Had a patient on Friday wearing her mask below her nose.

[Aristus]

I instructed her to pull it up over her nose. She complained "I can't breathe with it over my nose!"

I told her to pull it up over her nose or I would end the visit.

She pulled her mask up over her nose, and had no difficulty breathing for the rest of the visit.

TV talking points cut zero ice with me when it comes to medical issues...

[LizBeth]

1. You are a friggin' doctor. You have science on your side that yes, she could breathe. And if it

proved to be factual that she really could not breathe, well would give you a clue in to her health and what you need to address. So stupid.

Edit to add: I assume you are a doctor. Right?

[Aristus]

2. Physician Assistant.

In my clinic, anti-maskers become pro-maskers rapidly, or they go somewhere else.

I'm extremely fortunate in that I have earned the trust of most of my patient population. If I need them to comply with medical standards for clinical care, they do.

[LizBeth]

4. Close enough. If she couldn't breathe you would be there to help her, lol.

[volstork]

3. As a surgeon,

I have spent a substantial portion of my adult life wearing a mask. I can state unequivocally that one is able to breathe perfectly normally with a mask on-- even an N-95 mask.

SO tired of this snowflake bullshit.

[Aristus]

5. When she said she couldn't breath while wearing her mask properly,

I pointed to my own mask and said: "I've been wearing this for six solid hours, and I'm fine..."

[volstork]

6. Well played.

They don't want the slightest amount of discomfort for themselves, so are willing to put others at risk of a potentially deadly illness.

[wnylib]

30. Another beef of mine,

besides the naked noses, is people who don't leave their mask on steadily while indoors. They pull it down to their chin or neck until they pass someone and then pull it up - if they remember to. While their face is uncovered, they are breathing virus into the air, if infected, where it will hang for 5 hours for other people to walk through.

I live in a senior housing complex of two multistoried apartment buildings next to each other. There is a maintenance staff to do repairs inside apartments, to haul out trash from common area rooms, and to clean the hall and common area floors. In the entire year of this pandemic, I have NEVER seen maintenance staff wearing a mask indoors unless they see someone coming and then pull it up from their chin or neck. There have been confirmed covid cases in the building next to mine. The staff could be carrying virus from one building to the other.

It's useless to complain to the management office because that is their practice in the office, too. The 5 employees who work close together there put on their masks only when someone else enters the office.

The average age of tenants is 75, some older, some younger. Some have diabetes. Some have COPD. Others have asthma and/or autoimmine disorders. The staff is endangering our lives and totally clueless or indifferent.

[birdographer]

14. Walk with me...

I may possibly agree with you if you are talking about people sitting still, as this woman would be in a doctor's office. So yes, I agree she could breathe. However, if I tried to walk down a hospital corridor with a cloth mask on, I would be breathless after about 7 steps and lightheaded after struggling for another 10 or so. I got a new cloth mask recently that was touted as being "breathable." I made the mistake of wearing it into a grocery store to buy a few items. I made it through the door and a short distance toward the dairy wall and had to sit down on the refrigeration ledge in front of the beer display since I simply could not catch my breath. This does not happen in a paper mask, but of course at this point those masks are nearly useless.

So yes, I can breathe with a cloth mask on, as long as I am not moving. The minute I have to walk, I don't get enough air. People with COPD or otherwise limited lung capacity don't do well when you put cloth over their nose and mouth and have them walk around. Sitting, fine and dandy. But I'm not stupid enough to simply wear it under my nose!

[wnylib]

37. I have asthma, so I understand

your concern. I live in a city where transportation is available so I gave up my car when I retired. For out of town trips, I can rent or borrow one. So I walk to many places since I do not feel safe on public transportation now.

I think you have mistaken information about the value of "paper" masks, which are surgical masks. As long as the surgical mask fits well over your nose when you bend it to shape, and at the sides without gaps, it is still good. It doesn't look like much, but it is multilayered (3 layers) of tightly woven substance. If it leaves gaps at the sides, you can tie knots in the ear loops to fit better.

