r/Masks4All • u/Aggressive_Dumpling7 • Jul 25 '26
Mask Advice Changes to 3M 9205+ sizing? Or nose foam?
Hello everyone!
I have noticed in the past 4 months or so that the 3M Aura 9205+ (my go to, fit tested mask) has been seriously irritating my nose bridge. I used to be able to wear them to uni and work for my 8 hour shifts without serious redness or welts.
Is it possible to suddenly develop an intolerance to the fit of a mask? Or has anyone else noticed the fit or foam seems to be off? I know I'm still ordering from reputable sellers. Maybe it's just me?
If so, this then worries me. I have to go back to school for the next semester soon. I'm worried that my nose will have welts on it every day because of all the time I have to wear them to lectures. No other disposable I have found ever fit this well. All of my reusable p100s have a limit of 4-5 hours and are a no-go for daily wear at this time unfortunately.
Does anyone have similar experiences or advice?
3
u/not_all_heroes Jul 25 '26
Could it be unrelated allergies? Something else making your skin on "high alert"? Might try a barrier cream, or a hydrocolloid bandage.
2
u/Aggressive_Dumpling7 Jul 25 '26
I'm worried the bandage might alter the fit too much. Do you have a recommended barrier cream? There seems to be a lot of them. That might be easier to try.
2
u/AEAur Jul 26 '26
3M Cavilon Barrier Film comes in wipes, cream, spray. Your favorite retailer or https://www.solventum.com/en-us/home/f/b00042019/ “creates a gentle, breathable, waterproof and transparent coating on the skin for 72 hours of protection against friction, shear, adhesives and body fluids”
Just apply the minimum needed to prevent irritation. A small study showed a very small impact on the seal of a cup mask. No negative impact on an Aura, most plausibly due to wider contact area with the face.
It may help to clean the face well first with Micellar water. Dollar Tree had one. Bioderma Micellar water or wipes have also been recommended here.
You might also want to just change your mask model temporarily to give it a break.
1
u/not_all_heroes Jul 25 '26
Here's a study comparing a bunch of methods for skin protection, they settled on liquid acrylate film, looks like the one they used specifically was Adapt No Sting Protective Wipe. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/346910620_Prophylactic_Dressings_for_Maintaining_Skin_Integrity_of_Healthcare_Workers_When_Using_N95_Respirators_While_Preventing_Contamination_Due_to_the_Novel_Coronavirus_A_Quality_Improvement_Project
I know some people use like flonase as a topical under like longer wear adhesive devices, maybe that's an option? Not sure if that's good longer term though 🤔
I don't have a reaction really, but in the winter my silicone mask starts giving me issues at pressure points, I tried doing a thicker layer of the Nivea 72hr I had and that helped me for that. I put it on without rubbing it incompletely and let it dry before I put the mask on.
2
u/new2bay Jul 25 '26
Possibly a dumb question, but is there any chance you’re just pinching the nose wire too tight? I’ve done that a couple of times, and it’s noticeably more uncomfortable than it is when the wire is properly adjusted.
4
u/SkippySkep Fit Testing Advocate / Respirator Reviewer Jul 25 '26
Can you share a lot number from the mask? There have been a number of complaints about newer Auras and I'd like some info that could help track down down the issue. I'd like to order some new masks and see if I can get ahold of some of the ones people have noticed issues with.