Mask Wearing

[3Bulldogs]

Hi everyone ,

I work as s carer in a sheltered housing scheme looking after vunerable adults . My asthma has been well controlled for a few years but for the last 2months it has become very uncontrolled which I believe begun with the wearing of masks in my job , I wear a mask for the whole 6hr shift and have found I am struggling to breathe , I have quite a lot of medication changes and great difficulty speaking with a go or asthma nurse ( nightmare ) I have now started a new inhaler Relvar and am just finishing course of steroids . Just wondering wether anyone has had a similar experience with the mask wearing , I have been off work intermittently and now have a sickness review on Friday .

Thanks for reading .

3 Bulldogs .

[starveycat]

As soon as I get out of the car my mask is on. I find it difficult to breath easily and usually land up breathing through my mouth. So masks do affect my breathingGood luck

[Hidden]

Morning, which masks have you tried so far?

I found the masks with exhalation valves make breathing easier but they do place those near to you at greater risk. So as you work with vulnerable people this still presently wouldn’t be the best option.

Although if you could as part of your work be routinely tested so you can prove you are negative this would then certainly be an option.

If those exhalation vented ones are not effective in helping you maintain breathing well , there are smart masks on the market, most have an internal fan and are rechargeable. I have found this the most easiest to breath with but slightly more uncomfortable to wear (as mine grips my face) but I have noticed since I purchased mine a year ago there are many improved designs now on the market, however I now would just restrict using mine for long journeys or flights, as I permanently home work now.

Hopefully you can find a mask to work well for you so that you don’t have to take additional meds if the masks you have tried are causing a severe response.

Good luck.

[3Bulldogs in reply to Hidden]

Hi , thanks for reply , unfortunately we have to wear a fluid resistant mask and have to wear as company policy we deliver personal care . Also communication is paramount so certain masks impede that . We are tested weekly so that is covered but even with negative results we still have to adhere to mask wearing .Cheers

[twinkly29]

It might be worth trying some breathing techniques as it may just be a natural response to wearing a face covering rather than your asthma itself - I say "just" but that doesn't mean it's less of a thing (feeling unable to breathe is horrible whatever the cause!) but it wouldn't respond to asthma treatments. Even if it is asthma related, the breathing techniques are good for that generally too.

It would probably be an idea to try them out without a mask though before doing them with one.

These techniques are good (I usually prefer the rectangle one but it's no doubt a personal thing).

blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...

Some breathing symptoms are of course asthma related but not all so it's worth a try because, if someone's symptoms are not caused by their asthma, then no amount of asthma drugs will help. Just like not all breathing or symptoms post vaccine are asthma either - in fact most are just a normal possible side effect to it. But that's another thing entirely 😅

[Poobah]

My asthma nurse recommended a face mask that is coned in shape so it sits away from the mouth & nose, some come with filters too. Re your sickness review. You are covered by the Equality Act 2010, in that your asthma is considered a disability for the terms of the act and as such, the disability is a protected characteristic. Your employer should make reasonable adjustments to help you carry out your duties (provide masks that aren't so debilitating while at work) plus allow additional sick leave as you are more likely to have more time off than someone without asthma.

For the reasonable adjustments, the employer should ensure that a qualified occupational health practitioner carries out a review in respect of your need to have a better mask and to confirm your asthma will require additional sick absence. If your employer hasn't got access to these services then you can seek help from a free government service, Access to Work. They will help you with your reasonable adjustments at work. gov.uk/access-to-work

[3Bulldogs in reply to Poobah]

Thanks so much for info !! Sadly I have just tried to work through it but haven’t succeeded ! I don’t stay of work for silly reason and am a conscientious and diligent worker but not sure how this is going to pan out as mentioned I have this sickness review Friday and on my last sickness period in February I spoke with a OH doctor who was brilliant said in letter to employers stated that my condition came under the Disability Act .

[Poobah in reply to 3Bulldogs]

As your employer now has it in writing that you're covered by the Equality Act that will offer you protection. If you have any questions then give Access to Work a call to discuss any concerns you may have and raise the issue of suitable masks.

[3Bulldogs in reply to Poobah]

Thanks Poobah very helpful .

[Bevvy]

There are some adaptations to masks that keep the mask away from the face slightly. These may help?As said work have a duty of care and must adhere to the Equality Act to seek a solution that works for both of you. I would look into mask solutions and what available on sites such as Amazon before meeting on Friday.

[Clairebear35]

I struggle massively with a mask and just can’t breathe with one on so I wear a shield, could you wear one of these instead?? Are you covered by the exemption rule?? I’m sure your employer has to make reasonable adjustments

[Maggie_Mae]

Hi I don’t know what part of UK you are in , if you work for a Council or Private Company.

1..Please ask for your company absence policy

2..If you are in a Union , give them a call & ask for a Rep to accompany you or join your virtual call with employer...(also extra knowledge on Disability Act & impact of Covid )

3..There is many possibilities & avenues you can go down ( individual circumstances)

Do you have to visit Service Users in home?( ie if not providing a service of personal care, medication etc).. a phone call to individuals maybe possible especially within Company Policy of Health & Safety (Covid)of Employeee.

Is there other parts of the Company you can be redeployed to? (Alert Service , Call Handling etc)

4..You obviously know your PPE guidelines ,

If a different solution is agreed upon , get in writing!!... if not repercussions in future can come back on yourself. Employee Safety & Service User Safety Paramount, & so don’t put yourself inline for future disciplinary action.

5..Extra piece of advice ( not nice but unfortunately a reality)

Get in writing as I said, follow, report any problems in writing!! Unfortunately if you became really ill with Covid or worse passed away due to virus due to workplace, then insurance , death in service ( individual in parts of Uk & Employer ) may not be paid out to family.

And I’m a believer personal insurers will follow suit ie: mortgage insurance, health & death policies etc

I know where you are coming from with breathing problems & masks at work.

I can go through 52 masks a day & gel hands 80 times a day ... it’s tiresome, wares you down & causes anxiety & stress ... personally I’ve had to use Mind over Matter when using masks & fit it tight around nose & chin a bit like a PP3 ‘fit fitting’

please mention anxiety to your rep or another person ( you are normally allowed to be present)

One other thing , just out of curiosity I’m finding PP1 masks , a lot have a chemical smell that annoys me when I’m breathing , dry mouth & coating on teeth , obviously as I’m using a lot .

You find this?

Good luck on Friday, stay calm , be proactive ( even if you feel tummy churning)

Remember employer has duty of care & they might be nervous also as Covid is becoming a Health & Safety minefield

💐

[Evesham]

I find that wearing a silk mask helps as it is a natural fibre.