Do you struggle with mask wearing?

[andrewducker]

A friend of mine (woodpijn) has solved the mask problem! Or *a* mask problem, anyway.

They find masks very difficult. They're fine for the first 10 minutes or so, but after that they feel very dizzy and nauseous and like they can't breathe properly. It sounds like a lot of people have the same problem*.

A discussion elsewhere suggested that it's not depletion of oxygen or buildup of CO2, but just buildup of humidity from the water vapour in your exhaled breath.

So they tried tucking a couple of sachets of silica gel into the mask (the ones you get in packets of electronics and some mail-order clothes), and that seems to work! Now they can last through an hour-long supermarket trip with only mild discomfort.

Spread the word to your mask-sensitive friends.

* I get a very minor version of this myself. I dislike having a hot lower face, and it can make me feel a bit claustrophobic but it doesn't make me feel nauseous/dizzy.

Comments

[azurelunatic]

Ooo!

I may try tying it to the frame I wear under the thing, or perhaps making a dedicated desiccant pocket.

[andrewducker]

Let me know if it works for you!

[stormclouds]

I made the mistake of trying this just before bed. I seem to have triggered an unpleasant fibromyalgia reaction, turned a funny shade of grey and found thinking difficult. I guess my issue is heat rather than humidity. Here's hoping the headache goes soon. I need to get some sleep before tomorrow.

[andrewducker]

Ouch. I hope you feel better this morning!

[agoodwinsmith]

Oh bother. This made me look up this:
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3176.html
so - maybe not?

[woodpijn.livejournal.com]

Oh no, I'm sorry! Hope you feel better soon.
Hmm, maybe I should have put a disclaimer on my original post about how I'm not at all medically qualified and I don't know if doing this will cause other problems. :/

[tamaranth]

that sounds as though it might help -- I do struggle if I'm wearing a mask for a long time, especially if physical exertion is involved.

[cmcmck]

My issues with the "^%^! things are psychological but I wish I could get a handle on the cause!

[andrewducker]

It's very frustrating when your brain is telling you something is wrong, but not why. My sympathy.

[agoodwinsmith]

Thank you!

[splodgenoodles]

I'm alright with them but I'll bear it in mind, thanks.

[cellio]

Thank you! I, too, have the moisture problem, and also the glasses-fogging-up problem. I never thought of silica packets -- clever!

[andrewducker]

My pleasure!