I'm having a hard time with masks

[Planogirl]

I wear one whenever I go into a business but it's hard. I suffer from claustrophobia and I guess that's maybe why it's so difficult?

Today I went to Kroger and by the time I left I was practically sprinting out the door. I felt like I couldn't breathe and I had sweat literally dripping down my face. I have worn both the cloth and medical masks and they affect me about the same.

Does anyone here wear bandannas? I thought those might be easier since they tend to drape over the face and often aren't quite so tight. Meanwhile I'll just keep trying but so far I'm losing. Any thoughts? Does it get easier?

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Give a bandanna a try -- just make sure that it is soft -- some are very scratchy. Have you tried something like a smaller infinity scarf? Those can be softer and not quite as constrictive. You're not alone -- keep telling yourself that! It is definitely NOT just you. Hang in there! Do what you need to do to keep focused and calm. Maybe scenting the mask with a little essential oil? Maybe having something comforting to hold in your pocket? Someone I know keeps a little "stress toy" (e.g, a tsum tsum) in her pocket to squeeze and hold when the tension starts rising -- it does help. And don't put yourself in a situation where you have to wear the mask for a long duration if at all possible. Just keep telling yourself that you're going to be okay and that you can take the mask off as soon as you get back to your car. It certainly isn't easy, it isn't perfect from the get go, and it does take time and lots of practice. Nice face cream/lotion helps, too -- my skin is super sensitive to the mask sensation and chapping, so treating myself to nicer face cream helps.

 

[NotUrsula]

As with any phobia around things that cannot realistically be avoided, you have to try to condition yourself to deal with it a little at a time. You can't suddenly decide to wear it for an hour and expect to be fine.

It would probably help to wear one at home for short periods at a time, perhaps giving yourself some little reward for goals reached. Try to go a little longer each time, until you get more used to the feeling. I'd start with 1-2 minutes and work your way up. Using a timer on your phone in public places might also help; maybe order ahead for pickup if that's an option for you.

A bandanna or neck gaiter is probably better than nothing, but they actually cover more than a normal mask, so if the feeling of smothering is the issue, I would think a larger hood-type thing might even make you feel worse.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I haven't worn a bandana, but I do understand having a hard time with wearing a mask. When I first started wearing one in a sterile environment, I had a hard time getting used to them too. Eventually, I paid no attention to them at all. Try wearing one around the house for 5 minutes every couple of hours. Increase the time as that gets easier. Hopefully, that will help you become more accustomed to it. If that doesn't work, I hope a bandana works for you.

ETA: I see NotUrsula was posting, while I was typing. I agree with her.

 

[debster812]

DH and DS have been wearing Buffs. We had a couple from DS’s trip to Costa Rica, and they wear them around their neck, and pull them up when they need to. They are lighter weight, and wicking, so maybe not as claustrophobic for you?

 

[mousefan73]

I also saw two very chic elderly ladies wearing a thin scarf/ Schall. You take a longer one and tie it around the neck loosely and then pull over. Use and face when needed as a face covering. Also saw men wearing their soccer club scarves the same one.
Hard to explain but you hold it in the middle over your face, bring both ends from the front back around your neck to the front. The middle is your face covering. Now these methods are no way protecting you but might protect others from droplets depending on the fabric.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

DH and DS have been wearing Buffs. We had a couple from DS’s trip to Costa Rica, and they wear them around their neck, and pull them up when they need to. They are lighter weight, and wicking, so maybe not as claustrophobic for you?

I like these, too -- and imitation Buff scarves can be bought inexpensively on Amazon. They are large enough for me to fold several times so that I can fit a filter in between the folds. Soft, easy to wear, easy to wash. The smaller infinity scarves which I mentioned above work like this, too, as long as the fabric is not too thin.

 

[Disneylover99]

I also have issues with claustrophobia. I’ve tried a variety of masks/scarves. I feel better with a scarf at first, but then as I shop, It feels like it’s going to slip off every time I turn my head, which makes me feel worse in the long run. I realize I don’t have the same range of motion wearing a scarf, so now I now actually prefer a mask that fits snuggly around my ears. It’s not great, but the more I wear it, the easier it gets.

