Mask Tips for Migraine Patients

By The Migraine Girl

4 min read

I don’t wear a mask often. That’s not because I don’t believe in their efficacy, and it’s not because I am at all careless when it comes to preventing the spread (or the possibility of the spread) of COVID-19.

Why don't I wear a mask most of the time?

What do you mean you don’t wear a mask often? Don’t you care?! I am gravely concerned about the pandemic! The reason why I don’t wear a mask too often is because I spend 99% of my time at my house, where I am the solo human along with two felines. When I do see friends or run errands, yeah — I wear a mask and keep my distance. I exercise an abundance of caution. But, in contrast to friends of mine whose jobs require them to share space (or HVAC systems) with others for several hours each day, it’s rare that I am sharing airspace with anyone.

My bag of face masks

When I do go out, I like to have a variety of masks with me. I keep 2-3 clean masks in a tiny, clear, see-through bag that zips closed. Using a zippered bag with a texture that contrasts with my other pouches/bags allows me to reach easily into my backpack or purse and feel the telltale texture of the storage bag. I can grab the masks without having to spend time digging through my bag — and time is of the essence if someone is approaching my personal space in the time of a pandemic!

I have different face masks

I make sure to have different styles with me (and I’m not talking about different fabrics, though I do love a variety where that’s concerned!). I make sure to have ones that are easy to slip on for brief interactions as well as ones that can be worn securely but comfortably for a long period.

Masks for short-term wear: the fabric mask with elastic

Most masks I have are the ones with the elastic ear loops. I always have at least one of these with me when I leave the house. They’re fairly easy to put on in a hurry. so if I am pulling up to the pharmacy pickup window or if I need to dip into my bookstore to grab mail, I can protect myself and others lickety-split.

Discomfort from masks with elastic ear loops

Unfortunately, they’re also profoundly uncomfortable for me. Like most migraineurs, I am super-sensitive to stimuli, particularly when it comes to my neck and head. The pull of the elastic can drive me up the wall, yes, but it also hurts after a few minutes. As I type, I feel a dull throbbing behind my left ear and on the left side of my head, echoes of the discomfort I felt while pacing back and forth in the vet’s parking lot as I waited for them to bring me my younger cat (all is well with my kitties, by the way).

After I write this, I plan to go to bed in hopes that I can avoid getting a migraine — I feel one beginning, and its epicenter is at the cartilage where my ear connects to my skull. Dang mask.

Masks for long-term wear: the fabric mask with ties

Situations like the above are exactly why I invested in some masks that can be worn comfortably for a longer period. I buy my masks from a sustainable fashion boutique online - Community - seamstresses make handmade, reusable masks out of lovely fabric. I have several of their masks that loop around my ears, but my favorites are the ones with long ties that allow me to tie the mask firmly but comfortably so that I can wear the masks for longer periods with no ear pain! (I also like how you can situate them so they cover your full jaw; they don’t slip, either. And there’s a small piece of bendable wire at the top so you can make the mask fit to your nose better.

A pain free option for masks

Apart from occasionally getting a piece of my long hair in the knot I’m tying (ouch!), this type of mask is pain-free for me and hasn’t triggered any migraine attacks so far.

Donating masks to frontline workers

Bonus: you can pay a few bucks extra to get two masks instead of just one—as part of Community’s Buy One, Give One campaign, they’ll donate a mask on your behalf to hospital workers. (Note: these aren’t medical-grade masks; the hospital staff who use them are working in positions where they aren’t dealing with infectious diseases like COVID-19.) I feel pretty helpless given the pandemic and the political upheaval in the US, so being able to donate an affordable, reusable mask for a hospital staffer gives me some sense of purpose.

What migraine-related issues have you uncovered in regards to face coverings/masks?

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Migraine.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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dinamay Member
I have the same problem with the ear loops! A short time is bearable and they’re quicker and easier to slip on and off than the ones that you tie. But after a few minutes, my right ear begins communicating with the migraine storm center behind my right eye and something’s gotta give! What’s worse, I wear eyeglasses, so I have to coordinate the earpiece of the glasses with the ear loop. If I don’t get it right, my glasses may go flying when I take my mask off. Here in the assisted living facility, I’m relatively young, too. Most of the residents also have to wrangle hearing aids along with their glasses and their masks’ earloops. There just isn’t enough real estate behind our ears for all that equipment! Woof! It’s giving me a migraine telling y’all about it!
azreynolds Member
There's been a bunch of negative comments about using bandanas as a mask because they don't offer enough protection. But I tie the bottom of my bandana in a knot so it goes up underneath my chin. It is double cloth, covers my nose, mouth and chin and ties behind my head. I get better coverage with it than any mask I've ever purchased. Plus, you can wear it around your neck at all times and pull it on when needed. I've been using bandanas like this for decades! It all started when I helped my hubby build our house and I was sanding drywall. If you wet it first, it filters out dust and pollen too.
1. Melissa Arnold Community Admin
 Sounds like you've got a good system in place, AZReynolds. Neck gaiters are certainly comfortable and it's understandable that some folks prefer them. Better a neck gaiter than nothing at all, right? Thanks for sharing your tips! -Melissa, <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
rachel20 Member
I noticed at the beginning of the mask wear requirement I could only wear cloth tie around the head masks or my velcro neoprene mask with vents for my 10ish hr work shift. I have adjusted to wearing cloth ear loop ones that I put nots in the ear loop to make it fit enough to protect but not too tight that it tugs at my ears. I do notice that the smell, texture and loops of the paper ones almost instantly give me the starts of migraines. I prefer my cloth ones that I wash after every use and dont smell chemical.
1. Nancy Harris Bonk Moderator
 <inline-mention username="rachel20" user-id="3873727"/> , You're not alone in dealing with this. I've heard from many who have issues with masks. Thank you for sharing that a cloth mask works for you! I hope today is a low pain day, Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Advocate/Moderator
willemijnkamerling Member
Here in the Netherlands we can stop wearing masks as of end of the month. Om not sure hoe I feel about that covid-wise, but migraine wise I'm so releaved. The worst part about them is they keep my face so warm and heat is one of my mayor triggers. Glad you've found your go tos. 
1. JakeMaxwell Community Admin
 Hi @willemijnkamerling - Thanks for sharing! These updates can certainly bring up some different feelings, but I'm glad to hear that the change may help you migraine-wise, especially if the heat is a major trigger! I'll be curious to hear any updates you have related to your symptoms once those changes take place. - Jake (Team Member)