well I find it puzzling to say the least. Wearing a mask is not a pressure creating event. Like say wearing a scuba device
Research is lacking when it comes to the use and safety of masks—whether it be a surgical mask, N95 respirator, or home-made version of various types of fabric—during physical activity.
Yahoo Canada asked Canadian experts to weigh in.
Loren Chiu, associate professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation at the University of Alberta, says that disposable N95 respirators are not designed for large head or neck movements, especially when done rapidly. They may slip, in which case the seal to the face is lost.
“In this regard, they are about as effective as surgical masks which do not form a seal to the face,” Chiu explained. “Possibly, the bigger risk for either respirators or surgical masks is that if they are moving, the wearer may use their hands to adjust them, which may lead to touching their face with contaminated hands, or if they are a virus carrier, contaminating their hands.”
Reusable N95/N99 respirators typically provide a better fit for large head or neck movements, Chiu noted.
“However, if the respirator is functioning appropriately, it will reduce air flow into the breathing chamber, which may be uncomfortable and make it difficult to breathe during intense exercise,” he says.
A better option would be a mask designed specifically for physical activity, such as those that are intended for winter sports, Chiu added. For instance, he has a half face shield and a balaclava that together cover the mouth and nose and are designed to move with the head and neck.
A potential problem with cloth masks of any type is that they will collect moisture from breathing on them.
“It will not take long, particularly if someone is exercising, for the cloth to be saturated with moisture,” Chiu cautioned. “If the wearer is not a virus carrier and the virus is airborne in aerosolized form, it could collect on the wet cloth. Whether this affects the risk of the wearer to breathe in the virus is unknown.”
Another consideration is that wearing a mask or respirator of any sort will result in collection of warm air around the face.
“With warmer temperatures outside, this could increase sweat rate during exercise, as expelling warm air is part of the body's cooling mechanism,” Chiu said. “With increased sweating, there may be an increased tendency to touch one's face.
BOTTOM LINE:
“I would think that wearing a mask while exercising outdoors is a moot point,” he added. “The potential benefits are countered by the drawbacks.”