But with new strains that spread more easily, and rises in cases, it is good to double up on masks. That can be two surgical (paper) masks or one surgical and one cloth mask over it. I do it all the time now. Another alternative is a 2 layer cotton mask with a pocket to insert a filter. The filter can be a paper towel, paper napkin, or the filter from inside the old fashioned paper vacuum cleaner bags, if you still have any. You can still buy them, too. Just pull the soft inner lining out from inside the bag and cut it to the right size. It's flimsy and takes practice to getcit inserted, but performs well in tests of the effectiveness of mask materials. Lightweight and breathable with a 2 layered cotton mask.

Since I live in an apartment building, I need to put on my mask before leaving my apartment. It keeps my face warm in cold air, too, once outside, so I leave it on all the way to the stores, inside while I shop, and until I am back inside my apartment again. Going home is the problem for me because it is all uphill, a long, steep hill for someone with asthma wearing a mask.

Double surgical masks work best for me on fit and breathability. Doubling makes breathing a only a little harder, so I pause along the way a few times to take long, slow, deep breaths. I also puff my inhaler BEFORE I go out to improve breathing capacity in advance. (And carry the inhaler with me, just in case).

Good luck.

[Laffy Kat]

41. I have asthma, too.

But I have no problem wearing a mask eight hours a day. If I climb stairs I simply breath faster for a few minutes and my heart works a little harder before it returns to baseline. Yay for homeostasis and compensation.

[wnylib]

44. Yeah, once I have the mask on,

I adapt my breathing and movements, or my body does, and I can wear it for long periods.

The way I see it, I'd have a LOT more trouble breathing if I got infected with covid, so a little discomfort now is worth it to prevent a much worse interference with breathing if sick. Not to mention the discomfort of a ventilator. By comparison, a mask is just a blip on the discomfort scale.

[mac2766]

27. Why aren't you on the news?

I spent 20 years working in a hospital environment, all-be-it in an IT dept, but still... in, and around, clinical technicians and physicians. I can tell you from first hand experience that masks are worn for long periods of time by clinical personnel. None, and again, from first hand experience for 20 years... NONE of them fell out by not being able to breath through the masks.

I'm not a doctor, a nurse, or even clinical in any capacity. I'm simply an observer of over 20 years who can state that I've worked around clinicians for that long and have never once seen one of them keel over because they could not breath.

That argument is so insane.

[plimsoll]

29. Key point is normally.

When I wear a mask while cycling I have to drop may pace back. My heart rate goes up because I'm working harder against the mask.

I assume her patients are not performing intense aerobic exercise during visits.

[Aristus]

33. Last summer, a physician in the UK ran a marathon while wearing a standard

KN-95 mask, just to show it could be done.

No problems.

[plimsoll]

38. I can and do wear a mask,

I just notice a performance degradation.

[NurseJackie]

7. You rock!

[OldBaldy1701E]

8. Simple solution

you need to set up a special tray that has some vials of various colored liquids in them. (Dish washing liquid, cooking oil,... just different colored liquids that cannot be easily identified) Have over half of the tops removed from the vials that they are in. Take one and have it spilled on the tray. Then, when you get someone in your office that isn't complying with the mask directive, get the tray and walk in with it. Set it down beside the patient and then start doing your thing. If the patient does not ask about the tray, give them enough time to sit with it near them and then say something along the lines of "Well, They won't need these virus samples until later, so I can leave them here." and immediately leave the room. If they dare ask about any aspect of that tray, you give them the same crap they give you. "But I don't WANT to put on the tops and clean up the spill! It will make my fingers dirty!" NO matter what they say, give them some excuse, some argument, some whining tears about how you just cannot remove that tray or clean it up. See how those fuckers like it. Or even better (although you may get in trouble for this), give them some news about their condition and then make them aware that you won't do anything about it because reasons. This silly reaction by spoiled children posing as adults has gone on long enough. Time for the adults to put a few children in time out.

[Ferrets are Cool]

31. IMO, the op handled it perfectly. Precise and to the point.

Either wear it correctly or get out.

