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Few people enjoy wearing a cloth face mask, as is recommended by the U.S. Centers Disease Control and Prevention for going out in public places during the coronavirus pandemic. But if you have a chronic respiratory condition such as asthma or COPD, covering your mouth and nose can be especially challenging. The physical barrier of the mask makes it harder to take in air; it also traps some carbon dioxide as you exhale, which means you end up breathing in air that is warmer and moister. Add a compromised respiratory system to the equation and a mask can feel downright suffocating.
Unfortunately, that sensation of having trouble breathing in a mask might get even worse as summer approaches. Many people with chronic lung conditions find it harder to breathe in hot, humid air (though some others fare worse when the weather is cold and dry).
As tempting as it might be to skip the face mask, health experts say that going mask-free if you’re in crowded public places during the coronavirus pandemic is a major no-no.
“I definitely recommend using a face mask for everyone in these times, especially for people with asthma and COPD,” says Neil Schachter, MD, professor of medicine, pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “We need to protect those at risk, in particular those with fragile airways.”
How can you stay safe when wearing a mask feels unbearable? Follow this expert advice.
Stay home if you can
Unless you have a coronavirus infection or someone else in your family does, there is no reason to wear a mask in your home. Because people with respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD are more apt to develop complications if they contract coronavirus, it is best to get groceries delivered or have someone else pick them up for you. “Avoid public places as much as possible,” says Tania Elliott, MD, a spokesperson for the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and an allergist/immunologist at NYU Langone Health in New York City.
Check the weather
If you must go out, check the weather first. Many people find it harder to breathe when it’s hot and humid, so try to pick a day when it’s a bit cooler outside or go first thing in the morning or later in the evening.
Air pollution is another important factor for people with respiratory issues, says Adrian Rawlinson, MD, vice president of medical affairs for Upswing Health, a telehealth company. Go to airnow.gov and enter your zip code to find out how the air quality is in your area today before venturing out.
Practice at home
“Most people find that it takes a few days to adjust to wearing a mask, and for those with pulmonary issues like asthma or COPD the accommodation period can be longer because of the increased sense of breathlessness,” says Dr. Schachter. “I suggest trying to wear the mask at home [for short periods] to get used to the sensation.”
Pick a comfortable face covering
Do not use N-95 respirators. First of all, they should be reserved for health care providers. They’re the most effective at blocking virus particles compared with other kinds of masks, but they’re also more difficult to breathe through. The CDC currently recommends that most people opt for cloth face coverings rather than N-95 respirators or even surgical masks for venturing out in public.
Look for a mask that is made of a moisture-wicking and breathable fabric, says Dr. Elliott. If you’re really struggling, you might be better off with a bandana or neck gaitor. “They are more breathable since they are open at the bottom but still provide a protective barrier,” she says.
Whatever you choose, make sure it covers your nose and mouth. “If a patient requires portable supplemental oxygen, the mask needs to snuggly accommodate the oxygen tubing,” says Dr. Schachter. “In these situations, it is wise to limit outside activities to the essential minimum.”
Make it quick
This is not the time to be lingering in the supermarket while you ponder what to make for dinner. If you have to go to a grocery store or pharmacy, put on your mask, grab what you need, and get out (and sanitize your hands right after, then wash with soap and water when you get home). “Wearing cloth masks can lead to a buildup of sweat, mucous, and secretions if worn for a prolonged period of time,” says Dr. Elliott.
When you come home, clean your reusable mask. “It’s very important to wash and dry masks on the highest heat setting after each usage so it doesn’t become a source of infection, especially for asthma or COPD patients,” she says.
Be cautious about outdoor exercise
If your condition is mild and you’re used to exercising outdoors it might be OK to continue. In sparse areas you might not need to wear a mask, but it is smart to carry one with you in case you end up closer to others than expected.
People with asthma might benefit from using a rescue inhaler before heading outdoors with a mask on. “While not perfect, it may not be a bad idea because it can open your airways and at least improve your baseline air flow in the short term,” says Dr. Elliott.
Consider other benefits
While wearing a mask might be uncomfortable for people with asthma or COPD, Dr. Schachter says there are some benefits beyond those related to coronavirus. “In warm weather it helps protect against the harmful effects of pollution like dust and mold as well as pollen. In the winter it acts as a reservoir for warm exhaled air, preventing cold dry air that could trigger bronchospasm,” he says.
