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Wearing a face mask with COPD: How to cope with it?

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Courtney_J

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15/09/2020 at 12:47

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Courtney_J

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Last activity on 13/10/2022 at 16:47

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Hello everyone,

How are you today? emoticon cute

I thought I would open this discussion to talk about masks.

It can be difficult to adjust to wearing a mask when going out, especially for those with respiratory conditions like COPD.
Do you find it difficult to wear a mask? Does it aggravate or irritate your COPD? What do you do? Do you have any tips or techniques to make it more comfortable? Has your GP given you any advice?
@teebsybhoy‍ @Sheilamarsh‍ @Cathymac‍ @Bigman‍ @rpt1952‍ @madmazz14‍ @madmaz‍ @Chutneymaster‍ @elise2018‍ @Gareth0425‍ @normabray‍ @Jack17‍ @June1958‍ @Deano36‍ @Gillybeanz‍ @Eileen65‍ @Susan6‍ @Mandy9‍ @Angliz‍

Feel free to share your experiences and advice here!

Take care,
Courtney

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mariejo

Edited on 17/09/2020 at 11:20

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mariejo

Last activity on 28/06/2023 at 12:27

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@Courtney_J It's been hard for me. I already struggle with breathlessness, but with the mask at first it was even worse. My GP recommended that I "practice" wearing it at home where I'm comfortable and that did help. I at least don't have that feeling of panic when I put it on. I also made sure to get one that's moisture-wicking, because once it gets a bit wet from my breath it makes it even worse. I really do try to my best to wear it and make my trips the shops and things quick.

Wearing a face mask with COPD: How to cope with it? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/copd/living-with-copd/wearing-a-face-mask-with-copd-how-to-cope-with-it-3751 2020-09-17 11:20:22

annpmunday

21/09/2020 at 16:19

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annpmunday

Last activity on 23/04/2025 at 13:13

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I only wear it when necessary - entering the Spa Grocers or the Post Office

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Ann P Munday

Wearing a face mask with COPD: How to cope with it? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/copd/living-with-copd/wearing-a-face-mask-with-copd-how-to-cope-with-it-3751 2020-09-21 16:19:45

cookiemonster

21/09/2020 at 21:24

cookiemonster

Last activity on 10/01/2021 at 20:49

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I find wearing a protective visor better,

Wearing a face mask with COPD: How to cope with it? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/copd/living-with-copd/wearing-a-face-mask-with-copd-how-to-cope-with-it-3751 2020-09-21 21:24:21

Shazyanne

22/09/2020 at 13:35

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Shazyanne

Last activity on 25/04/2025 at 21:49

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I had difficulty breathing in a mask, But I found a bandana type face covering so much easier to breathe in

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Shaz

Wearing a face mask with COPD: How to cope with it? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/copd/living-with-copd/wearing-a-face-mask-with-copd-how-to-cope-with-it-3751 2020-09-22 13:35:21

annpmunday

23/09/2020 at 18:51

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annpmunday

Last activity on 23/04/2025 at 13:13

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I just wear one when I absolutely need to

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Ann P Munday

Wearing a face mask with COPD: How to cope with it? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/copd/living-with-copd/wearing-a-face-mask-with-copd-how-to-cope-with-it-3751 2020-09-23 18:51:03

Mikest

30/09/2020 at 10:30

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Mikest

Last activity on 07/01/2022 at 10:32

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I find a visor much more comfortable than a mask, especially since my glasses don’t steam up

Wearing a face mask with COPD: How to cope with it? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/copd/living-with-copd/wearing-a-face-mask-with-copd-how-to-cope-with-it-3751 2020-09-30 10:30:52

Courtney_J

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30/09/2020 at 14:24

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Courtney_J

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Last activity on 13/10/2022 at 16:47

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@cookiemonster @Mikest Face shields and visors seem to be a popular option for those with respiratory conditions. Where did you find them? Are they easily available at the pharmacy or did you have to purchase them online?

Take care,
Courtney

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Courtney_J, Community Manager, Carenity UK

Wearing a face mask with COPD: How to cope with it? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/copd/living-with-copd/wearing-a-face-mask-with-copd-how-to-cope-with-it-3751 2020-09-30 14:24:13

Mikest

01/10/2020 at 09:42

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Mikest

Last activity on 07/01/2022 at 10:32

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I bought my two visors online from Amazon. As I recall they were about £5 each, although some much more expensive ones are also available

Wearing a face mask with COPD: How to cope with it? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/copd/living-with-copd/wearing-a-face-mask-with-copd-how-to-cope-with-it-3751 2020-10-01 09:42:54

robbo1952

Edited on 07/10/2020 at 10:57

robbo1952

Last activity on 11/08/2021 at 18:48

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I purchased plastic frames that fit snuggly under the mask and off your face.

You can purchase them from Amazon

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J Robson

Wearing a face mask with COPD: How to cope with it? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/copd/living-with-copd/wearing-a-face-mask-with-copd-how-to-cope-with-it-3751 2020-10-05 23:17:52

Unregistered member

06/10/2020 at 12:25

I tried a few masks but all left me breathless ..now I use shield that is attached to glasses frame...it has worked very well

Wearing a face mask with COPD: How to cope with it? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/copd/living-with-copd/wearing-a-face-mask-with-copd-how-to-cope-with-it-3751 2020-10-06 12:25:33

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