Problems Breathing with Mask On

[cornflower]

When I fence, I always have a hard time breathing because it seems like there isn't enough ventilation inside the mask. I know it sounds strange because it shouldn't be so because of the metal "grille". I'm always eager to take off my mask after each bout to get a nice, fresh breath of air. Does anyone have this problem?

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

Originally Posted by cornflower

When I fence, I always have a hard time breathing because it seems like there isn't enough ventilation inside the mask. I know it sounds strange because it shouldn't be so because of the metal "grille". I'm always eager to take off my mask after each bout to get a nice, fresh breath of air. Does anyone have this problem?

it could be that you're not breathing enough. Try keeping your mouth open. Also, take the mask off between point, take a breath and then put it back on.

[bwoodward]

Originally Posted by cornflower

When I fence, I always have a hard time breathing because it seems like there isn't enough ventilation inside the mask. ...... I'm always eager to take off my mask after each bout to get a nice, fresh breath of air.

Unless you've actually passed out from lack of oxygen, you're probably getting enough air. It's probably just hot with the mask on, you're breathing warm humid air, and it feels so much better when you take it off and get a blast of room temperature air. Whenever there's a break in the action, and it's "legal", tilt up your mask and get some fresh air.

[ReverseLunge]

You are sucking too hard.

[drippingwet]

You could try wearing an oxygen tank, if you can somehow get a mouthpiece that fits under your mask.

[LUDICROUS]

Perhaps you are getting very excited and breathing too deeply during strenuous exercise? Getting winded? Claustrophobia?

[Hurriranger]

what kind of mask are you using? if you add the area of all those little holes, u'd get a big enough hole to breathe easily

[telkanuru]

Putting a plastic bag over your head != mask

[drippingwet]

Or maybe a snorkel running out the back of your mask.

[cornflower]

Awww... I somehow knew I'd get teased in this thread.

[LordTofuDog-jnr]

Of course you'd get teased, we're fencers after all. Of course by that I mean "people who are extremely tollerant of others and who would never argue over who's weapon is best."

-Foil RULES!

On the other hand however, just lift up your mask between points and take a breather, it's probably all you can do.

[drippingwet]

Originally Posted by LordTofuDog-jnr

On the other hand however, just lift up your mask between points and take a breather, it's probably all you can do.

...don't forget about the snorkel, the snorkel might work.

[Zilverzmurfen]

Originally Posted by cornflower

Does anyone have this problem?

Not really, no.

But I agree with bwoodward, try taking deep breaths whenever possible.
What mask are you using?

[esskreemr]

Cornflower, the mask you wear can make a difference. Some of the cheaper masks have less room in the facial mesh area. The better masks give you more room. In addition, the difficult breathing part might be brought on by poor heat dissipation, a better quality mask will help in that area as well. Also, check the bib to make sure it's not restricting you throat.

The extra comfort in a good fitting mask can make all the difference. So check to make sure the mask is well-fitted.

Hope this helps...

[The Armourer]

I have not come across this with any mask - but if somebody has raised it as a serious point here then it deserves a serious answer. Not being a scaremonger but it would not do any harm just having a chat with your local doctor. Sorry, not funny, not flippant, just trying to be helpful.

[Welted 24/7]

It could be that the padding is too tight around your neck. When I wear my Uhlmann in foil, it feels like I'm getting strangled.

[akaiyuki]

If it's a new mask (or someone elses' mask for that matter), it might take a little while to get used to but otherwise I never had a problem...

[telkanuru]

Originally Posted by cornflower

Awww... I somehow knew I'd get teased in this thread.

Glad to be of service

[drippingwet]

Well if it's not a medical problem, then here are some possible solutions:

Scuba gear
Snorkel
Lifting mask after each touch.
Training with mask on to get more used to it.
Eating a mint before bout (clear the airways )
Hold your breath
Try a different mask
Make sure your mask is right size
Rock your head back and forth to bring the air in and out of the mask.

[foilz]

Originally Posted by cornflower

When I fence, I always have a hard time breathing because it seems like there isn't enough ventilation inside the mask. I know it sounds strange because it shouldn't be so because of the metal "grille". I'm always eager to take off my mask after each bout to get a nice, fresh breath of air. Does anyone have this problem?

There could be a couple of issues here.

One, the mask. Perhaps it affects you psychologically, but I doubt it. You have been fencing for a while. You don't seem to be describing claustrophobia.

Two, posture. You may have acquired a posture in fencing that doesn't help how you work, how you fence, or ... how you breathe.

To explore posture, and the impact it may have on your game, and your life, spend some time here:

www.alexandertechnique.com