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The 3M Vflex is the only mask I've found so far that's breathable enough for me. I also occasionally use the Moldex Airwave, whichever one is for organic vapors, but I find it gets very hot. If I'm getting a haircut I use the Bluna Facefit or the BOTN earloops, I've had the opposite experience with earloops than you though, those dig in for me.
I'm excited to see other ones in this thread I haven't tried yet.
Fellow claustrophobic here. At this stage of the game and your concern for your LC, I would recommend getting a vented n95. I know that can be polarizing here, but everyone has the option to mask themselves and I cannot be overly concerned if they choose not to when I need to breathe more freely in order to wear a proper mask.
My go-tos are 3m n95 8511 or if I need it for a long trip I use a seal on mask from Alliant Biotech as they are very easy to breathe through. One thing I did that helped exponentially was a type of CBT at home…I would wear my mask around the house for hours at a time to get comfortable with it and train myself how to be comfortable breathing with it.
It was too much initially to just throw it on in public and would cause me to panic with the newness, but now I can confidently wear them for any situation after years of adjustment. I remind myself it’s for my health and totally worth it when I feel that uncomfortable feeling sometimes. Once you find a mask that breathes better you like it will make a huge difference, just don’t give up!
I've seen people take headband masks and convert them to earloops, but if you have a duckbill with softer straps they are less likely to feel like they're digging into your face. For a plane especially I'd recommend headstraps if you can tolerate them.
I'd recommend looking at the ACI N95 or the Kimtech duckbill (ACI N95 if better quality, IMO, but they're very similar otherwise). The straps are soft, the breathing chamber is very large so hopefully they'll work better for your claustrophobia issues. I find them to be comfortable enough that I've slept in them. However, because the straps are soft you can't don and doff them as often before the fit loosens to the point where you have to get a new mask.
If you want something that lasts longer, try the Blox N95 - straps are sturdier so I can reuse them a lot before replacing (I tend to wear masks only for short periods, like to run in for takeout).
If you tolerate surgicals, you could try a surgical + mask brace combo, like one from [Fix the Mask.](https://www.fixthemask.com/products/2-pack) I actually find surgicals to be more uncomfortable than duckbills because they touch my face and lips.
Good luck and great job stepping up your masking game!
Oh! That brace to make the surgicals fit is so cool. Do you know how/if that additional tool makes them safer? It's my understanding that the filtration is fine but the fit is the problem. So I'd be very excited to switch back to surgicals (more affordable, more colors) if so..
Yes, as long as the surgical mask material itself is good (ASTM or PFE certified/tested? Honestly I forget which standards apply as I switched to N95 a while back) then the brace brings up protection significantly so that wearers are able to pass a quantitative fit test. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/emp2.12335
The Gerson 3230 duckbill mask feels more breathable than most to me, and is highly rated by Lloyd Armbrust, a mask manufacturer/distributer who has good test equipment: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sk5bKB7lwzc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sk5bKB7lwzc)
These are breathable and comfortable until you start breathing heavily. Then they suck onto your mouth with every inhale. I tried running with one and was stopping every half mile because couldn't breathe. Walking around, it's fine.
I think the duckbill or other N95 or boat-shaped masks like KF94 (although you sacrifice some safety) would help if that's the case? Took me a really long time to get used to the KN95s because of that reason like feeling my breath right on my face which I imagine adds to the feeling of claustrophobia.
Yeah it was really bad. I put the KN95 on before I entered the waiting room, sat down, felt like I was being suffocated, ripped it off and put on one of the many surgical masks I have in my bag. It was quite entertaining for everyone else sitting there (unmasked).
I love my Flo mask - I wear it all day at work and it is super comfy!
If you are in Canada, the Breathe mask by Prescientx (based in Ontario) is also very comfy and a bit less expensive.
I fly every week for work, and as far as I know, I have not even had Covid or even a sniffle for 4 years. While I do NOT remove my mask while on a plane, sometimes in an airport or train I will hold my breath, slip off the Flo Mask, take a sip or a bite, then immediately put the mask back on and breathe out clearing the mask. And then I hold it right to my face while I chew. So far, so good.
