hello all ! I'm just looking for some advice, I'm an animal care student and as part of working with certain things I have to wear a dust mask, however, I get awful panic attacks because it feels like I can't breath when I wear it. I've had panic attacks most of my life and I try to avoid things that give me them, I can't avoid this though ... any suggestions on a type of mask that'll help prevent my attacks ? we wear those cheap cup paper mask that they hand out to us and I should also clarify that I wear glasses and the masks always steam them up and make me panic more. I hope someone can give me some advice! thank is advance ! - Katebug
Hi Katebug
I know very little about dust masks I’m afraid but couldn’t you have a chat with your tutor about this just in case there is an alternative type you can wear. Perhaps they have cone across this issue before. Just a thought.
ive tried to ask her before but she doesn’t have any other type of mask for me to wear.
I’m thinking that maybe i could get one of those paper ones with the air flow valve or respirator ?
thanks for the reply
-katebug
Try supping a menthol sweet whilst wearing it, it could help clear your sinuses and maybe you won’t feel so suffocated.
Katebug:
I sent a suggestion yesterday which was deleted by the moderator. It was probably because I put a hyperlink into a website with some good suggestions on how to use the mash. Therefore, I will give you some suggestions within the website without the hyperlink.
I recommended a duckbill mask. This is used by medical professionals. You could possibly buy it online from Amazon and some other websites. But the following are examples of how you can manipulate the mask that you are using now so you could breath better.
Loosen up the bottom part of the mask.
You’re making a tunnel with the mask and
your chin for air to flow in and out of.
Don’t breath through your mouth. just relax and breath through your nose. Hope this can help.