Advertisement
How to choose your mask wisely + keep it clean
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
To make wearing a mask more comfortable when it’s hot, keep these tips in mind:
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.
Advertisement
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
Make your home a no-fly zone by cleaning your drains, refrigerating your produce and DIYing a fruit fly trap
Taking supplements with biotin can cause inaccurate lab test results
Experiencing constant fatigue, shortness of breath and chills could all be signs of low iron
It can be a warning sign of low blood sugar or something more serious like a heart attack
Mold and bacteria in your reusable water bottle can cause health issues like infections, respiratory issues and allergic reactions
Watch the weather, keep lines of communication open and make sure everyone on board has access to a personal lifejacket or flotation device
The results aren’t great, and the risks — like vision problems — aren’t worth it
Not all ear infections need antibiotics — cold and warm compresses and changing up your sleep position can help
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