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Meowmee

(5,164 posts)
Fri Jan 28, 2022, 08:34 PM Jan 2022

Trouble breathing with my mask while working and how to wear a mask with head straps

I have started teaching in person. Wearing n95 which are duck bill but which have head bands. They are much better for breathing but since covid and with my asthma I have more trouble even with these in the work setting. . I am using my inhaler before I go into the building but in one class I was very out of breath and bg was crashing too. . Any ideas on how to get through 3 months of this until I will then hopefully go back to online only?

The other issue is the headbands, I don’t like them, with glasses on a band, keys on a band it is very hard to do, they mess up your hair etc. So far I am putting one band over my ears under my hair and one at the base of my head. Another issue is glasses fogging up. Fortunately it is dry there mostly and it only happened once so far.

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Trouble breathing with my mask while working and how to wear a mask with head straps (Original Post) Meowmee Jan 2022 OP
Try a KF95 mask Bobstandard Jan 2022 #1
I was wearing kn95 for the whole time after I had covid in the beginning Meowmee Jan 2022 #2
A KF 95 mask is different from a KN 95 mask. Bobstandard Jan 2022 #7
Did you read what I wrote? Meowmee Jan 2022 #8
I'll say this again. A KF95 mask is different from a KN95 mask Bobstandard Jan 2022 #9
Yes I have now, sorry about that I missed that part Meowmee Jan 2022 #11
It's KF94, not KF95 Ms. Toad Jan 2022 #10
I stand corrected gratefully Bobstandard Jan 2022 #12
Way too many similar/non-intuitive naming conventions. Ms. Toad Jan 2022 #15
Ty, I was wondering about that because I had heard KF94 Meowmee Jan 2022 #13
I will look up botn Meowmee Jan 2022 #28
Are you required to wear N95 masks? Ms. Toad Jan 2022 #14
Not required Meowmee Jan 2022 #17
My daughter has a UV sterilization device for her CPAP - Ms. Toad Jan 2022 #19
I will look into that about the cpap thanks😀 Meowmee Jan 2022 #30
I'm sensitive to smells too - put your mask in the sun to bake out smell womanofthehills Jan 2022 #44
Ty Meowmee Feb 2022 #49
This is what I am wearing. n/t ChazII Jan 2022 #25
Just in the past couple of days there have been articles in Tomconroy Jan 2022 #3
I do not believe that is the case Meowmee Jan 2022 #5
I would urge caution. Pobeka Jan 2022 #23
I will keep Meowmee Jan 2022 #31
That valve is only a risk for others if you are infected. Pobeka Jan 2022 #35
Ok ty 😀 Meowmee Jan 2022 #36
I Would Urge Caution... ProfessorGAC Jan 2022 #37
I have a background in physical/biological modeling and statistics. Pobeka Jan 2022 #38
I've Done Digging Into... ProfessorGAC Jan 2022 #39
The first article is full of false information. Ms. Toad Jan 2022 #24
have been teaching in a mask for 18 months demtenjeep Jan 2022 #4
Well then Meowmee Jan 2022 #6
thanks for the post, Meowmee bigtree Jan 2022 #16
I am glad it help you 🤗 Meowmee Jan 2022 #18
I know some folks think asthma is like hay fever bigtree Jan 2022 #22
I thought I replied to this but apparently not Meowmee Jan 2022 #33
um-I have crohn's and am a diabetic and also an asthmatic demtenjeep Jan 2022 #26
Your replies are no longer welcome on my posts Meowmee Jan 2022 #27
the poster was asking for advice bigtree Jan 2022 #29
i'm kinda in the same boat orleans Jan 2022 #20
Sorry you are going through this too Meowmee Jan 2022 #32
I absolutely feel for the folk who must mask while working Skittles Jan 2022 #21
When I was in the hospital for hours on end Meowmee Jan 2022 #34
Get the plastic tab/teeth thingees that hold it in place in back of your head JCMach1 Jan 2022 #40
I have some of those from older masks Meowmee Jan 2022 #41
I get very tired with the KN95 ear loops and it does help JCMach1 Jan 2022 #42
I have never tried under, will try that. Meowmee Jan 2022 #43
I had 12hr shifts which is just too long... I also think wearing it that long might permanently pull JCMach1 Jan 2022 #46
Yes way too long, sorry you have to do that Meowmee Jan 2022 #48
Could you use a "face shield"? Pathwalker Jan 2022 #45
A face shield might help breathing Meowmee Jan 2022 #47

