Masks for running during covid19
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KathyK0113
Posts: 6 Member
Help! What is the best mask to use while running, and where can we get them? I have someone making me courting ones, but I doubt they will "stay on nicely" while running.
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Replies
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I'm not sure you can buy a mask that filters out the covid-19 virus most people you see are wearing the surgical masks or the N95 mask. Neither of which are effective at keeping a healthy person from contracting the virus. Common masks filters out 95% of all particulates .30 microns and larger. Sounds great, right? Yes, it does, until you consider the size of a typical coronavirus which is from .12 microns down to .004 microns. In other words, the virus can very easily pass right through the mask like its not even there. And then to make this worse, the viruses that are grouped together in a cluster are caught and then dispersed as that cluster breaks apart. Anybody that thinks wearing an N95 mask is going to prevent them from getting this virus is very mistaken, and worse than that, they will feel safe and for go the other behaviors that actually will help prevent exposure to the virus, like frequent hand washing, and avoiding touching your hands to your face. One thing though from the WHO... airborne spread has not been reported for COVID-19 and it is not believed to be a major driver of transmission based on available evidence. I practice my social distancing when running up on others but I'm not worried that I'll get sick by running past them at 6+ plus feet apart. Things that scare me, common surfaces, shopping carts, public door handles and money. Oh...and the home-made cloth masks... you'd be better off just holding your breath. Unless you suspect you've possibly been exposed but are asymptomatic so far a mask may help keep you from spreading it in public and to family members at home. If you get it. Stay home. If you have to go out. Wear a mask, disposable gloves and practice social distancing.5
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You don't need a mask. Simply keep at least 2m away from other people.12
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If you're running, a mask isn't necessary.
Some folks wear them for urban runs (like, if your running route has you alongside idling cars or high traffic for reason). Others, usu. athletes and biohacking fanatics, have masks that modify their oxygen intake.
As others have mentioned, just go out 'n run 'n keep your distance from others. I've switched to evening/night runs (in lighted areas) as there's even fewer folks outside.5 -
I don't like them, either. A big wad of sweaty cotton on your face! I'm hoping there won't be a local ordinance that requires them. I have routes that are quite unpopulated.1
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If you're running, a mask isn't necessary.
Some folks wear them for urban runs (like, if your running route has you alongside idling cars or high traffic for reason). Others, usu. athletes and biohacking fanatics, have masks that modify their oxygen intake.
As others have mentioned, just go out 'n run 'n keep your distance from others. I've switched to evening/night runs (in lighted areas) as there's even fewer folks outside.
Some cities are mandating them for being outdoors now. If people want to comply and be part of the solution, don't be telling them they're "not necessary." You've no idea how busy anyone's route is. Six feet distance was original six to eight and for normal breathing. Not a lot of sidewalks offer that kind of option, and every one encounter you fail at defeats the whole point.
People who consider their understanding of the science to be superior and do what they think is best regardless of advice and community effort are the ones who are gonna make this thing drag on longer than it needs to.
Hit the disagree button and enjoy your endless quarantine.13 -
I won't offer an opinion on should/shouldn't: I know nothing about your surroundings.
So far, most sources I've seen say 2 layers of tight-weave cotton is a reasonable balance of protection (mostly for others, BTW), and breathability.
I've been folding a bandana or similar on the diagonal, and wearing it bandit-style, tied in the back, with the point tucked into my shirt-neck at the bottom. I found that this loosened up with wear, so yesterday, during a brisk walk, tried putting a chunk of paracord** along the diagonal fold, with the ends sticking out, then tightly tied both scarf and paracord at the back after those were knotted, I had enough paracord left to tie it to the back strap of my ball-cap. (That diagonal fold is on the bias of the fabric, which is stretchier; the paracord counters that stretch.)
