What People With Asthma Need to Know About Face Masks During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Hello @Treychene and welcome to the AAFA community. It's uncomfortable sometimes to wear masks so I do sympathize. I hope you'll join in some of the masking discussions in the forums too. Many have their favorite styles and strategies which go a long way toward making things masks easier to use.

I'm have asthma like a lot of people do, but I don't like wearing any mask, they all feel suffocating and like I can't breathe at all because of the mask, it's in the way of how we live, I can't even run with having the mask on.

Wearing a face covering remains an important tool for preventing the spread of COVID-19. Face coverings protect not only ourselves but others who can't wear a mask, such as kids under 2 who can't wear a mask and kids under 12 who are not eligible for the vaccine. Unfortunately, face coverings can feel restrictive which can be stressful.

Finding a mask that fits comfortably and wearing it for short periods can help to see what works for an individual. Keeping nasal allergies and asthma under your best control is also important. Personally, I find ones that create a pocket where the fabric is not up against my lips the most comfortable. I know for myself, masks that touch my lips are very uncomfortable and make me feel like I can't breathe well. I have found a design that creates a sort of pocket that does not feel as restrictive to me. Being able to take "mask breaks" in a safe area also helps.

Physical distancing is very important for anyone unable to wear a mask especially if they are not vaccinated. Sometimes keeping an adequate distance is not possible especially indoors with poor ventilation. In that case, it's good to have a mask handy that can be worn until you can exit that situation.

I have asthma, severe asthma, all my life. Recently, I was diagnosed with allergies; environmental and food allergies. Both are no fun to have because one might not be triggered but the other does and vise versa. I've read comments on here about wearing a mask and I've also read on this website about wearing a mask isn't bad for asthmatic people. Let me tell you, I don't need Science to tell me, I don't need the CDC, Dr. Fauci and the WHO to tell me that mask works because...IT DOES NOT WORK...FOR ME! I am the LAST PERSON to make that choice to NOT WEAR A MASK! Since the first day when COVID started, I worn mask for the first hour and it was tough! couldn't breath, had anxiety attacks, I felt RESTRICTED! Since that time I have NOT worn a mask, never will and never have! This is America, and I have the last say for my health, NO MASK...PERIOD. NO COVID, never had it and never will, why? because I also social distance...all the time and that works for me. People choose to wear a mask, thats fine! I choose to social distance and it works for me. All I will say is YOU stay away from me when you wear your mask because if you tell me, to wear a mask, I will tell you "stay out of my perimeter! I give you the same respect, you should give me the same respect.

@DeannaBu I’m sorry that you have to go through this . As someone with primary Ciliary Dyskinesia and also allergic asthma, migraines,  I understand completely. But also as an supervisor for a government agency part of  my requirements are to make sure compliance of PPE, masks .  It certainly is an interesting time that we are right now but it takes all stakeholders to come to a solution. At my job we require mask use pretty much at all times .  We also social distance. Even with social distancing mask wearing is required.  It’s a liability issue for us when people don’t follow ppe and mask rules .   Another thing to consider is many job sites don’t have the requirements for proper air flow . The employee in question can get sick , the other employees can sick . Also the virus spreads rapidly and can linger in the air , which doesn’t make the situation better . At my job we were exposed by one person literally 80 people were out in quarantine in three hours. Can you talk with your employer?   Have you asked your employer if you could maybe work from Home ? Or does your job offer FMLA program. I give my employees extra breaks so we don’t have as many employees at one time in an area,  so they can step away and take there masks off but in another room isolated by themselves .  We also have plexiglass areas installed in areas that deal with the public side . Perhaps your employer can work with you in these similar  areas ? Do you have potential solutions or ideas  that you can bring to your HR dept ? People who can’t wear masks have to have some medical documentation and they may be placed in a non work duty status at home  or somewhere else or some other program.   Some employees who aren’t able to comply or follow directions  might be considered Not fit for duty and that starts a whole other process .   Since employees are hired to fulfill certain tasks . Most employers understand the situation and will work with you but unfortunately there has to be compromise on both sides .  I wish you luck .

Welcome, DeannaBu.That's a most frustrating situation to find yourself in. I hope some AAFA community members can support you as you figure things out. There's a conversation at Having breathing issues while wearing a face mask where people are talking about work pressures. Would you share your thoughts there? 

I am currently battling my employer over my asthma.  I am dealing with constant issues of my mask not being worn well enough. It came to a head when I had to remove it to use my inhaler and wasn't wearing it in the office. I was still maintaining social distancing in a office with less than 10 people and keeping more than 8 feet apart, but it wasn't good enough. I think I'm going to have to quit because the pressure is giving me anxiety attacks on top of my asthma.

I am so sorry that happened @Jennsita. The AAFA community will know what you're talking about and will support you as best we can in this 2020 challenge. Would you be willing to share your thoughts in Having breathing issues while wearing a face mask where we can have a longer conversation. Hang in there and hugs from us all.

I had to wear a mask for hours on Wednesday. Now it is Friday. My ribcage still hurts. But I am afraid to be without a mask. I am afraid of fines and assault. People have threatened me. People say, (Real Loud) "People without masks should be drug out and shot." I have begged our politicians to say something. I have tripled my asthma meds. I get my groceries delivered. This year needs to end.

