Struggling with face masks...!!!

[Boo1111]

Good evening everyone I Would Like some advice as I work in a care setting I have emphysema and asthma and I were informed by one of my work friends staff have to wear masks throughout the shift I struggled weeks before wearing them as I were constantly coughing and out of breath also very light headed and it were throwing my balance I don’t know how I am going to manage my 10hr shifts when I go back I am awaiting for a risk assessment before I go back to work

[ladytelita]

You are perfectly entitled to have an exemption card if you have breathing problems. I would make this clear to your bosses at work so they can work with you instead of expecting an impossible thing from you.

If it helps, I use a silk mask when I need to attend a hospital but even there I couldn’t wear it indefinitely, although it is much thinner than many standard masks. I would take a letter or some sort of proof of your lung condition/s so they cannot question it.

[clare86]

Hi, I am in a similar situation. I work in a dental surgery and have severe brittle asthma, tracheobroncomalacia, relapsing Polychondritis and Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction.

I have recently spent 12 days in hospital including intensive care with a severe asthma attack.

I am classed as high risk at work and have to have a letter from my chest consultant to be able to return to work, which is in the post.

I have to wear a mask in reception when I go back, but I will not tolerate it for 4 1/2 hours stints. I am going to have to see if I can wear a visor instead.

[periwinkle62]

I have auto immune lung fibrosis and I too struggle with masks. You can get an exemption if you are struggling but also it might be worth experimenting with different types. I recently got some moulded P2s which stand away from the face and I find them much better than the fabric or surgical masks.