Standing out in a face shield??
I am a person who cannot wear a mask because it is detrimental to my mental health. The mask is restrictive and makes me feel sick. It makes me feel submissive and im not a submissive woman by any means. The last straw for the mask was the 5th time walking around walmart feeling like im suffocating😷! I seriously began to feel like I had a respiratory fungus or infection. I realized that masks are like moist panties with all the hot air and spit you breathe into them. They need to be washed everyday but who is really going to take the energy to do that or keep enough masks to change daily? The spit and moisture in the mask begins to get mildewy and moldy like a wet towel sitting there for days. They collect dust too.
I started to create DIY Face shields because enough was enough. I have used headbands tied to containers, clear shower curtains and sheet protectors. The relief that I have gotten from not wearing a mask is incredible!!! I also feel more protected with my eyes covered. I feel like they just want a very tight mask over your mouth thinking it will be more effective but honestly that tightness means if the virus gets trapped your screwed cause its going to really stick to you. Plus your eyes are exposed.
I have gotten some compliments and some strange looks. I do what is comfortable and the shield is comfortable. I have had some people stay like 12ft away from me in line. Im curious maskers, how do you feel about shielders?
Being a shielder means I get show my smile and expression while a masker is not allowed to. I couldnt talk in a mask either and it just didnt make a difference what kind it was I couldnt breathe. Im going to stick to shielding. I know right now im kind of standing alone in a shield but im hoping someday people begin to embrace the beauty of shielding. I see people walking around with their coffee hand and their mask. They could have a shield and sip their coffee underneath 😊
@BirdLover90 my worry with shields is that your sides/bottom are still pretty exposed. And the eyes exposed thing is not an issue if everyone wore mask or some covering like you're supposed to. I see shields as secondary covering for when you interact with others who dont wear masks. To me, masks are for protecting others, shields are for protecting yourself.
I don't know what kind of masks you're wearing if it's so hard to breathe..nurses literally wear 2 or 3 masks sometimes and still show their oxygen levels are normal with it on. Sure it gets hot but that's about it. And....wow it's not that hard to wash your mask every day, I do think people are doing that (I do) or having enough to cycle through, not to mention disposable ones that you throw away right after. Just seems like excuses. But at least you're still wearing something and being concerned, I wonder how many places that require masks allow only face shields? I always hear "face mask or covering" with pictures of masks, scarves, etc, but not pictures of shields...wonder what the regulation is and if it's as effective as masks. If you sneeze/cough or even just spit while speaking with a shield, it can just go right out the bottom...
@BirdLover90 I respect that you found what works for you. For me, a face shield actually gives a bit of peace of mind because my eyes are covered too. I use Bison Life Face Shields since they’re clear, light, and easy to clean. Plus, you don’t feel that "wet mask" effect.
@BirdLover90It makes sense that you want comfort and that masks have felt overwhelming for you. Your feelings are valid. At the same time, face shields alone are not shown to give the same level of protection as well fitted masks, so it can help to check local rules or talk with a clinician about safe alternatives that let you breathe comfortably.