Thanks for the name of the new mask with fans @Pete I was able to find their website and get my questions answered.  Is your sister still happy with it after a few weeks+ usage?

We updated this blog post on Aug. 13, 2020, to include information on types of face masks or coverings that aren't effective at preventing the spread of the new coronavirus.

she says its called a Koolmask and she thinks its new. 

@Pete posted:

my sister bought a mask with fans in it and it allowed her to commute without heat building up or getting sweaty. 

Welcome @Pete !  Is that an adaptation of a pre-Covid product or something new?

my sister bought a mask with fans in it and it allowed her to commute without heat building up or getting sweaty.  Although its a bit big on her face she can breathe comfortably now.  the blue masks were driving her nuts. 

We updated this blog post on Aug. 6, 2020, to include studies on how masks may prevent the spread of the new coronavirus and lessen severity of symptoms.

@LoriC @Lois Hi! I have moderate to severe asthma controlled on medication and also work at a high volume business where I am working almost constantly. I have found two types of masks work for me (cotton cloth and nylon with an additional cotton cloth layer). Being high risk and considered essential I would prefer you and others wear a mask because it puts me, other  people who are high risk, or their families are high risk at ease. Considering you are high risk I would not want you to come out without wearing a mask not for my own safety but for yours! Because the virus is a respiratory illness it could be fatal with asthma so please consider your health! Also most places offer online shopping or shipping directly to your door so you can avoid confrontation on the matter completely. I know it is a hard time and trust me I am itching for things to go back to normal but unfortunately cases are on the rise an mask enforcing is for the safety of everyone.

Welcome @Larabe! That's great that you found a fabric and style combo that works for you. Quilter's cotton and t-shirt material are great choices. 

The WHO recommendations for types of material for face mask coverings are ill-advised. Have you noticed how many people have pulled their masks down to uncover their noses, or even pulled them down under their chins? It is because they cannot breathe through them. One must use breathable fabrics for a homemade face mask. Fabrics such as cotton, and not polyester or polypropylene. The CDC RECOMMENDS COTTON. On jennifermaker.com, she uses tightly woven quilter’s cotton and heavy duty cotton T-shirt fabric.  Remember: if you can’t breathe through the mask, you will not wear the mask. I find the non-medical blue disposable mask unbearable, even though my asthma is well-controlled. It does not bother my husband; but then, my husband does not have asthma. I made my masks with 3 layers of cotton, as recommended by Jennifermaker.com.

Great tips Ben! Especially practicing wearing the mask at home and build up to a longer duration. I've seen this suggested particularly for special needs kids with sensory issues.

I'm finding that the fit of the mask is most important for me. It can't press on my nose and I need a mask that is more shaped and suck in against my face as I inhale.

@LoriC try talking to the stores managers before hand call . Perhaps they can open the store early for you or shop for you .  Unfortunately it’s policy and essential employees are trying to protect their  health .  Also other patrons are trying to do the same . At my job we had passengers who knew they were waiting on a pending Covid test and still got on a plane anyway without a mask . Every situation is not going to be perfect or to your liking but many are in the same boat as you . 

As an essential worker who wears there mask all day here are some tips  it’s important to  practice wearing the mask before hand . Try it at home in AC . Take small breaks by yourself in a spot where you don’t have to wear a mask . Communicate with your employer and coworkers . Don’t just assume that it’s just you that might have a problem. Keep in mind that  wearing masks all day may cause migraines like I get . So have a plan with that ready to go as well . Also try on the masks you plan to use of course . Each one is made different.

@LoriC posted:

I am unable to wear a mask due to my asthma! Some stores will not allow a person to shop if they don't wear a mask! They want to know why & if I say medical, they ask what my medical issue is and if I have proof of the medical issue!  I politely tell them that is between me and my Dr. and is against the ADA & HIPPA! They don't care and say that it is the policy!  
I would like to know if anyone else has encountered this discrimination and how you handled it!

I understand your frustration. I can't wear any masks so far (still looking for something I can tolerate)  You're right, we shouldn't have to carry around our diagnoses on our sleeve. I've given up on any expectation of privacy any more. I suppose the clerks are just trying to do their jobs and have something to tell their supervisors, and maybe feel as safe as possible themselves. They probably would accept a brief "asthma" and a display of an inhaler. Or you could try launching into a long story about asthma and its limitations and pretty soon they will back away and leave you alone. Then you'll have the last laugh! In these tough times, it's laugh or cry.

I am unable to wear a mask due to my asthma! Some stores will not allow a person to shop if they don't wear a mask! They want to know why & if I say medical, they ask what my medical issue is and if I have proof of the medical issue!  I politely tell them that is between me and my Dr. and is against the ADA & HIPPA! They don't care and say that it is the policy!  
I would like to know if anyone else has encountered this discrimination and how you handled it!

My problem with the cloth masks is they all produce lint and I do not want to breathe in lint. I have tried washing and lint rolling them but can't get out all the lint.  i tried a surgical mask type but it was not ASTM and even though it is paper, it also produces lint like fibers and I cannot wear it. Is there anywhere i can get true ASTM surgical  masks? Any other suggestions?

I just read about a steroid called Dexamethasone being touted as a possible aid in the coronavirus. What do you know about people who are on steroids already having some benefit from them. I am currently on prednisone and was wondering if that would offer any help.

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