Gondola Mask

Description

With the most breathing room of any of our 3D mask shapes, the Gondola is a good choice if you:

• Need lots of height and air space in your mask so you don’t feel claustrophobic
• Want a mask that won’t touch your mouth or nostrils, even when you’re breathing hard
• Prefer lots of coverage, but still want maximum airflow
• Wear glasses (or sunglasses) regularly
• Need masks in lots of sizes for the whole family

The 3D shaping around the nose and chin plate keeps the edges sealed against your skin.  Less gap = fewer stray droplets getting in or out.  The under-eye scoop lets you see even when the mask is safely high up on your nose.  You have the option of adding a nose-piece if you have problems with glasses fogging up, or you just want a snugger seal.

Two “ribs” formed by pin-tucks help to support the mask dome, keeping it high and clear of your breathing passages.  This means it’s less likely to soak up sweat or exhaled fluids, and even if it does gets wet with rain or condensed breath in cold weather, it stays lifted well off your face.

Your Options

Sizing

Gondola masks come in 6 sizes: XL, Large, Medium, Small, XS/Tween, and Child (the measurements given are for width x panel height).  If you need help figuring out what this means, and how to size yourself or others, refer to the sizing guide.

• XL: 12″ x 3 ¼” (30.5 cm x 8.5 cm)
• Large: 11″ x 3″ (28 cm x 7.5 cm)
• Medium: 10″ x 2 ¾” (25.5 cm x 7 cm)
• Small: 9″ x 2 ½” (23 cm x 6.5 cm)
• XS/Tween: 8 ¼” x 2 ¼” (21 cm x 5.5 cm)
• Child: 7 ½” x 2″ (19 cm x 5 cm)

All measurements are approximate, since each fabric handles and gives a bit differently.  All numbers are rounded to the nearest ¼ inch or 0.5 cm.

Fabric Choices

All fabrics are have been put through a washer and dryer before cutting out the masks, so you can safely machine-wash and tumble-dry them.  If you intend to use bleach, you should stick with white cotton only and opt for the nose-piece at your own risk. Natural fibres may require pressing to restore shape after laundering.

If you want a fabric or colour that’s not listed here, or need some customization, please contact us.

Ties or Elastics?

You can opt for adjustable ties that go behind the head, which allow you to customize the tightness (a good choice for people with sensitive ears).  Or you can choose ear elastics for ease of use.

If you choose the elastic option, the ear elastics will be sent to you threaded in the casings but not tied into a loop, so you can knot them at the length that’s most comfortable for you.  Once you’ve tied them off, you can rotate the loop so the knots are hidden in the casing.

Nose Piece: Yes or No?

For the Gondola mask, a moldable nose-piece is optional — but it’s recommended if you have a high or angular nose bridge, and/or if you have problems with glasses that fog up, as it helps shape the top edge for a more secure seal.  Find out more about nose pieces here.

Filter Pocket or not?

You can opt to go with three layers (regular price) or two layers plus a filter pocket ($2 extra).  If you’re not sure which is best for you, you can find out more in our Big Mask Update (part 1, part 2, and part 3).

Polypropylene (PPL) Middle Layer

Since some people have been asking, we’re offering the option of making the middle layer (in regular three-layer masks only) out of garment-grade non-woven polypropylene fabric for an additional $2.  Otherwise, we’ll just use the usual tight-woven, breathable fabric for the middle layer.

If you want to know more about the pros and cons of polypropylene as a mask or filter material, you can find out in our Big Mask Update (part 3).

Alternative Mask Styles

Depending on your face shape, requirements, or preferences, you may find on of our other styles a better fit for you.  If you have a very long face, a beard, or a really mobile jaw (that is, if you move your jaw up and down a lot when you talk), you may want to look into the Ziggurat mask.  If you want a mask that takes up less footprint on your face but still has lots of air space, try the Anteater mask.  For a more dramatic statement with breathing space, try the Sparrowhawk mask.  You can refer to the guide on fitting Your face for more details.

If you’re not sure which style is best for you, consider getting one of each possibility, then laundering and gifting or donating the ones you don’t like as much to family, friends, or your local shelter.  We match each of your purchases with a mask we donate to someone in need, so you’ll be helping others while figuring out what works for you.

Also consider getting more than one mask per person so you can wash and dry used masks after every wearing, especially if anyone in your family has cold-like symptoms, or if you’re in contact with other people for your job.

Questions about Masks

If you have questions about the usefulness, care instructions, and safety of face masks, read through these frequently asked questions.

If you’re still trying to figure out why you should or shouldn’t wear masks in public, here’s a critical thinker’s guide to face masks.

If you’re not sure which style is best for you, find out how to Fit Your Face.

Shipping

We ship via Canada Post.  Up to five masks travel by letter mail and do not have tracking numbers.  Larger quantities are shipped via parcel and tracking number is provided.  Note that Canada Post has suspended delivery guarantees.  If you want to get them faster, contact us for a quote on expedited shipping methods.

Photos

The photos show Felix and Kitty each wearing a size Large (Holiday Paisley, Green & Gold Scroll, Dog Print) and Medium (Brown and Tweed) for comparison, and the styrofoam head in a size Small.

Disclaimers

Remember that no masks can offer full protection against any kind of infection or danger.  No info on this site should be taken as medical advice.  These masks are not meant to substitute for standardized medical equipment.  If you have health-related concerns, talk to your physician.

Please read the FAQ and the Mask Wear and Care instructions before using any masks!

For your safety and ours, returns or exchanges are absolutely not possible with face masks!

We’re doing our best to keep prices as low as humanly possible to help ensure everyone who wants masks can have them right now.  So we’re offering them for the cost of materials, plus minimum wage for our sewing time.  We’ll try to maintain this for as long as the need exists and our materials hold out.