Going Out During Pollen Season: How to Choose a Mask and Goggles

Choosing a mask

The goal is to block very small pollen particles, so fit matters more than thickness. When you go out, choose a mask that fits your face well and has a nose clip, and avoid clear gaps on both sides. Once a mask becomes damp or misshapen, its protection drops, so replace it promptly. If you have trouble breathing, wearing a high-resistance mask for a long time may be uncomfortable, so you can spend less time outdoors as a way to help.

Goggles and glasses

If your eyes itch a lot, consider wearing goggles that cover the eyes well, or glasses with side shields, to reduce direct contact between pollen and the surface of your eyes. Ordinary framed glasses also give some protection. People who wear contact lenses often have more obvious symptoms during pollen season, so it is best to reduce wearing time or change lens type as your doctor advises.

Details that are easy to overlook

• Hair and clothing easily pick up pollen. After coming indoors, change your outer clothes and wash your hair and body promptly.
• Wiping your pet's fur after it comes home from outdoors can reduce the pollen brought indoors.
• Take off your mask gently, to avoid shaking clothes and the mask and stirring pollen up again.
• After outdoor activities, do not rub your eyes or nose right away.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. For your specific situation, please follow your doctor's instructions.