Wearing a mask and its impact on well-being
When breathing into a mask, the gases that are inhaled mostly remain trapped inside the mask and cannot properly escape.
This of course allows us to avoid the transmission of saliva droplets and thus the transmission of bacteria and microbes.
But the inhaled air is then not completely renewed with each inspiration as is usually done and we continue to breathe “recycled” air. Without this renewal of fresh air, we breathe hot air which does not cool properly. The mask therefore obstructs the flow of fresh air to the lungs, leading to a build-up of heat inside the body and without regular hydration, it increases the risk of dehydration .
Wearing a mask is thus accompanied by an increase in the temperature of the skin and the air , the face being more sensitive to heat than other parts of the body (significant vascularization and innervation). Indeed, wearing a mask was associated, in the OpinionWay study for Climson, with a feeling of thermal discomfort , characterized by an increase in humidity and perspiration inside the mask, promoting dehydration of the the person who wears it.
Note that people who already suffer from breathing disorders will suffer the most from difficulties with wearing a mask (COPD, pneumonia, etc.) since wearing a mask will hinder good ventilation of the body. You should therefore remember to change it often (approximately every four hours) so that it continues to filter well while allowing some air renewal.
Our recommendations
Hydration plays a vital role in regulating body temperature.
Indeed, when wearing a mask for prolonged periods, it is important to make sure that you drink plenty of fluids by, for example, taking a moment every hour to hydrate well and drink at least 1.5 L per day.
To maximize hydration, it's best to avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids like caffeinated coffee or tea, as well as carbonated drinks.
It is also not recommended to perform vigorous physical exercises while wearing the mask and it is important to increase rest time . Cooling the forehead and neck may be useful, because the face contains many nerve fibers that are more sensitive to temperature variations than the rest of the body.
It is also preferable to avoid wearing a mask that is too thick, or made of a material that retains too much heat. It is better to choose a cotton mask or a surgical mask.
Finally, it is necessary to learn to recognize the signs of dehydration :
- Extreme thirst
- Dry mouth and tongue
- Infrequent and/or dark urine
- Dizziness, confusion and headache