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5 Tips to Help You Breathe Easier in Hot Weather. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/5-tips-to-help-you-breathe-easier-in-hot-weather.
Interview with Adrian Rawlinson, MD, vice president of medical affairs for Upswing Health, a telehealth company
Interview with Neil Schachter, MD, professor of medicine, pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City
Interview with Tania Elliott, MD, a spokesperson for the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and an allergist/immunologist at NYU Langone Health in New York City
Recommendation Regarding the Use of Cloth Face Coverings, Especially in Areas of Significant Community-Based Transmission. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html.
this article goes on about help for those that cannot wear masks too and the this dickhead , Neil Schachter, MD, professor of medicine, pulmonary, critical care STATE EVERYONE to wear a mask.. Not said with exeptions, but said EVERYONE.. WHAT a total knobhead. I am going to see where he practices because he needs Dr status removing and more training for another year or more.
Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Neil Schachter, MD, professor of medicine, pulmonary, critical care. First of all this guy is from New York City. Opinions and believable medical advice should come from a panel of Doctors, say 9 or 11. from anywhere else in the world. This Doctor can’t really be trusted, He’s from New York City! A State & City run by a couple of Morons.
I so agree6. People with major breathing problems come to sites like this looking for suggestions on what mask material is the easiest to breath through. I have to be outside for doctor appointments and to pick-up my medicines. It would be nice is you’d shop the actual pictures of them.
I have hypoxia, COPD and I need to exercise to help my breathing but I can’t breathe while wearing a mask. I can’t find one online that’s the easiest one to breathe though?
First of all New York has excellent health care. Mario Cuomo did exactly what a governor is supposed to do during a public health crisis. He got the pandemic under control through appropriate public health measures. Public health is very different than private doctor patient relationship. I suffer from COPD, asthma and depending on the doctor emphysema. This pandemic has certainly been a challenge. I have to exercise or my lung capacity evaporates and I gain weight. I often will wear a surgical style mask over my mouth but under my nose and a face shield over my face. That allows a little more oxygen that I need just to walk around. When I want real exercise i ride my bicycle on a rail trail . For that I just use the face shield. It actually works out well. I can now ride even if it is a little windy with the face shield on. Be creative and stay active. We will all get through this.
I wish God would take me if I am forced to wear a mask. I have Asthma and a dr office nurse practitioner forc ed me to wear a mask which increased SOB to the point on way home I had severe wheezing and hD to use rescue inhaler 10 times in half hour. Also had chest pain all eve ning . Was dizzy and fell getting out of car hitting my head on cement drive
Thank you!
Hey bud….looks like you’re the moron. NYC has amazing health care. Get your head out of your arse. Maybe you can come here and feel better.
please don’t contact my dean! i want to keep my job ;(
No.
This article did nothing to suggest any real help for my lung condition in regards to masks. Sounds more like propaganda then medical “advice”.
Great advice, that is, if you’re home bound, not employed. Please address what an employee that works in retail is to do?
Obviousy these doctors do not have respiratory problems to tell us to get use to not breathing properly… yeah right, I faint if I wear a mask too long and even with a very light material can barely breathe. I am constantly pulling on the mask to take a breath. If I have problems breathing without a mask, just imagine what it’s like to have my mouth and nose blocked!!
Totally agree with you Angela. Every idiot doctor who promotes covering the nose & mouth of people with breathing problems should as well be deprived of air. Lets say????? Maybe a plastic bag, tie it around their head and twist to the point they turn blue. How do you feel now you jerk….. Just an opinion, suggestion, a hell! Until they sub-ject themselves to something like this and agree, their opinion don’t mean shit.
my situation exactly.I am a school caretaker and am required to wear one at all times…yet half the children do not.The Chief Medical Officer of our province stated there was no valid medical reason not to wear one…I beg to differ…bet he didnt smoke for forty years.It is only common sense to me…if you have perfect pink lungs and I covered your mouth and nose with a fat foam pillow…even then you would probably still be able to draw in enough air to suffice.
I have asthma and copd and recently quit smoking but am suppose to get a lung capacity test in the near futuer…cannot breath without a mask…usually pant like a puppy with giant breaths every once in awhile as an attempt to get what my body needs.
I will have to go off work without pay.
