How Face Shapes Are Changing and Why Your Mask Might Not Fit

People in Chile are getting bigger faces, and that's a problem for mask fit. A recent study looked at how faces have changed over the last decade and how well masks fit now compared to before. The study used two sets of data: one from 2013 with manual measurements and another from 2024 using 3D scans. They measured 11 different parts of the face, following international standards. The results showed that faces, especially men's, have gotten larger. This means that masks designed a while ago might not fit well anymore. The study tested four different mask fit panels and found that the NIOSH/ISO panel worked best, while the LANL full-facepiece panel didn't fit well, especially for recent male participants. The study also found that men and women's faces have different shapes, and this affects how well masks fit. The findings suggest that mask designs need to be updated to fit current face shapes better. This is important not only for Chile but for other countries that import masks without checking if they fit their people. The study shows that as faces change, mask fit panels might become less effective. This could put workers at risk if masks don't fit well. The study offers a way to update mask designs based on current data, which could help improve safety and comfort for workers.