Suffocating

[annieloe2]

I used a face mask last Friday and could not breathe and had to keep pulling the mask down to get some air. Does anyone else have this problem? Is there a face mask that you can breathe in without pulling the mask down/away from your face please? TIA Annieloe

[wheezingwarren]

Yes! I find it extremely difficult to breathe through a medical face mask. I would love to hear of one that has less resistance.

[annieloe2 in reply to wheezingwarren]

Thank you wheezingwarren, I’m hoping too for advice on the face masks!

[skylas in reply to wheezingwarren]

I find the blue throw away the best n I've tried quiet a few but order a size bigger to there not to tight on your nose n mouth but still cover them x the cloth ones r horrendous u cant breath at all with them on well I cant anyway x take care love cheryl x

[annieloe2 in reply to skylas]

Thank you, I have seen them for sale on Amazon and Ebay, I will give them a try!

Anne xx

[Spacecat1]

Have same problem. Saw this from someone on the forum hubby going to read it tonight. Ella/products/face masks not expensive . Someone may put i title right if wrong.

[Hidden in reply to Spacecat1]

Just spotted your post, Spacecat. Think you mean this website elle.co.uk/products/protect...

[Spacecat1 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you that's the one

[Yatzy]

I saw a YouTube video about how to make your own masks....not that I would.....but it advised a less close fitting mask at front, a sort of nose pouch thing, for those who found it difficult to breathe in a mask, retains a bit more air. Haven’t yet seen any for sale though.

[LizzieWizz in reply to Yatzy]

You can buy them on Etsy - they're not cheap though - around £8-10 each.

[annieloe2]

Hi Yatzy, thank you for you reply, could you possibly send me the link please? X

[Yatzy in reply to annieloe2]

youtu.be/N4r8nwFdUxY(Not working as expected?)

The Fabric Patch

They’ve also got another one

Make your own Face Mask

youtu.be/fySsaOojEVM(Not working as expected?)

[Valsha in reply to Yatzy]

I made one yesterday using this video. I made it very slightly bigger at the front, as she suggested, and it worked well. As this is measured to fit snugly, it is comfortable and hopefully fairly efficient. I lined it with non woven interfacing as suggested. She is also a nurse so I reckoned she knew shat she was talking about. After making the first one, it is dead easy and quick to do. You can print off the pattern template in various sizes here:

craftpassion.com/wp-content...

[Yatzy in reply to Valsha]

She does seem to know what she’s talking about. Thanks for the link. It’s good to know it’s tried and tested, too.

I’d just asked my daughter to order some for me, so I’ll wait and see how they fit before venturing forth myself. This will be my next stop, though. 🌈

[annieloe2 in reply to Valsha]

Thank you very much for your reply and the link to make one Valsha. I’m going to have a go. X

[Valsha in reply to annieloe2]

I am a fairly basic sewer but I found it easy. The day before, I made one of the straight across pleated ones and it fitted really poorly and seemed to take ages to make. I put ties on this one as she said people found them more comfortable. I think they also keep the sides closer to your face. You take two measurements on your face, bridge of nose to just under chin, and bridge of nose to just in front of your ear, and then choose the appropriate pattern. Have fun!

[pepapod]

They need to fight snugly enough to create a seal in order to be effective, but then one cannot breathe. Which for someone short of breath already is a problem. The solution I found was a reusable cloth mask with a plastic vent built in. I ordered them online. They are not pleasant to wear but I do not feel suffocated in it. They are rated N99, and I feel (relatively) safe when out in it.

[Tugun in reply to pepapod]

Hi,

Yes, I like the plastic vent. It makes it easier to breathe.

[Blackcat99 in reply to pepapod]

Yes, that’s what my son ordered for us, and we wore them all the time when outside during extended trip to Asia (went for 3 weeks, couldn’t get home for 8 weeks🙄)

At first, I felt as if I was suffocating, especially in the heat and humidity. Kept pulling it down to get air, but then I got used to it, forgot I had it on. For me, the trick was to try slowing my breath, not trying to breathe too deeply - quite small, shallow, calm breathing through the nose, and then I actually felt as if I was getting fresh air through the vent. I found it very reassuring, well worth the slight struggle to get the hang of it.

[annieloe2 in reply to pepapod]

Can you send me a link for the cloth mask with a plastic vent please? X

[Maricopa]

Yes!

[Joy123]

I use oxygen 24/7 and have had to attend two hospital appointments recently. I’ve got a builders type mask with a vent on the side and found this to be no problem to wear. I had it on for several hours without touching or adjusting. Not sure I could’ve managed a totally closed in one though. Joy.

[Comino2 in reply to Joy123]

Are you able to wear it comfortably over your cannula ? Us 02 [shielded] users could find it difficult to find a suitable mask in the future when we are allowed out xx

[Joy123 in reply to Comino2]

Yes, I had no problem with it over cannula. I didn’t need to touch or adjust once. It was one that went around back head with two elastics and not over ears. I didn’t feel like I was suffocating which I think I would’ve had it not had the plastic vent. I’m shielded but had to go to hospital for two X-rays. Joy.

[Ladyindistress79]

I am making my own masks in cotton and I am also making them for nurses for out of the hospital which are washable and quite light.

[Joy123]

I use a mask with plastic vent in side (builders type) and have absolutely no problem with it. I also use oxygen 24/7. Joy.