Three masks tested for runners’ use, and one is much better than the others.
Normal face masks are not great for runners. Heavy breathing makes their limited airflow clearer than ever.
But are face masks for runners any better?
One of the latest ones is. The Asics Runners Face Cover has possibly the most thoughtful design of any running mask to date. It has more design concessions than either of the masks from Under Armour or Adidas, which, having used the Asics model, start to seem a little like quick cash-ins.
But why? And how does this mask and a more traditional face covering feel while you run?
The best way to find out is with a proper test drive. Here’s what I found using the Asics Runners Face Cover, a KN95 mask and a standard triple-ply face covering out on a 10km run on a 77 degree (25 Celsius) sunny day.
And to make it even less of an ideal situation, I wore glasses to see how much they’d steam up.
This is your typical blue face mask, the kind you might buy in a multi-pack if you want a reliable disposable and don’t care about making a statement with your face covering.
Its concertina-like main structure does allow for some room around the mouth, and while there is a form-fitting part around the nose it is not designed to create a true seal with your face.
Running with one of these is not a complete disaster. It makes breathing harder and may reduce your performance by, speaking completely anecdotally, around 20 per cent.
However, it is not particularly comfortable. The restricted airflow quickly turns the area around your mouth into a micro sauna and you have to learn to moderate your breathing in order to keep going.
Run at a decent pace and you may find you all but suck in the fabric, which does not feel good.
Glasses also stream up with every breath, but the mist tends to clear as you breathe in.
Conclusion: Not a disaster, but will likely turn you off running
KN95 masks are the Chinese standard equivalent to the N95.