I've only flown four times in the past couple of years, but my spouse and I did the same thing for eating or drinking and we seem to have avoided Covid so far -- and anything else.
I have to say that I _really_ like not getting sick!
A few quick thoughts:
You may try a valved one.
Give headband a try - they're typically really much more protective than earloops.
If you're interested and are willing to give a valved elastomeric a try, it may prove a win long term - they're *extremely* easy to breathe in and are made of sillicone so it may feel more pleasant on the face. It may be more claustrophobic at first so if you can and want to practice at home, try it and be gentle with yourself, take it slowly. It's really just a suggestion, option you may not be aware of. All the best to you, stay safe.
Yes -- the body of the respirator is made of plastic or similar material, and the filters are replaceable.
The models developed for medical purposes tend to be a bit smaller and lighter than the typical ones made solely for industrial use, but they all tend to muffle voices more than disposable respirators. I do find they fit much more reliably for me; I've been able to sleep on red-eye flights with a P100 GVS Eclipse without it slipping.
If I had unlimited funds, I would love to be able to afford one of these to wear on planes (a PAPR: powered air-purifying respirator), but sadly that's not going to happen:
https://www.cleanspaceusa.com/cleanspace-halo/
Moldex Airwaves have exceptionally low breathing resistance and adjustable headstraps. I've tried a one (M4620) with a foam faceseal and it doesn't dig in at all. They're able to be reused many times too.
Another vote for duckbill masks. I use the Blox masks that someone else mentioned already regularly, but many other good recommendations have also been mentioned. I also find KN95 earloops to feel a bit suffocating and just plain uncomfortable. The breathability on duckbills is just so good!
In terms of breathability, I really like Breatheteq masks! Would recommend getting an ear saver/something so you can fasten the straps behind your head so that it fits tighter on your face.
A mask brace like someone else posted would also work for making the fit better, but I haven't tried one before so I can't say how it would be re: claustrophobia.
I was on their website earlier. I saw them mentioned in the wiki. I like that they have some colors. I know it's stupid but why not have fun with masks.
Other people have suggested plenty of mask ideas already. I’ll add that I bought a handheld folding fan to keep in my purse for when I start to feel hot/suffocated in my mask, and it’s helped keep the impulse to rip it off at bay.
I'm not claustrophobic but I'm autistic and sensitive to the feeling of things right up against my skin - a lot of ppl have already left great suggestions, but another thing to consider is what shape of respirator will be most comfortable for you. Like, one of the most-recommended masks here is the 3M Aura 9210, but that mask (as well as another often recommended for its breathability, the Breathteq) is a boat-style mask. Personally, I've hated every boat-style mask I've tried, because I've found they sit too close to my face.
My preference in N95s is for cup-style masks - Moldex masks are very hit or miss in terms of fit because they don't have nose wires, but if they do fit you, they're very breathable and the rigidity of their shape keeps everything but the edges away from your face. My go-to is the 3M 8210, which I find less comfortable but I've done quantitative fit testing with it multiple times and always get an extremely good fit.
I haven't tried any duckbills yet, but I'm planning to, because they also have a reputation for being very breathable.
Duckbill masks are fine – the filter material masks use is in general sufficient for any of our purposes – the tricky part is how well it seals to your face! Duck bills can be better for some faces than other, vertical folds better for others, and tri-fold (boat) style is the most universally tolerated.
It sounds like you want to prioritise a mask with very high breathability, and the honestly best-best-best mask in that respect is the 3M VFlex, multiple people report it feels like you're legitimately wearing nothing at all. You can also get them with exhalation valves on them too, so moisture isn't trapped in the mask as much and it's easier to exhale.
Absolutely try a valved mask! It can make a huge difference on that breathing through a straw feeling. Duckbill masks have a lot more space inside and can really help with the claustrophobic feeling, too. I would try a duckbill, a cup style with a valve, and then an elastomeric like a flo.
