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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Wearing masks wrong

48 replies

Raindancer411 · 07/08/2020 22:50

Well it's not a AIBU but I wanted to post here for traffic... but AIBU to not understand people who wear a mask over their mouth and have their nose hanging out? Do they not realise that their nose and mouth are connected to the same way in to your lungs?

Can anyone shed any light on their thinking for me?

OP posts:
TheVamoosh · 07/08/2020 22:59

They probably think it's uncomfortable to cover their nose and they don't think masks are necessary, but they know they have to wear them in shops, so they make as token effort.

It looks absolutely ridiculous.

MrsSchadenfreude · 07/08/2020 23:05

They don’t care. Token effort. I was at Guy’s Hospital today for some tests and they weren’t letting anyone in who wasn’t wearing a mask properly and who hadn’t disinfected their hands. No mask and you weren’t allowed in. No idea what people with hidden disabilities did as every person I saw there was wearing one.

Hairthrowaway · 07/08/2020 23:08

Ashamed to admit that I did this today - but in my defence, I was waiting on an open/outdoor train station platform, there were major train delays so I was (unexpectedly) stuck there for an hour during this 30 degree heatwave. No one was near me, but it was extremely hot and stuffy with the mask on; uncovering my nose significantly improved my breathing. They kept saying the next one would leave “soon” hence why I kept it partially on. I took it off when it became clear that trains weren’t running.

Don’t worry, this was my first time so doing so due to the circumstances. I don’t do it on the train/in shops. But that was my thought process.

Hairthrowaway · 07/08/2020 23:09

Oh and I agree that people do this so on the surface, it looks like they’re wearing a mask. Token effort. Easy to pull up if anyone with authority is nearby etc

JeSuisPoulet · 07/08/2020 23:10

If the govt CBA to pay for a proper Public Health campaign then you can't assume everyone knows how to wear one safely. People still get confused by condoms FGS!

Yellownotblue · 07/08/2020 23:10

YANBU, this really grates me. Every Uber driver I’ve had does this. I’ve also seen tons doing this at the supermarket. People are stupid.

MyNameHasBeenTaken · 07/08/2020 23:12

Teen ds sent me this the other day

Wearing masks wrong
MumsyMumIAmNot · 07/08/2020 23:13

The guy that served me in the post office had what must be a kids mask on, was tiny and only covered his mouth so his nose was out. I wanted to ask about it but was so dumbfounded.

Oysterbabe · 07/08/2020 23:16

They're wearing it because they have to and that's it. They don't care whether it's on properly.

SamSeabornforPresident · 07/08/2020 23:17

@MrsSchadenfreude

They don’t care. Token effort. I was at Guy’s Hospital today for some tests and they weren’t letting anyone in who wasn’t wearing a mask properly and who hadn’t disinfected their hands. No mask and you weren’t allowed in. No idea what people with hidden disabilities did as every person I saw there was wearing one.
Relatively few people have genuine reasons for not wearing a mask so I'd imagine you'd see fewer in a hospital than the likes of Primark.
AntiHop · 07/08/2020 23:20

I have a new hobby- telling stupid people on public transport to cover their noses.

VincaMinor · 07/08/2020 23:23

Can anyone shed any light on their thinking for me?
I don't think there's a lot of thinking going on.

browzingss · 07/08/2020 23:23

@AntiHop I’d be careful doing that. You never know how aggressively a stranger could be in return - wish I had your balls though!

pinkstripeycat · 07/08/2020 23:30

My sister calls them willy faces because their nose looks like a little willy peeping out. Makes me feel sick 😂

IAintentDead · 07/08/2020 23:37

As the evidence for wearing them is so weak there really is no need to wear one. However the law is we do so it is a compromise some people make.

It probably does do as much good as any other non filtering mask. The alleged benefit is to restrict the distance of spread when coughing or sneezing both of which happen through your mouth.

I wear it properly on the single occasion I spent 3 minutes in a shop (even though I think it is a stupid rule) which means I can feel my breathing on my eyes. If I should have it (which I don't because I haven't been out for over a fortnight) I would think that I would be increasing my infection by concentrating it.

BrassyLocks · 07/08/2020 23:51

I would let my nose out if I was standing in the street far from anyone, but cover it in a shop.

bingbong1970 · 08/08/2020 01:19

Anyone who wears a mask is just showing how compliant and stupid they are.

weightedpunch · 08/08/2020 01:25

Because they're only wearing them because they have to by law??

Surely it's common sense that not everyone is bothered about the effectiveness since the evidence regarding it is fairly weak.

madroid · 08/08/2020 01:39

The evidence actually shows masks are fairly effective - but at protecting others from your coughs and sneezes (through your mouth and nose). That's why surgeons wear masks. To protect their patients.

Also, the doubt about making them mandatory was because the evidence shows people touch their faces more which can help to infect them more easily.

Userzzz · 08/08/2020 01:46

As pp said, evidence is weak on wearing masks. I resent the fact that I have to wear them so I try to get out as little as possible and when I do I only cover my mouth.

HellSmith · 08/08/2020 02:31

Perhaps their noses are too big to fit in to a mask as it does appear to be people with huuuuge noses that do this.

Tonp · 08/08/2020 04:18

I can’t physically breathe through my nose with a mask on cos because I have rhinitis.
If I breathe just through my mouth in a mask it triggers an adverse reaction like hyperventilating and panic attacks (and you’re not supposed to because it makes them wet and ineffective.
So my normal breathing normally is probably as difficult as it is wearing a mask because my nose is so blocked and I’m used to that!
I’m trying! I hate the fact that I can’t breathe normally! But my work (NHS) let me wear a visor.

CSIblonde · 08/08/2020 06:49

Did you read my mind. Overground train yesterday, I was nervous, first train trip since it all kicked off. No one under 30 in a mask. Everyone else with their nose out or it round their neck.

Charleyhorses · 08/08/2020 06:58

I travel by train an hour each way every day.
I admit that this week, and esp yesterday I have been pulling my face mask down away from my nose when sat on a train with no one within about 4 metres of me. I can't wear my glasses with one. Without glasses I feel motion sick!.
However, put it on over my nose at station and if there is any one else. Tbf almost everyone wears them .

Tumbleweed101 · 08/08/2020 07:06

I’d imagine because it’s hot and most people hate wearing them (in the physical sense) even if they understand why they are meant to. I probably won’t go near the shops while it’s so hot and we have to wear masks.

Personally I feel it’s too late as we’ve gone months without them, all through the peak and they’ve taken away the feeling that things were a little more normal but when I do wear them I do wear them properly - just can’t see when they mist my glasses
up!

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