[OldBaldy1701E]

40. True

but as you know some of these people need visual aids due to a decided lack of brain power and the influence of Dunning-Kruger.

[BigmanPigman]

9. Give them a choice...

No mask, no service. If someone gave me that "I can't breathe BS" I would point out the N95 masks that I wear are the tightest and I have no problem breathing. Ask them which they think is more uncomfortable...wearing a decent mask or having a ventilator breathe for you in a month long hospital stay?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

11. That's exactly what the OP did.

Seems to me that if a retail establishment can say "No shirt, no shoes, no service," a medical clinic can certainly say "No mask, no service."

[Fritz Walter]

10. Way to handle a "sniffer!"

Well done, Aristus!

A couple months ago, I was roaming the halls and towers of a downtown medical center, looking for my cardiologist’s office. Along the way, I saw a great poster, giving nicknames to those who wear masks improperly. Someone whose nostrils are visible is a “sniffer.” There were other nicknames for other variations, but the whole point was to remind people that there’s a right way — and a half-dozen wrong ways — to wear a mask.

Still kicking myself for not snapping a quick shot of that poster, but — in fairness — I was already late for the office visit. Web searches haven’t been helpful.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

12. It's probably *not* this one, but...

[calimary]

15. Point made. Even while somewhat floppy!

[Ziggysmom]

23. That is SO cute!

Now my mind will wander and the “Sniffers” will wonder why I’m giggling at them!

[eppur_se_muova]

57. That's available as a T-shirt ...

IIRC says "Don't be a dick nose" on the back.

[mezame]

13. Chin Diaper

Thanks South Park!

[wendyb-NC]

16. Well done, Aristus

the below the nose people, drive me crazy.

[wnylib]

45. Me, too. I want a mask that says

"Naked noses spread diseases" with little virus spikes floating around the nose.

[wendyb-NC]

48. That's a great idea

If the q anon senators can wear provocative words on their face masks, instructional words of science based truth, should be welcomed, more so.
Thank you, wnylib.

[wnylib]

49. Alas, I do not have the artistic or

stitching skills to make one myself. I can visualize it perfectly, but not follow through on the creation. But I know someone who is a graphic artist, so maybe I'll ask her about it.

[Joinfortmill]

17. 👍

[yaesu]

18. after the pandemic ends I'm going in the tRumpster owned stores that ignored the mask mandates with

no shirt nor shoes on & scream MY RITS! if they to remove me.

[safeinOhio]

19. 71 years old, of which 40 as a smoker.

I quit 10 years ago. I just got a pacemaker.
I run 3 to 5 miles 2 or 3 times a week out side. I wear a mask on my runs and find that it helps my breathing as it warms the air and filters out pollutants.
Go figure.

[Aristus]

20. Thank you for your supportive testimonial.

I don't know who dreamed up this "Can't breathe with a mask on" nonsense. But it's just as stupid as the rest of the COVID-19 denial bullshit...

[NBachers]

22. 71 years old, running frantically all day long with my mask on at work.

Plus, I’ve got the top of it taped off against my nose and upper cheek, so my glasses don’t get foggy. I ain’t dead yet!

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

24. Apparently some people do have anxiety reactions from masks.

They think they can't breathe, so they tense up, which causes them to hyperventilate, which makes them feel even more like they can't breathe. So the example of calmly wearing a mask and pointing out that even hours of mask-wearing don't actually interfere with breathing probably helps them relax a bit.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jessicagold/2020/07/01/feeling-anxious-about-wearing-a-mask-here-are-5-ways-to-overcome-it/?sh=4b569cc14629

[Warpy]

25. Good for you.

I don't go out much so I haven't seen a dick nose or chin diaper since June or so. People here in the city have been pretty good about things in businesses that require masks.

Anyone who tells you they're too ill to wear a mask is too ill to be anywhere but home in bed.

[3catwoman3]

26. Just to prove a point, I put my pulse ox device on...

...while wearing a procedure mask and an N95, having measured my O2 level before putting on either one. Spent 15 minutes in each one, and the reading did not vary at all.

