Face Masks for kids and adults – where to buy them, different kinds and hacks

With masks becoming mandatory at schools for many kids across Canada, and many adults wearing them in indoor spaces also – masks can be a bit hard to find.  Or to figure out which fit you prefer.

Many places are on backorder for masks – so if you’re ordering for school or in a rush, maybe get a few from elsewhere in the meantime too.

As for school, you’ll have to figure out how many each kid will need per day – and if you want to be washing them every night. If your kids take the bus, or will be going to after school or weekend activities that will require them, order accordingly. Good idea to have a bag or a plan on keeping clean and dirty one separate at school – even just writing in Sharpie on it.  If you can, hang dry them as they will last longer  – and be careful what kind of soap you use on them also, as you’ll be having that right against your face after for a long time. You can put them in a produce or delicates bag in the washer to make sure none get lost. If you have a lot of kids – get them each a bag so there’s no need to sort them after.

Some people prefer to wear the disposable ones – they do make those for kids also. Or wearing a shield.

As far as regular face masks, two big differences are with a nose piece and without. If you are sewing them at home, you can put in a piece of pipe cleaner – but we’ve found with many washes that it moves around and doesn’t hold up the best. You can order flexible nose wires to put inside on Etsy – seems to be a great solution.

If you have bought a mask with no nose piece and you find you need one, you can order stick on adhesive nose pieces on Amazon – super cheap – you can get 100 on Amazon for $14. Probably better deals out there even too. If you need a lot, they sell them in bigger amounts for a lot less.

I find with glasses that I need that nose piece – without the glasses, I get a good fit without it though. You can also use two sided tape too – lots of possible ways to hack them.

You can get masks with filter pockets, with nose pieces that go higher – some are pleated and some are not. You can also order masks that have a plastic window for those who read lips.

Most big retailers are now selling masks – Costco, Old Navy, Showcase, Gap and on and on. Lots of smaller companies too, and you can also find lots of local sellers too – check Etsy or local facebook groups for masks.

If you have bought masks and they’re a bit too big you can knot up the elastic, if they hurt your ears there are hair ties and headbands and many other solutions out there. You can also get some that just tie up if you’re worried about the elastic part not fitting. Same with if you just can’t keep your glasses from fogging – some people use a spray on the glasses and it seems to help a lot. Lots of great ideas and hacks if you find you are having issues with them.

If you sew or are looking for something to donate – lots of charities are now looking for masks also.

What are your tips and tricks for masks? How many are you planning for each kid and which did you find fit your family the best?