# What medical conditions make you unable to wear a mask? **URL:** \ **Category:** The Quarantine Zone\ **Tags:** covid-quarantine\ **Created:** [June 14, 2020, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-medical-conditions-make-you-unable-to-wear-a-mask/855669 "2020-06-14T21:11:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![CookingWithGas](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cookingwithgas/32/485_2.png) [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2020, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-medical-conditions-make-you-unable-to-wear-a-mask/855669/41 "2020-06-15T19:59:11Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > There was a situation where [two hairstylists worked on customers _while they were clinically ill with corona_.](https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/11/us/missouri-hairstylists-coronavirus-clients-trnd/index.html) Between the two of them they cut 140 clients hair. > > Not one case of transmission has been documented. Everyone was masked. Wow. In what universe is it OK to do that _while symptomatic_? The article did not describe the symptoms but by now everybody should know what they are. Incidentally, the masks may have been what prevented transmission. Then again, you would have to repeat that “experiment” without the masks to find out. Which ain’t nobody gonna do. ---
**Author:** ![Dale\_Sams](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/779978/32.png) [@Dale\_Sams](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dale_Sams)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2020, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-medical-conditions-make-you-unable-to-wear-a-mask/855669/42 "2020-06-15T20:38:10Z")
> [@CookingWithGas](#): > > Virginia’s reopening requires masks in public places but > > What medical condition could possibly make it riskier to wear a mask than to get covid-19? On a different thread i posted how serving is difficult wearing a mask. Its the only major profession that requires more walking then nurses. And how after every shift I could barely walk and actually ruptured a muscle. It got easier. i won’t be running to my car after work, but i don’t walk like Verbal Kint now. ---
**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2020, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-medical-conditions-make-you-unable-to-wear-a-mask/855669/43 "2020-06-15T20:43:22Z")
> [@CookingWithGas](#): > > Wow. In what universe is it OK to do that _while symptomatic_? The article did not describe the symptoms but by now everybody should know what they are. > > Incidentally, the masks may have been what prevented transmission. Then again, you would have to repeat that “experiment” without the masks to find out. Which ain’t nobody gonna do. They may have just had minor or vague symptoms and didn’t feel that bad. In the days before the positive result, one of the stylists went to places like the gym, restaurants, and shopping (from a different article). If they had severe symptoms, I don’t think they’d be doing things like going for a workout. Some people have no symptoms and only find out they are positive because their job or something requires them to get tested. One thing to keep in mind here is that we don’t know what kind of masks they were wearing. It could have been anything from a P100 respirator to a loose bandanna tied across their face. Any conclusions about mask usage we draw from this situation should be based on the quality of the masks they were wearing. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2020, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-medical-conditions-make-you-unable-to-wear-a-mask/855669/44 "2020-06-15T20:57:23Z")
Got one that hasn’t shown up in this thread yet - Where I work all staff are required to wear a mask. The company issues masks to anyone who needs one and didn’t bring one from home. One of my coworkers had a very bad reaction to the standard-issue mask: red face, swelling of lips, hives, itching inside the mouth and throat and nose… It all happened within ten minutes of putting on the company-issued mask and the redness/swelling very clearly marked out where the mask touched her face. Hmm… yes, looks like an allergy. So she was excused from wearing a mask _that particular day_ because, obviously, there was a significant problem. I whipped up a couple of 100% cotton masks for her by the next morning, and she has since bought some rather nice ones that don’t cause her a problem. So… very unlikely, but still possible, someone might not be wearing a mask due to a bad reaction to what a mask is made out of. But I’d still want the person to try to find an alternative that doesn’t cause a problem for them. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2020, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-medical-conditions-make-you-unable-to-wear-a-mask/855669/45 "2020-06-15T21:46:02Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > If you knew, with 100% certainty that you did not have it, then no, you wouldn’t need one since you’re not going to spread it to others. That, of course, isn’t counting the minimal protection you get from wearing one, making it more likely for you to catch it and spread it. But no, you wouldn’t. > It would be the same as testing negative for all STDs and having unprotected sex. If you’re not worried about catching something, that’s up to you, but you can be certain you’re not going to get your partner sick. > > However, even if you tested negative this morning, it doesn’t mean you’re not already carrying, and spreading the virus and it’s just too soon to for a positive result. I think what you’re really trying to say is > [@](#): > > She tested very good for a long period of time. And then all of a sudden today she tested positive. So, she tested positive out of the blue. … This is why the whole concept of tests aren’t necessarily, right, the tests are perfect but something can happen between a test where it’s good and then something happens and then all of a sudden – she was tested very recently and tested negative. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2020, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-medical-conditions-make-you-unable-to-wear-a-mask/855669/46 "2020-06-15T21:55:37Z")
