How to Measure Your Face to Find the Right-Sized Mask

October 11 2024, by Aussie Pharma Direct, 8 min reading time

The market is brimming with a plethora of face mask options (whether it’s adults or kids’ masks), each designed to offer a shield against airborne particles and viruses. Yet, beyond the material and filtration capabilities lies a fundamental factor that significantly impacts both comfort and protection: the fit of the respirator mask.

A well-fitting face mask is a cornerstone of effective protection, however, with the wide array of mask sizes and styles available, finding the right fit and knowing what to look for in a mask can be akin to navigating a maze. This is where our guide comes into play. Whether you have a square jawline, a heart-shaped face, or prominent cheekbones, we'll walk you through simple yet effective steps to accurately measure your face, so that you can easily choose a face mask that is suitable.

Tools you’ll need

A measuring tape or a piece of string
A mirror (optional)

Ensure you have a flexible tape measure or a piece of string at hand. If you're using a string, make sure it's long enough to wrap around your head comfortably.

Step 1: Measuring your face width

Stand in front of a mirror if possible, as it can aid in ensuring accuracy. Now, take the tape measure or string and position it just above your ears. This is a crucial starting point, as it ensures that the measurement encompasses the widest part of your face, providing a secure and snug fit for your mask.

Gently wrap the tape measure or string around the back of your head, making sure it follows the natural contour of your face. The tape measure or string should sit just above your ears, crossing over your nose bridge.

Hold the tape measure snug but not too tight. If you're using a string, mark the point where it overlaps with itself. Once the tape measure or string is in place, take note of the measurement in centimetres or inches.

Step 2: Determining your face height

Place the beginning of the tape measure at the bridge of your nose. The bridge of your nose is the bony area just below your eyebrows where your glasses might rest.

Gently extend the tape measure vertically downward, ensuring it maintains a straight line. Hold the tape measure close to your skin, but be cautious not to press it into your face, as this might distort the measurement.

Continue extending the tape measure until it reaches the bottom of your chin, then take note of the measurement. The bottom of your chin serves as the endpoint for this particular measurement.

Step 3: Measuring the nose-to-ear distance

Begin the measurement by positioning the tape measure or string at the bridge of your nose. This is the bony area just beneath your eyebrows, where your glasses might rest.

Guide the tape measure or string gently along the natural contour of your face, extending it to the top of your ear. The endpoint should be where your ear begins, right at its top where it attaches to your head.

Step 4: Identifying your face shape

Different face shapes have distinct characteristics that impact how a mask rests on your face, covering your nose, mouth, and chin effectively. By aligning your mask choice with your face shape, you enhance both the aesthetic appeal and practical functionality of your mask.

Determining your face shape:

Round face (Typically features soft curves without prominent angles. The width and length of the face are nearly equal)

Suitable mask style: Opt for masks with a slightly elongated shape to balance the roundness. Masks with well-defined edges can add structure to your features.

Oval face (Face is longer than it is wide, with balanced proportions and gently rounded corners)

Suitable mask style: Lucky you! An oval face shape is versatile and can carry off various mask styles. Experiment with different designs, from standard surgical masks to contoured options.

Square face (Boasts strong angles, a prominent jawline, and a forehead of similar width)

Suitable mask style: Choose masks with curved edges to soften the angles of your face. Look for styles that fit snugly over your chin to enhance balance.

Heart-shaped face (features a broader forehead and narrows toward the chin)

Suitable mask style: Opt for masks that follow your natural jawline. Masks with wider bottoms can complement your features by creating a harmonious flow.

Long or rectangular face (characterised by its elongated shape, often with a forehead, cheekbones, and jawline of similar width)

Suitable mask style: Choose respirator masks that add width to your face.

Diamond face (boasts angular cheekbones, a narrower forehead, and a pointed chin)

Suitable mask style: Select masks that contour your cheekbones and jawline. Look for designs that are wider at the top and bottom to harmonise your features.

You can now determine the best face mask for your face!

Now that we’ve crossed off the steps above, it’s time to find your ideal mask or respirator. t's important to note that different brands and styles of masks vary in shape and sizing. This means that a medium-sized mask from one brand might not offer the same fit as a medium-sized mask from another, but worry not! Most reputable mask manufacturers provide size guides on their websites to help you match your measurements to their available sizes. Just as with adult masks, different brands and styles of kids' face masks vary in shape and sizing.

Take the AMD P2 mask, for instance. If you’re in Australia, you might be familiar with the name AMD and their P2 masks. With their unique shape and effective filtration, it's important to pay attention to their size guide when making a purchase decision.

Professional fit testing for masks

While measuring your face and using general guidelines can help you select a mask that seems to fit well, certain scenarios necessitate professional fit testing to ensure maximum protection, particularly in high-risk environments.

When is professional fit testing needed?

Professional fit testing is crucial in environments where exposure to hazardous airborne particles is high, such as in healthcare settings, construction sites, or industries dealing with toxic substances. In these cases, a precise fit is essential to ensure the mask performs effectively, minimising the wearer’s exposure to harmful particles.

Professional fit testing in medical facilities

In many medical facilities, regulations require that staff undergo professional fit testing to confirm the effectiveness of their respiratory protective equipment. This is especially true for workers who are in constant contact with airborne pathogens or hazardous chemicals. The fit test ensures that the chosen respirator forms a tight seal around the wearer’s face, thereby providing optimal protection.

How professional fit testing works

The process typically involves a series of tests to check the seal of the mask on the face. These might include both qualitative and quantitative methods:

Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT): This test uses your sense of taste or smell, or your reaction to an irritant, to detect leakage into the respirator.
Quantitative Fit Test (QNFT): This test uses a machine to measure the actual amount of leakage into the mask and does not rely on your senses.

During the testing, the wearer performs a series of exercises that simulate movements during work — such as turning the head from side to side, moving up and down, talking, and bending over — to ensure the mask stays in place and maintains its seal in various conditions.

Professional fit testing services by Aussie Pharma Direct

Aussie Pharma Direct offers professional fit testing services conducted by our team of trained fit testers. The services are designed to provide peace of mind and enhanced safety for your team, adhering to the latest safety standards and regulations.

Looking to do a fit test for your team? Our team can come directly to your workplace to conduct fit tests. Contact us for more information.

Conclusion

Remember that achieving the perfect fit enhances both comfort and protection, and by following the steps outlined above or considering a professional fit testing if you’re working in a healthcare industry, you're well on your way to a mask-wearing experience for any situation that seamlessly aligns with your face's individual contours.