We are required to wear masks here and my wife made some. The homemade variety of mask is to protect everyone else, not the wearer since the virus is in the water droplets you expel when talking, sneezing, or coughing. A simple fabric mask can trap those droplets to stop them from spreading. It is simple common courtesy to wear a mask because this virus is so infectious and you can have it without knowing it. Frankly, our society could benefit from everyone showing a little more common courtesy.
At first it was a little awkward simply because we are not used to wearing them but now it is easier. BTW, you don't breath carbon monoxide when wearing a mask unless it is made from some material that should not be used. I think M1959P meant to say carbon dioxide which is what you exhale. Those with breathing problems might have an issue wearing a mask that makes it a little tougher to inhale or from breathing more carbon dioxide.