A conformable face mask for health care workers is provided. The use of elastomeric materials (24, 26) applied under tension helps define a plurality of gathers which facilitate the donning and positioning of the mask. An elastomeric headband (24) maintains a comfortable and efficient seal while a similar elastomeric chin strap (26) helps provide a pouch-like enclosure for the wearer's chin. The substantially rectangular face mask includes a plurality of horizontal stays (14, 16, 18) which are individually adjustable to create a three-dimensional shaped mask which defines a spaced breathing area around the wearer's nose and mouth. Additional rigidity is provided by the selected melting of horizontal bands of the filter portion of the mask.
