Thoughts on face masks
Author
Ulli Krütt-Bockemühl
Anyone going shopping or using public transport across Germany must now wear a face mask covering their mouth and nose. Experts largely agree that this reduces the risk of coronavirus infection. The German Association of Pulmonologists, Sleep and Respiratory Physicians also expressly welcomes the mask requirement.
Experts repeatedly emphasize the importance of proper use and cleaning of masks – provided they can be reused multiple times.
A simple cloth face mask or so-called surgical masks are sufficient. For people with lung conditions, wearing professional masks (FFP2 and FFP3) can lead to breathing difficulties, as the high level of sealing and filter function of these masks can make breathing significantly more difficult.
The German Association of Pulmonologists considers professional surgical masks or homemade cloth masks to be largely unproblematic. Even for most people with asthma or chronic lung conditions, with or without oxygen therapy, breathing is hardly affected by these masks, as they do not create a tight seal anyway. Only in rare cases is an exception to the mask requirement necessary.
Anyone who has health problems with wearing a mask should speak to their doctor – if necessary, a medical certificate exempting them from the mask requirement will be issued. However, please bear in mind that the mask primarily serves as protection and that you may encounter unpleasant comments in shops where you shop without a mask.
There is no mask requirement for walks in the fresh air.
Patients at increased risk of severe or fatal COVID-19 should avoid contact with others as much as possible. Medical professionals also emphasize that maintaining a distance of at least 1.5 meters from other people, proper cough and sneeze etiquette, and good hand hygiene must continue to be strictly observed.
But how can masks and oxygen be combined?
The mask is simply placed over the oxygen cannula. If you also wear glasses, it's advisable to tuck the mask loops under them, otherwise they tend to slip off your ears. Masks that go over the head, with elastic all the way around, are also preferable in this case.
