Why might I get symptoms while wearing a face mask?

The ideal mask will allow for the easy flow of air (breathable) but will prevent the spread of droplets through it (impermeable).

If your mask does not allow air to flow through it, this could have negative effects on your health and well-being.

Typically, when we are worried or anxious, adrenaline causes us to take faster and shallower breaths. This leads to lower levels of carbon dioxide in the blood which in turn can cause dizziness, fatigue, headaches, chest pain, breathlessness, numbness and tingling, a feeling of disorientation or confusion, and increased emotionality.

If your mask is adequately breathable, it is more likely that symptoms experienced are related to your own breathing rather than the mask itself.

Medical grade masks are specifically designed to offer high level protection (impermeability) and adequateoxygenation (breathability) while undertaking highly skilled and high-risk tasks. While the public does not require medical grade masks, manufactured and home-made masks should offer the same level of breathability and reasonable impermeability.

A recent study done in Illinois demonstrated that a mask made with double layered T-shirt material (cotton or cotton/polyester blends) balances the best breathability with a 98% impermeability to droplet spread which performs equally to medical masks.

The only difference is that household materials will retain droplets rather than repel them, so it is important to hot wash (or dispose of) them after each use.

Breathing through the nose provides the benefit of the air being moistened and filtered. Nasal breathing also produces Nitric Oxide which kills viruses and bacteria.

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How To Make Your Face Mask Your Breathing Friend And Filter - Longevity LIVE