As with everyone around the world, during Covid-19, EA has had to learn how to be flexible and switch gears. This new world has brought us the necessity of wearing masks in public. EA has made over 17k masks to date during the pandemic.
Understanding how to wear, use, maintain or make our masks is going to be critical as we move forward.
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Uncertain of how long we'll need to wear them in public, combined with comfort, I'm offering some tips and links below as we navigate this new arena... and call it life.
All tips on this page are suggestions, ultimately please refer to www.cdc.gov for current recommendations.
If you are still looking for the "WHY?" in all of this, here are some answers from the CDC.
Mask Sizing
You'll find that most masks are made in generic sizes. However, "One Size Fits All" is not the case, as many of you have discovered.
Here are some FAQ's that I have received and some answers that should help.
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I wear glasses and my mask keeps fogging up. What can I do?
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There are tricks in this link for foggy glasses. More tips and tricks can be found online.
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Also, a metal bridge style mask may be better suited, as you can place your glasses over the mask more easily.
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I have a regular size mask and a small child, how do I make the mask stay put?
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​Many people with earloop style masks are able to take up some slack by simply putting a twist in the loops.
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Others use "earsavers", these allow people with small heads to adjust them smaller or people with larger heads to go much bigger. They are an overall easy solution to custom sizing. Earsavers can make a huge difference. Click on the link above for ideas or contact EA directly to purchase, $1.00 each.
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I have large head and I cannot get any masks to go over my ears!
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Earsavers, allow people with larger heads to go much bigger. They are an overall easy solution to custom sizing.​ Earsavers can make a huge difference. Click on the link above for ideas or contact EA directly to purchase, $1.00 each.
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I have a flat bridge nose, how do I get my mask to fit?
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Look for masks that have a metal bridge that can be custom bent to fit the nose.
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I have to wear my mask for several hours at a time. My ears are sore and the mask is damp, HELP!
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If you need to wear a mask for several hours of the day, any doctor or nurse will tell you to CHANGE out masks regularly.​
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Earsavers can make a huge difference. Click on the link above for ideas or contact EA directly to purchase, $1.00 each.
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Washing & Care
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N95 Masks
These are one time use!!
No washing necessary, fully disposable
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Fabric Masks
Washing machine
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You can include your face covering with your regular laundry.
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Use regular laundry detergent and the warmest appropriate water setting for the cloth used to make the face covering.
Washing by hand:
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Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:
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5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) household bleach per gallon of room temperature water or
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4 teaspoons household bleach per quart of room temperature water
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Check the label to see if your bleach is intended for disinfection. Some bleach products, such as those designed for safe use on colored clothing, may not be suitable for disinfection. Ensure the bleach product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.
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Soak the face covering in the bleach solution for 5 minutes.
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Rinse thoroughly with cool or room temperature water.
Dryer:
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Use the highest heat setting and leave in the dryer until completely dry.
Air dry:
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Lay flat and allow to completely dry. If possible, place the cloth face covering in direct sunlight.
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Links to Patterns available
There are hundreds of patterns on the internet and video tutorials. You do not need to know how to sew for many of them. If you'd like to learn to sew, here's your chance to customize and accessorize!
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Try these:
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