We use a sturdy dual-wire nose wire in all our adult-size face masks. This material is wider and much stiffer than what most masks have, and provides a better experience provided you take the time to shape it properly. Our wire is particularly good for eyeglass wearers, and can completely prevent fogging.

Step 1) Start by bending both wires to follow the shape of your nose and cheeks.

Step 2) Gently flare out the bottom wire to hold the cloth away from the lower half of your nose.

A minute spent adjusting the nose wire is well worth it.

Child-size masks are shipped with a much softer, thinner, and shorter nose wire. Adjust as you would any standard mask.

To replace the nose wire, slip it into the channel with the bent-over part facing out, so you don’t feel it against your cheek. (It may look like the end of the channel is sewn closed, but it isn’t: the stitches go only through the inner lining pieces.)

To replace the elastic using one of our wire loop fishing tools (available in our Face Mask Tune-Up Kit), start by removing the old elastic, then pass the wire loop through the fabric loop from the bottom up. Then pass one end of the new elastic through the wire loop.

(If you don’t have the tool, you can make one out of large paperclip, or use a crochet hook.)

Pull the elastic through the fabric loop, then repeat on the other side. You should end up with both loose ends of elastic coming out the bottom of the mask, and a loop on the top side.

Now thread a bead and cord lock onto the wire loop tool (you’ll need to squeeze the cord lock to get it on the tool).

If you’re using the smaller rubber cord lock, the hole through it is much bigger on one side than the other: slide it onto the wire tool small-hole-end-first.

While squeezing the cord lock open, pull both ends of elastic through it. You will need to pull pretty hard!

Next pull the elastic through the bead.

If you’re using the smaller rubber cord lock, you’ll have to pull very hard, but it will stretch to let the elastic through! With this type of cord lock you can plug the elastic through both the cord lock and the bead at the same time.

Finally tie a knot around the bead to hold it in place. If the elastic is too long for you, feel free to cut it shorter.