Is it rude to wear a mask when changing an adult's soiled diaper?

In my opinion, if your mom is not coherent, it doesn't matter, but if she somewhat coherent, then you have to politely tell your mom that you have to wear a mask for germ issues, not because of the odors.

Wear a mask & gloves. You are also protecting your LO from catching an infection from you! Staph on our skin is very common. Your LO is likely to have damaged of fragile skin.
Essential oils or a drop of vanilla on the mask may help. Also remember to pull your hair back.

Of course! You’re protecting her from your germs! 😉

Not at all! Changing an infant's diaper is not the same as changing an adults, I don't care what anyone says. If you are not a trained CNA of course it will be unpleasant. Your loved one is lucky your are caring for them and getting them cleaned up. Don't feel bad about making yourself more comfortable in the process!

When I was trying to place my mother in a facility and I was having a tough time, the worse part was listening to some annoying, judgmental propaganda such as "well, they took care of you when you were a baby......". It's not the same. It's tough on the caretaker, and it's a violation of dignity for the elder.

The other situation is when there would be invites to family parties and I would feel pressured to bring my elderly, incontinent, dementia and anxiety riddled mother to the event. I was quite candid and told people, no thank you, but I'd like to enjoy your party and I do not want to spend the whole evening in the toilet with my mother. Period. That shut them right up.

It’s not rude, it’s sanitary!!

Of course it is alright and not rude. I worked for 45 years as a nurse and had to be around a lot of unpleasant odors. I don't know why but as I've gotten older and am now retired I find myself gagging when my mother is incontinent. I wear gloves and a mask and also put Vicks in my nose to mask the smell. It certainly doesn't seem to bother her in the least.

Not if you're going to vomit!!! I couldn't help my own mother when she had an accident. I just couldn't. Thankfully she was still able to do things for herself at that time, but it let me know that I didn't want to put my own son through the riggers of having to take care of me when I get that age.

Wear a mask & gloves.

Oh Lordie I wish I'd thought to ask - or seen a similar "thread" - when I still had my Mom... I am not squeemish about very much - but people poop is something I just can't handle! I've never had kids, so don't try "it's no different than a baby"! My Mom was in hospitals/rehabs/nursing facilities/etc. for over two years... I was there every day, took her to every appointment, monitored her wounds, etc. BUT - my biggest fear was when she had to "go" and there was no one else to help! OMG! I dreaded helping her because it made me so sick! Even urine... I have a really acute sense of smell, and I felt (and still feel?) guilty because I might have been able to bring her home, been able to deal with everything else, but... I just couldn't stand the smell and would gag, choke, dry-heave until I had tears running down my face, while I was trying to take care of her... It never got better! She'd actually laugh at me - "It's probably a good thing you never had babies, because you'd have to change them!" I had arguments with the nursing home staff, because I'd remind/instruct them to make sure she'd used the restroom before I picked her up for appointments, and then we'd barely get started - or just get to the doctor's office - and she'd say she had to go... It would not only make us late to appointments by the time I got her out of the bathroom (she was in a companion chair/couldn't stand up or help much) but I would literally be sick afterwards... I know I'm going on, but I would feel so guilty (it still bothers me!) when she'd beg to come home with me, and I just couldn't get past the toilet issues...(In reality, it would have probably been nearly impossible for me by myself, but maybe???) Before she fell and broke her hip/wrist and ended up in facilities, she lived with me and had some chronic diarhrea problems, but because of "false pride" she refused to wear adult disposable briefs, and only wore pads, which were not remotely appropriate. She was blind from MD, and wouldn't make it to the toilet on time and she and the bathroom would be a mess. She'd try to clean it herself (good luck with that!), and I'd have to do it... I knew from that I just couldn't handle it every day... I didn't even think of a mask/Vicks, etc.... (I hate masks on my face in general, but it would have been worth a try!)

:)

It's a good idea and No, it's not rude. Does she notice it or feel offended when you do? If she does, why not "make" funny masks by drawing on them for Both of you. Also, you can put a little Mentholatum, Vicks or a drop of any essential oil you like on it to help deal with the smell. There are a lot of different mfg's to choose from. Some are throwaway, like painters use and some are washable; like these... https://www.amazon.com/DINGJIN-Unisex-Cartoon-Pattern-Anti-dust/dp/B07BKY4CQ4/ref=pd_sbs_121_23?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07BKY4CQ4&pd_rd_r=acf3e8fc-86b1-11e9-a9ce-814cf5dd9e62&pd_rd_w=ER4P6&pd_rd_wg=Gm0t4&pf_rd_p=588939de-d3f8-42f1-a3d8-d556eae5797d&pf_rd_r=8WXPQWYMRMRAKD6JNBN5&psc=1&refRID=8WXPQWYMRMRAKD6JNBN5

Don’t mean to rant, but ...

It’s so funny for me to read the comments written here by people who are so squeamish and grossed out.

When you read their fine print, they aren’t/weren’t really helping with these adult diapers because their loved ones are/were being cared for by others or living in institutions.

Why comment on a thread like this? Perhaps to try want to make those who are faced with this task feel worse, and themselves feel better.

They should start a thread about things they would never do for others instead of answering questions about caregiving.

The truth is, we can all get through any task, no big deal. Just do it!

Why are you really wearing the mask.  The mask will  not stop  you from gagging and the smell is still there.  It is true that bowel movements do have air born bacteria so it is possible to catch something, but I never have. With the mask, I found my self touching my face more to keep  the mask position right.

Some carers put Vicks Vapo Rub under their nose. They say it is quite helpful.

If the pad is changed correctly there should be very little smells. Ensure windows are open before commencing. Have a plastic bag ready & close by. Wash bowl or wipes should be ready to clean soiled area immediately pad taken off. As soon as pad comes off put immediately into small bag quickly clean body part throw ing into bag. Then tie bag up, so all smells captured inside. Then continue to put new pad on. Once finished discard bag containing dirty pad. Close windows again once all odours cleared

Why on earth would you NOT wear a mask? There is some smell and I would hate that smell and most likely gag. It is enough that you are willing to change the dirty diaper. Don't concern yourself with what someone thinks - the person should have enough sense to realize things smell and if they don't, tough "s..t". Yes, wear a mask or don't clean the diapers. Get someone else to take over if they object.

If there is airborne bacteria how come we dont put on hazmat suits to use public restrooms? Have you heard of anyone getting sick from using the facilities? No.

I don’t think so.

I don't think it rude at all. My brother is an RN and they have used shaving cream on the inside of their masks so the patient didn't know. (This was not just a soiled diaper though). I'm sure Vicks would work just as well.

I use a perineal cleanser spray. It has a scent that masks the bad odor and makes the job much easier. Just spray and wipe and repeat. I buy it by the gallon.

Yes i think a mask is fine. It is helpful to your job and airborne bacteria is also an issue. I would suggest you also wear gloves when changing diapers