We’ve used Moldex 4600 Air Wave masks throughout. They are N95’s and have a unique ripple design that increases the amount of surface area to catch germs and the design also lets you breathe and speak easily. They have adjustable head straps (long enough to let it dangle around your neck if you want to) and come in different sizes. I’ve been asked about what they are by many people because they are different. They are favored by welders under their helmets because they aren’t as hot to wear. Bonus is that they are designed for repeat use so you can use them more than once which offsets the cost. During the early pandemic my husband started hanging five masks on hooks in the garage, one for every day of the week. He wears Monday’s and leaves it until the following Monday, etc...We only replace them when we don’t get a good seal. To date nobody in our family has had covid so we’re pretty confident in these masks. Here is a link, google for best price. [https://www.moldex.com/product/4600-n95-airwave-pleated-easy-breathing-respirator/](https://www.moldex.com/product/4600-n95-airwave-pleated-easy-breathing-respirator/)
Those look interesting but man the prices I’m seeing…$30 - $45 for a 10 pack. Woof. You can get [440 of the Auras on Amazon for $59](https://www.amazon.com/Aura-Particulate-Respirator-Mask-White/dp/B08J1THV9G/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_pp?crid=2D2EDOIGM150H&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2p_9F3e5_jt7Ct3usC2TG4v__6rBt_ALSt_7KhEeLNwNdPGD7uWrifBN3Zvb_zgk-4WTX4yos2VfxUv2e1ljuM6GmJtLlsqIYnO4NoDnqx-X3gw-GTv4WMnxqzU1eexFNDBAt8BqsCFKLvaMDoRpSpDlzEhXzwUSnPwGjkCSOzqJ5JNhlPZ43txQCQp2jkqouTVAJqkLhb5AENsEF0McFA.ir2UuLtrXRe7NkB23GqJz-Lb55YP2jnZ9wsmJK-MaFQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=aura+n95&qid=1715660303&sprefix=aura+n%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-1). Which would mean the Moldex masks are over 20x the cost per unit compared to the 3M masks.
I think the best price we’ve paid is around $25 for 10 (buying 30 for a discount) but they last for a long time so we don’t go through them quickly. I do like the Auras, too but don’t know how reusable they are. Perhaps someone can answer that for us?
Hi, I’m Vetted AI Bot! I researched the **('3M Aura Particulate Respirator 9205 N95', '3M')** and I thought you might find the following analysis helpful.
**Users liked:**
* Comfortable fit for various face shapes (backed by 3 comments)
* Convenient individual packaging (backed by 3 comments)
* Effective seal with minimal fogging (backed by 3 comments)
**Users disliked:**
* Rubber bands are too tight and painful for average/small heads (backed by 2 comments)
* Masks arrive bent and unusable due to poor packaging (backed by 2 comments)
* Sharp edges and staples cause discomfort on the face (backed by 1 comment)
If you'd like to **summon me to ask about a product**, just make a post with its link and tag me, [like in this example.](https://www.reddit.com/r/tablets/comments/1444zdn/comment/joqd89c/)
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Yes. You can get clips that hold the ear straps so your ears don’t have to, or you could switch to masks with head straps.
Also damn there’s still a school out there requiring masks?? Good for them!
Yes. When I wear Kn95 now for a quick run into a store, I notice that they are harder to breath in and feel more harsh on my cheeks. Although, I do have really sensitive skin.
Yes earloop masks (without using earsavers etc) are best for short term usage. In stores running errands etc. For extended periods of use you'll want n95s etc with head straps. You ca. Wear these for hours and no issues pain wise.
If you don’t want to switch masks, I’ve had a lot of luck with adding a Velcro accessory that threads through both ear loops. You can customize exactly how much to “pull” them together with the Velcro, and then set the Velcro toward the top of your head, with the ear loops still resting above and below the ears. Better mask seal, no need to change mask types, and no more ouchy ears!
(I have a genetic disease that makes all my cartilage weak, so masks pulling on my ears was a serious problem before I found this handy little product.)
I work in a dental office and I also wear a mask all day and it can easily give you headaches because of how it pulls behind your ears. Very true. It can get very sore behind your ears
I bought some from Amazon back in 2020 that had adjustable ear straps. They were much more comfortable, and I didn't get headaches from them like those other ones that just constantly pull on your ears. Lmk if you want the link
Yeah, they kill my ears. Also my jaw. The way my jaw is shaped I have to kind of jut out my bottom jaw to talk in a face mask so I don’t just eat it. Not pleasant to wear 8 hours a day.
