Facemasks

[Trickedem]

Just interested to hear whether anyone uses a facemask on their commute. I see an increasing number in London. Is there any benefit. In my Army days I recall the pain of doing exercise wearing a respiratot(gas mask) so I can't see me ever wearing something like this voluntarily

 

[gambatte]

Question that comes up every few months. Generally the majority of answers seem to be negative.

 

[Gez73]

Never worn one or would want to. Have a buff and use that as a face-mask on the coldest days. I always thought proper face-masks were for city cyclists and those subject to sharing bus lanes. Never saw the benefits really.

 

[Miquel In De Rain]

Had to wear one when I had some sort of chest infection a few years ago but no longer use it.

 

[classic33]

For them to be effective, you'd be replacing them every day. Possibly twice a day.
You are drawing more in, under exercise, than would normally be drawn in in the same time by someone wearing one in a factory.
Saturation point is reached quicker & just past that is where you start drawing more of the very chemicals you are seeking to keep out, into your lungs. Was given one to try, which I was informed would indicate by a small strip getting darker, when it required replacing. Three miles into the commute it required replacing. On that basis 12 a day, minimum, would be required.

First one found. Eight hour work life.
http://www.arco.co.uk/103/content/factsheets/1SS031 5 MSA Affinity VFFP3D Fold Flat Resp.pdf

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

Not a face mask/respirator.
I do have a couple of buffs but found they really limit breathability when wet - got one of he Gore masks this year to try.

 

[BlackPanther]

I use this neoprene face mask in cold weather on the motorbike.

I wear a flip front helmet and is someone cuts me up, the look on their faces when I pull alongside and make eye contact is priceless. It's way too hot to use for cycling though, and use one of these for mornings when it's below 6 or 7 degrees.

 

[derrick]

Michael Jackson wore one, it did not help him.

 

[SportMonkey]

I used a Respro, but the air isn't that bad for my commute. They do make it harder to breath, so you could see it as an addition to your training.