Bobstandard

(1,280 posts)
1. Try a KF95 mask
Fri Jan 28, 2022, 09:02 PM
Jan 2022

KF 95 masks have ear straps. In Korea they are affixed behind the head with a clip to ensure a tight fit. However, they are engineered for faces that are, on average, smaller than the typical north American face. For many North Americans they are tight enough to be very effective when worn over the ear. You may find them to be more breathable and wearable than N95s without sacrificing efficacy.

Meowmee

(5,164 posts)
2. I was wearing kn95 for the whole time after I had covid in the beginning
Fri Jan 28, 2022, 09:16 PM
Jan 2022

They were harder for me to breathe and believe it or not especially the second time I went back to the emergency room with Covid pneumonia I put one on and I just couldn’t wear it it was impossible to breath so I had to wear a surgical mask instead.

I guess I could try it again but I doubt it’s going to help and then I would have to switch back to the N 95 while I am inside the building I don’t know, I guess I could go outside in the freezing cold and do it.

Bobstandard

(1,280 posts)
7. A KF 95 mask is different from a KN 95 mask.
Fri Jan 28, 2022, 09:22 PM
Jan 2022

Details available on the internet. Supposing you’re seriously interested in a solution of course

Meowmee

(5,164 posts)
8. Did you read what I wrote?
Fri Jan 28, 2022, 09:23 PM
Jan 2022

I was already wearing KN95 for many months after I recovered somewhat from Covid pneumonia. They were harder for me to breathe in.

Ok I missed that you are recommending a different mask. I will look into that one. Sorry ! Is there some evidence that this is really going to be better for me? I have already spent a small fortune on masks

Ms. Toad

(33,915 posts)
10. It's KF94, not KF95
Fri Jan 28, 2022, 09:26 PM
Jan 2022

I use the BOTN variety - very very breathable.

Unfortnately, the breathability also means they fog the glasses more. They rely on electrostatic filtration, so the "weave" is not as tight - making the easier to breathe - but also making more moisture come out through the surface of the mask.

Ms. Toad

(33,915 posts)
15. Way too many similar/non-intuitive naming conventions.
Fri Jan 28, 2022, 09:32 PM
Jan 2022

I only know because that's what I'm currently wearing.

Meowmee

(5,164 posts)
13. Ty, I was wondering about that because I had heard KF94
Fri Jan 28, 2022, 09:30 PM
Jan 2022

Mentioned by someone here as well. I am going to try them. I may need to take a steroid before teaching I think. Ugh.

Ms. Toad

(33,915 posts)
14. Are you required to wear N95 masks?
Fri Jan 28, 2022, 09:31 PM
Jan 2022

A KF94 is just as good, as long as it is fits well. (The difference between filtering 94% of the .3 micron particles and 95% of .3 micron particles isn't a real difference - since in testing, both filter somewhere around 98%.

A KF94 is not the same as an KN95. Much less likely to be counterfeit for reasons having to do with the country's certification standards. The brand I use (BOTN) is extremely breathable.

I can wear either large or extra large



Meowmee

(5,164 posts)
17. Not required
Fri Jan 28, 2022, 09:37 PM
Jan 2022

I started wearing them because I knew I was gonna be teaching in person and they are better fro breathing etc. so I ordered two different types and the duck bill was recommended as being much easier to breathe in which it is for me in most places I have to go however it doesn’t seem to be enough after a few hours of teaching and if I’m talking a lot like I do when I’m teaching.

