Wearing a mask for your safety and the health and safety of others around is key, but when wearing a face mask can cause you to overheat, you’re in trouble. Here are some factors to keep in mind when making or buying a summer face mask.

A key issue is that when we breathe, we cool off, so wearing a mask that gets hot quickly can lead to an elevated temperature in extreme heat, especially if accompanied by humidity.

In other words, if you can’t breathe easily through your mask and you’re wearing it outside, you could overheat.

If you feel yourself struggling to breathe, take your mask off - just make sure you can keep at least six feet of distance from others - sit in the shade and drink some water.

If you feel dizzy or your heart is racing, you need to remove the mask, get out of the heat and seek medical attention because those could be signs of heat exhaustion.

And advice for those out protesting or parading: continue to wear masks while you navigate crowds, hydrate frequently, and take a break from the heat when you can. It helps to put a cold, wet towel on your face and neck periodically.

Avoid extreme heat if possible

If your trip outside can wait until it’s cooler, it should. If you must go outside, you might want to avoid going out when it’s really hot. In extreme heat and humidity, it can be harder to breathe through your mask and if you’ve got to get outside, go first thing in the morning or later in the evening before the heavy heat sticks around. If it can wait, choose to venture out on a day when it’s cooler.

Pick a breathable mask material

Part of your breathing problems could be due to your mask material. When choosing material, considering how well you can breathe through a material is as important as how well it stops the spread of disease.

Cotton masks are preferred by many for their “breathability” and comfort. Masks with cotton outer layers and flannel inner layers also work well. The ideal cloth face mask should fit ‘snugly but comfortably’ against your face. Considering the quality of material and the shape of the mask, you should be able to wash and dry it without damaging its shape.

Make sure your mask is on correctly

If you’re having trouble breathing through your mask, confirm you’re wearing it correctly before ditching it entirely. Your mask should cover your nose. Let me say that again, your mask should cover your nose. And your mask should obviously cover your mouth and fit snugly against the sides of your face but loosely on the inside so your breathing isn’t obstructed.

If you need to take off the mask, only do so when you’re at least six feet away from others.

Bring a spare if it’s sweaty

A wet mask can stick to your face and obstruct your breathing in a different way. If you find yourself sweating through your mask, bring extras. Carrying a spare mask in a plastic sandwich bag will keep help in switching out masks or replacing masks altogether. There’s a better chance it’ll stay relatively clean if you carry it that way.

Remember, no one likes to see a used mask lying on the ground or sidewalk, be responsible and dispose of them properly.

Wear a mask when it’s necessary

The risk of coronavirus is generally lower outdoors, where wind can blow the virus away and you can (hopefully) maintain distance from others.

Pools and beaches are generally safe, too, since water isn’t thought to harbor the virus. Just keep your distance from others in and out of the water, since respiratory droplets can still travel when you’re outside.

It’s not practical to wear a mask in the water, but they should still be worn when you get out of it, especially if you can’t get the necessary distance between you and others.

If the heat weren’t enough, respiratory issues can impede your breathing too. If you have asthma, chronic lung disease or another respiratory illness, be mindful of how your breathing ability changes in the heat and if it gets worse, its recommended to stay out of the heat as much as possible.

And as always, contact your medical provider when needed.