trekkie820
In the colder air, I find my lungs hurt after a longer ride. I usually try to wear a cover over my mouth to counter-act this, but then my breathing is restricted. What, if anything, do you use?
Breathing
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CommuterKat
I too have this problem in the winter. I tend to start coughing after being out in the cold and doing any exercise. I plan to bike this winter for the first time, and was wondering how to deal with this too. I don't have an answer for you, but hopefully someone out there does!
slvoid
Try chewing gum. It helps keep your throat wet from the saliva.
Also try breathing from both your nose and mouth while wearing a balaklava.
Also try breathing from both your nose and mouth while wearing a balaklava.
operator
Wear a scarf.
elbows
A scarf or balaclava will do the trick. I have a very light balaclava that cost about $10, it keeps me breathing easy, and keeps my head and neck warm, down to at least 10F (I haven't had the chance to try it in colder weather).
trekkie820
Does good ole Nashbar sell em?
John Ridley
Here's one:
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=137&subcategory=1220&brand=&sku=5579&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=
Here's another, not a balaclava but might suit for this and be more versatile
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=137&subcategory=1220&brand=&sku=7620&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=137&subcategory=1220&brand=&sku=5579&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=
Here's another, not a balaclava but might suit for this and be more versatile
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=137&subcategory=1220&brand=&sku=7620&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=
jasoncd
One of the best things I bought was a round fleece neckgaiter. Fits nice around your neck but can extend to cover your mouth and nose if it gets a bit cold. I find on a ride that my face gets too hot with a balaclava (however you spell it) thus having this round scarf is great because I bring it up when I'm cold and bring it back down when I'm hot. Just takes two second to move it up or down. This will last me too about -10 to -15. Anything below -15 especially with a windchill, I'll wear the balaclava.
Furthermore, for those days where you need to inzip the front of your jacket for heat regulation it keeps your throat nice and warm.
MEC has one: http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=675115&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=196535&bmUID=1096652087044
One more thing, try breathing through your nose and exhaling through the mouth. This will help.
Furthermore, for those days where you need to inzip the front of your jacket for heat regulation it keeps your throat nice and warm.
MEC has one: http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=675115&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=196535&bmUID=1096652087044
One more thing, try breathing through your nose and exhaling through the mouth. This will help.
Zin
I have excercise enduced asthma. So this is a big concern.
I think one thing to remember is in the colder temperatures you should not push yourself as hard as you would in more "enjoyable" temps. Your body is working much harder to maintain its temperature and provide energy to your muscles for your activity.
I too use a belaclava. I have 2 differnet types. One is fleece the other is nitted. The nitted breathes much better than the fleece. But also lets a bit more air pass through.
I think one thing to remember is in the colder temperatures you should not push yourself as hard as you would in more "enjoyable" temps. Your body is working much harder to maintain its temperature and provide energy to your muscles for your activity.
I too use a belaclava. I have 2 differnet types. One is fleece the other is nitted. The nitted breathes much better than the fleece. But also lets a bit more air pass through.
coney
while wearing a balaklava.
A baklava? I've eaten them but never worn one. Is it fun? :)
A baklava? I've eaten them but never worn one. Is it fun? :)
Frodocious
A friend of mine recommends taking a bottle of warm to hot water and sipping from it regularly, I haven't used this method yet but she says it works very well for her.
MKRG
That's an interesting thought that I may try. Instead of hot water though, I'll probably use some herb tea or my favorite, chamomille. Jeez, I hope this doesn't make it back to the FG forum.
Phatman
I find that after a few weeks of exercising in the cold, my lungs get used to it. I cant seem to wear anything over my mouth, it makes it too hard to breath...
Revtor
balaklava
balaclava
belaclava
baklava
lol.. nope, Im not sure either..
~S
balaclava
belaclava
baklava
lol.. nope, Im not sure either..
~S
Indolent58
This is a problem I could never solve. Anything I put on my face to warm the air seemed to constrict my breathing too much.
So I moved to California...
So I moved to California...
Bacterozoid
I experienced my first problem with this today - it was low 40s outside maybe...very cool air.
