Shopping without a mask feel uncomfortable

[Alw75]

I tried two masks, both made it difficult to breath and resulted in me felling dizzy and breathless even after taking my inhaler, this lasted for around 30 mins after wearing them for a few minutes. I ordered a sunflower lanyard with a card that says face mask exempt. Most supermarkets are aware of these and i think you can even pick them up free in sainsburys and tesco. Only issue is i have never thought of my asthma as a disability, this makes me feel like a fake, but i guesss at the moment it is like one as we cant all do what most can. It took me two days to pluck up the courage to go in a shop with it and no facemask. So far i tried tesco and sainsburys had no problems, no questions and dont think i got any nasty looks (although i didnt look out for them). Still weary about trying my local shop though as i feel that they wont now what it is. Heres a link hope it helps hiddendisabilitiesstore.com. I still feel like im doing wrong by being in a shop without a mask, would have prefered to wear one, but at least this seems to help explain why to people.

[twinkly29]

I've got some 1 layer (so very thin) masks which I can manage - probably no use in terms of why masks are supposed to be worn but then I look like everyone else. That might be an option? Or a very thin scarf?

Some people still can't wear them of course but, if you are feeling dizzy and breathless, it might be the way you're breathing - kind of like a panic thing but subconsciously so it becomes like hyperventilation. Trying to consciously breathe through your nose can help to regulate breathing and reduce such symptoms. Also I saw someone on TV being supported in mask wearing (theirs was anxiety due to trauma in the past) and it was suggested to do so initially for very short periods in wide open spaces because it helps the brain to learn that it is ok and the claustrophobic feeling is negated eventually because you kind of tell yourself you're outside, you're not shut in. Then progress to longer and/or inside spaces.

[Alw75 in reply to twinkly29]

I have had problems with anxiety in the past and it was very difficult to workout weather my breathing problems were that or my asthma. I have learnt that if i take my inhaler and it eases its my asthma, if not its the anxiety. With the fact that it took 30 mins it could be that. However, i also suffer from hayfever, mine starts later than most around July and goes on till around September, so my nose is always bunged up and nothing really works, so I'm not sure if that's making it worse. Where did you get your masks, i might try one see if i can wear that as like you say they will be thinner.

[twinkly29 in reply to Alw75]

One was through a friend who was having some made and the lady making them was keen to see if she could help by attempting some 1 layer masks. Then my mum made the rest. I will try and get the original lady's details for you.

It's such a minefield isn't it, when symptoms overlap. They should really just be different!

[LDloveslattecoffe]

Not everyone can where a mask, there is a large variety out there.

I was watching This Morning who did a topic on skin conditions and masks. The dermatologist recommended a silk mask.

1) they are cooler

2) they are softer and less scratchy

3) Eammon said he'd been wearing masks all weekend and he tried the silk one on and immediately said the silk was easier to breathe.

If you can't wear one you can't.

I am ok wearing a mask for very short periods so I can wear if just popping into my local shops but I can't wear for any length of time so I am still getting online deliveries from supermarkets.

I am very loathe to go anywhere where there are a lot of people. I have only just started venturing into local shops in the last 2 weeks slowly.

[twinkly29 in reply to LDloveslattecoffe]

Ha ha the advice I saw about building up very slowly and in open spaces initially was also on This Morning but a few weeks ago 😅

[LDloveslattecoffe in reply to twinkly29]

I saw that too, the issue I meant was on this morning about Maskne (mask acne) and other dermatological issues and mask wearing.

I wear my mask when I drop off/pick up my neighbours teenager this has saved me a few times from choking (re teenage aftershave)!!!

I never thought I was one to get an attack from smells i.e. candles/cleaning products etc but Tom Ford aftershave, choke/wheeze/cough !!!

[Wintersbite]

Hi I went to my local last night for the first time since it became mandatory for the facemasks in all shop's the reason I put it off until night was I was feeling not right and asthma isn't my only health issue I know I have trouble with facemasks but I wear them when I have to so before I entered my local shop last night I did put on my facemask but it seems like I was the only one who bothered everyone else carried on as if it wasn't a law yet I even have the exemption image from asthma UK to prove I'm ok to be without if I ever get that bad I thought it was disgraceful.