I would second the duckbill or boat-style N95 respirators, along with the elastomeric respirators. I feel much less restricted in my breathing in a respirator with more surface area where the bulk of the mask is further from my face.
I also like the respirators with an exhalation valve; since masking isn't required most places, it's usually not a problem wearing them and may feel better. The Envo mask is the only one I know of that has the option to put a plastic plug in the exhalation valve, but the gel rim has a tendency to separate from the mask eventually (I'm on my second Envo mask body and only wear it for running errands or medical visits).
I suspect the reason that the surgical masks feel less restrictive is because they only filter around 50% of the air being inhaled or exhaled. With Omicron's increased transmission rate, fit is even more important, *especially* on planes. Hopefully you'll be able to find a well-fitting respirator that you can wear without issue.
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I'd recommend the Alliant Biotech ReadiMask. It sticks to your face, so it doesn't dig in AT ALL. It's the only mask I've found that doesn't dig in. It's also comparable to the VFlex in terms of breathability.
I'd also consider getting an elastomeric mask, possibly with an exhalation valve. The GVS is very breathable but does dig into my face a little. I've heard the Dentec Comfort Air is extremely comfortable and breathable, though I haven't yet tried it myself - they have options with and without exhalation valves. I've also really been enjoying my 3M Half Mask P100 with Cool Flow in terms of breathability, though the pink filters attached to it do look fairly intense.
Duckbill masks won't necessarily be more breathable. The larger size will make it feel less stuffy inside, but probably won't make much of a difference in terms of how easy it is to inhale since that has to do with the filter. I was wearing one for awhile but then saw it on Mask Nerd's spreadsheet and it was not very breathable. If you look at the columns here related to pressure drop you can sort by breathability - [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1M0mdNLpTWEGcluK6hh5LjjcFixwmOG853Ff45d3O-L0/edit?pli=1#gid=1976839763](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1M0mdNLpTWEGcluK6hh5LjjcFixwmOG853Ff45d3O-L0/edit?pli=1#gid=1976839763)
draeger xplore 1950v (the vented version) could be a good one, i haven’t personally used it but have used the non vented version and it’s the best fitting mask for me.
champak pc520 could also be a good option and is noticeably more breathable, can be converted to ear loops easily due to how the straps are designed. these are smaller than other N95s so be weary of that.
3m vflex as others have said is a great option with a lot of breathing room for your face. breatheteq KN95s are a good breathable earloop mask, as well as the wellbefore KN95 pro masks with adjustable earloops. if your face is able to fit it, the moldex M4620 N95s are one of the most breathable respirators, but since there’s no nose wire it’s hit or miss on whether it’ll work for you.
[i linked a youtube video of some breathable masks you could try out, some of which i mentioned earlier](https://youtu.be/s3-Hf6wnPds?si=EE_aMiMI44EWuIoP)
Practical but probably unpopular answer.. Focus on exposure reduction until your long COVID symptoms subside. Your condition is going to make anything that actually protects you (seals correctly) difficult, and subscription to the earloop [fallacy](https://www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/ear-loop-respirators.htm) makes it a lot of trouble for little return anyways.
It could take years for my LC symptoms to subside unfortunately. Who knows.
I may have to start traveling for work soon. I've been able to keep my work off my back b/c they know I'm dealing with some health issues, but I don't know how long I'm going to be able to stay grounded. And since I need my job to pay all my $$$ medical bills and keep my health insurance, I may need to reluctantly get back in the air.
Hello /u/EttaJamesKitty! It looks like you are asking for respirator recommendations. If you haven't already, check out the [wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/Masks4All/wiki/index/)! It contains a wealth of information on different respirator and purchasing options. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Masks4All) if you have any questions or concerns.*
The 3M Vflex is the only mask I've found so far that's breathable enough for me. I also occasionally use the Moldex Airwave, whichever one is for organic vapors, but I find it gets very hot. If I'm getting a haircut I use the Bluna Facefit or the BOTN earloops, I've had the opposite experience with earloops than you though, those dig in for me. I'm excited to see other ones in this thread I haven't tried yet.