[BobTheSubgenius]

28. Good for you!!!

Hold the line on anything to do with COVID. This virus is virtually radioactive.

[Cousin Dupree]

32. That's how you do it! Do it or else!

[paleotn]

34. Many Americans are lazy, worthless and weak...

God help us if we face an even graver threat. Half the country would fold and melt into a quivering puddle. So much for American exceptionalism.

[samnsara]

36. thank god we didnt have these idiots during WWll when cities had to black out..

[wnylib]

46. Imagine it - But I can't SEE in the dark!

[IronLionZion]

50. Yeah, well I have a right to keep my lights and TV on for Fox News

you're taking away my freedoms because you libtards are the real nazis

[Tommymac]

55. Actually, many cities in the US on the East Coast fought the blackout.

Yes, Virginia, greed, vanity, selfishness, and stupidity existed in spades then too.

The nazi submarines had a field day off the US Coast in the spring of 1942 - they called it " The Second Happy Time".

They sank many merchant ships that were backlighted by the bright neon lights of beach resorts and cities from Maine to Florida. A lot of those resorts and cities fought tooth and nail against the blackouts for months, until public opinion, the courts and the military finally told them to stuff it.

Popular histories seem to avoid talking about this sorry episode in American WW2 history. You can read accounts where beach crowds watched the ships being sunk right in front of their eyes. The bodies, debris, and oil slicks would cover the beaches.

"Hey Marge - look, another nazi sub just scored! Pass me a Pabst and the sunblock, please."

Admiral Ernest King, the admiral who was in charge, wanted this hushed up as more men were killed and ships sunk then at Pearl Harbor just a few months earlier. His inaction and stubbornness to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation is a part of his legacy that was successfully covered up for decades.

[Celerity]

39. +1

[samnsara]

35. yep..hubby is a pharmacist and wont assist anyone until properly masked

..he will gently educate them but wont continue if they are non compliant. Hes not gonna allow some ASSHOLE to make him sick.

[Talitha]

43. Priceless!!!

Give him a DU hug from all of us, ok?

[wnylib]

47. I wish he worked at my CVS.

The CVS policy is.to say nothing to anti maskers. I have left the prescription line to return later, or just have meds mailed, when I see no maskers and naked noses in the line.

[nuxvomica]

51. Breathing seems to be highly susceptible to mental state

It's too easy to convince yourself, falsely, that you are having trouble breathing. That's why the psychological warfare about it is so harmful and it's good to see the president showing some leadership about this, especially when he wore one while riding a bike. I think the previous president is such a snowflake that he couldn't muster enough physical courage to wear one regularly. I don't think it was just the optics with him.

[murielm99]

52. When I went to the clinic last summer,

the people at the desk were asking anyone who had their mask below their nose to please pull it up to cover their nose.

I did not see anyone refuse to comply.

[LaMouffette]

53. I was hoping Covid would spur some clever inventor to come up with an oxygen hood.

You know, something completely enclosed with a canister of oxygen that would supply air to the user.

Maybe they have invented it and I just don't know about it. I just googled "handheld portable oxygen" and saw that there are spray canisters of oxygen on the market. Maybe if it were a clear hood that had a hole with an attachment to hook up one of these canisters and then you could just push the button on the canister however many times in a minute to get your oxygen. A steady flowing stream would be better, of course.

Just wondering out loud. Don't anybody try this at home unless you make sure you can take the hood off immediately if you run out of air!!!!

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

54. Don't smoke, either.

[LaMouffette]

56. Yikes! I hadn't thought of that. Thanks!

[LuvNewcastle]

58. Lol!

They would definitely have to put that on the label because you know some half-wit would light one up.

[tiredtoo]

59. Went to my pulmonologist today

Told the nurses having a mask on improves my oxygen content. They thanked me and asked me to tell there other patients.

[AllaN01Bear]

60. good for you, no nosense . would u rather be on a ventalator.