Mask accessories are a type of product that I never imagined myself truly needing. However, as the Coronavirus pandemic continues to surge throughout the country and mask wearing has become mandatory, I find myself purchasing more products to make mask-wearing easier.
Since mask wearing has become a necessity, manufacturers have really come up with some creative solutions to fix common issues that arise when wearing a mask. From improper fit to fighting mask fatigue, there are now products that can address the mask-wearing needs of kids.
This article will include reviews for some of the best mask accessories for kids available today.
What to Consider When Purchasing Face Mask Accessories for Kids
There are some things to keep in mind when shopping for face mask accessories for kids.
- Your child’s head size. Just as when you shop for masks, you should measure your child’s head size to ensure the accessory will fit your child.
- Your child’s complaints. Ask your child if there is anything that has been bothering them about wearing a mask. Chances are that their complaints have been addressed with an accessory that can be purchased to alleviate their discomfort.
- Double check the mask accessory. Make sure the accessory is compatible for the type of mask your child wears. It might be helpful to purchase several different kinds of masks for your child to determine what fits best.
- Look. Some of these accessories are themed or colorful to make your child more willing to wear a mask.
Below are several different mask accessories that have been designed to offer your children maximum comfort.
| Accessory | Features |
|---|---|
Themed Mask Strap Extenders | |
Mask Cord Lock | |
Unicorn Mask Strap Extender | |
Mask Strap Extenders | |
Mask Extender Strap Set | |
Mask Adjustment Buckles | |
Specialist Mask Lanyards | |
Face Mask Lanyards | |
Beaded Mask Lanyard | |
Button Headband Mask Holder | |
Sweatband Ear Saver | |
Face Mask Storage Case | |
Folding Mask Storage Case | |
3D Face Mask Bracket | |
Face Mask Bracket | |
Anti-fog Glasses Cloth | |
>Carbon Mask Filters |
1. Themed Mask Strap Extenders
It’s hard to expect a kid to be excited about wearing a mask, but being able to add some personal touches definitely helps. This set of six different strap extenders does just that, featuring characters who look like Line Friends’ Piggy Brown Bear, Hello Kitty, Keroppi, Mike Wazowski, Captain America, and a Minion.
In addition to being a potential fashion statement, mask strap extenders make mask wearing more bearable by keeping ear straps away from the back of the ear. Made from food-grade silicone, these adjustable extenders are more flexible and comfortable than many others on the market. They also don’t slide around the way plastic ones do, so the wearer’s mask stays put better.
2. Mask Cord Lock
Finding a comfortable mask to fit small faces can be a challenge, because not all faces are shaped the same. So if your child had his little heart set on that Spiderman mask that just doesn’t quite fit right, these cord locks are for you. They allow you to buy any mask your child likes the look and/or feel of and adjust it as needed (without having to tie and retie the loops until they’re just right).
In addition to 100 silicone cord locks, the package includes a crochet-style hook that enables you to easily pull the ear loops through the cord locks. Simply push the crotchet hook through the hole in the cord lock, attach the mask’s ear loop to the hook, and pull the crotchet hook tool back through the cord lock. You can then pull the cord lock either direction to tighten or loosen the mask’s fit as needed. Easy peasy!
3. Unicorn Mask Strap Extender
With many kids wearing masks throughout the school day, it’s important to find a way to eliminate pain or irritation behind the ears. Strap extenders do just that by pulling the mask’s ear loops away from the back of the ear. These unicorn-themed extenders are as comfortable as they are cute, with channeled hooks in four different lengths to allow the wearer to adjust the size until they find the perfect fit.
4. EVGLOW Mask Strap Extenders
These silicon mask strap extenders are a great solution to the common complaint from kids that wearing a mask all day hurts their ears. Ear loop elastic can dig into the back of your child’s ear, causing discomfort and skin irritation. These extenders are the perfect solution as they take the ear loop elastic away from the ears.
Simply wrap the ear loops around the extender hook slot that fits your child’s face. The extender is then placed at the base of your child’s head. The other ear loop can then be attached to the extender, providing all day mask-wearing comfort for your child!
These mask extenders solve other problems that arise with wearing masks around your ears as well. If your child wears glasses, this frees up their ears for the eyeglasses to rest. Also, if your child wears a headband accessory, this extender will help keep the mask securely in place.
5. Mask Extender Strap Set
Another product that helps relieve pain and pressure on the ears caused by wearing a mask is this extender strap. To use it, simply hook the mask straps to one of the 3 hooks on each side of the extender. The extender is worn behind the head. To tighten, move the strap to one of the interior hooks.
This is a set of 5 black straps and can be used by either adults or children. They are easy for children to use and allow for hours of mask wearing without pain. Your child will be thrilled with this purchase!
6. Mask Adjustment Buckles
These mask adjustment buckles are a must-have item if you have kids. Mask buckles are designed to attach to adult masks so that they can be adjusted to fit smaller sizes. Small PVC plastic cylinder shaped buckles make sizing masks to fit your children a much easier task.
Simply thread some strong string through the buckle using a needle, loop the string around your mask elastic, then feed the needle back through the buckle along with the mask ear loops. These buckles are designed to tightly grip the ear loop elastic so that they can be cinched down to the position in which the mask fits your child. These fit both wide and round elastic.
The mask adjustment buckles are perfect to keep in your sewing kit in the event you need to quickly make an adult mask work for a child!
7. Specialist Mask Lanyards
These mask lanyards are perfect for kids who need to remove their masks to eat and drink, speak in front of a class, or are by themselves and do not need a mask. The clips on the end of the lanyard are designed to attach to mask ear loops. The mask can then be worn around the neck and still be in reach when not in use. A toggle on the lanyard straps make it adjustable to fit any child as well.
