Umpteenth mask question: what are the best masks for exercising?

November 25, 2020 9:24 PM

I need some better masks for working out: mostly running (outdoor and treadmill in my apartment gym) and bodyweight training. Needs: fit is good for a woman with a somewhat small head, and with fabric that won't choke me (like my mask almost did today).

I recognize that a similar question was asked back in March, but the science has changed a lot (in favour of mask wearing for protection in general, and that it generally does not negatively affect the person exercising in terms of oxygen etc). Also, I really want advice from people who have purchased and used masks for this purpose, even if it's "don't buy this kind". I found lots of top lists that I can try (like this) but I've already bought so many ill-fitting masks this year that I'd like to avoid more waste and annoyance.

For context, I wore my (somewhat crappy, swimsuit material) mask while on the treadmill today and nearly died from inhaling the fabric, then almost passed out afterwards while stretching. This was a normal run for me, but I may need to slow down for a bit while adjusting to mask use during this kind of exercise.

Thanks for your thoughts!

posted by Paper rabies to Health & Fitness (8 answers total)

Best answer: I go to a crossfit gym (well, until last week when we had to shut down again — Ugh!), and I've had the most luck with masks from wodfitters (they're like $25 for three) AND one of these mask frames. The wodfitters masks are fairly breathable and have a crease down the front help keep them away from your mouth. But really, the mask frame is the key. I sweat a lot, so any mask on me is going to get soaked quick and then cover may mouth.

I was really looking forward to the UnderArmor sports mask, but it was a big disappointment, especially for $30. It's pretty heavy and seems to have foam between the layers of fabric which really soak up sweat and make it heavier.
posted by jonathanhughes at 9:37 PM on November 25, 2020 [1 favorite]

Best answer: I run outdoors as well, and have been using a combination of Mission's classic gaiters (I wear mine partially inverted for double thickness with no perceivable loss in breathability) and their newer sport masks over the last 6 months. I haven't tried their all-weather gaiter yet, but it looks like the extra material on the front is meant to address the concerns about effectiveness with gaiter-style designs.

The elastic strap (with adjustable buckle) on the sport mask works well and the mask stays put on my face, which was my main problem when trying to run with standard just-walking-around masks. The fabric is swimsuit-type material but I don't feel like it's trying to go in my mouth when I breathe, there's a little bit of extra reinforcement from the vented material on the front. They're machine washable as well, although I've been just hand-washing mine in a tub of soapy water once a week and hanging them out to dry overnight.
posted by Strange Interlude at 11:47 PM on November 25, 2020

Best answer: Have you tried a mask bracket? I don't mind fabric on my teeth, but the spouse does, and the mask bracket has made a big difference.

Etsy link
posted by JawnBigboote at 9:52 AM on November 26, 2020 [1 favorite]

For jogging and biking outside, I have found a folded-over bandana to be the best. Ties behind my head and the bottom tucks in the neck of my shirt. the fabric dries out quickly and doesn't seem to leak vapor (unlike a stretchy gaiter where I still see clouds of exhale in the cold.) I have heard that at least 2 layers of tightly-woven fabric are sufficient, and a folded-over bandana is that. It doesn't suck in, but maybe that's just my face shape.
posted by blnkfrnk at 10:49 AM on November 26, 2020

Looking around at my my gym the clear favourites are:

1. paper surgical masks - by far the favourite for hard exercise
2. bandana/gaiter style masks
3. simple double ply cotton masks without wire (like the ones from Old Navy)

The reasons #2 and #3 work though is because they let air escape more easily which kind of defeats the purpose. Don't bother with the Uniqlo airism masks. Great fit for day to day wear but you suck them right in when exercising. I also hated the UnderArmour sports mask for working out.
posted by Cuke at 11:42 AM on November 26, 2020

I have a Banana Republic gaiter that is my go-to for walking and hiking and biking and running outside right now. I don’t see it on the website, but I want to recommend a gaiter as a great option for outside in areas that aren’t crowded, especially so you can pull it up and down with ease. I had it on running today and didn’t love it towards the end of a people-filled stretch, but it was manageable.

Buff makes a merino wool gaiter that’s too big for my small head. It’s also very stretch and thin. I have them to a large-headed male friend, and they fit him perfectly. So my next purchase is a kid’s gaiter.
posted by bluedaisy at 6:58 PM on November 26, 2020

I’ve had good luck with the under armor and outdoor research masks. I have experienced the “gagging on your mask” effect on the treadmill and it was horrible. Both of the above eliminate that issue, and seem to be actual functional masks that also protect the people around you.
posted by chuke at 5:46 PM on November 27, 2020

Response by poster: I'm very glad I asked this question! I ended up buying the mask frames and they helped SOO much. Also picked up some wodfitter masks and a gaiter for outdoor running. Yay to physical fitness in pandemic times!
posted by Paper rabies at 8:02 PM on December 19, 2020