Photo Credit: Ourrobinsnest
The Crayola Mask has been a HUGE success. Over 8 MILLION Americans wear one! We've had so many questions about it's design and why it looks like it does. With that in mind, here are 5 things on the Crayola Mask, you didn't know were designed to specifically help children with sensory difficulties:
Let me know in the comments which of the features your child LOVES the most!
1. The Color Choice
Photo Credit: Pink Salt and Sunshine
The request came from parents of children who had sensory issues. The parents were concerned that if they introduced their child to something out of routine, the request could become very distressing.
Giving their child control of choice could give them the opportunity to positively reinforce their decision and make wearing a mask less stressful. The whole range was then adapted to accommodate. The Cool Colors range was even chosen from the favorite colors of a small sample of parents whose children had sensory issues!
"We are so excited for our new face masks from @schoolmaskpack and they are super cute and come in fun designs and colors. They are comfortable and each pack comes with a washable laundry bag, masks for each day, and a calendar. One of my favorite things about the masks is that they are adjustable to fit your and your little ones needs."
RattlesandPearls
2. The Ear Design
Photo Credit: Family Education
One of the most frequent request was to ensure any extra-sensitive ears were well looked after. This was particular high on the list of parents who had children with sensory issues.
The parents in the sample helped us elicit the major pain-points and create a workable design to eliminate as much stress as possible. As a result, all the adjustable beads, soft loops, and the CPSIA compliant bead-lock mechanism all came from the group's feedback!
"My favorite feature is the adjustable ear straps. That’s been our biggest struggle when Ryder needs to wear a mask and these fit AMAZING! My little sensory seeker actually is completely comfortable in these, so I feel safer now when I need to take him to a public place."
PinkSaltandSunshine
3. The Mask Design
Photo Credit: Laynee
For this, the topic of discussion focused on how it covered their face. The sample of mom's children, each had individual personal sensory experiences and different ways to help reduce stress for their child.
The best-fit overall was a snug, full-cover, 3D fit, with a nose clip to reduce fogging. The material, a wash-friendly, 2-layer, light and pure, 100% cotton. This, combined with the mommy-designed ear loops proved a HUGE success.
"I bought these masks for my son after our homemade ones broke. He is 6 and has a small face and these fit very well and were easy to adjust. They are comfortable for him which is very important because he has sensory concerns due to Autism. Now I hope they make more designs!"
Laynee
4. Matching comfort
Photo Credit: Rattlesandpearls
Feedback varied but remained on the whole consistent. Their child [with sensory issues] seeing them wearing a mask could help positively reinforce the situation. A mommy-mask would also create key visual assistance to aid verbal communication and information.
It could also help create a routine that they would both need to do together, a schedule for their daily mask selection. We needed to make the transition as seamless as possible and ultimately feel more so like an activity for both of them.
"My theme song lately is Drive by Incubus. “Whatever tomorrow brings I’ll be there..” ...with open arms and reliable facesmasks! @schoolmaskpack is easy to wear, care for and keep track of to help make masks less intimidating for daily use especially for our little ones. They are comfortable to wear and they have adjustable ear straps for children with sensory issues. Each pack includes a name tag to help keep track of you or your little ones masks and a tracker to keep track of use..."
Ourrobinsnest
5. This mask belongs to...
Photo Credit: Schoolmaskpack
This is a point our mommy group were very vocal about. They were a little concerned that since the mask is a new item, that it could be disassociated to them as a belonging and left. Alternatively, they could pick up another mask by accident.
The solution was fairly simple in the end. Firstly, a lanyard so they couldn't drop it, and secondly, name tags (so if they did) it would be easy to find the owner! This great lanyard-mask combination has now benefited MILLIONS of children (and parents) across America.
"Absolutely love your masks. My son has sensory issues and will only wear the ones from Crayola, says they are the best ones!" - Maureen
"These masks fit my 3 yo and 5 yo perfectly! my 5 y/o has sensory issues and does not mind these masks at all. We get tons of compliments on them. Cutest ever!" - Lauren
Learnings
Photo Credit: Pinhole Press
The success of the Crayola mask is such an incredible testament to the dedication of moms!
Our most positive reviews and compliments have also come directly from the ideas our mommy-group gave during feedback. Their efforts to create a mask perfect for their babies, has in-turn helped millions of others.
Do you have any ideas for products you'd like to see? Feel free to Contact Us, we'd love to hear from you! Who knows, maybe you'll inspire the next, Crayola Mask!
Stain Free T-Shirt from The Good Day Lab
"My little sensory seeker is completely comfortable"
"My favorite feature is the adjustable ear straps. That’s been our biggest struggle when Ryder needs to wear a mask and these fit AMAZING! My little sensory seeker actually is completely comfortable in these, so I feel safer now when I need to take him to a public place."
@pinksaltandsunshine