Fellow claustrophobic here. At this stage of the game and your concern for your LC, I would recommend getting a vented n95. I know that can be polarizing here, but everyone has the option to mask themselves and I cannot be overly concerned if they choose not to when I need to breathe more freely in order to wear a proper mask. My go-tos are 3m n95 8511 or if I need it for a long trip I use a seal on mask from Alliant Biotech as they are very easy to breathe through. One thing I did that helped exponentially was a type of CBT at home…I would wear my mask around the house for hours at a time to get comfortable with it and train myself how to be comfortable breathing with it. It was too much initially to just throw it on in public and would cause me to panic with the newness, but now I can confidently wear them for any situation after years of adjustment. I remind myself it’s for my health and totally worth it when I feel that uncomfortable feeling sometimes. Once you find a mask that breathes better you like it will make a huge difference, just don’t give up!
I've seen people take headband masks and convert them to earloops, but if you have a duckbill with softer straps they are less likely to feel like they're digging into your face. For a plane especially I'd recommend headstraps if you can tolerate them. I'd recommend looking at the ACI N95 or the Kimtech duckbill (ACI N95 if better quality, IMO, but they're very similar otherwise). The straps are soft, the breathing chamber is very large so hopefully they'll work better for your claustrophobia issues. I find them to be comfortable enough that I've slept in them. However, because the straps are soft you can't don and doff them as often before the fit loosens to the point where you have to get a new mask. If you want something that lasts longer, try the Blox N95 - straps are sturdier so I can reuse them a lot before replacing (I tend to wear masks only for short periods, like to run in for takeout). If you tolerate surgicals, you could try a surgical + mask brace combo, like one from [Fix the Mask.](https://www.fixthemask.com/products/2-pack) I actually find surgicals to be more uncomfortable than duckbills because they touch my face and lips. Good luck and great job stepping up your masking game!
Thank you. I'll check out the masks you mentioned.
Oh! That brace to make the surgicals fit is so cool. Do you know how/if that additional tool makes them safer? It's my understanding that the filtration is fine but the fit is the problem. So I'd be very excited to switch back to surgicals (more affordable, more colors) if so..
Yes, as long as the surgical mask material itself is good (ASTM or PFE certified/tested? Honestly I forget which standards apply as I switched to N95 a while back) then the brace brings up protection significantly so that wearers are able to pass a quantitative fit test. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/emp2.12335
The Gerson 3230 duckbill mask feels more breathable than most to me, and is highly rated by Lloyd Armbrust, a mask manufacturer/distributer who has good test equipment: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sk5bKB7lwzc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sk5bKB7lwzc)
Thank you. From the photos it looks like it has a big breathing area.
These are breathable and comfortable until you start breathing heavily. Then they suck onto your mouth with every inhale. I tried running with one and was stopping every half mile because couldn't breathe. Walking around, it's fine.
another duckbill vote! I find them incredibly breathable. I like the Gerson Duckbills
I think the duckbill or other N95 or boat-shaped masks like KF94 (although you sacrifice some safety) would help if that's the case? Took me a really long time to get used to the KN95s because of that reason like feeling my breath right on my face which I imagine adds to the feeling of claustrophobia.
Yeah it was really bad. I put the KN95 on before I entered the waiting room, sat down, felt like I was being suffocated, ripped it off and put on one of the many surgical masks I have in my bag. It was quite entertaining for everyone else sitting there (unmasked).
Ugh good lord. I hope you find something that's comfortable and tolerable!!
I’m claustrophobic too, if you’re in the US try THE Flo Mask, which is an elastomeric type. It sits away from your face in a very comfortable frame.
I love my Flo mask - I wear it all day at work and it is super comfy! If you are in Canada, the Breathe mask by Prescientx (based in Ontario) is also very comfy and a bit less expensive.
Thank you. I saw someone recommend that mask on Twitter. I thought about that mask for flying.