I will look up those thanks. Another issue I can have is I can be allergic to the masks too. This is the first time I’ve had the breathing issue though and I wore KN95 for hours on end in multiple hospital wards and in emergency rooms with my father and I don’t remember ever having this problem. Although I did sometimes have a little bit of an allergy thing when I first put a new mask on and it went away but I always use my rescue inhaler before I put them on.

Ms. Toad

(33,915 posts)
19. My daughter has a UV sterilization device for her CPAP -
Fri Jan 28, 2022, 09:47 PM
Jan 2022

she put the KF94 masks in them and said it made them smell less. So if you have access to something like that, it might help.

(In one study, cleaning the with a UV light decreased the effectiveness by about 2% - so not significantly.)

Do you have an office where you can go and take a break and remove your mask?

I taught 6 hours/day, then 3 hours x 2 days, than 6 hours x 2 days. I used a different mask each day (I just noted the weekday on the inside of the mask so that in subsequent weeks I just grab the "M" mask for Monday. I'm on week 4 now with the same set of masks (they are theoretically good for about 30 hours - and since I am retiring on April 1, I don't have many teaching/interaction duties this semester - 30 hours may last me the entire time).

I did take a break over the lunch hour on the three long days, since I have a private office where I'm permitted to remove my mask.

Meowmee

(5,164 posts)
30. I will look into that about the cpap thanks😀
Sat Jan 29, 2022, 01:00 AM
Jan 2022

Yes there is an office on one floor however, I am not taking my mask off in there or anywhere inside unless it is an emergency, have to take meds etc. because it is used by others as well. I went to my car to eat so I am getting a break but it isn't enough with my situation now. And the room where I became the most breathless with low bg as well, was freezing, no heat apparently etc. I seem to be able to make it through one class and then things get worse. So I will try an oral steroid before and hope that helps.

I would never be able to remember the whole mask changing thing, that is great you can do that! I use one there and it gets tossed because that is the highest risk place for me, maybe I wear it if I have to do something else on the way home. I followed these practices in numerous hospitals with covid patients all over and never became infected ( using kn95.)

I now know there are not only possible unvaxed students who may have mask exemptions as well but that faculty and employees have not been required to follow the state vax mandate while students have. There was one employee wearing no mask at all. In addition they are doing daily sanitation in rooms with cleaners but they have done nothing as far as I know to improve stopping the actual mode of transmission because that would be too expensive.

womanofthehills

(8,584 posts)
44. I'm sensitive to smells too - put your mask in the sun to bake out smell
Sat Jan 29, 2022, 07:45 PM
Jan 2022

I go on Amazon and get 10 mask packages- from a variety of companies- some have no odor some a slight odor. They all go in the sun. The sun will also kill germs on your mask after wearing it. Lots of people keep masks in their car hanging on the mirror. I live in NM where there is lots of sun though. I like the KF94’s.

Meowmee

(5,164 posts)
49. Ty
Thu Feb 3, 2022, 01:48 AM
Feb 2022

I do leave masks in the car if for short term use. Sometimes it is not just the smell I don’t know what is going on but it might take a while for me to start to react to it but I remember a few times I put the mask on I started having terrible itching and trouble breathing it was like there was some weird fiber in the mask unfortunately. I carry different masks with me just in case so I switch to another one. I returned the problem ones. My KF94 masks arrived but unfortunately they were awful, they were too big on the bottom of my face and way too tight on the top and too close to my nose so it was harder to breathe lol. That was with that little plastic thing to make the ear loops tighter so I just sent them all back and I’m gonna stick with the duckbill ones for now.

My last two classes I managed to teach this week somehow I made it through the night, this is the really bad one and I took a break before and two puffs of albuterol and one of my steroid before. But my blood sugar was still crashing the entire time, very badly, I had to leave the room several times to eat more sugar. That can happen to me anyway( but almost never this much) as I have very volatile Bg.