I ride about a mile to school...and I wore an extra coat...overall the ride was very stressful. (Usually very easy) The extra weight added stress (couple pounds), and breathing was harder and less effective. It was hard to recover from hills and so I was hurting for about a half hour after the 10 minute ride...well, more fatigued than anything.
I'll be taking a car to school either for the rest of the season (unless we have good warm days), or I'll be looking into some of the things mentioned here. I was actually going to be posting about this topic too if this wasn't here.
I ride about a mile to school...and I wore an extra coat...overall the ride was very stressful. (Usually very easy) The extra weight added stress (couple pounds), and breathing was harder and less effective. It was hard to recover from hills and so I was hurting for about a half hour after the 10 minute ride...well, more fatigued than anything.
I'll be taking a car to school either for the rest of the season (unless we have good warm days), or I'll be looking into some of the things mentioned here. I was actually going to be posting about this topic too if this wasn't here.
schwinnbikelove
That's an interesting thought that I may try. Instead of hot water though, I'll probably use some herb tea or my favorite, chamomille. Jeez, I hope this doesn't make it back to the FG forum.
What's in it for me if I keep your secret, Mike? :rolleyes:
What's in it for me if I keep your secret, Mike? :rolleyes:
MKRG
I have a pile of old bikes you can have. Some old Schwinn 3-speeds, an old Stella I'm going to restore (but probably too tall for you)
MKRG
A peugot UO-8 that needs a new fork and BB that might fit you
seely
http://escapades.justmynet.com/baklava.jpg
Mmmm Baklava... :love:
Mmmm Baklava... :love:
thebulls
Heat exchanger facemask or balaklava is the best solution I've found. Balaklavas or scarfs get damp and icy, plus they really can't warm the air up much. A heat exchanger uses the warmth you just blew out to heat up the air you're sucking in. Usually, I get colds as soon as winter comes, from breathing hard in cold air, but last winter I rode with the heat exchanger and never got a cold. Check it out at:
http://www.psolar.com/
http://www.psolar.com/
mtessmer
Heat exchanger facemask or balaklava is the best solution I've found. Balaklavas or scarfs get damp and icy, plus they really can't warm the air up much. A heat exchanger uses the warmth you just blew out to heat up the air you're sucking in. Usually, I get colds as soon as winter comes, from breathing hard in cold air, but last winter I rode with the heat exchanger and never got a cold. Check it out at:
http://www.psolar.com/
If a person wears glasses, will the air escape to fog/frost them up?
http://www.psolar.com/
If a person wears glasses, will the air escape to fog/frost them up?
jharte
Baklava......yum. I guess you could say they are both for the face! :D
slvoid
Get a polar bottle for carrying warm liquids with you in the winter. Otherwise, you'll find a hot bottle of water ice cold after 30 minutes.
Diggy18
There was one winter that I kept up my jogging, and it seemed like I was sick all the time.
That heat exchanger thing looks pretty cool. Does it really work? And it doesn't get all wet around the mouth? It's hard to believe.
That heat exchanger thing looks pretty cool. Does it really work? And it doesn't get all wet around the mouth? It's hard to believe.
kurremkarm
Three for 8 bucks:
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ctd/product.asp?dept%5Fid=711005&sku=BJR%2D820&imgid=&mscssid=DSB5WXAB7R2S8KMDWQ0DUQJ177J2A06D
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ctd/product.asp?dept%5Fid=711005&sku=BJR%2D820&imgid=&mscssid=DSB5WXAB7R2S8KMDWQ0DUQJ177J2A06D
Merryish
Heat exchanger facemask or balaklava is the best solution I've found. ... Check it out at:
http://www.psolar.com/
Hee! Now there's a choice... catch a cold, or look like a sand creature... :) Put on a set of goggles and George Lucas might mistake you for an extra.
http://www.psolar.com/
Hee! Now there's a choice... catch a cold, or look like a sand creature... :) Put on a set of goggles and George Lucas might mistake you for an extra.
Wulfheir
i have a long neckwarmer than can cover up above my nose. i just flip it up and down as required. i also practice yoga, which has taught me to control my breathing.
thebulls
Question was: does the heat exchanger face mask make your glasses fog.
