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6 Ways That You Can Give Your Face Mask a Safety Upgrade

fabric face mask stock photo
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Please note: Information below is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

See tips and information from the CDC here.

In case you need a reminder: Any medical-grade face masks available must be reserved for frontline workers! But as we all likely know by now, the CDC recommends that some sort of face covering be worn while out in public, in addition to maintaining appropriate social distance at all times.

Related: Shop With US: We Found Face Masks Starting at Just $3 on Amazon — Shop Now

Many of Us might have wondered just how powerful a simple cloth covering over the nose and mouth can be in terms of protecting ourselves and others. If you’re brainstorming ways to improve the effectiveness of your mask, we came across a somewhat unconventional method that will surely surprise you!

MANZI Women's Pantyhose 6-Pack
MANZI Women’s Pantyhose 6-Pack Amazon

Get the MANZI Women’s Pantyhose 6-Pack for just $15, available at Amazon! Get it as soon as May 7, 2020. Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, April 29, 2020, but are subject to change.

Studies have shown that your mask may filter out more particles with the addition of a layer of nylon pantyhose. Seriously! According to NPR, researchers working at Northeastern University found that by adding the extra layer, you can create a tighter seal between the mask and your face. The idea behind this is to keep the mask as secure as possible in order to upgrade its function. Basically, what you want to do is cut a tube of the nylons that’s several inches wide, and pull it over your fabric mask before heading out to run essential errands. It’s reportedly as simple as that!

We also found a number of different accessories that you can add to your mask to increase the comfort level. Additionally, some of these picks can make great gifts for frontline workers that wear PPE for hours on end, as they work tirelessly to keep everyone safe. Read on for more!

Mask Extender Hooks

Labato Mask Extender Hook
Labato Mask Extender Hook Amazon

These extenders can relieve strain on the ears, plus make mask straps longer for those that need the extra room!

Get the Labato Mask Extender Hooks with free shipping for prices starting at just $10, available at Amazon! Get it as soon as May 6, 2020. Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, April 29, 2020, but are subject to change.

Malleable Nose Straps 

100mm PE Wrapped Metal Strips
100mm PE Wrapped Metal Strips Amazon

Mold your mask to fit to your exact nose shape with these bendable strips.

Get the 100mm PE Wrapped Metal Strips with free shipping for just $7, available at Amazon! Get it as soon as June 3, 2020. Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, April 29, 2020, but are subject to change.

Face Mask Hat

Lanzom Face Mask Hat
Lanzom Face Mask Hat Amazon

Why not add one more layer of protection and protect your skin from UV rays if you’re outside?

Get the Lanzom Face Mask Hat for just $17, available at Amazon! Get it as soon as May 6, 2020. Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, April 29, 2020, but are subject to change.

Moisture-Wicking Headband

Headband for Holding Mask for Doctors & Healthcare Workers
Headband for Holding Mask for Doctors & Healthcare Workers Amazon

If you have any frontline workers in your life, this is a truly thoughtful gift.

Get the Headband for Holding Mask for Doctors & Healthcare Workers for just $15, available at Amazon! Get it as soon as May 5, 2020. Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, April 29, 2020, but are subject to change.

Ear Comfort Pads

Universal Face Mask Silicone Earmuffs
Universal Face Mask Silicone Earmuffs Amazon

Elastic straps can start to hurt after long periods of wear, but these pads can help alleviate that!

Get the Universal Face Mask Silicone Earmuffs for just $3, available at Amazon! Get it as soon as June 18, 2020. Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, April 29, 2020, but are subject to change.

Check out more masks here and shop all of Amazon’s current Daily Deals here!

See tips and information from the CDC here.

Disclaimer: While we work to ensure that product information is correct, on occasion manufacturers may alter their ingredient lists. Actual product packaging and materials may contain more and/or different information than that shown on our website. We recommend that you do not solely rely on the information presented and that you always read labels, warnings and directions before using or consuming a product. For additional information about a product, please contact the manufacturer. Content on this site is for reference purposes and is not intended to substitute for advice given by a physician, pharmacist or other licensed health-care professional. You should not use this information as self-diagnosis or for treating a health problem or disease. Contact your health-care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or health condition. Us Weekly assumes no liability for inaccuracies or misstatements about products.

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