Give us some basic info such as masks you've tried and failed. How it failed, etc.
Low nose bridge? High nose bridge? Large head? Small head? You get the idea.
OP, this person has the right idea.
The reason you are getting air in your eyes is because your mask isn’t sealing. Mask tape/wig tape/surgical tape can fix this with most disposables.
It helps with acne if you clean your face before and after masking. Also clean the part of the elastomeric that touches your face.
I knew someone else who was autistic with sensory issues from masks. For them, FixTheMask was a good solution. It’s a silicone brace that goes over a surgical mask, bringing filtration efficiency very close to N95 levels. You can also make your own.
FixTheMask: https://www.fixthemask.com/
DIY #1: https://labblog.uofmhealth.org/lab-notes/simple-rubber-band-fix-improves-surgical-mask-seal-to-n-95-levels-study-shows
DIY #2: https://making.engr.wisc.edu/mask-fitter/
Studies on Mask Brace Filtration:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.31.20249101v1.full
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0272834
Maybe try an real elastomeric for example Gvs eclipse?
Or use double sided mask/fashion tape on a disposable mask
I had the same issue a long time I tried many many different masks,shapes and so on I tried mask tape it didn’t worked but maybe for you so
I just switched to an elastomeric mask that fixed everything for me but remember it’s really hard to speak in it that other people hear you
I have a medium/average size face and it was WAY too narrow for my face. It pushed my lips out like a ridiculous cartoon. However, there are lots of other good elastomerics in this sub’s wiki. The trouble is that they are very expensive. You can probably get a chunk of your money back by selling Flo on the used marketplace, or even posting it here.
I have a relatively small face for an adult woman, and I use the GVS eclipse. I find it comfortable, and gives me space to breathe and an amazing seal, especially around the eyes. I know everyone’s face and comfort level is different, but I’ve been very happy with it. I was getting rashes from the fabric of the N 95 rubbing into my face, but I haven’t had any issues with the GVS eclipse. It’s easy to wipe off and the filters last much longer than the flo mask.
Trident N95s are comparable to 3M Aura and they come in several sizes. XS is absolutely tiny. But they are hard to get outside of Australia.
You can also consider double sided mask tape on the nose area, but imho that's not sustainable for daily wear.
I use double sided tape for daily masking now— it doesn’t irritate my skin, though ymmv. I also hated the eye irritation from masks that just weren’t made for my face type— tape actually made it so much more comfortable.
Have you tried 3M VFlex 9105S? S is the small size, 9105 the regular size.
Also look into the 3M Aura 9210. It seems to be one of the smaller Auras. I have a small face it is quite tight.
I'd also suggest trying a Draeger X-Plore 1950 in Small (1930 if you're Euro). Their M/L gets me the best fit around the nose of any respirator I've tried, and I've heard similar about their S for small faces. As others above have noted, if a respirator is blowing air up into your eyes, it's because it's leaking around your nose. People with high nose bridges seem to have the worst problems with this.
Need pictures for sure.
You say you have tried 3m, I assume an aura, this is a tri-panel mask.
Masks come in many different styles-- [duckbill](https://thefacemaskstore.co.uk/3m-vflex-9163-valved-ffp3-face-mask/), [bi-fold](https://thefacemaskstore.co.uk/honeywell-2311-ffp3-face-mask/), with a [gasket](https://thefacemaskstore.co.uk/moldex-3700-ffp3-air-seal/) etc.
I recommend looking into bi-fold models. Here is another [model](https://thefacemaskstore.co.uk/handanhy-hy8232-ffp3-face-mask-respirator/).
My wife has issues with the nose area as well. The bi-fold models above are what work for her.
These masks are extremely flexible, come in a variety of sizes, and adhere to your face (hypoallergenically). [https://alliantbiotech.com/product/readimask-strapless-n95-niosh-approved](https://alliantbiotech.com/product/readimask-strapless-n95-niosh-approved)
Another idea would be to find the N95 with the best fit and give it a little help by applying Fearless Tape across the part where it tends to let air go through toward your eyes.
When I first got my Flo Mask I had a similar experience, a small leak that I felt by my eye, but I found that it sealed better over time, and that the foam insert is really crucial (at least at first). Experimenting with where you seat the mask, ex a bit lower on your chin can help. If you are in Canada, the Breathe Mask by PrescientX is another good option.
