Abstract: A face mask formed by a plurality of fibers and generally having a cup shape to fit over the mouth and nose of a wearer and for filtering the air passing through the fibers, including, a nose bridge portion, nose pad portions to either side of the nose bridge portion to fit against the sides of the nose and against the cheekbones of the wearer, and a central portion of the face mask below the nose bridge portion and the nose pad portions and with the fibers of the nose pad portions more lightly compacted than the fibers in at least the central portion of the face mask to have the nose pad portions thicker and more flexible than at least the central portion of the face mask for providing a seal against the sides of the nose and the cheekbones for preventing the passage of air between the mask and the face of the wearer.