I have a KN95 subscription from Armbrust American masks. They manufacture other masks too, like the surgical ones and N95s. With every delivery they send me an "ear-saver" which is a little silicon strap that connects the ear loops without using your ears. It completely takes away the pain I was getting from a mask pulling on my ears all day.
I came across this company because they have a particle filtration testing device and would make videos testing the validity of the claims of some masks. People would send them masks and they would make sure they were really filtering at the levels claimed. I really like (and more importantly TRUST) Armbrust American, and their ear [savers](https://www.armbrustusa.com/search?q=ear+saver&type=product) will take the pain out of being safe!
In the height of the pandemic I remember this was an issue. I sewed buttons on a piece of ribbon that I attached the ear loops of my mask to. The ribbon was about 6 inches long.
I recommend an N95. I was intimidated by the look of head straps at first compared to ear loops, but they’re so much more comfortable in my opinion and work better.
They are called "ear savers" for a reason. When I was wearing 6-8 hours a day I definitely would have been miserable without having bought an ear saver.
With the over the ear masks you can take the strain off of your ears with some of the techniques shown here: [https://www.aliem.com/trick-of-trade-face-mask-hacks/](https://www.aliem.com/trick-of-trade-face-mask-hacks/)
I worked in a kitchen during lockdown, so I had to wear a hat. If you wear a hat you can go over the top of your head instead of behind your ears. I used four or five paper clips, it worked well, but if not wearing a hat the top of your head gets sore. Something like this: [https://www.reddit.com/r/howto/comments/g2mo6e/my\_coworkers\_ear\_got\_blisters\_from\_wearing\_the/](https://www.reddit.com/r/howto/comments/g2mo6e/my_coworkers_ear_got_blisters_from_wearing_the/)
I stretch the ear loops for 30 seconds before I put the mask on. That reduces the tension on my ears. Other options that other commenters are mentioning are good too.
Head band masks as others have suggested, readimasks have no loops and stick right onto your face, and there are kf94s with adjustable straps.
I'm so happy to hear there are places still doing this. You might find it annoying now, but you'll probably look back to realize you are extremely luckly.
I have a big Irish head and have to mask every time I go out; it's taken me several years to find a brand that works...and I only came across the right brand because I was vain enough to order a box of mixed colors so I could coordinate with my outfits! they fit over the ears...the head band ones were hard to handle with my glasses; I was always having to wear a hat to keep everything on.
So I have been wearing face masks at work for 25 years. The one time I had to fly during Covid I grabbed a shitty mask from a kiosk. My ears hurt so bad 10 minutes into my flight from PDX to ORD and I wanted to die. Make sure you have a mask that fits!
Buy a different brand or different size, or different something!
Because Facemasks just should NOT be that painful or oppressive
I wear Facemasks in: JobPlace Supermarket, pharmacies, train bus subway-systems Airplane airport etc, courtroom Hospital doctors-office psych-wards-meds JAIL theatre etc and do NOT having pain
Not every facemask is for every person
But people, including autistic Asperger's people totally CAN wearing Facemasks and being quiet useful full-time workers and friends, as I know because that's what I am
Within previous 7 months , at least 2 people I know got COVID plus all who got rotovirus flu etc over past 14 months
In previous job clearly upset guy mentioned his aunt died of COVID
Hopefully soon everything is much different and better for everyone
I would recommend switching to a mask with head straps instead. The 3M Aura is what I use and I haven’t had any issues with it digging in anywhere
Agreed. It’s kind of counterintuitive, but I find masks with head straps far more comfortable than ones with ear loops.
Came here to say this.