But I think the fact that the room is not properly heated has something to do with it so I have made a complaint about that. The lack of heat is also affecting my asthma and my breathing. I had to wear my coat for that class too. It was so cold the first week that I went ahead of time to make sure there were no windows open and there were no windows open- there was a minuscule amount of heat coming in but clearly it is not enough to properly heat the room. A janitor told me that the person in charge of this puts the heat as low as possible in the winter and the air conditioning as low as possible in the summer so everyone is freezing and sweating to death. For me to have to wear my coat though it is really exceptionally cold/ terrible.

Another thing I did is pace my speaking and speak very slowly and not too much and try to exert myself as little as possible and that seemed to help a bit at least for this time.

Anyway I am just taking it hour by hour and day by day until this is over and then reevaluate everything because we are going to leave here eventually anyway. Hopefully I can just go back to online only after this. It is better for me for many reasons.

 

Tomconroy

(7,611 posts)
3. Just in the past couple of days there have been articles in
Fri Jan 28, 2022, 09:17 PM
Jan 2022

NPR, the New York Times and the Atlantic calling for a pathway away from masks in the school setting once Omicron is done. They may be doing less good and more harm than assumed.


https://www.npr.org/2022/01/28/1075842341/growing-calls-to-take-masks-off-children-in-school


https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/01/kids-masks-schools-weak-science/621133/

Meowmee

(5,164 posts)
5. I do not believe that is the case
Fri Jan 28, 2022, 09:20 PM
Jan 2022

There is no way I’m not going to wear a mask everywhere I go until there is some real evidence that I am no longer at risk. I’ve already had Covid at least once, had heart and other damage and my father died from it after a long extended torture of nearly 11 months. I have no way of knowing which students are vaccinated and which are not and none of them are wearing the effective masks. Many with masks falling off the nose etc.

But anyway my post is about how to get through this not about other people’s opinions of whether masks are harming people or not.

Pobeka

(4,999 posts)
23. I would urge caution.
Fri Jan 28, 2022, 09:51 PM
Jan 2022

If you go read the atlantic article, it references studies that were pre-omicron, the closest was a July '21 study in Arizona when Delta had not quite taken root here yet.

So the studies are not reflective of the variants that are present today, and the increased infectiveness the current variants have.

I will be curious to know if a KF95 (not the KN95) helps solve your problem. I hope you find a good solution. I fortunately do not have to spend extended periods of time in public spaces so I just don an N95 for at most 30 minutes at a time.

Oh --- come to think of it. You might consider an N95 with an exit valve, and cover that with a surgical mask.

Your hair is gonna get messed up, no good way around that. Better messed up hair than COVID though!

Meowmee

(5,164 posts)
31. I will keep
Sat Jan 29, 2022, 01:19 AM
Jan 2022

masking regardless of what an article says. That is the only way to truly protect yourself now as much as possible against infection. I will let you know when I get some and try them. I would not want to do the one with the valve, too much risk. I think taking an oral steroid may be the only thing that helps me. I will try the inhaler steroid more as well. Yes better messed up hair 😹 I had hoped to keep some modicum of normalcy though in this never ending nightmare. If I look good I feel better overall.

The thing is it is also a logistical issue because I have my glasses with the band, I have my keys and if I have to take the mask off in an emergency like to use my inhaler or eat/ drink glucose I have to be able to lift the mask up and it is not easy to do, they all get tangled together.

Pobeka

(4,999 posts)
35. That valve is only a risk for others if you are infected.
Sat Jan 29, 2022, 09:58 AM
Jan 2022

I accidentally got some of that type, and it is a one-way for exhale only. It does work really well. But you need to filter the exhale somehow, thus a second surgical mask over the top.

But given what your situation is, I'd try the KF95 first, seems simpler and just as effective.

ProfessorGAC

(64,425 posts)
37. I Would Urge Caution...
Sat Jan 29, 2022, 11:41 AM
Jan 2022

...with regard to the study covered by the Atlantic.
There are methodology flaws & if you read the actual study, some extrapolations that reveal a misunderstanding of the physics of filtration.
You infer what you wish, but that study doesn't convince me of anything.

