Countless studies have shown a simple face mask made of fabric, paper, or plastic can help cut back on COVID-19 spread. As epidemiologist Dr. George Rutherford explains, a face mask helps catch infected droplets as a person with coronavirus breathes or talks, so it lowers the overall amount of virus particles in the air. In regions where most people wear masks, infection rates are significantly lower.

Therefore, it is no surprise that more and more states are jumping on the face mask wagon. They might be a great way to protect others and reduce COVID-19 spread rates, but everyone agrees that face masks can feel uncomfortable. So what should you do? A clever dentist may have found the ultimate solution.

The Issue With Face Mask Fits

The main problem people are facing is that most face masks come in a one size fits all shape. However, not everyone has the same face size and shape. It turns out that the classic rectangular shaped mask with loops over the ears does not work for many people. If your face is small or narrow, you might notice the mask sags on the sides and the chin.

These big gaps on the side of the mask pose several problems. First of all, they can make your mask pretty uncomfortable. If you wear glasses, the loose fit lets condensation out and makes your glasses fog up. Another big issue is that it actually lowers the mask's protective abilities. With a big gap where air can escape, it is easy for infected particles to slip past the mask.

A Dentist Solves the Face Mask Fit Problem

So how do you solve this problem? Dentist Dr. Olivia Cui has a solution. This Canadian dentist spends hours in masks each day, so she quickly realized the current mask situation was not going to work for her. After a little time spent experimenting, Dr. Cui found a solution. Her hack makes a standard face mask fit perfectly without requiring any extra tools or time.

You start by opening up the face mask with clean hands. Then tie a knot in the ear loop, as close to the edge of the face mask as you can. When you go to put the face mask on, you then take the corners and tuck them under the edge of your knot. The end result is a mask that fits closely to your face and doesn't have a bunch of extra fabric bagging out on the sides!

Whether you have to wear a mask all day for work or just want to slip one on to visit the grocery store, this little tip can be a huge life saver. The ability to get a custom tailored mask without sewing makes wearing a mask way easier. The tip works for a variety of masks, ranging from disposable ones to reusable cloth ones.

Dr. Cui's Face Mask Hack Goes Viral

People quickly realized just how valuable Dr. Cui's tip was, so they started sharing it with their friends. Users chime in to tell Dr. Cui things like "Me and my pea head thank you!!" and "This is so helpful thank you for sharing!!"

Right now, the video has been watched 3.4 million times on TikTok, and the views just keep on growing. It's been shared by celebrities like Katie Couric and Kristen Bell, who both appreciate a technique for making a mask that fits more petite faces. It's been so popular that users have been begging Dr. Cui for more tips. She recently released a lengthier version that goes into more detail on face mask fits.

Make Sure Your Face Mask Fits Properly

After following this tip, you should get a face mask that is fitted around your face without digging into your skin. Make sure the mask is still big enough to fit over your nose and mouth. This will ensure that all potential COVID particles are being properly trapped by the mask. If you have glasses, wear them over the face mask to reduce fogging issues.

The right face mask fit helps ensure your comfort and safety. The COVID-19 pandemic is definitely tough, but it is very reassuring to see the way people are coming together and innovating new solutions. With helpful tips like Dr. Cui's, you can better protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community from the coronavirus.