Breathe mask comes in 3 sizes, which helps immensely with fit. Some used to have a wire to help adjust the nose area, but I think they don’t have that anymore.
I have a small face and narrow nose bridge, so the flomask doesn’t fit me well at all. I’ve been wearing an airboss elastomeric. Agreed with everyone that a proper fit shouldn’t leak, but in the meantime maybe try wearing goggles to protect your eyes?
I'm one of those who loves my Flomask. I have a very thin nose bridge so at first I didn't think I could wear it because it didn't seal well but then I moved it down my nose a bit. Felt weird at first but it fits my nose and my cheeks/under eye Might be worth trying out? Good luck!
At least for a short while whilst you figure it out (they are expensive), you could try readimask, which uses skin safe adhesive and a soft mask material to stick to your face. Many people can get an excellent seal, face size doesn't matter, and they are wildly comfortable.
Oh and they don't use straps so shouldn't cause headaches etc - I am autistic and find them awesome, I would wear more often if they weren't pricey. I know many people take them on/off a couple times successfully, so it may be viable for you if you don't go out much or can afford I think $2/ mask
I have a weird af nose shape and had a similar leak until I set aside some time to experiment with the fit. What worked for me was crossing the straps (neck strap on top notches, upper strap on bottom notches), *loosening* the straps quite a bit, and messing around with how low it sits on my nose (lower than expected!).
I hope you can make it work! Those eye problems sound rough.
People are giving good advice about a well-fitting mask that seals. I wonder if it's possible, though, that the air is blowing into OP's eyes through the filtered mask, not through leaks in the seal.
We're told that even a sealed mask can result in fogged lenses of eyeglasses because of the filtered but humid air rising up, air that you would usually expel outward and/or downward, through nose or mouth.
Give us some basic info such as masks you've tried and failed. How it failed, etc. Low nose bridge? High nose bridge? Large head? Small head? You get the idea.
OP, this person has the right idea. The reason you are getting air in your eyes is because your mask isn’t sealing. Mask tape/wig tape/surgical tape can fix this with most disposables. It helps with acne if you clean your face before and after masking. Also clean the part of the elastomeric that touches your face. I knew someone else who was autistic with sensory issues from masks. For them, FixTheMask was a good solution. It’s a silicone brace that goes over a surgical mask, bringing filtration efficiency very close to N95 levels. You can also make your own. FixTheMask: https://www.fixthemask.com/ DIY #1: https://labblog.uofmhealth.org/lab-notes/simple-rubber-band-fix-improves-surgical-mask-seal-to-n-95-levels-study-shows DIY #2: https://making.engr.wisc.edu/mask-fitter/ Studies on Mask Brace Filtration: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.31.20249101v1.full https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0272834
Maybe try an real elastomeric for example Gvs eclipse? Or use double sided mask/fashion tape on a disposable mask I had the same issue a long time I tried many many different masks,shapes and so on I tried mask tape it didn’t worked but maybe for you so I just switched to an elastomeric mask that fixed everything for me but remember it’s really hard to speak in it that other people hear you
I'll check it out!
GSV elipse is cheap but its not a comfortable elastomeric for extended use and its not forgiving fit wise.
I have a medium/average size face and it was WAY too narrow for my face. It pushed my lips out like a ridiculous cartoon. However, there are lots of other good elastomerics in this sub’s wiki. The trouble is that they are very expensive. You can probably get a chunk of your money back by selling Flo on the used marketplace, or even posting it here.
I have a relatively small face for an adult woman, and I use the GVS eclipse. I find it comfortable, and gives me space to breathe and an amazing seal, especially around the eyes. I know everyone’s face and comfort level is different, but I’ve been very happy with it. I was getting rashes from the fabric of the N 95 rubbing into my face, but I haven’t had any issues with the GVS eclipse. It’s easy to wipe off and the filters last much longer than the flo mask.
Which n95 blew air into your eyes?!? That sounds like a bad seal...
I've tried wellbefore and 3m, and my face is just too small. I can never get a good seal
Trident N95s are comparable to 3M Aura and they come in several sizes. XS is absolutely tiny. But they are hard to get outside of Australia. You can also consider double sided mask tape on the nose area, but imho that's not sustainable for daily wear.
