Having trouble with the mask

[Wiscontessa]

I wanted to practice putting on the mask and to see how long I could comfortably wear it.

So a couple of nights ago I put it on. 5 minutes tops. I couldn't seem to get enough air and took it off. I tried it again a few minutes ago and after 5 minutes I felt like I was suffocating.

What am I doing wrong? What is the average length of time a person should be able to wear these?

If I can't breathe with it, and can't survive without it, should I just kiss my "alabaster aster" good-bye?

 

[eXe]

They take some getting used to. I would suggest you try it more every day until you feel comfortable with them. I use them often and now am used to it.

Get used to them now, and it will be easy once you need them.

Give you an example. I got a camper shell off craigslist for my truck that needed to be painted. I put one on and went to work with the sprayer, sure enough it was hard, but by the end of the project I was able to wear it with no effect at all. Took me about 3 days for my body to get used to it.

Your body will adjust to it in tme.

 

[Wiscontessa]

I will keep trying, and hope I can get used to it before I actually need it.

Any thoughts on re-use of masks? I'm not able to lay in a huge supply of them at present, and haven't found any good information about re-use. I am sure they would have to be disinfected somehow, but would dampening them with a spray of some sort lessen their effectiveness?

Thanks,
M

 

[fairbanksb]

Relax and make sure you have a good seal and clear the mask. I have had many exercises in the military where we had the mask on for six hours straight. I have seen people who just couldn't cope, so practice, practice, practice.

 

[fairbanksb]

Whoops. Just reread the thread. I thought you were talking about a gas mask, sorry.

 

[data junkie]

Are you talking about the bio mask? There was an article recently stating that you can extend the life of the mask by wearing a cloth or paper mask over it; one that is disposable. link

 

[Wiscontessa]

N95 particulate respirator.

I fiddled around to get a good fit (not easy wearing glasses) and then sat down at the computer. I didn't feel panicked or anything, just noticed after a few minutes that I was taking very deep breaths and not getting enough air.

Like everyone says, practice. I'm glad I found this out beforehand.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

 

[Walrus Whisperer]

First we need to know what kind of mask this is. Is it an N-95 paper thing or the big model with straps that makes you look like something from outer space?

 

[Wiscontessa]

N95 paper type with the exhalation valve.

I do have some plain paper dust masks I could put over it, but I'll have to be able to use it "as is" first. I actually bought the paper ones to give away/barter with. Guess I'll have to buy more.

 

[Jumpy Frog]

Did you remove all of the plastic seals?

 

[Butterfly]

Yes, they take some getting used to. They get hot quickly. That is why a lot of hospitals have gone to PAPR's. The self-contained "moon suits", with auxilliary ventilation and filters.