Reddit reviews Ski Mask Neck Warmer / Outdoor Sports Mask - Black

Skiers encounter this problem even more than cyclists, since skiing can be anaerobic at its most intense. Many skiers use neoprene half-face masks with their helmets. The neoprene is lined for comfort and has slits for breathing. As you warm up the lining and neoprene, it takes the edge off the cold air when you inhale. Here's a cheap example: https://www.amazon.com/Mask-Neck-Warmer-Outdoor-Sports/dp/B00KYO7TE2/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_200_lp_t_4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=4M50W9E9S2QA5RX0MV3E (I am NOT recommending that model, I just thought the picture was useful).

Another alternative for very cold riding is a simple fleece balaclava that you can usually wear under your helmet. Like the neoprene, the fleece warms the air slightly as you inhale. Here's an example: https://www.backcountry.com/icebreaker-oasis-balaclava?skid=ICE00GS-BK-ONESIZ&ti=UExQIENhdDpCYWxhY2xhdmFzIDoxOjE3OmJjc0NhdDEzMTExMDA1Mw== (again, just a photo example and I'm not recommending a particular brand).

Any time you put something over your mouth in cold weather and then breathe through it, it's going to get damp and maybe a little gross. The only reason I ever wear a balaclava is to protect my face from frostbite in very cold conditions (skiing more than cycling), not to warm my breath. Over time, cold-weather athletes usually learn to manage their breathing through trial and error to inhale in a fashion that doesn't make them cough from the icy cold air. To some extent, that's the primary solution: experiment with inhaling through your nose, or shape your mouth so that the air has to pass through a narrower channel and is warmed up as it comes in.

Last thought: If none of these solutions work for you, you might consider seeing a physician with expertise in sports performance. For most athletes, this is an annoyance and not a big enough problem to warrant much attention. It could be a sign you have some underlying physiology issue making it more difficult for you.

These are super cheap and have worked fine for me. Just launder them a few times to remove the weird smell.

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KYO7TE2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1