 

[Jennasis]

Perhaps look into buying a face shield?

 

[Snowflakey]

I have several fabric masks but I also had a box of the paper type masks - have you tried them? They are super thin and don't tend to make you sweat as much.

I have one mask I ordered off of Etsy that has a patch type insert in it and oh my does it make you feel like its hard to breathe! It was bad up until the past few days as our temps have been in the 40's but now that we are nearing 70 it is very hot!

 

[Christine]

OP I'm not claustrophobic but I have moments where the mask gets to me. The cloth ones are the worst, IMO. I use the paper masks and, while not perfect, they are a little bit better. I least I don't get hot and sweaty with them. You may never quite get to a comfort level. Not sure what I'll do when we all must go back into the office. Several people have said they can't deal with the mask for 8 hours.

 

[CarolAnn856]

Perhaps look into buying a face shield?

Those don’t offer the same protection. Masks work because they seal off the area around the nose and mouth. A face shield still lets things in and out around the sides and bottom. It can be a good addition to a mask, but it should never replace one.

 

[nkereina]

From what I have heard, in order for the face covering to have some kind of value, it should be thick enough that you cannot blow out a candle with your mask on. Some of these fashion scarves are very thin and I know I have some where I could most certainly extinguish a candle with it on. I tried wearing a winter scarf before I was able to find masks and found I kept adjusting it as it kept sliding off my face, which ultimately defeated the purpose because I kept having to bring my hands up to my face.

I've had about 5-6 different styles of masks that I have tried and finally found one that is comfortable and tolerable to wear for a long-ish period of time. Its cloth, but thin. No elastic which hurts my ears. Its washable, which is important to me because my makeup was coming off on the paper masks making them look dirty. I would suggest keep trying different ones until you either get used to it or find one you can tolerate.

 

[rotlex]

You're not alone. I've been trying different types of masks since this all started. I've tried numerous types and just about all of them make me feel like I can't breath right after 10-15 minutes. The only thing I've tried that's almost tolerable is a bandana\handkerchief type that's made of very thin material. That still bothers me, but at least I can breathe right. My issue with it, and others that wear them, is it's pretty much doing nothing. Honestly, the mask requirement, especially for ANY outdoor area needs to just not be in place. Indoors, well, I can just make really quick trips I guess.

 

[belleatdisney]

I have had problems with them too. I only do curb side but have been trying to get used to wearing one for short periods of time. It isn’t easy. I will severely restrict my outings when I do venture out.

You are not alone in this.

 

[okeydokey]

Would this be better? It is more lightweight like a scarf and is pretty. Can be worn around the neck as well.

https://vivianvincent.com/products/...MI2-6r34O26QIVCYbICh0XqQwsEAQYAiABEgJlPfD_BwE

 

[Searc]

If you're wearing a mask with pleats, make sure you open them up to give yourself a bit more room in front of your mouth. That may help a bit. As already suggested, wear one at home, gradually increasing the wearing time.

 

[CarolAnn856]

I’ve made a small modification to the masks I’ve been making for my son, since he’s working at a physical job. I’m sewing a small channel from the top, just below the nose piece. In this, I’m inserting a plastic q-tip with the ends cut off. This helps keep the fabric from getting “sucked in” when he breathes in, but doesn’t affect the seal around the edges.

 

[teller80]

For those who have Buffs or similar - I'm afraid that when it gets hot they'll be very uncomfortable. But if they were selling them in Costa Rica, maybe it's not? What do you think?

 

[MrsCobraBubbles]

Aww, I'm sorry. I have a friend with claustrophobia and she is having the same issue. Is there anyone else that can shop for you? Have you tried a fitted mask, the kind that you sew with the seam down the middle so it stands out away from your face? I found a free pattern for that kind on Joann Fabrics website and sewed them for my family, it feels less confining because it's not touching your mouth or nose as much. I've seen people with all manner of makeshift masks, from wrapping scarves or clothes around their face to using a buff. A buff won't offer any protection for you but at least it will satisfy the minimum mask requirements and it is thin and lightweight and breathable.