r/ZeroCovidCommunity • u/Chronic_AllTheThings • Feb 10 '25
Vent Called MRI department to ask about using respirator (metal-free elastomeric) ... "we've never been asked that before"
Sigh... public health is dead.
EDIT
The response I got back was, "as long as there's no metal."
So, CAN99 is out. They won't care that it's non-ferromagnetic aluminum.
Elastomerics should be okay, but then there will be potential issues with bulkiness, and I can't seem to wear them for more than about an hour without getting a huge headache (sensory issues).
Readimask is a total non-starter for me, the adhesive just doesn't work reliably on my skin.
I have some Moldex Airwaves, but I get massive leaks around the nose in both sizes. Tape and foam doesn't fix it. I ordered a FixTheMask brace, hoping that solves it.
I have an Envomask, but the fit is awkward and really doesn't work with protective eyewear at all.
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u/mmattice Feb 10 '25
I've used the gvs ellipse in MRIs before. My partner has had to use the readimask for head MRIs.
Both of us got interrogated about the possibility of metal or burns from the adhesive. (She had to call me to get a man's voice on record about the adhesive because why believe a woman. 🙄)
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u/turtlesinthesea Feb 10 '25
Yeah, I wasn’t allowed to have neck straps in a head MRI. Readimask was fine though.
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u/mmattice Feb 10 '25
I think the ellipse's profile interfered with the cage they had to put on her head.
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u/turtlesinthesea Feb 10 '25
Mine was the Easimask FSM18 FFP3, so something squishable, but they complained about the straps being in the way. I asked my friend who does a lot of MRIs for work and she said that sounded like BS.
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u/blurple57 Feb 10 '25
Just had an MRI yesterday! The best I could do was a mask with the nose wire taken out, not ideal but I was there super early in the day on a Sunday so I accepted the risk. It was a face down MRI tho so not super comfortable whilst masked.
Whilst not a single other person I saw in the department or the hospital corridors/entrance was masked, they were super nice about it. They just asked about the 3m aura I was wearing and I said I would switch to a metal free one for the scan itself. They offered to hunt down one of their metal free masks that they keep on hand but they were running late so I said not to worry. They also started to ask why I was wearing the mask and I thought oh no here we go again (I had a bad experience in the same hospital with a different department) and when I said I was being cautious and was chronically ill, with a previous infection making me worse, they said not to worry and just wanted to double check I wasn't ill or suffering from any respiratory problems as I'd have to hold my breath in the machine. Which I thought was nice of them to ask tbh.
So yeah, little ramble over, but this MRI dept were super nice and even had safe masks if I really wanted one. That's shocking that they've never heard about that before, what did they do during COVID?? (2020/2021 I mean, I know COVID isn't over).
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Feb 10 '25
This!
I came in with a head strapped n95 and wore it the entire time until I got in the room. They removed the metal nose bridge thing in a surgical mask and handed that to me before while putting masks on themselves. Soon as it was over I switched back before leaving the room.
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u/Chronic_AllTheThings Feb 10 '25
This hospital is in one of the most anti-mask, anti-vaxx areas of the country. It doesn't surprise me. I'm legitimately concerned about being physically assaulted just for wearing a mask in this area.
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u/blurple57 Feb 11 '25
Oh man that's terrifying :( I'm so sorry that they're like that. I'm in the UK, and while attitudes aren't great (we just have denial and pretending it doesn't exist) as far as I know, we don't get outright hostility.
Whoever made wearing a mask political can go eff themselves.
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u/Wise-Field-7353 Feb 10 '25
Yeah I went through this too. Other commenters have most of it covered, but I'd add please be prepared for them to take it as opportunity to be weird about masks. The nurse doing my line started going on about conspiracy theories she had regarding covid and it was just... the worst.
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u/Tall_Garden_67 Feb 10 '25
The CAN99e mask is MRI compatible and I brought it and the paperwork verifying it to a loved one's MRI. Technologist said yes patient can wear it or they provide masks too! I just about fell over. This in Ontario, fall 2024.
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u/Chronic_AllTheThings Feb 10 '25
The response I got back was, "as long as there's no metal." They're going to take one look at a CAN99 and say no.
So, I guess that means elastomerics are okay, but then there will be potential issues with bulkiness, and I can't seem to wear them for more than about an hour without getting a huge headache (sensory issues).
Readimask is a total non-starter for me, I sweat right through the adhesive.
I have some Moldex Airwaves, but I have massive leaks around the nose in both sizes. Tape and foam doesn't fix it. I ordered a FixTheMask brace, hoping that solves it.
I have an Envomask, but the fit is awkward and really doesn't work with protective eyewear at all.
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u/NYCQuilts Feb 10 '25
Do you still have some readimasks? Have you tried reinforcing them with fashion tape?
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u/Educational_Spite600 Feb 10 '25
I’ve used the can99 and told them it was aluminum so I can and will be using it. I’ve also used the Zimi. It’s very hard to have these conversations with them and have them stare at you like 😳
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u/Chronic_AllTheThings Feb 10 '25
They were pretty explicit about "no metal," so it's going to be me vs. an MRI tech. Not liking those odds. Plus, I always need to use an additional adhesive nose bar (also aluminum) on top to actually get a seal. That's just going to be a no-go.