I AGREE IM IN SCHOOL RIGHT NOW GETTING TOLD TO STOP PULLING MY MASK CAUSE ITS DANGEROUS BUT I HAVE ASTHMA AND I CANT BREATHE
I am asthmatic and find it difficult to understand why NO ONE can find a mask that can alleviate at least some of stress the mask puts on my breathing.
Two words: “Face Shield”.
Tried this! When working out they fog up! Can’t see! I’m going to get a bandana, at least I can try.
Thank you! Now my doctor want to wear a mask WITH my shield What’s the point in that?!
I wore a face shield to my lung doctor appointment & they still made me put a mask on under the shield !! Crazy
This is contridictory. You can’t say people have a hard time breathing because they are breathing in warm recycled air that is weakening their lungs and then say it is saving them. Also, limiting your use of one is only an option for people who have the option to stay home. My daughter has to wear a mask at school all day and many have to wear them at work all day. She has asthma and comes home with headaches and is so tired she can barely function. Wearing them at home to ‘get used to it’ suggests it is all in their head. You don’t get used to breathing in water. If you did, maybe we could all learn to breathe underwater and prevent drownings. This is assinine and irresponsible information.
Angela and Brian know exactly how I feel. I have COPD, and on oxygen. I can’t breathe with a mask on. HELP !!
Is it true that with my health problems
I don’t have to wear a mask ?
No thats not true…can you not read? It said in the article that people with health issues related to the respiratory system needed the protection even more than everyone else! If you cannot wear a mask then even with an “excuse” from a physician most businesses will not allow you to enter and will often tell you to use their delivery service or whatever.
I’m asthmatic and I’ve been using a face mask but I’m due for a operation and have seen my doctor today because of a high temperature and pulse but when at home they are both fine but in the doctors my pulse was 97bpm and temperature of 38c and he’s put them both down to wearing the mask so now I’ve been told not to wear any type of face covering due to it causing me not to breathe properly I know I’ll probably get a few comments over this but I’m just doing as my doctor wants and I’m not out very offen
I am asthmatic and cannot make it more than 20 feet without collapsing. Even sitting still or standing with one on feels like breathing on top of a very tall mountain. There is no remorse from my doctor, no one is willing to help me. I feel like Rosa Parks being forced to the back of the bus. I AM BEING DISCRIMINATED AGAINST FOR HAVING A LEGITIMATE HEALTH PROBLEM !!! Shame on you !!!
i am so there too. I have a cancer…treatable, but still a blood cancer nonetheless. I have asthma, anemia, debilitating claustrophobia, and many types of anxieties. With my blood condition, i am suppose to have labs done every 3 to 4 weeks. My last blood draw was July 16, 2020 in Arizona where i lived. I moved to Alabama July17th, and have been refused treatment from 3 closest hematologists in this area cos i physically cannot wear a mask. Those with disabilities like ours are protected under the Americans Disabilities Act of 1990, but these doctors didn’t give a rat’s ass and still refused to see me. I have developed new symptoms, and they point to something more severe….. but they still won’t see me, no matter how much i implore them to. My referral only lasts a year, and i only have a few refills left of my meds before i run out completely….which will cause irreparable damage if they do not start my treatment soon! So i know how you feel about being sidelined by doctors who apparently don’t give a shit about any patients.
I so agree with you!! I am a Speech Pathologist in healthcare. Like you, I have chronic lung issues. Last week I was written up for sliding my mask down to take a short breath because I was dizzy. I was also wearing a shield. We just had our
weekly rapid covid tests. I was reprimanded in front
of my co-workers and patient. It was extremely humiliating. I am so depressed.
Jonelle, the person who wrote you up is a total jerk. I would complain to his or her boss about their unprofessional and inappropriate behavior.
I have the same problem. All recommendations say to stay home. How do I pay my bills and live???
I understand Allen!! I have severe chronic sinusitis and survived pulmonary saddle embolisms 2x. Doctors care less that I can’t breath with a mask on. Warm weather helps ….. are they real doctors, try wearing a mask when it is 122F and they insist you make an appointment!
Do you have difficulties with reading comprehension as well?? What are you talking about asking if they are real doctors when referring to “warm weather helps”?? The only thing they said about a mask possibly being helpful in warm weather was that it might help to filter out pollution like dust, mold and pollen!
I have asthma and copd. My doctor told me that when I’m alone I can pull my mask down to breathe. At work today, the big boss said to leave it on or I can’t work in the store. Big choice, don’t work or don’t breathe. I’m a widow, who’s going to support me. I do agree about letting them see what it’s like when you can’t breathe. Your heart beats out of your chest, get dizzy and want to pass out. A living hell. Lost my mom in April from the virus.