> [@needscoffee](#): > > I think what you’re really trying to say is > > > [@](#): > > > > She tested very good for a long period of time. And then all of a sudden today she tested positive. So, she tested positive out of the blue. … This is why the whole concept of tests aren’t necessarily, right, the tests are perfect but something can happen between a test where it’s good and then something happens and then all of a sudden – she was tested very recently and tested negative. Very elegant, couldn’t have said it better myself. Can I use it?😉 ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2020, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-medical-conditions-make-you-unable-to-wear-a-mask/855669/47 "2020-06-15T22:07:44Z")
I can also say that I can’t bike while wearing a mask-- Not enough airflow. The one time I tried it, after being on the bike for about 20 minutes, I spent the next hour gasping for breath. I imagine that this would generalize to many other sorts of physical activity. And there might be better masks that would still work, but that’s not the mask I have. ---
**Author:** ![seal\_cleaner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e274bd/32.png) [@seal\_cleaner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/seal_cleaner)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2020, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-medical-conditions-make-you-unable-to-wear-a-mask/855669/48 "2020-06-15T22:29:36Z")
I have COPD. It’s a real hassle wearing a mask. I wear it when I’m out in public, but feel like I’m suffocating. ---
**Author:** ![monstro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2020, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-medical-conditions-make-you-unable-to-wear-a-mask/855669/49 "2020-06-15T23:13:01Z")
I see people exercising while wearing masks, and I feel envious. Maybe it’s the kind of masks I have or just me being neurotic, but I feel like I’m suffocating when I hike in one. I’ve stopped going to park trails (which have been jam packed lately) and just hike up and down the hills in my neighborhood when no one else is around, just so I don’t have to wear anything on my face. ---
**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2020, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-medical-conditions-make-you-unable-to-wear-a-mask/855669/50 "2020-06-15T23:23:13Z")
Some sports companies are making masks for athletes, like this one: [UA Sportsmask](https://about.underarmour.com/news/2020/05/introducing-ua-sportsmask). One way they may help with breathability is by having a larger surface area for the fabric, which should make it easier for the air to pass through. ---
**Author:** ![CarnalK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnalk/32/486_2.png) [@CarnalK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CarnalK)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2020, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-medical-conditions-make-you-unable-to-wear-a-mask/855669/51 "2020-06-16T00:15:42Z")
> [@filmore](#): > > Some sports companies are making masks for athletes, like this one: [UA Sportsmask](https://about.underarmour.com/news/2020/05/introducing-ua-sportsmask). One way they may help with breathability is by having a larger surface area for the fabric, which should make it easier for the air to pass through. Great. Now the Agents of Cobra could be right on top of us and we wouldn’t have a clue. ---
**Author:** ![CookingWithGas](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cookingwithgas/32/485_2.png) [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2020, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-medical-conditions-make-you-unable-to-wear-a-mask/855669/52 "2020-06-16T00:22:04Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > I can also say that I can’t bike while wearing a mask-- Not enough airflow. The one time I tried it, after being on the bike for about 20 minutes, I spent the next hour gasping for breath. I cycle and have not even tried a mask, because that would be my expectation. However, cycling generally does not involve close contact for more than a couple of seconds (passing on a multi-use trail), and exposure outdoors is apparently much safer than indoors due to the air circulation and UV light. So I don’t worry about it much. Since they closed my gym I have been cycling about 60 miles a week. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2020, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-medical-conditions-make-you-unable-to-wear-a-mask/855669/53 "2020-06-16T00:58:37Z")
Here’s from a university: > [@](#): > > Exemptions: > When an individual has a physical or mental condition, including disability, that prevents them from putting on, taking off or wearing any face covering; > To comply with documented industry best practices for a specific position, or by law or regulation (e.g., health care facilities, restaurants, gyms. > When exercising indoors where barriers are provided and/or physical distancing guidelines are met; > While eating. > Within University Housing: > In a student’s own residence hall room or family housing unit; > In shared residence hall restrooms; > Individuals under the age of two; > Additional exemptions may be requested on a case by case basis by contacting […]. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2020, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-medical-conditions-make-you-unable-to-wear-a-mask/855669/54 "2020-06-16T01:16:10Z")