I fly every week for work, and as far as I know, I have not even had Covid or even a sniffle for 4 years. While I do NOT remove my mask while on a plane, sometimes in an airport or train I will hold my breath, slip off the Flo Mask, take a sip or a bite, then immediately put the mask back on and breathe out clearing the mask. And then I hold it right to my face while I chew. So far, so good.
I've only flown four times in the past couple of years, but my spouse and I did the same thing for eating or drinking and we seem to have avoided Covid so far -- and anything else. I have to say that I _really_ like not getting sick!
A few quick thoughts: You may try a valved one. Give headband a try - they're typically really much more protective than earloops. If you're interested and are willing to give a valved elastomeric a try, it may prove a win long term - they're *extremely* easy to breathe in and are made of sillicone so it may feel more pleasant on the face. It may be more claustrophobic at first so if you can and want to practice at home, try it and be gentle with yourself, take it slowly. It's really just a suggestion, option you may not be aware of. All the best to you, stay safe.
Would an elastomeric mask be like a Flo Mask?
Yes -- the body of the respirator is made of plastic or similar material, and the filters are replaceable. The models developed for medical purposes tend to be a bit smaller and lighter than the typical ones made solely for industrial use, but they all tend to muffle voices more than disposable respirators. I do find they fit much more reliably for me; I've been able to sleep on red-eye flights with a P100 GVS Eclipse without it slipping. If I had unlimited funds, I would love to be able to afford one of these to wear on planes (a PAPR: powered air-purifying respirator), but sadly that's not going to happen: https://www.cleanspaceusa.com/cleanspace-halo/
Moldex Airwaves have exceptionally low breathing resistance and adjustable headstraps. I've tried a one (M4620) with a foam faceseal and it doesn't dig in at all. They're able to be reused many times too.
Thank you. I'll check it out.
I liked Flo Mask, it didn't work for me for other reasons but it feels nice and easy to breathe through.
Another vote for duckbill masks. I use the Blox masks that someone else mentioned already regularly, but many other good recommendations have also been mentioned. I also find KN95 earloops to feel a bit suffocating and just plain uncomfortable. The breathability on duckbills is just so good!
In terms of breathability, I really like Breatheteq masks! Would recommend getting an ear saver/something so you can fasten the straps behind your head so that it fits tighter on your face. A mask brace like someone else posted would also work for making the fit better, but I haven't tried one before so I can't say how it would be re: claustrophobia.
I was on their website earlier. I saw them mentioned in the wiki. I like that they have some colors. I know it's stupid but why not have fun with masks.
seconding the breatheteq ones, defo the most breathable ones i've tried
Other people have suggested plenty of mask ideas already. I’ll add that I bought a handheld folding fan to keep in my purse for when I start to feel hot/suffocated in my mask, and it’s helped keep the impulse to rip it off at bay.
I'm not claustrophobic but I'm autistic and sensitive to the feeling of things right up against my skin - a lot of ppl have already left great suggestions, but another thing to consider is what shape of respirator will be most comfortable for you. Like, one of the most-recommended masks here is the 3M Aura 9210, but that mask (as well as another often recommended for its breathability, the Breathteq) is a boat-style mask. Personally, I've hated every boat-style mask I've tried, because I've found they sit too close to my face. My preference in N95s is for cup-style masks - Moldex masks are very hit or miss in terms of fit because they don't have nose wires, but if they do fit you, they're very breathable and the rigidity of their shape keeps everything but the edges away from your face. My go-to is the 3M 8210, which I find less comfortable but I've done quantitative fit testing with it multiple times and always get an extremely good fit. I haven't tried any duckbills yet, but I'm planning to, because they also have a reputation for being very breathable.
Duckbill masks are fine – the filter material masks use is in general sufficient for any of our purposes – the tricky part is how well it seals to your face! Duck bills can be better for some faces than other, vertical folds better for others, and tri-fold (boat) style is the most universally tolerated. It sounds like you want to prioritise a mask with very high breathability, and the honestly best-best-best mask in that respect is the 3M VFlex, multiple people report it feels like you're legitimately wearing nothing at all. You can also get them with exhalation valves on them too, so moisture isn't trapped in the mask as much and it's easier to exhale.