You lost your mom from COVID and yet you are still whining about not understanding why your boss says you must leave your mask on at work in a store?? Seriously??
God you are stupid Gina,he has lung issuses and has trouble breathing because of the masks.I have COPD and asthma and I hate the masks cannot get enough air intake.He doesn’t have a choice but to work and they say no work unless you play our way even though he can pass out have major attack because of a mask. get him test if He clean leave him alone and let him breathe
My favorite contradiction in this article:
“I definitely recommend using a face mask for everyone in these times, especially for people with asthma and COPD,”
And then:
“Wearing cloth masks can lead to a buildup of sweat, mucous, and secretions if worn for a prolonged period of time,” says Dr. Elliott.
Yes, that is why I don’t want to wear a face mask. I can not stop coughing all night. Therefore, not sleeping which really helps my immune system oh and my ability to breath the next day.
I did like the idea of putting a bag over their heads and let them try to breath. It will be fine they just need to practice at home.
These so-called “doctors” don’t give any exceptions for those with debilitating claustrophobia, who physically cannot place a mask over their nose and mouth without going into a grand mall panic attack! Not to mention those with sever anemia, and low hemoglobin and blood oxygen levels!! It is impossible for someone with those things to even BREATHE period! so how do they think they are gonna fair with a face mask blocking their oxygen flow??? Yes, we know this synthetic, man-made virus is real, and yes some people are at risk! But a lot of those at risk CANNOT wear masks. Regardless of what bullshit is being spew from the mouths of those who are trying to force submission on this country. there is proven fact of a 99.98% survival rate with this exaggerated flu, and 94% survival rate of those with co-morbidities and pre-existing conditions! i dunno who this “Doctor” is, but he obviously hasn’t done much research on people with lung disorders. Forcing people toe wear masks with such conditions, WILL KILL THEM!! But, perhaps that is their plan.
Im sorry Teresa, I so understand!! Hugs to you… I am in the same boat.
Oh boy…well at least you gave me a good laugh today!! I’m pretty certain that doctor knows a helluva lot more than you seeing that he is a specialist, a professor of medicine, pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine!!
As for your “grand mall panic attack” goes you sound ridiculous since no such thing exists…there are grand MAL (not mall) seizures and I guess you wanted your panic attacks to sound so much more serious and thought this could be accomplished by adding “grand mall” to it…
Yes I don’t agree with the panic attack but I have seen you commenting on other comments talking about how they have respiratory diseases and you basically tell them they are stupid and all. But if you are saying this and have no issues at all with your health then you are spitting straight BS because you have no idea how it feels
I’m sorry, but no. I’ve tried multiple styles of masks and masks made of multiple materials, and there is not a mask out there that lets me breathe. Doctors can say all they want about studies and statistics proving masks don’t lead to lower blood oxygen levels, but if I wear a mask for any more than half an hour or so at a time–and that’s only if I’m basically sitting still and not talking–my asthma flares up, and those flare ups last for the rest of the day if not into the next day. This has happened to me several times.
So no. Don’t tell me to find a comfortable material. There’s not one out there. Don’t tell me to “practice at home”. Do you have any idea how condescending that sounds? Don’t tell me to stay home. I have a job I have to go to.
I wear a face shield when I’m out and about, and I’ll even force myself to wear a mask for very short stops into stores, but I will not, absolutely WILL NOT subject myself to an asthma flare up every single day. This is one of my biggest problems with mask shaming. You have no idea why someone isn’t wearing a mask. It might simply because they can’t.
Then stay your ass at home!!! Period!
Gina, I’ve seen your many comments on this thread. I wonder why you are being so darn ugly to others? Did someone pee in your cheerios or what? You know, it certainly cannot be any good for YOUR health being so cunty.
I can’t breathe either. I have COPD/Asthma. I nearly pass out inside a store. I end up gasping for air holding the mask away from my face. AND get this, I HAD COVID last January…but nobody cares! Wrote our local government; no comment. And BTW, whatever happened to deaths from the Flu this year? Nobody died from that like every year past; right? Nobody?! I read a stupid article making this claim, “The body is so drained at fighting off COVID, that it completely ignores all other viruses, and so we don’t develop the Flu once exposed to it, this year.” -_- Really…so the body gets to pick what is the worst it can fight off, ignoring all the rest its exposed to? Doctors please stop posting to the Internet!
