Room To Breathe Face Mask

 

Order online from Mother Fools to have your order shipped, or choose local pickup or delivery. Browse available styles at the storefront: 1101 Williamson St., Madison, WI | 608 259-1301

I designed this style after feeling discomfort when my first masks would go against my mouth and rub too close to my ears. This more roomy face mask provides extra space in front of the mouth and more options for securing it to the face. Please feel free to use this design by printing the pdf patterns linked on this page. If you match the size of the pattern images using my scale reference marks and your own ruler, you can even trace the outline directly from the screen.

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I have experimented with what I call the Clear View mask, which combines features of the Room To Breathe and Active Roomy masks and adds a clear front with silicone-sealed seams. 

 

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Custom Mask Orders

I can sometimes fill limited custom orders directly. Go here to explore this option.

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Design Notes

This is a multi-layer mask that fastens either at the nape of the neck or over the ears (or back of head), and it provides enough structure and space so that the fabric stays away from the mouth and the breath has more room to circulate inside. Each fastening style can be made either with a pointy beak (this provides the maximum breathing room) or a rounded snout.

View, Download and Print the Free Patterns

These masks tend still to fit well if they run large, but not if they’re too small to span the bridge of the nose to the bottom of the chin

• Adult size medium is pretty versatile and still fits people with somewhat smaller or larger than average faces. Fits most adults and children over 10. Nape of neck fastening | Over ear fastening
• Adult size large 107% of adult medium – for if you want to be sure to have extra coverage, have a larger-than-average head or a full beard. Over ear fastening
• Child size large 82% of the adult medium size – approx. ages 6-10.
• Child size small 75% of the adult medium size – approx. ages 2-5/toddler/preschool

Directions

1. Cut an inside and outside cloth layer (tightly-woven cotton preferred), and one or more inner layers (non-woven polyester interfacing preferred). The number of layers depends on relative thicknesses and intended mask usage.
2. Stack layers and finish outer edge with a zig-zag or overlock stitch.
3. Stitch nose wire holder to the outside.
4. Attach side loops or elastic, and optional top loops or elastic with a sturdy zig zag stitch.
5. Fold with right sides together, sew halves together for front seam, then turn right-side out.

Fastening Options

• grosgrain ribbon is great for the nose wire holder
• elastic strips can be sewn on directly or attached to loops
• pony tail elastic can be knotted around sewn-in loops
• string, ribbon, cord or stretchy fabric strips can connect loops
• barrettes or carabiners can provide quick-release connections
• t-shirt hems, lingerie straps, and recycled waist bands can substitute for elastic
• small silicone toggles are perfect for adjustability

Wire Options

• If supply is low, try wire from coffee bean bags, twist ties, pipe cleaners, fake flowers

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Even More Air with the Active Airflow and Active Roomy Masks

Do you need a solution that allows for even more activity, while still covering your face? The Active Airflow mask and Active Roomy masks are made for this. The looser version is the “Active Airflow” and it comes in a full version or an add-your-own-scarf version. All full versions are $30. You can get only the inner framework and fasteners for $15, so you can add your own scarf or sew on your own fabric.

Active Airflow

Active Airflow – add your own scarf

Active Roomy – showing tighter versus looser stretch

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I love to see interesting photos of people wearing these masks! Send me messages here by email.     
– Tona

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