Masks and Migraine

By Holly Harding

1 min read

As we are all tasked with wearing masks to protect ourselves and each other from COVID, a new challenge is arising for some.

The trouble with masks and migraine

Many of us with migraine are noticing an uptick in the frequency of attacks and are relating it to the difficulty that comes with breathing while wearing masks. Also, many of us are in environments where we have to wear masks for a significant window of the day, extending the duration of time we are struggling to breathe easily. Lots of us are searching for solutions. In this video, Holly shares various types of masks along with the challenges that come with wearing them.

Do you have any tips?

In the comment section below we invite you to share any challenges you might be having along with successes you may have found on the mask front so that we may learn from each other on this very important and timely topic.

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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mmgage Member
First, it’s something of a relief to know that it’s not just me with this issue! I’ve tried different masks, various mask inserts that were supposed to help with breathing and air flow (I also wear glasses much of the time and they fog up), a gaiter, and a plastic face shield. For me the face shield is the most tolerable and it’s what I wear when I go into stores. But at work we have to wear masks - no face shields allowed - and it’s a struggle. Luckily I have my own office so I’m not stuck in the mask all the time but my boss still wants to do in person meetings and that is an issue. I’ve also found that in addition to the breathing issues, the loops in the masks irritate the area behind my ears which gets very sensitive when I’m having or about to have an attack.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 mmgage- you are definitely NOT alone in this! I think the face shield sounds like a great solution however, just like with your restriction at work, it seems many businesses have a mask-only policy. I've heard some people say that the shields are plenty safe because droplets can not fall and then rise back into the air. Who knows? Eventually, perhaps the face shields will be adopted. They definitely seem more humane! And we can see each others faces which is a vast improvement. Thanks so much for sharing. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
2. jpaula Member
 I have found that the KN95 mask to be more tolerable since the design keeps it away from my face. Also I have found over time that I can wear it for longer and longer periods of time without an adverse effect. I’m not sure that the face shields by themselves are safe if the person sneezes or coughs. It is not a close fit.
choctawcharli Member
There is a "new" product available. A mask insert. There are now two different kinds. Mine is a plastic insert that fits inside your mask and keeps it away from your nose and mouth allowing you to breath better. There is now a softer one available, more of a silicone one, but I haven't tested it. Plan to get one for testing and will let you know what I think. The one I have is a white plastic. It looks like a quarter of a "Whiffle ball" that someone has cut bigger spaces in. It is designed to hold the mask away from your mouth and nose, yet allow the mask to still fit around the outside of your nose, chin and cheeks. It does this. I have found that I breath much easier, do not get as hot (I get hot so easy - even in the middle of a South Dakota winter! (WELL past the hot flash stage)) and my glasses don't fog as much. The insert is held in place with the loops of the mask. Obviously, I cannot tell you the name of it. But you can Google "mask insert" I think there are a couple of brands.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 I just saw this the other day and was fascinated! Thanks so much for sharing this tip with the rest of us, ChoctawCharli! Sounds like such a perfect solution to the challenge of not being able to draw a deep breath. Grateful you chimed in and yes, if you have time to circle back and let us know how it works for you, we'd appreciate it! Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
2. themiche Member
 That is the trick. To keep it away from your face.
mcadwell Member
Masks with loops behind my ears triggered headaches with pain behind the ears. Masks that had straps that went over the head triggered normal migraines. Not to mention that the mask fabric rubbing on my skin caused my rosacea to flare up badly - my nose swelled to twice it's size and gave me oozing pustules meaning it was that much easier to catch any virus floating around. My work allows me to wear a face shield, thank goodness! But I still have to be careful because the strap can cause headaches. Using one does make it easier to breathe. I wear a fabric mask when going into shops but I know I can't be in there long or I'll be in pain. I've found a looser two layered fabric mask, that has the seam going down the nose to the chin, with a bread tie over the nose area, with wide elastic behind the ear loops, as the most comfortable for me.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 mcadwell- thanks so much for sharing what has worked (and not worked) for you. I think a lot of people have the ear sensitivity you mentioned- glad you brought that up! More glad you've found something effective and comfortable. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team)
2. glassmind Member
 So sorry the masks are also worsening skin symptoms for you but glad you have found some masks that are most comfortable. I am prone to hives and can only wear medical grade cotton masks. Thanks for sharing. Hugs.
v3aep6 Member
I'm glad to hear I'm not alone struggling with masks! I have used a face shield which makes breathing easier and with the spectacle frame seems more comfortable on the ears. However, I find the disadvantage is that after wearing it for a while I feel photophobic. I assume that the plastic augments the light. I look forward to improved solutions, or even better, no need to wear them! Thanks for all the advice on the site. Margaret
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 v3aep6- Thanks so much for your post! Indeed you are not alone. Fascinating comment on the photophobia as a result of the face shield use over long periods. Something I've never considered! I've not tried one of those yet but it certainly seems it would be preferable to a face mask. Amen to your comment about looking forward to no longer being in need of these things! Glad you're a part of our community. Please stay in touch. - Holly (migraine.com team).
themiche Member
