Got your govt-issued reusable cloth mask? Here's how to modify it to fit you better

Starting Sunday (April 5), the Singapore government began distributing reusable face masks to all households, with residents entitled to collect a mask each.

While we have shared how to make disposable masks fit better on your face, some people may be wondering, what about reusable masks? What if it's too small? What if my glasses fog up while using the mask?

Fortunately, some netizens have come up with innovative solutions to help us all.

In a Facebook post, one Singaporean claimed that he is a "pretty big-sized guy" and the mask he collected from the government was a little too small for his face.

He was still grateful for the mask however, and found a way to modify it instead. According to him, these are the tools you will need - a shoelace, a pair of scissors and a lighter.

Here are the steps:

1. Cut your shoelace into four equal lengths. Use the lighter to 'burn off' the ends.
2. Cut the mask's ear-loop into half. Use the lighter to 'burn off' the ends.
3. Tie each shoelace to a loose ear-loop (see photo below).
4. Put on your mask and tie the extended strings together at the back of your head/neck.

[embed]https://www.facebook.com/gerard.su/posts/10157140370271198[/embed]

To get your cloth mask to create a tighter seal on your face, however, another Facebook user has a suggestion.

The user on the Nurse Says Facebook page explained that the empty spaces created at the sides of the nose bridge when wearing a cloth mask may result in glasses fogging up or respiratory droplets to enter.

Her hack for the masks to fit snugly on a person's face? Inserting wire ties into the top band of the masks to keep the germs out and the mask tight. For this, you will need wire ties and a pair of scissors

Here's how you can do it:

1. Take three wire ties and place them together, twisting both ends.
2. On the inner side of the mask, cut a small hole near one side of the top band.
3. Insert the wire ties into the small hole and ensure that the wire does not poke out through the hole.
4. Adjust the wire ties so that you are able to bend it at the position where your nose bridge will be.

[embed]https://www.facebook.com/nursesays/videos/254528375707184/?v=254528375707184[/embed]

As a friendly reminder, there are also some things to note when wearing your face mask:

• Do not touch the outside of the mask while wearing it.
• Wear the mask for the whole duration while you are out and wash your mask immediately with soap after coming home, making sure to dry it properly.
• Change the wire regularly in case of it rusting.
• Wash your hands before and after removing the mask.

With circuit breaker measures currently in place till May 4, people are encouraged to stay home and keep safe, but do make sure to wear your reusable mask properly, should there be a need to leave your home.

For the latest updates on the coronavirus, visit here.

trining@asiaone.com