How to Choose the Best Face Mask Nose Wire
September 1, 2021 • Alyssa Sobotka, Digital Content Specialist
If you’ve been in public any time in the last year, you’ve probably seen someone struggling to keep their face mask from drooping below their nose.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a face mask needs to fit properly or it won’t be effective against getting or spreading the COVID-19 virus. Mask manufacturers should not only be concerned with supplying face masks to the general public, but also with designing them in such a way they will fit numerous users.
The most important component of a well-fitting face mask is the bendable wire nose piece. The CDC recommends choosing a mask with this feature, as it forms over the bridge of the user’s nose, ensuring a proper fit and eliminating gaps.
There are currently multiple nose bridge wire options on the market to choose from. The type of face mask you are manufacturing (N95, KN95, or 3-ply masks) will determine which one works best for you. Ask these 5 questions to select the best nose wire and nose wire supplier.
5 questions to ask when selecting nose wire
1. Is the supplier going to produce a quality product?
Creating a quality mask starts with the required components. Sourcing nose wire from a manufacturer committed to quality, safety, and cleanliness should be important criteria when choosing a supplier.
Industry-recognized certifications such as ISO 9001:2015 and BRCGS indicate a manufacturing facility has systems in place to create a quality, safe, and consistent product.
Upon request, a quality supplier should be able to produce a letter of guarantee or documentation confirming the certifications they have earned.
Learn more about the importance of certifications in your supply chain
2. What is the best nose wire size and material for my mask?
If you’re new to mask manufacturing, choosing the right size nose wire might seem a bit confusing. Generally, a two wire nose piece is recommended for N95 and KN95 masks, and a single wire for 3-ply masks.
The material of the bendable wire is equally important as the size. According to one dermatologist in an online public health journal, certain metal strips can cause negative implications for those that experience skin allergy or sensitivity to certain metals. Several dermatologists responded cautioning that omitting a nose wire altogether would not follow public health guidance.
By choosing a bridge wire that’s encased in plastic or paper, you can create a mask that is both effective and reduces the user’s risk of having skin irritation at the nose wire site.
The coated bendable wire provides comfort, added strength, durability, ease of application, and helps prevent rust.
3. Where is it made?
Availability of raw materials, widespread labor shortages and lead times are all factors in choosing your supplier. Forecasting your nose wire far in advance and placing orders early ensures there are no disruptions in your production process.
Geographic distance can play a significant role in how quickly your order may be fulfilled and arrive at your facility. Depending on your company’s values and policies, choosing a manufacturer in the United States may be a priority.
4. Is it compatible with my automated manufacturing line?
Depending on the size and scale of your mask production, you may need automation to quickly apply the nose wire to your mask.
Choose a nose wire supplier that offers a variety of spool sizes and lengths that are configured to run in automated lines.
5. What support and service will I receive?
Cost is an important factor when comparing quotes from suppliers. Beyond product cost, you need to consider the support, service, and lead time.
You should feel confident in a supplier’s industry knowledge to custom-fit you with the best bendable wire material for your mask.
Undervalue any of these aspects and it can really hamper your mask-making project.
Choose a nose wire supplier that checks all your boxes
Having manufactured nose wire long before the Covid-19 pandemic, Bedford has many years of experience and expertise to find the best fit for your face mask project.
Manufactured in the USA, the family-owned company offers a wide variety of nose wire options, spool configurations, and a favorable lead time. To ensure a quality product is manufactured as consistently as possible, the Minnesota-based company maintains certifications such as BRCGS for packaging and packaging materials and ISO 9001:2015.
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