If you cannot breath while wearing a mask, take the mask off. These doctors need to realize that people have other illnesses other than COVID.
I have COPD and I suffocate within a few minutes with a mask on. I nearly passed out in the deli a couple of weeks ago. I now refuse to wear a mask at all. Screw the powers that be. As far as other people, of they have a mask on then they’re good. WTF does it matter if I have one or not? Worry about yourself, not me. I do not get sick. In 15 years I’ve had a cold twice. My immune system is supercharged, so I do not feel any risk. Shoot me up with covid. It’ll die in a day. Or force me to wear a mask and I may die in a day. I am standing up for my right to handle my health my way. You want to quarantine me you better have some big guys with you because I am fighting to the death over this, as my life is at stake here.
I was taking a walk and the walk was too much to handle for an inactive person. I was running out of breath and actually hyperventilating as I was getting close to home. I was terrified but I had to take my mask off for 1/4 block. Then I sat on my stairs and rested up for my venture up the stairs to my apartment. I hope to God this 1 time incident was a big mistake.
i feel like the masks are killing us i have never been this dizzy in my life that’s why people with upper respiratory infections are going to be the ones whom die because how the hell are they going to breathe and how in the hell can they work if their job requires a face covering i think this whole thing is a plot to kill them anyway since they are the weakest god makes the last decision not man
I think this is ridiculous. It contradicts itself. Telling those who have trouble breathing to wear a mask but not for a long period of time. What about those who work and are forced to wear them 8-10 hours a day? Nowhere in this article does it give advice on what to do for those who have trouble breathing and wearing a mask. Not everyone has the ability to stay home.
When this political ploy started in March I was a smoker with asthma and severely overweight but I could breath even while wearing a mask and rarely used my inhalers. Now, almost 8 months later I don’t smoke but have to use my rescue inhaler several times an hour when I wear a mask at work because wearing a mask at work for just the first few months made my asthma worse. I have a hard time breathing without a mask now so I fear death every time I put my mask on at work. I work in the back office of a bank so it isn’t like I have a mask on my whole shift like the tellers are supposed to do.
I agree that these “professionals” should have to go through what we go through before they are allowed to render their opinions about the ease of breathing. WHO, CDC and Fauci have all admitted to lying about COVID yet some people still want to believe that what was said on Day 1 is the gospel truth and the only answer. My employer is looking for a reason to fire me over this but knows it would not look good for them to fire someone with a respiratory problem for not being able to wear a mask. If people are so afraid then they should wear a mask or stay home and let me have the same right to live.
Buy a portable air purifier that is fitted to a mask. It hangs over your neck by lanyard or clip to your belt.
I did and am very happy I got it and can now wear a mask with my COPD.
Broad AirPro Mask Powered Air Purifying Respirator
https://www.amazon.com/Broad-AirPro-Powered-Purifying-Respirator/dp/B086Z2B2F8/ref=sr_1_3?crid=YFHZ99C4M5VY&dchild=1&keywords=portable+air+purifier+mask&qid=1605510224&sprefix=portable+air+purifier%2Caps%2C220&sr=8-3
Thank you for providing that excellent idea and advice!! However no one here is going to take it seriously because then they would have no food excuse to complain about having to wear a mask!!! : )
I have COPD along with multiple health conditions that put me at high risk. I DO wear a mask because if I did not I would be dead from getting Covid. I can tell you it is not that hard to breathe if you get one of those reusable N95 masks that have vents in them. They are 99.9% effective and I can say since wearing this mask I have not gotten sick ONCE this year which is a miracle for me. Many say wearing a mask with vents is bad because air comes out the vents but so long as you wear it anytime you are by anyone you won’t get Covid anyways so the air coming out is fine. I have went to one doctor visit and they told me I couldn’t wear it and needed their surgical mask. I just put that mask over my N95, it wasn’t as easy to breath but not as bad as wearing the surgical mask alone. None of my other doctor or hospital visits mind my wearing the N95 with vents. Just remember to change the filter if it gets wet or dirty.
Sorry. I will not be wearing a mask. If someone doesn’t like it, he can report me to the Gestapo.
I have copd and asthma I wear my mask no matter what I weighed wearing a mask and getting dizzy and getting COVID which would kill me btw…I choose the mask every time not just for me but for my family