*Update December 3rd:
Amazon recently updated their mask rules.
The temperature is rising along with the cases of COVID-19. Amazon has been sending out periodic emails to drivers reminding us that we need to wear a face covering during deliveries.
Amazon Flex delivery partners are required to wear a face covering at all times when at Amazon sites or pick-up locations, and during deliveries.
With temperatures reaching over 100 degrees it’s not a fun time to be hustling packages for 3-4 hours at a time with a face mask. I did some research and asked Amazon Flex drivers what they think are the best masks to wear in the heat.
Face Shield
A face shield is a great choice because it shouldn’t restrict breathing at all and it allows for plenty of ventilation. The major con being is that it may easily fog up. A good remedy to this would be to grab some anti-fog spray or wipes and treat the inside part of the shield. This way you can breathe comfortable while being protected and protecting others without needing to constantly defog the mask.
Cooling Neck Gaiter
Cooling neck what now? A neck gaiter is a good option if you’ve got sensitive skin and having a mask on for long periods causes irritation.
The Mission Cooling Neck gaiter is an easy to obtain and well reviewed option. You can optionally wet it down to help keep yourself cool during deliveries.
Surgical or Regular Cotton Mask
For most people a regular surgical mask is enough. These are usually easy to obtain and they last awhile. The ventilation is poor with these mask but the fabric is not too thick.
Just a regular piece of cloth slapped over your face, good enough.
One driver mentioned a useful trick that may help keep you cool. They say to wear two layers of cloth mask, wet the inside layer right where you breath just enough so that it doesn’t leak onto the outside layer. This gives a similar cooling affect as the neck gaiter.
Name Brand
If you’re a name brand kind of a person and need something fancier go ahead and check out your favorite clothing brand for a mask. Most of them are probably offering something by now.
The Adidas face mask looks nice and at least one driver says that’s what they prefer.
Summary
There’s a lot of face covering options out there. Something reusable and washable is probably the way to go.
For the best breathe-ability and ventilation, we prefer the face shield but it’s the goofiest looking option. For something a little more subtle, practical, comfortable, and with the cooling option the neck gaiter may be your best bet. Or if you just want a quick and simple solution a surgical or cloth mask will work. For the fashionable types most major brands are offering a stylish and reusable face covering.
Do you have a favorite face covering not mentioned here? Please let us know in the comments. Appreciate it, be safe and Flex on!