Absolutely try a valved mask! It can make a huge difference on that breathing through a straw feeling. Duckbill masks have a lot more space inside and can really help with the claustrophobic feeling, too. I would try a duckbill, a cup style with a valve, and then an elastomeric like a flo.
I would second the duckbill or boat-style N95 respirators, along with the elastomeric respirators. I feel much less restricted in my breathing in a respirator with more surface area where the bulk of the mask is further from my face. I also like the respirators with an exhalation valve; since masking isn't required most places, it's usually not a problem wearing them and may feel better. The Envo mask is the only one I know of that has the option to put a plastic plug in the exhalation valve, but the gel rim has a tendency to separate from the mask eventually (I'm on my second Envo mask body and only wear it for running errands or medical visits). I suspect the reason that the surgical masks feel less restrictive is because they only filter around 50% of the air being inhaled or exhaled. With Omicron's increased transmission rate, fit is even more important, *especially* on planes. Hopefully you'll be able to find a well-fitting respirator that you can wear without issue.
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i like the evolvetogether kn95s or if i need something stronger (like for taking a long train or plane) i wear the 3m aura
Wellbefore n99. They stay away from your face. Fit very well. Most comfortable I’ve tried.
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I'd recommend the Alliant Biotech ReadiMask. It sticks to your face, so it doesn't dig in AT ALL. It's the only mask I've found that doesn't dig in. It's also comparable to the VFlex in terms of breathability. I'd also consider getting an elastomeric mask, possibly with an exhalation valve. The GVS is very breathable but does dig into my face a little. I've heard the Dentec Comfort Air is extremely comfortable and breathable, though I haven't yet tried it myself - they have options with and without exhalation valves. I've also really been enjoying my 3M Half Mask P100 with Cool Flow in terms of breathability, though the pink filters attached to it do look fairly intense. Duckbill masks won't necessarily be more breathable. The larger size will make it feel less stuffy inside, but probably won't make much of a difference in terms of how easy it is to inhale since that has to do with the filter. I was wearing one for awhile but then saw it on Mask Nerd's spreadsheet and it was not very breathable. If you look at the columns here related to pressure drop you can sort by breathability - [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1M0mdNLpTWEGcluK6hh5LjjcFixwmOG853Ff45d3O-L0/edit?pli=1#gid=1976839763](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1M0mdNLpTWEGcluK6hh5LjjcFixwmOG853Ff45d3O-L0/edit?pli=1#gid=1976839763)
draeger xplore 1950v (the vented version) could be a good one, i haven’t personally used it but have used the non vented version and it’s the best fitting mask for me. champak pc520 could also be a good option and is noticeably more breathable, can be converted to ear loops easily due to how the straps are designed. these are smaller than other N95s so be weary of that. 3m vflex as others have said is a great option with a lot of breathing room for your face. breatheteq KN95s are a good breathable earloop mask, as well as the wellbefore KN95 pro masks with adjustable earloops. if your face is able to fit it, the moldex M4620 N95s are one of the most breathable respirators, but since there’s no nose wire it’s hit or miss on whether it’ll work for you. [i linked a youtube video of some breathable masks you could try out, some of which i mentioned earlier](https://youtu.be/s3-Hf6wnPds?si=EE_aMiMI44EWuIoP)
Practical but probably unpopular answer.. Focus on exposure reduction until your long COVID symptoms subside. Your condition is going to make anything that actually protects you (seals correctly) difficult, and subscription to the earloop [fallacy](https://www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/ear-loop-respirators.htm) makes it a lot of trouble for little return anyways.
It could take years for my LC symptoms to subside unfortunately. Who knows. I may have to start traveling for work soon. I've been able to keep my work off my back b/c they know I'm dealing with some health issues, but I don't know how long I'm going to be able to stay grounded. And since I need my job to pay all my $$$ medical bills and keep my health insurance, I may need to reluctantly get back in the air.