Answer: not any more than just a regular scarf/neck gaiter/balaklava/whatever.
I found that if I made sure to tilt my head up a bit and breathe through the heat exchanger, that the vapor just drifts away.
But I always found that fog is a problem when I've been riding hard and then suddenly stop for a light, no matter what I wear or do. That would be a different thread, though.
Answer: not any more than just a regular scarf/neck gaiter/balaklava/whatever.
I found that if I made sure to tilt my head up a bit and breathe through the heat exchanger, that the vapor just drifts away.
But I always found that fog is a problem when I've been riding hard and then suddenly stop for a light, no matter what I wear or do. That would be a different thread, though.
thebulls
Hee! Now there's a choice... catch a cold, or look like a sand creature... :) Put on a set of goggles and George Lucas might mistake you for an extra.
Funny you should mention that--I have a pair of clear-lensed ski goggles I wear when the temperature drops below the mid-20's.
I'm sure that StyleMan from Bicycling magazine would disapprove, which is all the more reason to not care!
Funny you should mention that--I have a pair of clear-lensed ski goggles I wear when the temperature drops below the mid-20's.
I'm sure that StyleMan from Bicycling magazine would disapprove, which is all the more reason to not care!
thebulls
There was one winter that I kept up my jogging, and it seemed like I was sick all the time.
That heat exchanger thing looks pretty cool. Does it really work? And it doesn't get all wet around the mouth? It's hard to believe.
The fabric around it gets a little damp, but not really wet like a scarf that you've been breathing through. The heat exchanger itself is hard plastic (sort of like a plastic box that is open at both ends and has air conditioner fins inside it). It'll get some condensation inside it, but you just blow it out with an extra hard puff or two. It never gets condensation to the point that when you're breathing in, you feel like you're having to breathe through water.
The "Vapor Shield" accessory only stayed on for about three trips, and didn't really seem to help so I never tried to stick it back on. 'Course, maybe they've improved it. Also, the dessicant that they ship it with smelled odd to me, but that only lasts a couple of days.
The product is guaranteed, so you can try it and return it if you don't like it.
My wife bought it for me for Xmas last year. She got me the balaklava, but then I bought myself a face mask, which I like better, and she wears the balaklava. I like the face mask best, because you can just wear that on warmer days, and you can put a hat on for cooler days. Also, the face mask just closes in the back with velcro, so if you feel too hot you can just take it off while you're riding, and stick it in a pocket.
I'm not associated in any way with pSolar, but did talk with the inventor (because of the smell) and he seemed like a really nice guy. You can buy these through Herrington's, but I'd guess that the inventor gets more if you buy it from his website at www.psolar.com
It's a little bit funny-looking, but so is showing up at work with a bike with studded tires, and neoprene booties, and weird looking gloves, and a miner's lamp on your bike helmet. I just tell my kids I'm using the Force.
And like I said in my first post, last winter is the first winter I've ever been able to keep riding through the whole winter, without getting stopped by a cold, and then never getting started again. Typical DC winter--trails covered with snow for probably a total of a month; covered with patches of ice in between snow-melts for maybe another month. About four months where the morning temp was below the mid-30's; a couple weeks below the mid-20's.
Happy riding.
That heat exchanger thing looks pretty cool. Does it really work? And it doesn't get all wet around the mouth? It's hard to believe.
The fabric around it gets a little damp, but not really wet like a scarf that you've been breathing through. The heat exchanger itself is hard plastic (sort of like a plastic box that is open at both ends and has air conditioner fins inside it). It'll get some condensation inside it, but you just blow it out with an extra hard puff or two. It never gets condensation to the point that when you're breathing in, you feel like you're having to breathe through water.
The "Vapor Shield" accessory only stayed on for about three trips, and didn't really seem to help so I never tried to stick it back on. 'Course, maybe they've improved it. Also, the dessicant that they ship it with smelled odd to me, but that only lasts a couple of days.
The product is guaranteed, so you can try it and return it if you don't like it.