With kids going back to school while wearing masks, these lanyards are a great accessory to prevent masks from getting lost.
8. Face Mask Lanyards for Kids
These mask lanyards feature a fun design and are made specially to fit children. Small snaps on the lanyard ends attach to mask ear loops. The lanyard can then be placed over your child’s head like a necklace. Additionally, the clips can be used as a strap extender, reducing pressure on the ears.
Available in 17 different colors and designs, these mask lanyards will become a vital accessory as your child returns to school, plays sports, or simply for everyday wear. These lanyards can be used for kids or adults.
9. Beaded Mask Lanyard
This mask lanyard features a beautiful beaded design that will match your child’s personality and outfits! Two clips on the end of the lanyard are specially designed to attach to face mask ear loops. The lanyard is then worn around the neck and keeps your child’s mask close for convenience.
10. Button Headband Mask Holder
These button headbands by Victray are made of soft, lightweight stretchy material that provides a hair and mask accessory in one! The headbands come in a variety of designs and colors and feature a large button on either side. Mask ear loops can be wrapped around the button, creating immediate comfort to children wearing masks.
The headbands can be worn with hair pulled up or left down and are great for sports and other activities as well!
11. Sweatband Ear Saver
This headband design stretches around the wearer’s head, providing sweat protection to the eyes and face. It also provides a stylish accessory. The headband has a large button attached to either side which can be used to hook mask ear loops around.
This headband is a great option for athletes and to wear during physical education or other activities. Since there is only one size available, this choice is best for tweens and teens.
12. Face Mask Storage Case
This mask storage case is a practical accessory for your child to have. Fitting between 5 to 8 masks, this storage case is perfect for keeping germs, dust, and other particles from covering the mask.
The mask storage case is great for keeping in a child’s backpack or locker as it will keep unused masks clean and sanitized until ready for use. It’s also a great way to help keep track of masks, because let’s face it, most kids are good at losing things!
13. Folding Mask Storage Case
This uniquely designed mask storage case is a compact carrying option for face masks. Simply place the face mask in the open case, then follow the directions to fold the case together.
The size is perfect for a few masks and is small enough to fit in a pocket. These will keep your child’s mask sanitized and free from dirt particles they would accumulate if they were just thrown in a pocket or backpack without a case.
14. 3D Face Mask Bracket
While these mask brackets don’t cost much, they make wearing a mask tremendously more bearable. How does a simple piece of silicone do this? For starters, it creates space between your mask and your mouth generating more breathing space.
This is a big deal for anyone who feels claustrophobic while wearing a mask or for young children who put their mask on before cleaning their face and inadvertently stain it. Also, this 3D mask bracket protects your makeup since it prevents a mask from sticking to your face. No more ruined lipstick with this product!
Another wonderful feature of this mask accessory is that it is organic and reusable. Simply wash it between uses. I love that it is compatible with all types of masks. But best of all, the manufacturer guarantees to replace or refund your purchase if you’re unhappy with it. You have to love a risk free purchase like this one!
15. Face Mask Bracket for Comfortable Breathing
These mask bracket inserts are a wonderful accessory, especially for children’s masks. The silicon bracket is made to fit the mouth covering of any mask. It creates a small barrier between the mask cloth and the wearer’s mouth, creating a little more room to breathe. For children with anxiety about being able to breathe while wearing a mask, these brackets are a must-have item.
The face mask brackets also help prevent glasses from fogging up while wearing masks and helps if your child sweats while wearing a mask as well. The face mask bracket is also washable ensuring that it can be sanitized for later use!
16. Anti-fog Glasses Cloth
A common problem for people wearing masks is that it causes their eyeglasses to fog up. If your child wears glasses, this anti-fog glasses cloth is something you should consider purchasing.
The cloth contains a non-toxic coating that when rubbed over eyeglass lenses will create a barrier to fog. With 150-200 uses in one cloth, this is a great accessory for kids who wear glasses to keep on hand. The cloth also protects against fogging due to humidity and steam. These can also be used on other surfaces such as face shields, goggles, and sunglasses.
17. Carbon Mask Filters
These mask filters are perfect for replacing the filters in children’s masks. Many cloth masks come with an opening to place a filter or already have one inserted. The filters need to be replaced regularly to keep the masks clean and effective.
This pack of 20 child size mask filters are sewn with five layers of filter cloth, including one layer of charcoal activated cloth.
Final Thoughts
Wearing a mask is a big adjustment for children. As they are heading back to school or going out in public, seeing everyone in masks and wearing one themselves is a necessary precaution during a global pandemic. Purchasing a few accessories to make wearing a mask a more comfortable experience will help as they transition during this time.
Remember, we are all in this together. Children are resilient and adapt easily to change, better than some adults! Encourage them to wear a mask and voice their feelings when needed. As always, stay healthy!
FAQs
How do mask filters work?
To put it simply, mask filters offer additional protection from airborne contaminants. They generally lie between layers of a mask, increasing its effectiveness at filtering the air. Mask filters can either be built in to a mask or come as an accessory which you insert into a mask.
What products keep kids from losing masks?
The market is full of products designed to prevent kids from losing their masks. Lanyards are a popular option because they hold on to the mask whenever children don’t need to have it on. These come in several styles but all work well to keep a mask attached to your child at all times. Another good option is a mask storage case.
What is available to help adjust a mask to fit a child’s face?
Several accessories adjust a mask to better fit a child’s face. Buckles can be attached to tighten a mask’s straps, making a large mask fit snuggly around a child. Ear savers work well to take the pressure off of a child’s ears. A headband with buttons is another favorite. Check out our list of face masks accessories for kids which showcases solutions to common troubles kids have with masks.
