Mask and heart rate

[EileenH1]

Does anyone else's DC's heart rate go up when wearing a mask ? (from low 80's to 105-110 ) breathes louder, and says his chest hurts after 30 mins in one
i dont know if this is normal or not as it doesn't happen to me, I'm one of those people that can be in one for long periods of time without any issues

Could it be just a anxiety thing ? anything i can possibly do to help ? I've tried to get him to relax while wearing one, but nothing is working at the min, or should i try and get a doctors appointment?
i want him to be able to wear one without an issues

Anxiety - the mask makes him feel claustrophobic (I used to have that - made learning scuba tricky!).

Maybe swap a close fitting mask for a face-shield - that's what my aunt uses as she is missing half a lung.
A face shield will have the same effect on emissions as a mask would , but it won't feel as claustrophobic.

The other thing you could try is to train him to stop thinking about it - which is what I had to do with a scuba mask.

Get him to wear it while watching TV, but whenever he starts to feel uncomfortable, remove it for 2 mins and then replace. At some point if you're lucky he'll get engrossed in the program and forget the mask is on... It's a bit like saddling a horse :)

Anxiety is rotten, and if it does not seem to be improving then maybe it will be best to let him be declared exempt and not wear one.

Thanks,
I will see about getting a face shield ordered and see how that goes, i will also have to have a conversation with the school to see if they will accept this instead of a mask, can only hope they will do, he's 12 so must wear one all day apart from break time and lunch ( I've tried all masks with him its cost a small fortune lol)

I'm afraid face shields do not have the same effect on emissions (stuff you breath out) as a mask, mainly because they have massive gaps round the sides and bottom. This is why, for example, hairdressers are no longer allowed to wear them without masks underneath.

The watching TV idea sounds a good 'training' one.

Dont get a shield, it may have the exact effect on him. Plus they're not effective, nor allowed in some areas.

Like others say have practice time at home when hes relaxed and distracted. See if it's any different. Maybe he could choose his own mask. Praise him. Tell him how much he's helping ppl etc

@notrub

Anxiety - the mask makes him feel claustrophobic (I used to have that - made learning scuba tricky!).

Maybe swap a close fitting mask for a face-shield - that's what my aunt uses as she is missing half a lung.
A face shield will have the same effect on emissions as a mask would , but it won't feel as claustrophobic.

Not true or we'd all be wearing them. Honestly the misinformation on here sometimes is staggering.