I wore this on a reasonably brisk walk, as a trial (I don't run). It stayed on well. I don't know whether the extra impact of running would be a probem, or not. I think I'll add a metal piece over the paracord (probably a partly unfolded paper clip with the ends still folded inwards) for a pinch-fit over the nose, and see how that goes.
Just a thought, that would be easy for most people to implement. A square from a tight-weave old shirt, or an old sheet/pillowcase, would be similar to a bandana or cotton scarf.
Again, not saying what you should do; just explaining one possible very easy option to consider trying if you wish.
** Anything fairly non-stretchy would work: Ribbon, heavy string, whatever.8 -
@MelanieCN77 You've been here longer than me. You know as soon as you mention the "Disagree" button, people use it lol. That said, I can only speak to the current risk in my location/community as well as my running preferences. You and @AnnPT77 make good points.
Personally, I cannot picture having a piece of cloth across my mouth while running (I even avoid it during Canadian winter runs). Even with the best breathing techniques, I'd find it annoying and figure out a way to do cardio inside instead.
That's just me: I hope the OP and everyone else finds the best way to stay physically and emotionally healthy during these trying times.6 -
MelanieCN77 wrote: »If you're running, a mask isn't necessary.
Some folks wear them for urban runs (like, if your running route has you alongside idling cars or high traffic for reason). Others, usu. athletes and biohacking fanatics, have masks that modify their oxygen intake.
As others have mentioned, just go out 'n run 'n keep your distance from others. I've switched to evening/night runs (in lighted areas) as there's even fewer folks outside.
Some cities are mandating them for being outdoors now. If people want to comply and be part of the solution, don't be telling them they're "not necessary." You've no idea how busy anyone's route is. Six feet distance was original six to eight and for normal breathing. Not a lot of sidewalks offer that kind of option, and every one encounter you fail at defeats the whole point.
People who consider their understanding of the science to be superior and do what they think is best regardless of advice and community effort are the ones who are gonna make this thing drag on longer than it needs to.
Hit the disagree button and enjoy your endless quarantine.
What cities are mandating that they be worn just going out your front door? Just generally curious as I've heard of no mandates...and mandate would seem like big news to me. I've only heard it recommended to wear them when going out and doing your shopping and whatnot when you're obviously going to be in closer contact with others. Our governor isn't recommending to just wear them anywhere outside of the house, only if you're shopping or having to go to work, etc and continues to recommend that families get out on walks and whatnot, but to avoid doing so where you're likely to encounter large numbers of people. There has been no mention here of wearing a mask just being outside in general.9 -
I can hardly breathe for the first mile of any run, and I cough for hours, if not an entire day, after I run. I've never had it checked out but its been an occurrence my whole life and I recently came to the conclusion that it may be exercise induced asthma.
I cannot imagine trying to run with something over my face. Not to mention how much I sweat and how often I have to blow snot rockets. (Yes, I've been mindful of others. I've only been doing it in intersections or in the ditch when I need to, where I can be sure children won't be touching the ground, playing with chalk on sidewalks, etc.)
Good luck to you if you find something that works.1 -
San Diego.cwolfman13 wrote: »
What cities are mandating that they be worn just going out your front door? Just generally curious as I've heard of no mandates...and mandate would seem like big news to me. I've only heard it recommended to wear them when going out and doing your shopping and whatnot when you're obviously going to be in closer contact with others. Our governor isn't recommending to just wear them anywhere outside of the house, only if you're shopping or having to go to work, etc and continues to recommend that families get out on walks and whatnot, but to avoid doing so where you're likely to encounter large numbers of people. There has been no mention here of wearing a mask just being outside in general.
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The approaches to the use of masks seems to differ greatly from country to country.
If someone does decide to wear one then sensible to learn why to use it, how to use and how to dispose of it.
Here's the WHO advice.....
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks2 -
Surgical masks and N95 masks should be reserved for health care personnel. They’re running out of masks. Please.12
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Howard_M_Burgerz wrote: »Common masks filters out 95% of all particulates .30 microns and larger. Sounds great, right? Yes, it does, until you consider the size of a typical coronavirus which is from .12 microns down to .004 microns. In other words, the virus can very easily pass right through the mask like its not even there.
