Sparrowhawk Mask

Description

The Sparrowhawk mask is all about flair and panache, but it’s got a practical side too.  Its construction makes it super-robust; the side panels contain 6 or more layers (but there are just 3 layers directly over your breathing passages, so it won’t block too much airflow).  This also makes for a pretty good seal around the edges since they’re sturdy enough not to gape.

The sharp “beak” creates lots of height where it counts (you can really see it in the profile photos), so it won’t touch — or soak up moisture from — your nose or mouth.  The solid, supportive sides keeps the “beak” from collapsing onto your face.  Some people love the firmness and extra barrier, while others feel like all the layers are just too much.  You’ll have to decide for yourself.

With that in mind, the Sparrowhawk is a good choice if you:

• Find a little drama helps you (or your kids!) enjoy/tolerate mask-wearing
• Want a fashionable-looking mask for parties or special events
• Need height over your nose and mouth so you don’t feel claustrophobic
• Prefer a more structured, less floppy feel in your masks
• Are willing to trade a little airflow through the side portion of the mask (but NOT over your actual breathing passages, of course!) for the support and protection of extra layers

Your Options

Sizing

The Sparrowhawk mask is available in Small, Medium, and Large.  The photos show both a size Large and a size Medium on Felix and Kitty for comparison, and the styrofoam head in a size Small.  Exact sizing isn’t hugely important in this style; it’s largely a matter of personal preference.

Large may be best for most average adult male faces or larger female faces, while Medium might be better for smaller/narrower adult male faces or average female faces.  Size Small is intended for quite narrow and/or smaller-than-average adult female faces, or older children or tweens.

If you need a smaller or larger size than the standard range, contact us for a custom version.

Polypropylene Middle Layer

Since some people have been asking, we’re offering the option of making the middle layer (in 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).

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.  Bleaching is not recommended for coloured fabrics.  Natural fibres may require pressing to restore shape after laundering.

If you want a colour or fabric combination you don’t see below, contact us to see if we can customize one for you.  If you want a special-occasion mask, check out the selection in our fabric galleries (silk brocades, brocades, wools/woollens, all taffetas).  Prices may vary if you choose a non-standard fabric.

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 elastic ear loops, be aware that they’re deliberately left a bit long, so you can tie knots in them to shorten them to your own comfort level.  This is the only way to accommodate everyone’s preferences and sizes.

Nose Piece: Yes or No?

For the Sparrowhawk mask, a flexible wire nose-piece is quite optional.  However, if you have a very high or sharp nose bridge, and/or if you have problems with glasses that fog up, it will probably help.  Find out more about nose pieces here.

Alternative Mask Styles

Depending on your face shape, requirements, or preferences, you may find one of our other styles a better fit for you.  If you have a very long face, a beard that needs more coverage, or a very 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 just want maximum breathability over all other factors, go for the Gondola mask.  For more details, check out our guide to fitting Your face.

If you’re not sure which style is best for you, consider getting one of each, then laundering and gifting or donating the ones you don’t like as much.  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 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.

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 all 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.