Nose Wires

Question: What is the role of the nose wire?

Answer: A strong long nose wire that holds position well is an intuitive choice for improving the seal at the top of the mask. ​Purpose-made flat bendable nose wires are now available commercially, and though they may be shorter than optimal, they have the advantage of rounded ends. Gardening or electrical wire can be used (turn in the ends). Coffee bag ties are a good choice: they can be cut to custom length, are strong, wide and hold position well when bent to conform to the shape of the wearer's nose; fold over or sew in the sharp edges. There is peer-reviewed evidence that a nose wire may improve the overall filtration efficiency of a mask: a 2-ply nylon cloth mask was studied on a single volunteer.

An example of a well-designed mask that includes a nosewire is the 3D mask: pattern and instructions here.

Bend the nose wire into approximate position before donning the mask. This makes it easier to make small adjustments on the face.

​The nose wire also helps to reduce fogging of glasses by minimizing the leak across the top edge of the mask. We haven't found a good way to eliminate fogging completely.

Nose wires eventually break from metal fatigue. It is possible to design cloth masks so that the nose wire can be conveniently replaced.

Metal fatigue can be reduced by not folding the mask in two before putting it in a pocket or paper bag. Instead, fold the edges towards the centre. Washing masks by hand or in a mesh bag may also reduce wear-and-tear on the nose wire.

When considering a nose wire, if you are making masks for distribution or sale, consider who will be the recipient or customer. The WESF community group made masks for mass distribution, including to marginalized communities. After a consultative process, the decision was made to not include a nose wire. This minimized care instructions, facilitated quality control, and maximized the longevity of the mask without repair.

Some good designs fit well and produce good filtration results without a nose wire. The mask designed by WESF, reported in this peer-reviewed study, performed in a similar range to a certified medical mask. The cloth mask was without a nose wire and fitted with overhead ties; the medical mask had a nose wire and earloops.

​Using a nose wire is recommended by the CDC.