My wife bought it for me for Xmas last year. She got me the balaklava, but then I bought myself a face mask, which I like better, and she wears the balaklava. I like the face mask best, because you can just wear that on warmer days, and you can put a hat on for cooler days. Also, the face mask just closes in the back with velcro, so if you feel too hot you can just take it off while you're riding, and stick it in a pocket.
I'm not associated in any way with pSolar, but did talk with the inventor (because of the smell) and he seemed like a really nice guy. You can buy these through Herrington's, but I'd guess that the inventor gets more if you buy it from his website at www.psolar.com
It's a little bit funny-looking, but so is showing up at work with a bike with studded tires, and neoprene booties, and weird looking gloves, and a miner's lamp on your bike helmet. I just tell my kids I'm using the Force.
And like I said in my first post, last winter is the first winter I've ever been able to keep riding through the whole winter, without getting stopped by a cold, and then never getting started again. Typical DC winter--trails covered with snow for probably a total of a month; covered with patches of ice in between snow-melts for maybe another month. About four months where the morning temp was below the mid-30's; a couple weeks below the mid-20's.
Happy riding.
blendingnoise
Underarmour makes some really thin baclavas(?sp) for winter for 20$. You can pull the front down if you need I believe.
Lectron
These works. !
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v482/Lectron/Nettbilder/Project3.jpg
You breathe trough a steel grid that holds on to the moisture when you breathe out, and ads it to the air you breathe in.
Hardly no resistance at all, but makes it more difficult to drink of cause.
They are made in Finland, and I promise you they have winters there.
The name of the company is Soumen Jonas Oy
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v482/Lectron/Nettbilder/Project3.jpg
You breathe trough a steel grid that holds on to the moisture when you breathe out, and ads it to the air you breathe in.
Hardly no resistance at all, but makes it more difficult to drink of cause.
They are made in Finland, and I promise you they have winters there.
The name of the company is Soumen Jonas Oy
vrkelley
With these heat-controller type maskes....does your nose *not* run then?
These works. !
Hardly no resistance at all, but makes it more difficult to drink of cause.
They are made in Finland, and I promise you they have winters there.
The name of the company is Soumen Jonas Oy
Looks good...Which product is this? Please post a URL Link for purchasing if possible.
Thanks.
These works. !
Hardly no resistance at all, but makes it more difficult to drink of cause.
They are made in Finland, and I promise you they have winters there.
The name of the company is Soumen Jonas Oy
Looks good...Which product is this? Please post a URL Link for purchasing if possible.
Thanks.
Lectron
I don't seem to find any url. In Norway they are distributed by the Norwegian Astma and allergic association (NAAF), and Ithink you get them for free if you have breathing trouble due to cold, dry air (astma) etc.
Since I don't suffer from any inspiration illness, I had to puchase one, and I think I paid around $45
Give them a mail at naaf@naaf.no, and they might be able to help you about any didtributers in the states.
Since I don't suffer from any inspiration illness, I had to puchase one, and I think I paid around $45
Give them a mail at naaf@naaf.no, and they might be able to help you about any didtributers in the states.
vrkelley
Heat exchanger facemask or balaklava is the best solution I've found. Balaklavas or scarfs get damp and icy, plus they really can't warm the air up much. A heat exchanger uses the warmth you just blew out to heat up the air you're sucking in. Usually, I get colds as soon as winter comes, from breathing hard in cold air, but last winter I rode with the heat exchanger and never got a cold. Check it out at:
http://www.psolar.com/
Does this turn off the nose-fawcet too? Or do you have to remove the mask to blow your nose?
http://www.psolar.com/
Does this turn off the nose-fawcet too? Or do you have to remove the mask to blow your nose?
vrkelley
These works. !
You breathe trough a steel grid that holds on to the moisture when you breathe out, and ads it to the air you breathe in.
Hmmm. I have some light steel grid that's a little heavier than screen-mesh. I wonder I slipped a 3X3" disk into my current mask...
You breathe trough a steel grid that holds on to the moisture when you breathe out, and ads it to the air you breathe in.
Hmmm. I have some light steel grid that's a little heavier than screen-mesh. I wonder I slipped a 3X3" disk into my current mask...