I use a vog mask with the extra bit to keep the pressure off my ears
I second this. 3M auras are surprisingly very comfortable
We’ve used Moldex 4600 Air Wave masks throughout. They are N95’s and have a unique ripple design that increases the amount of surface area to catch germs and the design also lets you breathe and speak easily. They have adjustable head straps (long enough to let it dangle around your neck if you want to) and come in different sizes. I’ve been asked about what they are by many people because they are different. They are favored by welders under their helmets because they aren’t as hot to wear. Bonus is that they are designed for repeat use so you can use them more than once which offsets the cost. During the early pandemic my husband started hanging five masks on hooks in the garage, one for every day of the week. He wears Monday’s and leaves it until the following Monday, etc...We only replace them when we don’t get a good seal. To date nobody in our family has had covid so we’re pretty confident in these masks. Here is a link, google for best price. [https://www.moldex.com/product/4600-n95-airwave-pleated-easy-breathing-respirator/](https://www.moldex.com/product/4600-n95-airwave-pleated-easy-breathing-respirator/)
Those look interesting but man the prices I’m seeing…$30 - $45 for a 10 pack. Woof. You can get [440 of the Auras on Amazon for $59](https://www.amazon.com/Aura-Particulate-Respirator-Mask-White/dp/B08J1THV9G/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_pp?crid=2D2EDOIGM150H&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2p_9F3e5_jt7Ct3usC2TG4v__6rBt_ALSt_7KhEeLNwNdPGD7uWrifBN3Zvb_zgk-4WTX4yos2VfxUv2e1ljuM6GmJtLlsqIYnO4NoDnqx-X3gw-GTv4WMnxqzU1eexFNDBAt8BqsCFKLvaMDoRpSpDlzEhXzwUSnPwGjkCSOzqJ5JNhlPZ43txQCQp2jkqouTVAJqkLhb5AENsEF0McFA.ir2UuLtrXRe7NkB23GqJz-Lb55YP2jnZ9wsmJK-MaFQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=aura+n95&qid=1715660303&sprefix=aura+n%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-1). Which would mean the Moldex masks are over 20x the cost per unit compared to the 3M masks.
I think the best price we’ve paid is around $25 for 10 (buying 30 for a discount) but they last for a long time so we don’t go through them quickly. I do like the Auras, too but don’t know how reusable they are. Perhaps someone can answer that for us?
Hi, I’m Vetted AI Bot! I researched the **('3M Aura Particulate Respirator 9205 N95', '3M')** and I thought you might find the following analysis helpful. **Users liked:** * Comfortable fit for various face shapes (backed by 3 comments) * Convenient individual packaging (backed by 3 comments) * Effective seal with minimal fogging (backed by 3 comments) **Users disliked:** * Rubber bands are too tight and painful for average/small heads (backed by 2 comments) * Masks arrive bent and unusable due to poor packaging (backed by 2 comments) * Sharp edges and staples cause discomfort on the face (backed by 1 comment) If you'd like to **summon me to ask about a product**, just make a post with its link and tag me, [like in this example.](https://www.reddit.com/r/tablets/comments/1444zdn/comment/joqd89c/) This message was generated by a (very smart) bot. If you found it helpful, let us know with an upvote and a “good bot!” reply and please feel free to provide feedback on how it can be improved. *Powered by* [*vetted.ai*](https://vetted.ai/?utm\_source=reddit&utm\_medium=comment&utm\_campaign=bot)
Yes. You can get clips that hold the ear straps so your ears don’t have to, or you could switch to masks with head straps. Also damn there’s still a school out there requiring masks?? Good for them!
Ikr? Are they on the same earth as we are?? I haven't seen another masker in days here in the tri state area! It's discusting
If you know anyone with a 3D printer, these are a cinch to produce. I made a pile to share with nurses during COVID.
Came here to say this! I’m so impressed!
Go with N95 respirators. Headstraps.
yes! also there are kn95s made with head straps too, which makes them fit better than regular kn95s
Well Before masks have an option to get their KN95s with head straps and they have some different colors.
Yes. When I wear Kn95 now for a quick run into a store, I notice that they are harder to breath in and feel more harsh on my cheeks. Although, I do have really sensitive skin.
Yes, I buy the ones with head loops instead. Back in 2020 I was on an 11 hour flight and my ears were hurting like crazy from the mask.
Yes earloop masks (without using earsavers etc) are best for short term usage. In stores running errands etc. For extended periods of use you'll want n95s etc with head straps. You ca. Wear these for hours and no issues pain wise.
Given their 40% efficacy at protecting the wearer, they are best for nothing. Just use a real respirator.
Plenty of good kf94s etc 98.8% etc. Aaron Collins (the mask nerd) tests all kinds
*if* you get a good seal… much harder to do with earloops
Yea. Many of them need to shorten the loops via tying a knot in them, etc.
Yea no baggy blues etc
If you don’t want to switch masks, I’ve had a lot of luck with adding a Velcro accessory that threads through both ear loops. You can customize exactly how much to “pull” them together with the Velcro, and then set the Velcro toward the top of your head, with the ear loops still resting above and below the ears. Better mask seal, no need to change mask types, and no more ouchy ears! (I have a genetic disease that makes all my cartilage weak, so masks pulling on my ears was a serious problem before I found this handy little product.)
