Masks give me a migraine - any tips?

[piratehugs]

I'm looking for advice from migraine sufferers who've figured out how to wear a mask all day without getting a migraine.

I wear an FFP2 mask for two hours a day on the train and most of my 8-hour day at work. It's not compulsory where I work - in fact most people don't bother with a face covering - but I think it's the right thing to do atm and want to carry on if I can.

The pressure on my ears and the bridge of my nose (especially my nose) brings on a migraine and I'm getting them way too often. I take painkillers which sometimes helps but I don't want to get into the habit of needing them every day.

I WFH a couple of days a week, which helps on those days, and I've increased my caffeine intake to ward the headaches off a bit. But they come eventually.

I'm sitting at my desk, feeling like I'm going to throw up, and I'm fed up of it.

Any tips? Thanks!

What about a head strap so rather than the ear straps it goes round the back of your head?

Are you drinking/eating less because you're wearing it?

I'd try very hard to drink enough, have a snack every 4 hours, and if it's still triggering migraines then I think you might need to accept it's better for your health to wear a cloth mask (and if THAT triggers you then perfectly valid reason for exemption).

Be careful of the painkillers as the last thing you want is medication overuse headache

Could you buy an EarSaver?

@NotMyCat

What about a head strap so rather than the ear straps it goes round the back of your head?

I should experiment with that. I tried one and it kind of pulled downwards so it made it press harder on my nose, but perhaps I can wear the strap higher up somehow.

Visor?

@ollyollyoxenfree

Are you drinking/eating less because you're wearing it?

I'd try very hard to drink enough, have a snack every 4 hours, and if it's still triggering migraines then I think you might need to accept it's better for your health to wear a cloth mask (and if THAT triggers you then perfectly valid reason for exemption).

Be careful of the painkillers as the last thing you want is medication overuse headache

I think I'm drinking as much as usual, but I ought to keep track. I'm quite good at snacks (or bad, depending on what your priorities are), but scheduling them is a good idea.

I hadn't wanted to compromise by using a cloth mask but if it's more sustainable, you're right that's better in the long run.

How often are you taking painkillers?
Taking medicines such as painkillers over a prolonged period of time to relieve headaches can actually make symptoms worse, according to latest guidelines from NICE....It defines medication overuse headaches as when certain drugs are taken up to 15 days per month for three months or more. These drugs include triptans, opioids, ergots or combination analgesic medications on 10 days per month or more; or paracetamol, aspirin or a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug, either alone or any combination, on 15 days per month or more.
www.nice.org.uk/News/Article/overuse-of-painkillers-can-make-headaches-worse

In addition, the mask wearing and onset of migraines may be a coincidence, rather than cause. I would recommend you see your GP about your migraines. It would be wise to get checked out by a neurologist. And to rule out eye strain, have an eye exam too. As presumably when working, you are also in front of a screen?

Yeah I wear a head strap from Cambridge mask, and put it so it's near my ponytail so more slanted upwards