A common complaint about wearing masks—that isn’t about how they’re used by the government to control everyone—is that they are uncomfortable on the ears. The front of the mask is in a constant tug-of-war, pulling them towards the wearer’s face and causing irritation.

With folks looking for a more comfortable option that fits properly, ear savers arrived; it’s an uncomplicated device used with a mask to relieve the pressure off the ears. They are a simple affair, a skinny piece of molded plastic with hooks running along two sides onto which the mask’s ear loops attach, offering respite for folks having to wear masks for prolonged periods such as frontline and essential workers.