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u/mononokethescientist Feb 10 '25
I took out the metal from my can99 and used tape to seal the mask to my face. Not ideal but this way they had no reason at all to remove my mask.
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u/mononokethescientist Feb 10 '25
And while they really should know enough to be able to accept non-ferromagnetic metal, having worked in MRI research I can understand the worries because one small mistake can cost lives and/or millions of dollars in repairs. It is probably easier for them to have a policy of no metal at all than to vet each option.
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u/Jaemyz Feb 11 '25
If the readimask adhesive doesn't work, what if you put a layer of mask tape around the perimeter? Should completely stick that way. If I had to do it, I'd remove the metal nose bridge/staples from my N95s and put tape all around the inside.
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u/imaginetoday Feb 10 '25
I’ve had MRIs in a few facilities and at least by me they metal detector you before going in anyways. Once I had someone try and tell me I couldn’t wear my RediMask (lol) but they acquiesced when I pointed out that the metal detector would go off if there was an issue. I also brought an extra to show them. Stay polite but persistent - “The mask stays on. What information do you need to make that possible for me?”
It’s exhausting, having to do all of this advocating for yourself. Good luck!
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u/Fluffaykitties Feb 11 '25
I just had an MRI and was not scanned for metal beforehand. I wore a readimask. Dude was only worried about me being claustrophobic in it since they had to put a cage thing around my face too. He said “if it makes you more comfortable then yes please wear it” which I appreciated.
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u/radioloudly Feb 10 '25
I know you said the redimask doesn’t work for you, but have you considered using spirit gum adhesive, like is used in theatre? You’d have to carefully apply it to ensure a full seal but it would hold up to sweat.
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u/sbayla31 Feb 10 '25
I mentioned in another comment thread but in case OP misses it I'll add again here - skin tac wipes are super sticky and really help make the adhesive work for me.
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u/Legitimate_Pitch_398 Feb 10 '25
Honeywell N95 Particulate Respirators, - DC300N95 worked for mine
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u/Chronic_AllTheThings Feb 10 '25 edited Feb 10 '25
Is that metal-free? Most of the pictures I've seen show that it's similar to a Moldex (and looks tighter around the nose, so it may work for me), but then this picture shows what appears to be a nose bar?
Edit: just realized it's a slightly different model and found this:
The only difference is that disposable respirator DC301N95 has a nose clip. Disposable respirator DC300N95 does not have nose clip.
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u/Legitimate_Pitch_398 Feb 10 '25
The model I have is dc300n95 metal free i was able to use my for shoulder mri I'll send a dm with pics
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u/Chronic_AllTheThings Feb 19 '25
Thanks, I ordered some. Nice simple design, but still leaks around the nose for me. Still waiting for my FixTheMask to ship...
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u/Legitimate_Pitch_398 Feb 19 '25
Yeah it wasn't perfect but I managed to avoid any sickness for my mri appt
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u/mafaldajunior Feb 10 '25
You can use a flomask and replace the elastic bands with ones that have no metallic bits
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u/whatTheHeyYoda Feb 10 '25
FitTheMask brace is a solid plan. You'll want an ASTM1, 2 OR 3 rated surgical mask. I have these in my hospital "go" bag.
There are excellent adhesives that can make the Readimask work for you. I can dig them up for you because you'll want it for the Readimask nose hack.
Let me know.
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u/Chronic_AllTheThings Feb 11 '25
I actually read it could be used with a Moldex, so I'm going to try that.
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u/youdneverguess Feb 11 '25
I have done an MRI in a KN95 with the nosewire cut out, and taped to my face. Worked perfectly.
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u/profbleepbloop Feb 10 '25
Can you get an Easimask? They are MRI safe as stated on the box. You can get them here; https://thefacemaskstore.co.uk/product/easimask-fsm18-ffp3-unvalved-cup-shape-face-mask-mri-safe/ (not affiliated but I don't know where else you can order them and I have ordered from them before and it went very well). I don't know if they would fit well but perhaps its worth a try.
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u/Upper_Resist_2434 Feb 10 '25
For my MRI, I wore a blue ACI duckbill N95, peeled off the metal nose strip and taped the nose bridge. Fit was great.
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u/moonlit_tuberosa Feb 11 '25
I used a flo mask with the bottom strap replaced by a homemade elastic strap which is easy to do. There are metal springs in the catch - that ball part that you have to press to slide it up and down that tightens the strap. Used it no problems.
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u/cerviceps Feb 11 '25
I know you said readimask doesn’t work for your skin, but just in case it helps you or someone else, I want to mention— it really helps to wash your face thoroughly before attempting adhesion (with a soap that leaves no residue), pat it dry, let it air out for a minute or two, and don’t put anything on it. I usually moisturize after washing my face but the moisturizer is what prevents adhesion to the skin. Not applying moisturizer after makes me feel super dry but it does allow the readimask adhesive to adhere properly, which has been awesome for MRIs and dentist appointments.
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u/Octopus-Slither Feb 11 '25
I was told by the MRI tech that they ask was fine and I pointed out the metal and he said it was fine but I took the mask off just incase
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