> [@CookingWithGas](#): > > …So if I test negative, I can go anywhere without a mask, and it’s all good? If tests were 100% accurate, and you were just tested, sure. I think masks provide the wearer at least a little protection, but that’s on you if you want that protection. > [@Chronos](#): > > I can also say that I can’t bike while wearing a mask-- Not enough airflow. The one time I tried it, after being on the bike for about 20 minutes, I spent the next hour gasping for breath… > [@monstro](#): > > I see people exercising while wearing masks, and I feel envious… I’ve done some exercise wearing a mask. I’ve walked briskly around my neighborhood (briskly enough to work up a sweat) and one day when the pollen count was extremely high, I wore one of them doing yard work – mosty digging up roots out of a new bed. Mostly, it’s been fine. Except when I was doing yard work, wearing a cotton mask. It was fine and it was fine and it was fine (except that I was covered with sweat) and then quite suddenly the mask was saturated with sweat, and I stopped being able to breath through it. I mean, I could breath a little with a lot of effort, but the mask made weird gargly noises as the air went through the saturated fabric. Did I mention it was sudden. I was fine, and then one or two breaths later I it was REALLY hard to breath, and I took off the mask. There was still a lot of pollen, so I went indoors and swapped it for a dry mask, and was fine again. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2020, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-medical-conditions-make-you-unable-to-wear-a-mask/855669/55 "2020-06-16T01:50:26Z")
> [@CookingWithGas](#): > > So if I test negative, I can go anywhere without a mask, and it’s all good? If you test negative _and_ you are immune to it I see no problem with you going out for a stroll. ---
**Author:** ![dorvann](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/df705f/32.png) [@dorvann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dorvann)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2020, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-medical-conditions-make-you-unable-to-wear-a-mask/855669/56 "2020-06-16T01:55:56Z")
So if someone can’t wear a mask for medical reasons and I own a business that requires both employees and customers to wear them do I have to accommodate them under ADA guidelines? I mean the ADA requires “reasonable” accommodations; is it reasonable during the current epidemic to allow a customer or employee \*\*not \*\*to wear a mask? ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2020, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-medical-conditions-make-you-unable-to-wear-a-mask/855669/57 "2020-06-16T01:59:24Z")
Well, yes, while cycling itself I’m not near other people, but if I’m on my bike, it’s because I’m going somewhere, often somewhere that does have other people. Which means that I have to put on my mask when I get there, which in turn means that I need to immediately find some place to wash my hands. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2020, 11:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-medical-conditions-make-you-unable-to-wear-a-mask/855669/58 "2020-06-16T11:40:44Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > If tests were 100% accurate, They so are not, though. My daughter is a nurse currently in obstetrics. They recently had a near-term high-risk (age) patient who had a test out of extreme caution, which was positive. She’d been living with her husband and mother and were all extremely careful. Husband and mother tested negative. Patient has never had symptoms. So the woman was hospitalized and induced. She gave birth, but was unable to have contact with the baby. She pumped her breasts and her husband fed the baby. They tested her on release from the hospital and she was negative. She was also negative for antibodies. The infectious disease specialists studying the case believe her first test was a false positive. > [@dorvann](#): > > So if someone can’t wear a mask for medical reasons and I own a business that requires both employees and customers to wear them do I have to accommodate them under ADA guidelines? I mean the ADA requires “reasonable” accommodations; is it reasonable during the current epidemic to allow a customer or employee \*\*not \*\*to wear a mask? I’ve so far avoided dealing with individual specifics at work. There’s a sign on the door explaining in bold, large print that due to state mandate and current conditions, nobody is to enter my building unless masked. If someone enters without a mask they’re told to leave, otherwise the police will be called. If someone attempts to explain, they’re interrupted and told again to get out or police will be called. So far, no one has pushed past this. ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2020, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-medical-conditions-make-you-unable-to-wear-a-mask/855669/59 "2020-06-16T11:47:53Z")
The mask traps a lot of moisture and hold it against your face. I imagine there are skin conditions that this could irritate. ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2020, 11:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-medical-conditions-make-you-unable-to-wear-a-mask/855669/60 "2020-06-16T11:55:26Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > Well, yes, while cycling itself I’m not near other people, but if I’m on my bike, it’s because I’m going somewhere, often somewhere that does have other people. Which means that I have to put on my mask when I get there, which in turn means that I need to immediately find some place to wash my hands. Why? What would you have touched between leaving your house for the bike ride and having to put on your mask? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-medical-conditions-make-you-unable-to-wear-a-mask/855669.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-medical-conditions-make-you-unable-to-wear-a-mask/855669.md?page=4)