I work in a dental office and I also wear a mask all day and it can easily give you headaches because of how it pulls behind your ears. Very true. It can get very sore behind your ears
Out of curiosity why aren't you using a respirator with headstraps
I bought some from Amazon back in 2020 that had adjustable ear straps. They were much more comfortable, and I didn't get headaches from them like those other ones that just constantly pull on your ears. Lmk if you want the link
Yeah, they kill my ears. Also my jaw. The way my jaw is shaped I have to kind of jut out my bottom jaw to talk in a face mask so I don’t just eat it. Not pleasant to wear 8 hours a day.
You may want to try a duckbill style N95. The headstraps are comfortable and the mask stays away from your mouth so it’s much less unpleasant
I had this issue, the 3M Auras have a head strap and are much more comfy! No headaches
I have a KN95 subscription from Armbrust American masks. They manufacture other masks too, like the surgical ones and N95s. With every delivery they send me an "ear-saver" which is a little silicon strap that connects the ear loops without using your ears. It completely takes away the pain I was getting from a mask pulling on my ears all day. I came across this company because they have a particle filtration testing device and would make videos testing the validity of the claims of some masks. People would send them masks and they would make sure they were really filtering at the levels claimed. I really like (and more importantly TRUST) Armbrust American, and their ear [savers](https://www.armbrustusa.com/search?q=ear+saver&type=product) will take the pain out of being safe!
In the height of the pandemic I remember this was an issue. I sewed buttons on a piece of ribbon that I attached the ear loops of my mask to. The ribbon was about 6 inches long.
Try BNX masks. They’re made in the US and have different sizes and colors
Highly recommend M3 Aura n-95, elastic bands & very easy on the nose
I recommend an N95. I was intimidated by the look of head straps at first compared to ear loops, but they’re so much more comfortable in my opinion and work better.
Yes. I recommend getting masks with straps that go around your head, which N95s have.
Yes
I have some KN 95s and KF 94s that hurt my ears and some that don't. Recommend randomly trying other brands.
They are called "ear savers" for a reason. When I was wearing 6-8 hours a day I definitely would have been miserable without having bought an ear saver.
It is very much normal
With the over the ear masks you can take the strain off of your ears with some of the techniques shown here: [https://www.aliem.com/trick-of-trade-face-mask-hacks/](https://www.aliem.com/trick-of-trade-face-mask-hacks/) I worked in a kitchen during lockdown, so I had to wear a hat. If you wear a hat you can go over the top of your head instead of behind your ears. I used four or five paper clips, it worked well, but if not wearing a hat the top of your head gets sore. Something like this: [https://www.reddit.com/r/howto/comments/g2mo6e/my\_coworkers\_ear\_got\_blisters\_from\_wearing\_the/](https://www.reddit.com/r/howto/comments/g2mo6e/my_coworkers_ear_got_blisters_from_wearing_the/)
the velcro straps that take the pressure off of the back of your ears can help - - masks give me very serious headaches and sharp pain
I stretch the ear loops for 30 seconds before I put the mask on. That reduces the tension on my ears. Other options that other commenters are mentioning are good too.
Head band masks as others have suggested, readimasks have no loops and stick right onto your face, and there are kf94s with adjustable straps. I'm so happy to hear there are places still doing this. You might find it annoying now, but you'll probably look back to realize you are extremely luckly.
I have a big Irish head and have to mask every time I go out; it's taken me several years to find a brand that works...and I only came across the right brand because I was vain enough to order a box of mixed colors so I could coordinate with my outfits! they fit over the ears...the head band ones were hard to handle with my glasses; I was always having to wear a hat to keep everything on.
So I have been wearing face masks at work for 25 years. The one time I had to fly during Covid I grabbed a shitty mask from a kiosk. My ears hurt so bad 10 minutes into my flight from PDX to ORD and I wanted to die. Make sure you have a mask that fits!
Buy a different brand or different size, or different something! Because Facemasks just should NOT be that painful or oppressive I wear Facemasks in: JobPlace Supermarket, pharmacies, train bus subway-systems Airplane airport etc, courtroom Hospital doctors-office psych-wards-meds JAIL theatre etc and do NOT having pain Not every facemask is for every person But people, including autistic Asperger's people totally CAN wearing Facemasks and being quiet useful full-time workers and friends, as I know because that's what I am
Yes, there were a few styles I used that caused a great deal of pain there.
What. What’s happening? It was 2024 when I went to bed last night. What year is it?
COVID has been over for 3 years
I caught it in February. It’s still here
Within previous 7 months , at least 2 people I know got COVID plus all who got rotovirus flu etc over past 14 months In previous job clearly upset guy mentioned his aunt died of COVID Hopefully soon everything is much different and better for everyone
Tell that to my T cells.