Thread by @claire_horwell

Since I posted this tweet, people made suggestions on how to improve fit. Since #bifold #masks are the most commonly available, I decided to try them again, in the context of considering them for my kids who now need to wear masks in school classrooms and communal spaces. 1/

https://twitter.com/claire_horwell/status/1477330229639225345

2/ I bought some standard sized #FFP2 bi-fold masks from a major online retailer. 10 masks for £10 - good value. I have a narrow, small face, so quite good analogue for some kids. As soon as they arrived, I could see they would be large on me (photo pre-fitting).

3/ I first flattened the nose clip, as people had commented that this sorted out the issue of the masks coming with the nose clip bent in half. This can lead to a 'pinched' clip which lets air in and out between the mask and the bridge of the nose.

4/ Then I moulded the nose clip to my nose. The mask came up uncomfortably high onto my lower eyelids. The ear loops were far too big for me so I used hair clips to tie them to the back of my head, to increase tension. This definitely helped with overall fit.

5/ When I had finished fitting the mask, there were clearly gaps around my nose and upper cheeks. Exhaled air was 'tingling' my eyelashes and my glasses steamed up. This mask is too big for me and does not give a good facial seal.

6/ So what about my kids? My other 🧵explains that I prefer boat-shaped #FFP2 masks, which fit me and my kids brilliantly. BUT my kids don't want to wear these in school. They're too 'different'. Intervention uptake depends on acceptability!!

https://twitter.com/claire_horwell/status/1477330212383776769?s=20

7/ The bi-fold mask are apparently totally 'acceptable'. They just got home from school and tried them on. They don't fit them (what a surprise). They won't wear them because they are too loose and ride up into their eyes. Luckily they fit my husband. Back to square one.

8/ The boat-shaped masks fit so well they are tiring to wear for a full day (though I have worn them for long-haul flights!). They get hot & humid inside. This is something to consider. Comfort is critical. I can't make my kids wear these if they don't want to.

9/ The well known online retailer seems to only sell one/standard sized bi-fold masks ATM. Time to shop around to continue this test ... happy to receive links to small-sized bi-fold masks from UK retailers - thanks!

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