Scientists at PN Medical recommend breathing techniques for wearing face masks to combat side effects including anxiety, headaches, and fatigue

COCOA BEACH, Fla., June 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- As Americans become accustomed to wearing face masks in public to slow the spread of COVID-19, many are experiencing some unpleasant challenges that can arise from covering their breathing, including anxiety, headaches, confusion, and fatigue. PN Medical, which has been providing respiratory education and solutions for 40 years, is applying its unique expertise to develop and share strategies that will help people breathe more effectively and feel better while wearing masks, as well as after removing them.

“It’s vital to wear a mask in public to protect others from the virus, especially as states begin to ease social distancing restrictions,” says Mark Carbone, CEO of PN Medical. “Following the CDC’s guidelines for wearing masks is imperative, but we know that improper breathing while wearing a mask can cause changes that lead to oxygen not being delivered efficiently, resulting in acute effects on the body and mind.”

As a result, PN Medical has developed breathing protocols based on the company’s recent preliminary investigation into the use of surgical and cloth masks among members of the general public in three states. The company gathered data -- with help from Mayo Clinic, Prisma Health and Shape Medical Systems -- and found evidence of acute changes in breathing patterns that remained even when the mask was removed.

Some masks can cause the wearer to inhale and exhale more rapidly or hyperventilate, upsetting the balance of gases and causing the body to remove carbon dioxide faster than it is being produced. This causes oxygen to not be delivered effectively to vital organs. Also, the shortened breathing cycle means ventilation is coming from the upper part of the lungs, which requires the use of neck and chest muscles rather than the diaphragm, making it more difficult to mentally relax.

Conversely, protective equipment such as the N95 and surgical mask may retain carbon dioxide and restrict oxygen inhalation, resulting in lack of oxygen delivery to the brain and body and having a negative impact on cognitive function, memory, and attention. This may be of particular concern in populations with extended mask use, such as medical personnel, retail and hospitality workers, students, or teachers. No matter what type of mask one wears, the physical effects can include symptoms such as anxiety, shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, confusion, numbness, or tingling in hands and feet and problems sleeping.

PN Medical’s suggested breathing protocol while wearing a mask:

1. Perform five quality breaths* prior to putting on a mask, immediately after putting it on and when it is removed to prevent being locked into a dysfunctional breathing pattern.
   *A quality breath is four seconds of breathing in through the nose, six seconds of exhaling through the mouth and pausing two seconds before repeating.
   
2. Take longer, slower breaths while wearing a mask.
   
3. If you must wear a mask for an extended period, take regular breathing breaks, removing the mask when safe and practicing the five quality breaths protocol above.
   
4. Conduct Respiratory Muscle Training (RMT)* for five minutes in the morning and five minutes in the evening using a clinically proven device such as The Breather by PN Medical.
   *RMT is the method where both inhaling and exhaling are trained under resistance to improve respiratory muscle strength.

For the full story with the investigative data, downloadable graphic and demonstration video visit www.pnmedical.com/facemasks.

“This information campaign is to make people aware of the potential issues, and provide simple solutions so people nationwide, and worldwide, can avoid the negative side effects of wearing a mask,” says Paul DiTuro, performance breathing expert at PN Medical. He adds that PN Medical plans to partner with researchers, including colleagues at Mayo Clinic, to conduct formal studies with a larger number of subjects to better understand the potential effects of wearing a mask. The company will also test existing and new breathing protocols to counter any negative effects.

MORE ABOUT PN MEDICAL
For 40 years, PN Medical has been helping people worldwide improve their respiratory health and performance with a dedication to evidence-based science, cutting-edge research, and innovative product development. PN Medical has enabled more than 1.28 million people to breathe better, including those who want to decrease the burden of chronic illness or achieve a higher level of human performance without drugs. The Breather, invented in 1980 by respiratory therapist Peggy Nicholson, broke new ground as the first respiratory muscle training device of its kind. It is endorsed by clinicians who provide Respiratory Muscle Training (RMT) worldwide as an effective way to treat respiratory, cardiac and neuromuscular impairments. PN Medical is now developing digital devices, software and prototypes to move the company into the next phase of its evolution. To learn more about PN Medical, visit www.PNMedical.com.

Media Contact: David Viggiano
Mekky Media Relations
PNMedicalPR@mekkymedia.com
773-580-9721

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SOURCE PN Medical