But masks can filter out the respiratory droplets that the viruses are found on. The WHO says the virus is "primarily transmitted between people through respiratory droplets and contact routes." (source)Surgical masks and N95 masks should be reserved for health care personnel. They’re running out of masks. Please.
You can easily make a mask that's equivalent to N95 masks using a vacuum bag. Plenty of tutorials are on Youtube. Choose one with bendable metal over the nose, for a better seal. If possible, use an HEPA vacuum bag.
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@swirlybee San Diego's "If you leave your place, cover your face" statement and #stayhomesd is not a mandate (which, in this context, is an official or legal order and possibly what @cwolfman13 meant) but a public awareness campaign. Furthermore, they've asked that residents "plan physical activities that can be done while at home."
So the conversation about running with a mask (medical or non-medical) is moot, at least as recommended by San Diego officials, at this time. Are there cities or other locations mandating masks for outdoor activities despite maintaining social distance? Perhaps, but I only live in my city and did 5 min of research for San Diego which happened to be mentioned.
Folks, let us let clear heads, your local reality and currently available evidence-based science prevail. We all want to stay healthy, ensure our loved ones stay healthy and return to normal lives sooner rather than later. @sijomial's WHO link is a great place to start, but also check in with your local municipality (as well as your healthcare team, if needed).
Again, I hope the OP and everyone else finds the best way to stay physically and emotionally healthy during these trying times.3 -
why do you need a mask if you are running outside? (which I'm assuming you are)0
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San Diego.cwolfman13 wrote: »
What cities are mandating that they be worn just going out your front door? Just generally curious as I've heard of no mandates...and mandate would seem like big news to me. I've only heard it recommended to wear them when going out and doing your shopping and whatnot when you're obviously going to be in closer contact with others. Our governor isn't recommending to just wear them anywhere outside of the house, only if you're shopping or having to go to work, etc and continues to recommend that families get out on walks and whatnot, but to avoid doing so where you're likely to encounter large numbers of people. There has been no mention here of wearing a mask just being outside in general.
Los Angeles and Ventura counties just last week.
And on the federal level:
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/what-dr-fauci-wants-you-to-know-about-face-masks-and-staying-home-as-virus-spreads
"Americans should wear face masks as a way to help stifle the spread of COVID-19, said Dr. Anthony Fauci, one of the nation’s top doctors leading the public health fight against the coronavirus pandemic — a departure from previous government guidance to only wear a mask if you were caring for someone with the illness or had it yourself.
“If everybody does that, we’re each protecting each other,” Fauci said in an interview with PBS NewsHour anchor and managing editor Judy Woodruff. His comments came shortly before President Donald Trump’s coronavirus task force shared national recommendations for people to wear non-medical face masks. The task force did not recommend the use of surgical or medical grade face masks, which are in short supply for hospitals and front line health care workers."1 -
midlomel1971 wrote: »why do you need a mask if you are running outside? (which I'm assuming you are)
It's not about running, it's about being outside and meeting others.1 -
San Diego.cwolfman13 wrote: »
What cities are mandating that they be worn just going out your front door? Just generally curious as I've heard of no mandates...and mandate would seem like big news to me. I've only heard it recommended to wear them when going out and doing your shopping and whatnot when you're obviously going to be in closer contact with others. Our governor isn't recommending to just wear them anywhere outside of the house, only if you're shopping or having to go to work, etc and continues to recommend that families get out on walks and whatnot, but to avoid doing so where you're likely to encounter large numbers of people. There has been no mention here of wearing a mask just being outside in general.
A mandate is a legal order that is punishable by law. There are not enough masks available to make a mandate.
