COPD and face masks, my experience

[MedievalNerd]

I had an appointment at my doctors surgery for a blood test. Surgery was as quiet as the grave so no social distancing problems but all that could be heard was my tragic attempt at breathing with my mask on. I have decided that I will need to do constant risk assessment in future as full time wearing my mask is impossible. I was scared at the severity of my shortness of breath and hope to alleviate another attack in the future by wearing a lighter mask and avoiding going out in brilliant sunshine. Any tips from you would be gratefully received.

[hypercat54]

Hi I bought some very light thin 2 ply disposable masks as in the link but thinner. I found I could breathe normally through it though I have to keep pulling it a bit to let cooler air in. I have only used it sitting down on public transport though so aren't sure about moving around with it on yet.

amazon.com/Disposable-Child...

[MedievalNerd in reply to hypercat54]

Thank you so much, I’ll definitely try a lighter mask (and go out where I can keep in the shade if possible).

[Gladwyn in reply to hypercat54]

Would it help if you had a small hand held fan trained on your face to keep you cool? Just a thought as it helps me when I’m breathless and panicking a bit.

[123Frostyman in reply to hypercat54]

Hi, I have the same problem, I always try to wear my mask as I am very aware of what could happen if I caught COVID.

My partner told me a friend recommended wearing a thin surgical type mask & a thicker one because it made breathing easier. I was very sceptical but gave it a try when I went to the supermarket.

You know what it worked for me I didn’t have to drop the masks down the whole time I was shopping.

I felt like the air was funnelling between the two masks.

Sounds daft I know but I have carried on doing the same thing.

Kind regards to all & stay safe.

[ladytelita]

I cannot breathe behind a mask either and have found the only type I can use at all are made of silk! They are much thinner and of course gentle on the skin (although my ears still hurt after a while). I couldn’t wear it indefinitely but at least I could walk with it on for a short time.

[clare86]

I had a trip to A&E in Monday after injuring my foot. I had to wear a face mask for 2 1/2 hours and couldn’t breathe it set my severe asthma off which I explained to the nurses, after being in intensive care 3 weeks ago. They still said I had to wear a mask which was ridiculous, I could of ended up having another asthma attack.

In the end I had to keep going outside as I couldn’t breathe.

The medical style face masks are easier to breathe in than the cloth ones.

I had an email from my GP yesterday making me aware that I am exempt from westing face masks and the government has also said people with severe lung conditions do not have to wear one.

[vittorio in reply to clare86]

Hmm I 've been wondering about this ENFORCED WEARING OF THE MASK .. how the hell do they expect us folk with COPD / ASTHMA ETC to wear them in shops etc ? ...IS THERE A DOCUMENT WE CAN OBTAIN EXPLAINING OUR MEDICAL CONDITION TO SHOW SHOP / STORE OWNERS - OR EVEN THE POLICE ? ...

[Ergendl]

Despite being the bottom end of normal for COPD, I can only tolerate a paper mask for 20 minutes and then take about 40 minutes to recover. I now sport the 'Lawrence of Arabia' look when I have to use a face covering, with a long folded chiffon scarf wrapped around my face.

[gingermusic]

I have ordered a face shield rather than a mask as I thought being an oxygen user it would be more comfortable

[Ozzydiamond]

I have severe COPD and have bought a variety of different types of mask. Cotton ones, silky ones, ones with filter etc. I think the best thing to do is to try a variety of different types to see which one you are most comfortable with. Personally I find a light silky type one is best.

face shields by the way don’t fully protect and you should still wear a mask with a face shield.

[danno4749]

i had to go the drs a few weeks ago it was terrible ended up having to keep pulling mask up plus my glasses steamed up since then i have brought some light weight silk type feel a lot better.

[flo1]

Try face shield and surgical mask (these only last 30 mins) so need replacing, take a few to change and wash hands pre change, most importantly hand santization is the best route for severe lung patients, and distance!!! or avoidance..I am very severe and its impossible breathing in any of them other than surgical, I use oxygen so face shield will help me ..so far only one appt but I have a Hosp appt next week if I attend, so will use fs and surgical whilst in there..up to now avoided and distanced..its probably our safest route..Masks have been known to kill respiratory patients due to lack of air!!

[lungs]

A shield is what you might find more comfortable . I don't understand why they are not being promoted more.

[Annie31 in reply to lungs]

Apparently according to medical experts on BBC 24 hour news today, plastic shields do not give sufficient protection as they do not fit around the side of the face tight enough. You should still wear mask underneath! They use these on the front line because they wear two or three barrier methods for maximum safety.

It might have been a good idea had this information been made readily available people "forked out" for them.

[Annie31 in reply to Annie31]

Before!