Medical employees now have to work during long periods, and must wear personal protective equipment such as goggles, masks and gloves to protect them from the COVID-19 virus. What is noticed is that oftentimes the masks leave bruises or chafing next to their ears after a long period of usage.

Some people have already come up with devices to prevent these discomforts. Many of these devices are 3-D printed however many people, mainly outside of the United States, have limited access to these printers. Our idea was to make a wearable device with cheap materials that the general public can make during this pandemic. The wearable is made from a strip of cloth with buttons or hooks attached. The device is then placed behind the person's head and instead of the rubber bands being behind their ears they will be cinched on the buttons or hooks, thus avoiding direct contact from the rubber on the skin.

The idea is to stitch the button to the cloth piece so it will be firm, avoiding chances of ripping apart or breaking down, and comfortable enough to wear.

Supplies

Strip of cloth sized to fit (3-4 inches / 7-10mm)

2 large buttons (at least 3/4 inch or 2mm) or hooks

Needle and thread

Step 1: Cut the Cloth Strip to the Desired Length

As stated in the supplies, a 3-4 inch (7-10 mm) strip is appropriate. If desired you can hem the edges, but if you're in a hurry a simple strip will suffice.

Step 2: Sew on the Buttons

Next add the buttons. This is done by threading the needle and sewing the buttons tightly to the cloth. I like to do "X" patterns across the button but going diagonally between the holes on the front and alternating on the back.

Step 3: Finished Strip

Here is what the finished strip will look like. Hopefully yours looks slightly better than mine! It's been a while since I've sewn anything, but I've tested the strip and it has held together perfectly.

Step 4: Wearing the Strip With a Mask

There are two ways to wear the strip with a mask. One keeps the strings completely off your ears, and the other way only one string goes over your ear but doesn't go all the way around. Either way will alleviate some of the chafing.