As to the OP...I tried wearing a cycling mask that is designed to keep out pollutants, dust, pollen, etc in the past as I have bad seasonal allergies, but it made it pretty very difficult to breath. Now when my allergies act up really bad I just resign myself to my indoor trainer. I'm not sure where you are, but I'm not anywhere where a mask would be beneficial in anyway during outdoor exercise as it is not in the least crowded when I go out for a ride. YMMV.5 -
MelanieCN77 wrote: »Los Angeles and Ventura counties just last week.
And on the federal level:
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/what-dr-fauci-wants-you-to-know-about-face-masks-and-staying-home-as-virus-spreads
So, I'm back again...
Los Angeles, CA
LA has a "Safer at Home Emergency Order" but that still does not mention the wearing of masks for exercise. In fact, the "Public Order Under City of Los Angeles Emergency Authority" has a whole clause on Outdoor Activities (Point 5, iii) that mentions the prioritized importance of social distancing but does not mention masks. Furthermore, the city's FAQ talks about what to do in public places when running essential errands. However, running an errand is not running.
Ventura, CA
The goal of the commercially-focused "Stay Well At Home Order" from the county health officer is "limiting the spread of COVID- 19 to the maximum extent possible by keeping all persons in their places of residence to the maximum extent possible." There's no mention of masks or face coverings but social distancing is mentioned twice.
The official city website says "Stay Well at Home: is a stricter form of social distancing that involves:
* Staying home (staying unexposed)
* Only going out for essential services
* Staying six feet or more away from others
* Not gathering in groups
Again, no mention of masks or exercising here but the Stay Well VC sub-site recommends not maintaining "less than 6 feet of distance from others when you go out, as possible"
Dr Fauci's national public health point of view
PBS (like Canada's public broadcaster, CBC) is great about transcripts. If one is to read the entirety of what he mentions, that's best. Because in addition to what @MelanieCN77, he also said:
"if...when people go out and are in a situation where they might come into closer contact, that they wear that mask."
(Bold emphasis is mine).
Again, read the entire transcript (or listen to the audio) yourself to understand the entire context and what it could mean for you and your loved ones.
So essentially, what I've seen and heard from most public health officials across North America (to date, information is updating day-to-day, as we've all seen) is to consider wearing washable, non-medical grade masks if you're going to be in a place where social distancing may be challenging. Still, washing your hands frequently and opting to stay at home are the better options of the three choices.
After training for and running marathons in urban cities (in North America and Asia - albeit not during a global pandemic), I'm at a loss for why social distancing whilst running would be so difficult that an added layer of protection, such as a mask, was necessary. Perhaps for assisted or tandem runs where a mobility device is involved and a caregiver is running with you.
Now, if you're showing symptoms of COVID-19, you likely shouldn't be outside at all. Opt for cardio sessions inside. If you're in a town, city or area that is congested, not pedestrian-friendly or otherwise limits your ability to run without risking social distancing then, there too, indoor cardio is probably a safer option for all involved.
And, for the dear OP whose question was really only addressed by @AnnPT77 and @sijomial, I'm sorry for coming in on your thread so often lol It was a good question and obviously generated a lot of opinions. I don't know your personal situation or need for the mask, as you didn't share it. My comments, thus far, are based on readily available public health data and government sites. Therefore, perhaps your local government has a reliable, credible direction for you on the need for masks while exercising outdoors and where to source them if they are necessary.8 -
Mayor Garcetti recommended masks in a video address last week and pushed it to socials, and Ventura county put it on their social media with a catchy rhyme. I didn't make it up or misunderstand. I chose the wrong word in "mandate" but the escalation of measures is a result of people not taking any of the stages of care seriously. If people choose to not exercise caution and infection and death rates continue to increase, things will get even more strict and the kind of things we are being asked to be sensible about and do voluntarily will start being legislated and enforced. I'm certainly not paranoid enough to be recommending OP wears a mask if he goes for a run where he meets nobody. Hang it about your neck and pull it up when you need it while continuing to socially distance and follow all other in place recommendations.0
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