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. Sent from Mail for Windows 10

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 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...

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...

@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 .

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.

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...

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.

@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...

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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?

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.

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 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.

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?

@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...

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...

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...

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.