Pobeka

(4,999 posts)
38. I have a background in physical/biological modeling and statistics.
Sat Jan 29, 2022, 01:23 PM
Jan 2022

First question in statistics -- does the sample represent the population of interest? If the answer is no, don't use the study to make inferences for the general population.

It this case, the use of the study in the articles failed that simple question.

Sounds like the article failed good science reporting on multiple levels, given your deeper dive into the actual study.

Thanks for your additional review!

ProfessorGAC

(64,425 posts)
39. I've Done Digging Into...
Sat Jan 29, 2022, 04:33 PM
Jan 2022

...many of the masks and aerosol studies reported by MSM.
Some of the latter are so ridiculous that I question whether those doing them ever heard of Newton. Aerosol that defy the laws of gravity & fluid dynamics. Who knew?
I've done a great deal of work on reactions occurring in two phases. The flaws in those articles stood out like a muddy elephant in the snow.

Ms. Toad

(33,915 posts)
24. The first article is full of false information.
Fri Jan 28, 2022, 09:56 PM
Jan 2022

Once you wade through the crap, and n=1 anecdotres, there are some valid concerns (challenges in communication, primarily) - but (in general) those concerns don't outweigh the reduction in transmission.

(Just two points: 600 TPI double-layer cloth masks (or 2-layers of quilter's cotton + silk) are as effective at filtration as N/KN 95 an KF94 masks. KF94 pediatric masks are easily available. I ordered some just before Christmas & they arrived in less than a week. They are still in stock from the same source.)

The second is behind a paywall, so I can't evaluate it.

Meowmee

(5,164 posts)
6. Well then
Fri Jan 28, 2022, 09:21 PM
Jan 2022

I guess you are lucky that you don’t have physical issues like me. Not really a helpful reply. I am looking for input that is helpful to my issues.

bigtree

(85,919 posts)
16. thanks for the post, Meowmee
Fri Jan 28, 2022, 09:36 PM
Jan 2022

...I also suffer in masks with my asthma, especially with any strenuous stuff.

Just learned about KF94s from your query. I agree that more consideration should be given folks like us.

Meowmee

(5,164 posts)
18. I am glad it help you 🤗
Fri Jan 28, 2022, 09:41 PM
Jan 2022

Yes agree, people don’t realize how hard it can be for some of us. The teaching seems to be the worst scenario for me. I hope these masks can help us.

bigtree

(85,919 posts)
22. I know some folks think asthma is like hay fever
Fri Jan 28, 2022, 09:49 PM
Jan 2022

...but it's basically getting less oxygen to lungs, and difficulty in expelling the bad stuff, including a lot of congestion and coughing when things get stuffy.

And, of course, there are different degrees of asthma sufferers. I'm pretty much dependent on my inhaler to keep me from breathing anxiety or panicking. Masking is just an entirely new breathing challenge, on top of all of that. It can be rough. I hope you find a solution that keeps you safe and teaching.

Meowmee

(5,164 posts)
33. I thought I replied to this but apparently not
Sat Jan 29, 2022, 01:50 AM
Jan 2022

I am glad this helped you, sorry you are going through this also 🤗

 

demtenjeep

(31,997 posts)
26. um-I have crohn's and am a diabetic and also an asthmatic
Sat Jan 29, 2022, 12:28 AM
Jan 2022

I am doing my part to keep ME and OTHERS well

I am tired of them too but fuck if I am going to complain

bigtree

(85,919 posts)
29. the poster was asking for advice
Sat Jan 29, 2022, 12:53 AM
Jan 2022

...fuck if you didn't stomp all over them for asking for help.

