23 PM on August 12, 2020 [1 favorite]

If they are available to you, surgical masks will fit almost any nose thanks to their pleating. They aren't washable, but you can reuse them so long as they don't get soaking wet or overly soiled. You can either leave them hanging someplace safe for a few days or use a UV disinfecting lamp to kill off any lingering virus.

I've found that wearing them relatively high on my nose prevents the fogging issue.
posted by wierdo at 11:50 PM on August 12, 2020 [1 favorite]

I've been sewing my own (the curved style with a seam down the front center) but I have ordered the shaped style from Eshakti which should be here this week. DM if want an update.

I add a LONG (like 6") nose wire to mine because yes, very prominent nose and short face issues here. And a long wire can create a good seal and actually cover the bridge of my nose and onto my cheeks. I can't wear pleated masks or the 3D style masks linked above. They squish my nose.

I would look on Etsy or others for some of the curved style with a very rounded center arch and long nose wire. Also, wash your glasses with some dish soap before you go out and it will help prevent fogging. I also wear my masks close to my eyes and it helps. I wish I had specific to-order link but again, I've been DIY-ing because my face is so finicky apparently.
posted by Crystalinne at 11:59 PM on August 12, 2020 [2 favorites]

I too am beaky, and have found these linen masks to be the most comfortable.
posted by Carravanquelo at 5:09 AM on August 13, 2020

I'd look at how steep the curve along the front seam is. The curved style that's linked above is too flat and squishes the tip of my nose too. I do better with a curve that is more rounded along the front, like the one that's typically used in the "zippy" mask pattern (these also have a zip tie arranged vertically to keep the fabric away from your mouth).

The origami style mask might be worth a try. My current favorite pattern is pleated but it has a backwards pleat at the top that flips up over the nose. If you know someone with a sewing machine it might be worth a try.
posted by beandip at 7:16 AM on August 13, 2020 [1 favorite]

P.S. I forgot to say that I have Proper Cloth's mask is size large- I'm not sure what the small size would be like.
posted by pinochiette at 7:27 AM on August 13, 2020

The masks at Headline Shirts are oversized compared to other masks I've bought. They are a contour style with 4 layers and a filter pocket. These are my favorite masks.

Additionally, you can add these contoured steel nose pieces (from DIY Mask USA) to your masks to improve the fit around the nose. Once bent into shape, they keep that shape even through a wash/dry cycle. The piece keeps the mask from sliding down and reduces condensation on glasses (if applicable). They're also pretty reasonably priced and very easy to put into place- you just need a couple stitches on either side. (I installed them inside the filter pocket so that they're not visible from the outside.)
posted by aabbbiee at 8:36 AM on August 13, 2020