Two types work for me and they pass the match test. The disposable masks, and regular dust masks that you get in hardware stores. The dust masks form a cup over your face so it does not impede breathing.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Dust masks are a great idea- they have that build in cup! Thanks so much for sharing, TheMiche! Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
wimidwife Member
Holly, I just want to remind everyone that the reason to wear a mask is not to protect yourself, but to protect others. If I have Covid but am not feeling ill, the mask I wear will help prevent me from spreading virus to others. Personally I do feel safer around unmasked people when I am wearing one, but I have not read anything to indicate that a cloth mask, or simple surgical mask offers me any real protection. I have not found masks to increase my migraines, but I have had a panic attack once and come close several times.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Thanks for chiming in, Wimidwife. There actually is updated research that now shows that we are also protecting ourselves when we wear masks- so it works both ways. So sorry about the panic attack and very glad you're a part of our community. Hope you'll stay in touch! Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
casper6 Member
I make my own mask depending on how heavy the fabric is I make them 2 -3 thickness. I make them 8x6 with 3 pleats. If I need to let more air out to stop my glasses from fogging I twist the ear elastics so it makes a pocket by each ear. However I have found when I do have a headache, the warmth of my breath actually makes the pain I have under my eye feel better. However not many share that experience.
1. glassmind Member
 I like the warmth as well even in warm weather. And the added humidity if in a dry environment.
2. glassmind Member
 I have long been wearing masks. I do find many benefits for Migraine from them. Hugs from one of the oddballs.
kellysauser Member
I am so glad to hear I am not the only one with exacerbated migraines due to wearing masks. I can only handle a mask for about an hour without a migraine kicking in. The ones with loops behind the ears trigger a migraine if they are too tight. The metal across the bridge of my nose can also trigger a migraine (I wear glasses too so it is a double whammy for me). Glare is a trigger as well, so the shields really aren't an option. Plus any pressure on my forehead is a no-no as well. Cloth ones are tricky, but on occasion, for short stints, I can handle them. The surgical (not kn95) see to work best when it is necessary that I wear one, but I stretch out the ear loops so there is no pressure. Let's just say masks are not my friend,
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi Kelly- thanks so much for sharing your challenges with the masks. You are definitely not alone. I'm glad you listed other challenges that have not yet been mentioned-- I immediately related to the nose bridge sensitivity but hadn't thought to bring it up in the video. The glare of the shields and tightness behind the ears and on the forehead are also classic sensitivity spots for migraineurs. Thanks again for chiming in! Please stay in touch- Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
glassmind Member
I have been wearing medical grade cotton masks for years. I found them once in a Japanese market and love them. I was wearing them as migraine trigger protection. They reduce dust and fumes from entering my breathing pathways, and I found this helpful. I also put a dab of eucalyptus or lavender oil on the mask. Just one drop is enough. The eucalyptus helps keep my breathing clear The lavender is just soothing to me and so helps with anxiety. Both act as counter-scents and are helpful if other scent triggers are present. I tried the match test (thanks for the tip). I cannot blow out the match, yet I can breathe easily. I think, fit, comfort, fabric and dyes are contributing factors to if a mask helps or hinders with migraine. I have tried other masks. Any that are tight on the ear, are synthetic fabric or have chemical dyes for coloring give me troubles. The masks I have are infused with silver particles and are solid white. I bought them so long ago, I forget the manufacturer/brand. Maybe they can be found online. I typically wear a scarf also. Before the pandemic if I had forgotten to brink a mask and encountered migraine breathing triggers (scents/dust, etc) I would wrap my nose and mouth with the scarf. I find breathing deeply and slowly is easier than rapid breathing or speaking for not feeling out of breath. Tangent: some athletes train with air restrictive masks to strengthen the lungs and the body’s ability to keep blood oxygen levels in a good range even under duress. This is mimicking high altitude conditions. And some people with anxiety find wearing a mask to be calming (think breathing into a paper bag during a panic attack) or alleviates social anxiety as they feel more secure obscured. Back to masks and Migraine. Each person is unique. I am interested to see in the comments if anyone else like myself has been using masks for a long time or easily adapted to mask wearing. Again, I think the mask type and fit are key, but also again the restriction may just be intolerable for some. For those struggling with an increase in migraine from masks, I wish you the best in finding a tolerable balance between safety from multiple health concerns. It is quite the challenge to work through. Hugs and spoons.
1. glassmind Member
 P.S. in dry and or cold weather I find the added humidity and warmth also therapeutic and helpful as migraine prevention.
glassmind Member
Tip for any who have the most trouble from the ear loops: there are masks that tie around the head or you can make them/have them made. A few of my family much prefer this style.
1. DonnaFA Member
 I have this type, <inline-mention user-id="3906820" username="glassmind"/> , and for me, they are much more comfortable. They also have 2 valves on the sides, which help with the hot air effect and my glasses from fogging up. Thanks for sharing! -Warmly, Donna (team member)
rachel20 Member
The best way I found was the not wear the ear loop masks but more like the surgical tie around the back of the head. I also have one that has velcro and neoprene. I also noticed that I could get a better fit or loosen it if I tie nots in the ear loops. My mom suggested the fabric extensions with buttons for the ear loops, but I haven't gotten to making any. Hope this helps with ideas.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="rachel20" user-id="3873727"/> perfect! thank you for this suggestion- I just mentioned this type of approach to you in another message- but you've got it all figured out! Thanks so much for sharing- glad you're with us. Warmly- Holly (migraine.com team)