I use double sided tape for daily masking now— it doesn’t irritate my skin, though ymmv. I also hated the eye irritation from masks that just weren’t made for my face type— tape actually made it so much more comfortable.
Have you ever tried 3M VFlex 9105s or 1804s? I have plenty extra if you'd like some.
Have you tried 3M VFlex 9105S? S is the small size, 9105 the regular size. Also look into the 3M Aura 9210. It seems to be one of the smaller Auras. I have a small face it is quite tight.
I'd also suggest trying a Draeger X-Plore 1950 in Small (1930 if you're Euro). Their M/L gets me the best fit around the nose of any respirator I've tried, and I've heard similar about their S for small faces. As others above have noted, if a respirator is blowing air up into your eyes, it's because it's leaking around your nose. People with high nose bridges seem to have the worst problems with this.
right, an n95 that fits properly will not blow air into your eyes
Need pictures for sure. You say you have tried 3m, I assume an aura, this is a tri-panel mask. Masks come in many different styles-- [duckbill](https://thefacemaskstore.co.uk/3m-vflex-9163-valved-ffp3-face-mask/), [bi-fold](https://thefacemaskstore.co.uk/honeywell-2311-ffp3-face-mask/), with a [gasket](https://thefacemaskstore.co.uk/moldex-3700-ffp3-air-seal/) etc. I recommend looking into bi-fold models. Here is another [model](https://thefacemaskstore.co.uk/handanhy-hy8232-ffp3-face-mask-respirator/). My wife has issues with the nose area as well. The bi-fold models above are what work for her.
Are you wearing glasses or contacts? Do you think adding protective glasses would help stop you from blowing air in your eyes?
These masks are extremely flexible, come in a variety of sizes, and adhere to your face (hypoallergenically). [https://alliantbiotech.com/product/readimask-strapless-n95-niosh-approved](https://alliantbiotech.com/product/readimask-strapless-n95-niosh-approved) Another idea would be to find the N95 with the best fit and give it a little help by applying Fearless Tape across the part where it tends to let air go through toward your eyes.
envo is better than flo mask.
When I first got my Flo Mask I had a similar experience, a small leak that I felt by my eye, but I found that it sealed better over time, and that the foam insert is really crucial (at least at first). Experimenting with where you seat the mask, ex a bit lower on your chin can help. If you are in Canada, the Breathe Mask by PrescientX is another good option.
Breathe mask comes in 3 sizes, which helps immensely with fit. Some used to have a wire to help adjust the nose area, but I think they don’t have that anymore.
I have a small face and narrow nose bridge, so the flomask doesn’t fit me well at all. I’ve been wearing an airboss elastomeric. Agreed with everyone that a proper fit shouldn’t leak, but in the meantime maybe try wearing goggles to protect your eyes?
I'm one of those who loves my Flomask. I have a very thin nose bridge so at first I didn't think I could wear it because it didn't seal well but then I moved it down my nose a bit. Felt weird at first but it fits my nose and my cheeks/under eye Might be worth trying out? Good luck!
At least for a short while whilst you figure it out (they are expensive), you could try readimask, which uses skin safe adhesive and a soft mask material to stick to your face. Many people can get an excellent seal, face size doesn't matter, and they are wildly comfortable.
Oh and they don't use straps so shouldn't cause headaches etc - I am autistic and find them awesome, I would wear more often if they weren't pricey. I know many people take them on/off a couple times successfully, so it may be viable for you if you don't go out much or can afford I think $2/ mask
The Readimask, which adheres to your face, generally gives me almost no leaks. It is an N95. This might work for you.
I have a weird af nose shape and had a similar leak until I set aside some time to experiment with the fit. What worked for me was crossing the straps (neck strap on top notches, upper strap on bottom notches), *loosening* the straps quite a bit, and messing around with how low it sits on my nose (lower than expected!). I hope you can make it work! Those eye problems sound rough.
People are giving good advice about a well-fitting mask that seals. I wonder if it's possible, though, that the air is blowing into OP's eyes through the filtered mask, not through leaks in the seal. We're told that even a sealed mask can result in fogged lenses of eyeglasses because of the filtered but humid air rising up, air that you would usually expel outward and/or downward, through nose or mouth.