From medical personnel like doctors, nurses, and first responders to the everyday consumer going to the grocery store, more people than ever before are wearing face masks. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the CDC recommends people wear them when out in a public setting, and some states are even requiring them. For many people, following these guidelines can cause discomfort to their face. Masks aren't designed to be worn for long periods, so they can cause pain around the ears.
Mask discomfort is a significant problem because it can discourage people from wearing them or cause pain to the wearer. That's an issue because their purpose is to help protect individuals and help prevent the spread of the virus. Fortunately, there's a solution to this problem - ear guards. Likely, you've never heard of ear guards before. Let me tell you all about ear guards and how they are a solution to uncomfortable masks.
The Problem - Masks Are Uncomfortable
Ear guards were invented to make masks more comfortable to wear, but why are they so uncomfortable in the first place? It mostly has to do with friction. The longer you wear a mask, the more the ear loops will rub against the ears. The friction created from the ear loops rubbing against ears can cause the skin to become inflamed. For some, this irritation is simply discomfort; for others, it manifests in bruising, raw skin, or increased acne. In severe cases, it can cause open wounds or a scab.
One solution to the issue of comfortability is tie-back masks. This style doesn't have ear loops; they are fastened by tying in the back, as the name implies. With the tie-back style, there won't be as much friction around the ears as a mask with ear loops. However, obtaining a tie-back style isn't easy because most masks use ear loops. So, if you're stuck with a mask with ear loops, what should you do to make wearing it more comfortable?
The Solution - Ear Guards
If a mask with ear loops is your only option, ear guards are the solution you've been looking for. Ear guards come in several different styles, comfort bands, ear savers, and ear relievers.
Comfort Bands
Comfort bands have an elastic band and an anchor on each side of the band. To use them, you put the ear loops of your face mask around the notches on each side of the band and put it comfortably around your head. Comfort bands are not customizable.
Ear Relievers
Unlike comfort bands, ear relievers don't have an elastic band. Instead, they offer multiple notches for you to anchor your ear loops on. To make the mask tighter or looser, simply put the ear loops on a different notch. The outside grooves provide a looser fit, while the inner notches make it tighter. Ear relievers can be customized with your logo if you desire.
Ear Savers
Ear savers are very similar to ear relievers. Like ear relievers, ear savers do not have an elastic band, and they have multiple notches on each side for you to adjust your fit. However, they look slightly different because the grooves on ear savers are longer and look more like a half-circle. They are also customizable, allowing you to put your logo on them to create a cohesive and professional look.
Why Use Ear Guards
When you anchor your ear loops on the notches provided by ear guards instead of your ears, you help limit the loops from rubbing against your skin. Reducing that rubbing helps eliminate irritation.
Ear guards help provide the wearer with comfort and ease as they work or go about their day. No matter how long you wear them, ear guards will help ease the friction around the ears that you would typically experience wearing a mask.
Now, you can comfortably help prevent the spread of contagious pathogens. Additionally, ear guards are easy to clean with proper sanitization and are reusable.
As everyone adjusts to the new normal, ear guards are available to help make wearing masks more comfortable. Wearing masks is just one way to help prevent the spread of the virus. At Plastic Printers, we offer all sorts of tools that can help keep your business safe and healthy for everyone. Some of these products include:
As we acquire more must-have products, we will be sure to pass that information along. If you are interested in or have questions about ear guards or other products, please give us a call; we are happy to help. Stay safe.
