Can we please just consider a divide of those that simply don't want the inconvenience of wearing a mask, those who find them mildly uncomfortable and those who don't want to be told what to do, compared to someone who is genuinely claustrophobic?
Telling someone who is claustrophobic to try it, practice wearing it, build up your tolerance and so on is akin to telling someone with depression to 'cheer up'. It really is not that simple. When you have a genuine fear of having your mouth and nose covered and breathing in warm air, there is nothing that is going to make it miraculously disappear - having a soft cotton mask will make no difference - claustrophobia does not go away because the mask is less itchy or because it has a pretty pattern. A scarf, bandana or other covering will make no difference - it's still fabric covering your face and still going to have the same effect. Yes, not wanting to wear a mask because you cannot bear to have your face covered by any kind of fabric is selfish, but in the same way that a person with depression cannot help how this makes them feel and behave, which can sometimes make them selfish. It is not a choice.
Without going into too much detail, my own claustrophobia (I am fairly certain) was caused by a childhood incident where I became trapped, and fabric entangled around my face. I have never been able to put my head under the bedcovers, or under water either, I even hold my breath putting a jumper over my head and if I wear a scarf in cold weather I tuck it firmly into my jacket to avoid it going anywhere near my face. If I use a hairdryer I have to actively make sure that the warm air does not blow on my face. The one and only time I went camping I ended up sitting in the middle of the tent all night as the tent canvas in the sleeping pod was inches from my face and I couldn't breathe. The phobia was also exacerbated by an abusive ex who would press his hand over my nose and mouth during arguments, so the neighbours couldn't hear me cry when he was punching me and worse. I've not been in a relationship with anyone since (15 years). However, I've not had any medical treatment or therapy for my phobia, as until now it hasn't affected my life to the point where I felt it was necessary - up to now I have just stayed away from any scenario that would need me to put something over my face as in normal times, this can just be avoided. I don't have issues with small spaces, it is specifically about having fabric covering my face.
Telling someone with claustrophobia that you also have claustrophobia but have managed wear a mask is not helpful, in the same way that some people with autism or asthma are absolutely fine with masks, and others cannot tolerate them due to their condition. It affects people differently. The difference being, that carrying a mask exemption card for asthma or autism will be more acceptable than for claustrophobia, and let's face it, there will be people who will abuse the exemption cards simply because they just don't WANT to wear a mask. Whatever the situation, there is always a greater intolerance for those with hidden disabilities & mental health issues than those who have a visible condition.
Even if it is for the greater good, I cannot bring myself to do it. It's not about what I want, I have no issue with masks as per say, unless they happen to be covering my own nose and mouth - I'm not trying to be difficult, obtuse, or special and I'm not self conscious- so far I have tried to comply with every single aspect of the lockdown and social distancing, and it would be much easier for me if I could just wear the damn thing.
There are some that think if you cannot wear a mask then you should stay at home for the foreseeable. This makes me sad that people with genuine claustrophobia are being treat as though it is a choice they are actively making, that they have to force themselves to overcome it, that they are at fault. I'd be up for trying out a face visor, as it isn't as tight to the face and I can feel that fresh air is getting in, but it's for this very reason (that they are open at the bottom) that a visor is not an acceptable substitution for a mask.
Please don't put me in the same category as people who don't want to wear a mask because of the minor inconvenience it will will cause them. This is not a choice.