Claustrophobia and masks!

[starlilly88]

I get very claustrophobic and am struggling wearing masks. I have managed a brief visit to dentist and doctor but felt fairly panicked until I took it off after. It's not just breathing in hot air but also something pressed against my nose and mouth. I'm not worried about Covid at all (partly because I've had it) so it's not anxiety about that or being out etc. Just feeling restricted and like I can't breathe.

Any mask recommendations that obviously fit well but aren't pressed against face but are comfortable and breathable? I am trying to avoid places where I have to wear one but that may not be possible in future if we have to wear them everywhere

Would a face shield be more acceptable? Do they count as a face covering?

what about a 'yashmak' style where you can breathe outta the bottom of it?

Just get a shield. They're tight across the forehead and can get a bit hot underneath but they're not pressed against the nose.

I dont like the masks either, they're shit for around 20 minutes and then oddly ok after that. Horrible 20 minutes though.

I'd feel like a bit of an idiot wearing a shield but the concept is better.

@gamerchick You think I might get used to it after 20 mins?
@crosseyedMary I have something a bit like that but makes my neck a bit hot in this weather. Will definitely use a gaitor in the colder months though if still needed

I can't cope with the masks either.

The material of the masks makes such a difference, I've tried all sorts. The best I've tried by far is a triple layer cotton mask. I can actually breathe while wearing it and that helps. The outer layer repels droplets which is a plus.

I bought one that is washable and I had to stop wearing it it made me feel dizzy and sick !

I wore a mask for the first time on Monday and it was awful at first, I had flashing lights and felt as though I couldn't breathe so I had to take it off. As I was in the office I had to put it on again (although every time I was on my own it was hanging from my ear!) and I gradually got used to it although I was so hot I was touching my face all the time.

I've bought some cotton ones from Etsy (I particularly like my flamingo mask) and I'll be using those when I'm back at work full time as they don't seem quite so bad as the disposable ones. Luckily I can take it off when I'm at my desk. I don't have filters for the masks as I don't want to make it any harder to breathe than it already is.

try a bandanna or a neck gaiter ...much easier to breathe ime

I've been looking at those @crosseyedMary but I'm not sure whether they'd be any good for me. Do they feel like wearing a polo neck?

I can't wear polo necks or anything high necked. I won't even wear a choker necklace. (DH has been told that if he buys me a necklace the chain has to be 18" or longer so I don't feel as though I'm being choked!)

it feels nothing like a polo neck to me, not tight around the neck at all:)
think of a yashmak!

I'm also a bit claustrophobic but I've been practising to build up gradually eg wearing just to go in the post office, then wearing round the co-op etc.

I have a few tips 1) look for a mask that has a wire over the nose as you can adjust it, 2) try the cross over technique for ties or elastics over ears (i saw an ambulance driver with his like it and it's more comfy), look for a pleated style as these sort of stick away from your mouth/nose.

I would love to hear any tips from people who are used to wearing masks at work (dentists/docs/nurses)

I'm also a bit deaf and have a name that people always need me to spell so the communication is tricky.

Yes I wear hearing aids it was really tricky to hear what my daughter was saying when we went to the hospital together

Just the thought of wearing one gives me that fight or flight surge.
I'm a lip reader too.
I also struggle with beathing stagnant, humid air.
I find masks out in public utterly repugnant.

Is it like if you're in a sauna/steam room? Cos I can't go in those I can't breathe in them now I'm wondering if it's that same kind of thing
But nowadays I feel like if I say any of this you'll get judged

I had to pop to a&e to get something looked at and had a panic attack wearing one, the nurses must have thought I was a complete wimp! I’m going to try and make some fabric ones to see if they are more breathable

@purpleme12 yes. But worse because you have the feeling of something pressing against your face too

I'm glad I've found some people who feel the same as me
I'm so depressed at the minute and the whole mask thing is a big part of that

Would a scarf feel better? At least that's more of a normal garment so it might register less?

I had to wear one in hospital with my mum, I had a huge crying panic attack. That was a new experience for me!

how are retail workers going to manage 9 hour shifts if masks are made compulsory?

@LilBlackLab

how are retail workers going to manage 9 hour shifts if masks are made compulsory?

Hopefully considering they have been working throughout the pandemic and there hasn't been an explosion in retail illnesses IF they don't want to wear them considering at least on the checkout they have screens then they won't suddenly be made to wear them

Kosette washable mask with built in N95 nano filter. Effective, protects you as well as others, washable for 3 months and really easy to breathe through.

Try wearing one round the house for short periods to build up your tolerance. If they become mandatory it will be wear one or don't go into shops, etc. I've progressed from my husband's motorcycling neck warmer to a proper mask which I can now wear quite comfortably.

as i said on the other thread, our customers will rebel against masks.....my scottish colleagues are already reporting back problems

customers won't adhere to any distancing or measures we've put in place as it is. i'm worried as we've all been sworn at, faced aggression and even physical abuse. now with masks in the equation.....