What's wrong with you?

orleans

(33,987 posts)
20. i'm kinda in the same boat
Fri Jan 28, 2022, 09:48 PM
Jan 2022

i wear n95 masks and a thick cloth pretty mask over it so i don't frighten the kids with the n95.
the headbands: i put them over my head and on the back of my neck--then i pull my hair through to cover the straps. both bands are worn under my earlobes. (i know the purpose is to make the mask fit tight on your face, and it does--even if the straps are not separated.) then i put the cloth mask over it and that one goes behind my ears.

some days it is easier to breathe than others. a hit from an inhaler helps once in awhile, or before i go into the building. like you. i try not to exert myself and that helps too--if i take it a little easy, and try to relax a bit. climbing a few flights of stairs gets me a bit breathless so i need time to "catch my breath" after that.

i'm in and out in two or three hours--not a full day. so i have time to take those fucking masks off, rest my face, and breath normally again.

how long are you wearing the mask at a stretch of time? if you're doing a full day then step outside on breaks and take the mask off and just breathe. (and i don't recommend eating around other people or in a lunchroom)

Meowmee

(5,164 posts)
32. Sorry you are going through this too
Sat Jan 29, 2022, 01:36 AM
Jan 2022

I don’t think I would be able to double mask. I tried that once at a hospital and couldn't breath well. Yes with the hair I think I am doing the same as you but I can only put one band over my ears because it hurts with two. When I try to take everything off it gets all tangled with all of my various items so I was hoping maybe someone figured out a better way for the ones with headbands. I am trying to relax etc. but no eating etc. inside unless it is an emergency. I eat in my car. Usually the classes are 2-2.5 hours but I am there prepping etc. and doing stuff after so longer, I have not kept track. But I have a longer day where I eat in the car etc.Even though it is currently freezing I will try stepping outside too more if I can.

Skittles

(152,965 posts)
21. I absolutely feel for the folk who must mask while working
Fri Jan 28, 2022, 09:48 PM
Jan 2022

I really dislike the feel of a mask on my face just for short periods of time.

Meowmee

(5,164 posts)
34. When I was in the hospital for hours on end
Sat Jan 29, 2022, 02:02 AM
Jan 2022

With my father it was uncomfortable and difficult but it was doable, it had to be because there was no way I was not going to be there with him as much as possible. I did not get really breathless etc. like this event. I expected it would be ok for work but obviously it’s not for me. I did an entire nuclear stress test on a treadmill with a kn95 on, that was very difficult for me but I was not going to take my mask off in their office etc. Most people are masking still with surgical or cloth masks at many places most of which are much easier to breath in for the majority of people.

JCMach1

(27,544 posts)
40. Get the plastic tab/teeth thingees that hold it in place in back of your head
Sat Jan 29, 2022, 07:22 PM
Jan 2022

Mask extenders I guess they are called...

JCMach1

(27,544 posts)
42. I get very tired with the KN95 ear loops and it does help
Sat Jan 29, 2022, 07:28 PM
Jan 2022

you can also double them up over, or under the ear for variety

Meowmee

(5,164 posts)
43. I have never tried under, will try that.
Sat Jan 29, 2022, 07:32 PM
Jan 2022

I am so sensitive and also get ear pain etc. eventually from the ear loops.

JCMach1

(27,544 posts)
46. I had 12hr shifts which is just too long... I also think wearing it that long might permanently pull
Sat Jan 29, 2022, 08:23 PM
Jan 2022

them forward. Even if not, the irritation was enough to act

Meowmee

(5,164 posts)
48. Yes way too long, sorry you have to do that
Sat Jan 29, 2022, 09:03 PM
Jan 2022

In the hospital the last 2-3 weeks I was there pretty much non stop, masked all the time, sleeping in the visitor lounge and then my father’s room at the end.

Pathwalker

(6,597 posts)
45. Could you use a "face shield"?
Sat Jan 29, 2022, 08:11 PM
Jan 2022

They wrap around your forehead and have a clear plastic shield that entirely covers the face area while having ample space for you to breathe, since they don't actually touch it.

Meowmee

(5,164 posts)
47. A face shield might help breathing
Sat Jan 29, 2022, 09:00 PM
Jan 2022

But it won’t protect me from covid. I have to mask to be protected. Students can have exemptions to vaccination, staff aren't even mandated currently, almost no one is wearing a good mask, some falling off noses etc. Even with vaxed people transmission is still possible.

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