Breathable face masks/ valve masks

[swfc-dan]

Hi I'm sure this question has been asked many times on here but I don't know how to navigate this site very well and can't see it currently, so apologies if this is repeated.

As an asthmatic I find it hard wearing the standard medical face masks even though I only have fairly mild asthma (also tried home made cloth ones). I want to get one which is reusable, I was going to try one with a breathing valve but I've read that they don't filter the exhaled air? Even ones with extra filters only filter air inhaled through the mask and don't seem to filter the exhaled air going through the valve- so basically it keeps the wearer safe but no one else! Firstly why are these not banned then??

Therefore has anyone found any masks which are safe and easier to breathe using? Why does it seem like we are alone to do our research on this? When it is such an important issue why don't the government ensure companies like Boots sell masks which are safe and inform us which are best for people with breathing problems?

I've seen some people wearing masks which are more beak shaped so not as close to the mouth- do these make breathing easier?

[Troilus]

I got a beak shaped one, but it didn’t help. I have got a valve done with a removable filter. I can manage with that for a while without the filter. Like you I read that they are not very good at filtering the air that is exhaled, but I take the view that it is better than no mask at all. Also, other people will be wearing masks that filter incoming air, and if I keep my distance..........

[twinkly29]

I've got thin, 1 layer fabric masks. They probably don't do much protection wise (but tbh other masks aren't covid proof anyway) but it means for short periods I can wear something and don't have to deal with people's looks or comments.

[MollyJ]

I bought a KN95 electric mask which has a fan that circulates air through the filter. Cost just over £40, bought it after a recommendation I saw on here. It’s washable by hand or in dishwasher and has replaceable filters. I find this easier and more comfortable breathing wise but haven’t yet had to use it all day.

[Pipswhips]

Can find out that I cant wear masks at all if you're having problems how about a thin scarf or get some acetate, face cloth for the top either glue gun or strong double sided tape to sick the cloth on this will act as padding and absorb sweat from your face, some pvc tape to go around the edges to stop the edges scratching you, a punch/ stapler and some elastic.

You can either punch a couple of holes or staple the elastic to the acetate

You then can make your own face shield to wear

[Biggie_McDick]

My wife and I are both asthmatic and work with the public.

We have bought and tried many different masks and eventually purchased face shields.

Mine is actually a work site shield from Screwfix and has an adjustable headband and a thick plastic screen that can be raised or lowered as required.

My wife prefers the thinner acetate ones with foam padding that stands the mask away from her face to allow her to wear her specs.

Both of these stop particles from you heading outwards and allow free incoming air. If I'm walking quickly through the shop and find myself in need of more air, I can rais the shield by an inch or so and breath more easily.

It may be worth investigating face shields rather than masks.