Wearing a face mask has become a requirement in many countries and states but not all of us can wear a mask comfortably. People who have low oxygen may find wearing a mask is like gagging them and blocking their airways and this can be very distressing.
Some people have anxiety over the mask being pushed against there face and my kids have even said it “tickles” their nose too much.
Then we have the people who have a gaping big side gap that is allowing all the germs in and out, because the mask is not sitting properly on the face.
A solution? Did you know you can buy a face mask bracket
to help relieve these issues? A face mask bracket is this cool plastic frame known as a mask bracket or brace, that sits inside your existing mask. It has two purposes.
1: It prevents the fabric from blocking your airways, and therefore prevents the gagging feeling and of course stops that little irritating nose tickle.
2: It prevents that side gap and makes a rectangular mask fit snug around your face.
Besides brackets, some other great tips are:
- Clear your nose before using a mask. You can use a Nettle pot
if you are really congested or smaller things such as a DIY shower steamer or use an Airways chewing gum. - Wear your mask for short periods of time.
- If you have difficulty with the mask avoid exerting yourself whilst using as heavy breathing into the mask will create heat and make your feel more restricted.
- Use a spare mask or washable/reusable mask to “practice” wearing one at home, Build up your practice times until you feel more comfortable.
Here is a great video showing you how to make your own DIY Face Mask brace or face mask bracket using the simplest of supplies. This DIY brace allows you to close the open sides by cupping the mask around your chin and nose.
We have had lots of feedback about the issue with masks and how people are wearing them every day without issue or those who are required to wear them for work and they can breathe fine when wearing a face mask.
I just wanted to put a friendly reminder here that not everyone is the same. Your profession may require you to wear PPE and masks all day and you are a warrior! But remember to be a true hero we shouldn’t bring down others in the process. Shine bright! but don’t blow out someone else’s candle. Different people have different issues and for some people not being able to breathe with masks on is a real issue.
Now that face masks are becoming more mandatory as the WHO highly recommends them, breathing issues are going to come up more often. There have been several videos on youtube stating that your oxygen levels when wearing a mask do not actually drop and that is great news, but that doesn’t mean the sensation of not being able to get enough air in is not there.
Remember if you are having difficulty breathing with a mask, contact your health provider for advice on how you can stay safe during covid.