Murad
I ride with Respro Sportsta mask
www.respro.com
www.respro.com
Mars
I ride in all temperatures that I encounter in Vermont (-27) is my personal record. I have the same issues: air too cold but can't handle restricted breathing. Also, I find that the systems discussed here quickly gewt wet and gross from your breath (man I just HATE having a wet scarf or face mask pushed against my lower face). what works for me is a scarfpulled up to my nose, but pulled outabout 2". Some of my body heat/moisture gets caught in the gap but doesn't restrict the breathing. Takes a little bit of fussingto get it just right though >:(
landrover
The Heat Exchanger works well....too well :)
I went out around 5:15 this morning...Windchill of 27 degrees,the wind was decent.
The Exchanger heated up right away..... i had to drop it below my mouth and just deal with the cold for a minute.
from time to time i would breathe into it just to keep my neck warm.
I'm sold on it.
I went out around 5:15 this morning...Windchill of 27 degrees,the wind was decent.
The Exchanger heated up right away..... i had to drop it below my mouth and just deal with the cold for a minute.
from time to time i would breathe into it just to keep my neck warm.
I'm sold on it.
Juha
Hmmm. I have some light steel grid that's a little heavier than screen-mesh. I wonder I slipped a 3X3" disk into my current mask...
Sorry, took me a while, but here's the URL (Lectron had a typo in the name): Suomen Jonas Oy (www.jonas.fi/en/).
--J
Sorry, took me a while, but here's the URL (Lectron had a typo in the name): Suomen Jonas Oy (www.jonas.fi/en/).
--J
bostontrevor
Jeez, I hope this doesn't make it back to the FG forum.
Busted.
Anyhow, this is a big problem for me too. Once it hits 40F, going cold->warm induces fits of coughing. Wearing my neck gaitor (really a cut off stocking cap) over my mouth helps tremendously. It helps to capture some of the heat I exhale to warm the incoming air and also adds some moisture to the dry air. I'm fine when I'm out in the cold and I really prefer to have nothing over my mouth, but even more I prefer to be able to breathe and speak once I'm indoors.
Busted.
Anyhow, this is a big problem for me too. Once it hits 40F, going cold->warm induces fits of coughing. Wearing my neck gaitor (really a cut off stocking cap) over my mouth helps tremendously. It helps to capture some of the heat I exhale to warm the incoming air and also adds some moisture to the dry air. I'm fine when I'm out in the cold and I really prefer to have nothing over my mouth, but even more I prefer to be able to breathe and speak once I'm indoors.
aiguy
I ride with Respro Sportsta mask
www.respro.com
I get fogging on my glasses -- does the Sportsta mask help reduce or eliminate this by directing exhaled air?
Thanks.
www.respro.com
I get fogging on my glasses -- does the Sportsta mask help reduce or eliminate this by directing exhaled air?
Thanks.
seely
A friend of mine recommends taking a bottle of warm to hot water and sipping from it regularly, I haven't used this method yet but she says it works very well for her.
If its 20 it would be luke warm to cold in about 10 min.
If its 20 it would be luke warm to cold in about 10 min.
jnoble123
Heat exchanger facemask or balaklava is the best solution I've found. Balaklavas or scarfs get damp and icy, plus they really can't warm the air up much. A heat exchanger uses the warmth you just blew out to heat up the air you're sucking in. Usually, I get colds as soon as winter comes, from breathing hard in cold air, but last winter I rode with the heat exchanger and never got a cold. Check it out at:
http://www.psolar.com/
I have one of these too. I've used it a few days only down around -20 degrees celsius. Unfortunately I obtained it late in the season last year so I only really had about two weeks to try it out before winter started it's tailspin.
There are a couple of other models as well. Someone on the Icebike list reviewed three different types last year.
~JamieN
http://www.psolar.com/
I have one of these too. I've used it a few days only down around -20 degrees celsius. Unfortunately I obtained it late in the season last year so I only really had about two weeks to try it out before winter started it's tailspin.
There are a couple of other models as well. Someone on the Icebike list reviewed three different types last year.
~JamieN
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