Running with a mask

alphastarz

I'm training for my first half marathon and have hit a snag. All this time outdoors is making my allergies flare up like no other. I've spent the last week on a steroid trying to get my voice back and wondering how to proceed with training. Any experiences, good or bad, with outdoor vigorous exercise while wearing a (allergy) mask?

a45cal

I've never worn an allergy mask and don't run, so I'm probably not your ideal candidate to answer here. But I find it uncomfortable just to wear one of those paper face masks to do something like painting. They always steam up inside and get too hot to feel like I'm breathing comfortably. I can only imagine that it would be infinitely worse to have something like that on your face while trying to run.

This might be a stupid question, but have you tried either over-the-counter allergy medicines, or talking to your doctor to see if there's any sort of treatment they can give you? I know I've heard that certain pollen allergies can be greatly lessened by administering shots a few times during allergy season.

SexyGamerGal

Following this thread because I been considering buying one of these recently. For times I have really bad allergies like after strong rains and such where I spend the whole jog stopping to sneeze. It drives me crazy but, I wouldn't mind hearing others stories. I know I personally tried pills and sprays and haven't found one that worked except for benadryl which makes me sleepy to the point I have to sleep after taking it. So I have to avoid allergy meds unless I ABSOLUTELY need them. I wouldn't wear paper mask I would invest in something like before so you could breath properly whilst you workout if you do go with a mask.

http://www.allergystore.com/allergen-control/dust-pollen-masks/mu2-sport-and-dust-mask.html

alphastarz

I was looking at the mu2 or respro sportsa, though meanwhile I've been wearing a bandanna that I take on/off as I can tolerate. Heat dispersal, air flow and humidity are certainly concerns and huge problems with the bandana, but if you can't breathe hardly at all otherwise... It suddenly seems like a relatively good trade off. I already am taking daily allergy meds, rinsing sinuses with saline, washing hair and clothes immediately after I go out. I'll be going to a specialist soon if can't resolve as well. The ER doctors recommendation meanwhile was just to stop going outside to extent possible. I'll try out the masks and let you all know how it works out for me.

tiny_clanger

I think you should probably go further down the medical investigation route if you are experiencing pollen allergies so severe you are struggling for breath. Have you been tested for asthma? Have you had a sensitivity test or tried keeping a diary to track symptoms against seasonality and plants? Does your breathing improve after heavy rainfall or early in the morning, or are you constantly experiencing breathing difficulties (which would point to something other than pollen/vegetation allergy)?

mgalovic01

Maybe try a saline nasal spray after your run to clean your airways.

JeromeBarry1

Try it and see. I had a friend who couldn't go out without her mask. She wasn't a runner. Anyway, she got some relief later in her life and I was able to see her smile before she died.

meritage4

How about doing some -certainly not all-training runs indoor on a treadmill? It should help the allergies.

Ragondux

There are people who use training masks (essentially gas masks) so as to mimic the effect of running at high altitudes. I guess an allergy mask would have the same effect (you'd be out of breath the first few times and adapt after a few days).

daj150

So, I get allergies and just take an allergy pill about 30-40 minutes before I run outside. However, it sounds like you have a much more severe case. A standard allergy mask is not comfortable at all to run in. You will also get awful chafing on your face and sides of your head. Also really bad around ears depending on the type of mask strap. Also, unless you are training your lungs, it becomes very restrictive on breathing after a while.

I recommend 1 of 2 things:
1) Look into running training masks. They do not really filter out the stuff you are allergic to, but will help a little and are comfortable. I would look to see if there are ones that come with filters.

2) A nice DIY trick: Get a standard allergy mask. Remove the straps. Fit around mouth and nose and find what spots are not comfortable. Cut out those spots. Get a bandanna or the like, and sew that so the mask. You will now have a comfy version of an allergy mask that you can use for running that won't irritate you.

JoRocka

I have run with a fully sealed "pro mask" which is a(an older)military gas mask- it was torture- but do-able.
You have to slow down- and really regulate your breathing. It's possibly- but not fun necessarily.