Does anyone else genuinely find it hard to breathe properly through a mask?

[creamorwhite]

I've got washable cotton ones from Boots but they're quite thick. I'm now using the blue disposable ones but during the commute have to lift it a bit off my face so I can gasp some air in. I have always found it hard to breathe through my nose but don't have anything medical diagnosed, I'm not exempt, but really struggle to feel I'm getting air in whilst wearing a mask. I do wear it whilst on public transport but will pull it down to expose my nose which helps a bit. I know people will rant at me for that but I am doing it because I am struggling and frankly I don't have a choice. Does anyone else feel like this?

It can get uncomfortable after a while and I do sometimes pull it down to take a gasp of air. I think it’s better to be safe than sorry right now. But I’m looking forward to when they’re no longer necessary

Nope and I have issues breathing through my nose too. Tbf I've never had to wear one for a long period of time - only use for shopping. Don't use public transport etc etc. But I do find the disposable ones more comfortable than washable ones.

I do find it affects what I can see though 🤣 I was in a shop and had trouble walking down the stairs as felt I couldn't see as I was walking down and I was going to trip down! Couldn't see pass my must be rather large nose and the mask!

Yes, I'm the same with the feeling like I can't breathe. Not to the point where I would have to remove it, just extremely uncomfortable and I find it gets so hot. I've tried so many different types but they all feel the same. It's a shame as it puts me off going out as much as I did before

Yes. I have tried lots of types, but I often lift it away from my face at the bottom to sort of release the sort of moisture filled air which is inside and take some breaths of fresh air. I only wore mine whilst supermarket shopping today, and I had to do this a good few times. I know that you’re not suppose to touch your face covering but I absolutely had to.

It is definitely stopping me from going many indoor places like shops and the like, which isn’t really bothering me that much, but I am spending way less than I previously would. Not a bad thing for me personally, but I would imagine that many many people are doing the same and the high street must be taking an absolutely enormous hit. I wonder how long our high street and shopping centre will survive.

I'm similar. I can tolerate it but feel like I can't breathe properly. My glasses steaming up doesn't help. I've just bought some silk masks to see if they are easier.

Yes but only sometimes. I've tried 3 different types. Was only in the supermarket getting a basket of stuff earlier and I cldnt get out fast enough. It's was also itching my face. The paper disposable ones I've found best but sometimes they annoy me too 🙈

Yes a bit I must admit.

Went to the chiropractor yesterday and had acupuncture and had to lie face down with a mask in for about 20 mins. Was fairly desperate for air afterwards. And had a headache when the appointment was over. It went after some time in the fresh air.

I got a few synthetic ones that are shaped like a cone or duck's bill so they are not touching face or nose but cover them just the same. The most comfortable so far. Can wear them for ages and forget I have them on sometimes.

I just bought them in a random shop, but look at the shape and it might help.

Yes. The best ones I have found are in Asda. I can't remember the name but the packaging states they are flesh coloured and breathable (hence why I purchased). They do however look like tights so my DP won't wear them .

I made some of my own but they were too thick. Ended up remaking them with just one layer of cotton but prefer the Asda ones .

Only when i'm walking up a flight of stairs!

Have worn one for 8-10 hours when working and I find the disposable ones more comfortable for long periods.

Yes I do. I find my breathing becomes really shallow and I’m gasping for breath. I’ve tried really hard to slow my breathing down but it doesn’t help.
I struggle with things on my face generally, I can’t wear scarves at all as they make me panic.
I just try to limit the time I need to wear one (avoiding shops and indoor places), and count myself lucky that I don’t have to wear them for work!

There is a huge difference between different types of mask, if you're not comfortable it is absolutely worth trying a few more. I agree with a pp - the ones which are shaped to keep them away from your face are much more comfortable for me too.
If you're wearing it below your nose it isn't protecting anyone

Yes it's tricky at times! And you can have muffled conversations.

Yesterday I had a runny nose in a shop so my mask got stuck to me. Grim. Wasn't anything I could do about it til I got outside (luckily it was a washable one).

Oh and I’ve tried loads of different types too... at least 10! I’ve spent a fortune. I really am trying (as I don’t want to not be able to go anywhere inside!) I just find it very very difficult.

Breathing through a mask is strange and unpleasant, but the reality is that everyone without significant medical issues can get adequate oxygen (though I accept there are mental health and neurodisability issues that preclude mask wearing).

I'm a nurse and I remember clearly my first few days of mask wearing, and having the feeling that I couldn't breath. You have to push through it and you will get used to the sensation. If you take the mask off (or pull it back) every time you just teach your brain that it can't wear a mask, when you can.

Yes I do when shopping, but got my nails done the other day and was much better just being sat down for 45 mins than moving about a shop. I don't know if I overthink it when I shop, I'm pregnant and I get all hot and flustered wearing it and it's put me off shopping a bit. I've found the best type are the thinner disposable surgical type ones but then I feel bad about not using a reusable one.

Yes. My personal "best" at hyperventilating and sensory overload kicking in is 45 seconds. Single layer of buff.

I hate breathing stuffy, humid air and always have. That was the trigger for car sickness as a child, and every time I have ever hyperventilated, hot humid air has been involved. Usual suspects are humid, loud busy places like shop queues and swimming changing areas.

Yes, I've bought 4 different reusable types, cotton and silk, and do struggle with getting enough air. It was particularly bad during the hot weather and I couldn't wait to get outside and gulp in fresh air. I'm resigned to it though and am avoiding spending too long in shops and am doing most of my shopping online.

No.

No. It's a strange feeling to be sure but I've never started asphyxiating from one.

I’m not doubting that I’m getting adequate oxygen, I know I am. However as I struggle generally with things on my face my breathing becomes shallow... when I take it off I have to take a giant gulp of air. Been trying for months to get over the issue but really struggling (and in fact the issue with anything being over my face is something I’ve been trying to deal with all my adult life).
I still wear one as I have none of the exemptions. It just means I limit going anywhere that requires one as much as possible.

I have asthma and regularly have to pull mine away from my face in order to breathe properly.

Yes, when walking briskly or uphill. But I am asthmatic, so that’s probably contributing. Don’t think I could wear a mask for more than 30 minutes or so without it triggering my asthma, but would qualify for an exemption if I had to for some reason. It hasn’t come up yet.

Initially yes but I was required to wear one for longer periods (in a country with much stricter rules) and now I'm just used to it. In fact it feels odd not wearing one in some places. I think there is an element of needing time to get used to it for most people.

I started to faint when holding my baby initially although now the weather is cooler it's better. Although now the baby always pulls it off if I'm holding her so different problem!

I do always suffer when my head is under the duvet etc a s have been diagnosed with nasal asthma so guess it's that sort of thing .