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Original poster

Do you struggle with wearing a mask in shops?

122 replies

BarrowInFurnessRailwayStation · 14/01/2022 15:54

I've always struggled with having to wear a mask and feel like I'm suffocating although I'm fully aware that I won't. I get anxiety attacks and my anxiety is based around feeling too hot and not being able to get enough fresh air.

Last couple of weeks have been a real struggle. Anybody else feel like this? I wonder how much longer we're going to have to keep wearing them.

OP posts:
forlornlorna · 14/01/2022 18:29

Keeps my chins warm happy days

SavBbunny · 14/01/2022 18:36

I wear one but spend less time and money due to glasses fog and sore ears. So many shop staff are exempt? I don't think so.

swapsicles · 14/01/2022 18:45

I did struggle at the start but have had to wear one all day at work since they were introduced, it makes my nose run and I sweat if warm but protecting those around me so I out up with it.
For those who say the mask gets in your eyes, if it's the shaped ones the pointy bit goes on your nose if you wear it upside down so it's shaped to your chin then for some face shapes it's uncomfortable!
Also if you don't wear a mask for whatever reason please please don't do the following to staff in shops/restaurants
Lean over the counter to talk
Stand super close.
If we step back take the hint and don't follow!
And if you do wear a mask please don't take it down to talk or worse cough or sneeze!

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Billandben444 · 14/01/2022 18:52

If shop staff wear them all day then it's respectful to return the favour.

Seasidemumma77 · 14/01/2022 18:55

Yes, it's exhausting wearing a mask for an entire 8, 9 or 10hr shift on the shop floor. Honestly no idea how customers manage it while they shop!

megletthesecond · 14/01/2022 18:59

Not at all. I double mask and it isn't a problem. I can run in one if I have to.

Bbbegonias · 14/01/2022 19:08

I don't wear one. They turn droplets in aerosol which hang around in the air for longer. Plus people fiddle with them, wear them multiple times, they're pointless. But we MUST be seen to be doing something!!! 🙄 If you want to wear an effective mask, it needs to seal around your mouth and nose and have filters. Stop torturing yourself when you don't have to OP.

RoRoYoYo · 14/01/2022 19:10

No I wear glasses and have reduced hearing but don't struggle to wear one all day at work. It was 26c in my workplace today and it was fine. If you have to wear one you get used to it.

SquirrelG · 14/01/2022 19:14

No, I don't struggle to wear a mask in a shop - and it's summer here, so yes it gets hot, but really it's not that difficult. Everyone in my town wears one when they are supposed to, there isn't all this angst about it like there seems to be in the UK! Do people like wearing them, no, but they do it anyway.

SquirrelG · 14/01/2022 19:16

You've hit the nail on the head @Seasidemumma77.

FourTeaFallOut · 14/01/2022 19:17

Yes, I do struggle. I have breathing difficulties at the best of times. I can get in and out of a shop for one or two things with a mask on but that's my limit. I can't wait for masks to go.

Jellykat · 14/01/2022 19:23

I too wear one when i work in retail, all day..

I also wear one when doing a 4 - 6 hour clean, it makes my face really hot while hoovering, mopping, etc, especially in the Summer, but you just have to get on with it. End of.

ArbleMarchTFruitbat · 14/01/2022 19:25

Only glasses fogging, which is a pain in the neck, but not a serious problem.

DariaMorgendorffer · 14/01/2022 19:27

@Seasidemumma77

Yes, it's exhausting wearing a mask for an entire 8, 9 or 10hr shift on the shop floor. Honestly no idea how customers manage it while they shop!
Quite.
Hugasauras · 14/01/2022 19:32

I find it interesting how many British people are apparently unable or unwilling to wear a mask when other countries have much higher levels of compliance and way firmer rules. What's up with the British constitution? Grin

Mind you, where I am in Scotland, I've never really noticed people not wearing masks in places they should, not on any grand scale, just the numbers you would expect for people exempt due to legit health reasons.

I can't say I love wearing one but I will do so because I believe it does help, even if only slightly, and it's a very minor thing for me to do v the sacrifices some people have to make. Nose wires help with glasses - mine don't steam up when I've got for the right fit.

LondonQueen · 14/01/2022 19:33

They always make my nose run which isn't pleasant but I push through it. Though I must admit I didn't wear it today when I went out at lunch as I forgot it, it was bliss.

ImInStealthMode · 14/01/2022 19:35

Absolutely sick of it because I can't bloody see (glasses wearer).

7Worfs · 14/01/2022 19:36

Brits were subjected to an unholy scare propaganda for the past 2 years, but finally more and more are waking up and showing some defiance. Personal liberty still means something here.

ItsSnowJokes · 14/01/2022 19:37

Can you imagine if all the operating theatre staff refused to wear masks when operating as they felt they couldnt/shouldn't have to wear them. Would you all be happy for them to operate them on you? They wear them for your protection.

I do find it bizarre how many are exempt in the UK compared to other countries.

Is it tricky? yes it can be, I'm partially deaf and do struggle but it really is a small thing to do.

DinosaurOfFire · 14/01/2022 19:38

@BarrowInFurnessRailwayStation

Do people have a go at you if you don't wear one? I don't know what I'd do if someone pulled me up on it.
I can't wear a mask thanks to sensory issues- they trigger an autistic shutdown followed by meltdown for me- and I have only been challenged once by a member of the public since they became compulsory in 2020. I am in Wales so they never went away last summer. I am sometimes asked by a shop assistant if I need a mask and I just reply No thank you, I am exempt, and that is the entire interaction I have as I enter the store.
SoManyTshirts · 14/01/2022 19:40

My glasses fog up and my nose runs, but I still wear a mask for however long I’m shopping or on public transport, out of respect for staff and other customers.

Fortunately all our bus windows are jammed open to provide extra ventilation so there at least being too hot is not an issue (UK). Menopause taught me to layer up/down to adjust my temperature as required.

FourTeaFallOut · 14/01/2022 20:15

Can you imagine if all the operating theatre staff refused to wear masks when operating as they felt they couldnt/shouldn't have to wear them. Would you all be happy for them to operate them on you? They wear them for your protection

Hmm I'm pretty sure that people with my lungs aren't operating staff in any country. Thanks.

Buzzinwithbez · 14/01/2022 20:19

For lots of reasons I gave up last year.
But mostly because I don't have to put myself through any more panic attacks.

OneOfTheGrundys · 14/01/2022 20:26

There are many gels/wipes out there for glasses wearers. I need to wear one most of the day for work and a spray kit, couple of quid off Amazon stops them from fogging. One wipe over in the morning lasts most of the day.

ArbleMarchTFruitbat · 14/01/2022 20:29

@OneOfTheGrundys

There are many gels/wipes out there for glasses wearers. I need to wear one most of the day for work and a spray kit, couple of quid off Amazon stops them from fogging. One wipe over in the morning lasts most of the day.
I've had limited success with those - not sure whether it might be because my lenses are already coated with various things - they reduced the fog a bit but didn't cure it.