Locations:
Search IconSearch

Tips for Staying Cool While Wearing a Mask When It’s Hot

How to choose your mask wisely + keep it clean

employee at bakery wearing a mask and working

If you’re just running into the grocery store, wearing a cloth face mask for a few minutes isn’t a huge inconvenience for most people. But if you work outside or go to work or school in a building that isn’t air conditioned, adding a mask to the equation can crank up the discomfort level during the sweltering summer months.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

“Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth in hot weather is certainly uncomfortable, but it’s quite necessary if you’re going to be around other people outside of your household,” explains internal medicine physician Janet Morgan, MD.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing cloth face masks when you’re in public places — especially when it’s hard to stay 6 feet away from other people. (However, if you have a medical condition that causes trouble breathing or if you aren’t able to remove a mask without help, it’s not recommended that you wear one.)

Wearing a cloth mask when it’s hot can feel stuffy and humid, but for most people it’s generally not dangerous to your health, Dr. Morgan says. However, being in very hot temperatures for an extended period of time — mask or not — can put you at risk for heat-related illness such as heat exhaustion, dehydration or, in extreme situations, heat stroke. (If you’re prone to heat exhaustion, check with your provider first.)

If possible, avoid long periods of direct sun exposure if you’re outdoors, and avoid heavy exertion. If at any point you feel dizzy, nauseous, lightheaded, confused, faint or breathless, it’s time to get out of the heat.

Advertisement

Stay cool in your mask

To make wearing a mask more comfortable when it’s hot, keep these tips in mind:

  1. Choose your mask wisely: The CDC recommends using multiple layers of fabric for homemade masks, to better contain droplets that come out of your nose and mouth when you cough, sneeze and talk. Tightly woven cotton fabric is a good choice, as it’s breathable and soft. If you’re working directly in the sun, opt for a light-colored mask, as darker colored ones will absorb more heat.
  2. Carry a spare (or two): If your mask gets sweaty, swap it out for a clean one. Wetness decreases the protection of the mask and can make it even more uncomfortable, Dr. Morgan says. “We advise people to carry a spare mask at all times.”
  3. Don’t forget to drink water: If your mouth is covered by a mask, you might be less likely to take sips of water throughout the day. But when it’s hot and you’re sweating, you actually need more water than normal. Stay hydrated by taking frequent sips of water.
  4. Take breaks: If it would feel good to take off your mask for a few minutes, make sure you step away from others first.
  5. Keep the rest of your body cool, too: The CDC recommends choosing lightweight, loose-fitting clothes in hot weather.

Don’t forget to wash your masks after each use, since some germs thrive in warm, damp conditions like those created by a sweaty mask.

The CDC recommends washing your masks along with your regular laundry using detergent and the warmest appropriate water setting, or by hand with a bleach solution. Dry them completely in your dryer or by laying them flat, preferably in direct sunlight.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Red and irritated skin on the armpit of a person with their arm raised
November 7, 2024/Primary Care
How To Prevent Chafing

Irritation from skin rubbing against skin or clothes can affect your whole body, but powders, creams and even the right underwear can help protect you

Close-up of a fruit fly
October 30, 2024/Primary Care
How To Get Rid of Fruit Flies for Good

Make your home a no-fly zone by cleaning your drains, refrigerating your produce and DIYing a fruit fly trap

Gold spoonful of white powder and silver spoonful of brown powder
October 15, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
Biotin Side Effects: What’s the Risk?

Taking supplements with biotin can cause inaccurate lab test results

Person wearing glasses sitting on couch holding laptop, rubbing eyes, looking tired
September 9, 2024/Primary Care
6 Signs You May Be Iron-Deficient

Experiencing constant fatigue, shortness of breath and chills could all be signs of low iron

Close up of face, sweating, eyes closed
August 28, 2024/Primary Care
7 Common Causes of Cold Sweats

It can be a warning sign of low blood sugar or something more serious like a heart attack

Person sitting on grass in park, drinking from reusable water bottle, with people on bench with reusable water bottles
August 15, 2024/Primary Care
Your Water Bottle May Be Growing Mold: Here’s How To Prevent It

Mold and bacteria in your reusable water bottle can cause health issues like infections, respiratory issues and allergic reactions

Two happy kids in lifejackets climbing ladder to top deck of boat
August 5, 2024/Primary Care
Boat Safety: How To Stay Safe on Open Water

Watch the weather, keep lines of communication open and make sure everyone on board has access to a personal lifejacket or flotation device

Pile of tanning pills
July 23, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
Is It Safe To Use Tanning Pills?

The results aren’t great, and the risks — like vision problems — aren’t worth it

Trending Topics

Person touching aching ear, with home remedies floating around
Home Remedies for an Ear Infection: What To Try and What To Avoid

Not all ear infections need antibiotics — cold and warm compresses and changing up your sleep position can help

Infographic of foods high in iron, including shrimp, oysters, peas, cream of wheat, prunes, eggs, broccoli, beef and chicken
52 Foods High In Iron

Pump up your iron intake with foods like tuna, tofu and turkey

Person squeezing half a lemon into a glass of water
Is Starting Your Day With Lemon Water Healthy?

A glass of lemon water in the morning can help with digestion and boost vitamin C levels, and may even help get you into a better routine

Ad