When allergy meds are not enough or not an option, consider wearing an allergy face mask. You can purchase disposable or reusable face masks as well as make your own.

Allergy season has been arriving earlier and lasting longer every year due to changing weather patterns. An important step in reducing allergy and asthma symptoms is filtering the air you breathe. Along with medication, one of the most effective ways to reduce allergy symptoms is by wearing an allergy mask.

This year, I opted to make and wear a face mask because health problems prevent me from using regular allergy medication. At the same time, pollen counts have been sky high due to warmer and wetter weather arriving earlier. It was either wear a face mask or stay indoors which would drive me crazy. I already had tried taking a shower and washing my clothes after every outside activity but my allergies were still out of control.

I wear my face mask when doing outdoor chores like mowing the lawn as well as when I walk my dogs or take a bike ride. I am not around a lot of people but most people seem to be accepting.

You can buy a high-quality allergy mask that is reusable for about $20. But you also can make your own by following do-it-yourself instructions like those at http://www.craftpassion.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/face-mask-pattern.pdf

To make your face mask, start by downloading the face mask sewing pattern at www.craftpassion.com. You also will need to purchase or find around the house some cotton fabric. You can go for a wild pattern if you wish. I had some fabric in my sewing box from a previous project. I needed a 12 X 6 inch piece to cut the top and another 10 X 6 inch piece for the lining or backing of the mask. The suggested lining can be the same or different fabric. Don’t forget 16 inches of round elastic cord.

Start by prewashing your fabric. Then, fold the main fabric in half with wrong sides facing each other. Pin the paper pattern onto the double layered fabric. Add a one-quarter-inch seam allowance as you cut the pattern.

Repeat this process for the backing/lining. You can trace sewing lines on your fabric with a tracing wheel or you can just wing it. Now, you are ready to sew. Just follow the directions, illustrated with pictures, on www.craftpassion.com.

The face mask has really helped cut down on my allergy symptoms except for my burning, itching eyes. I am trying eye drops for that problem.