As summer approaches, there is a valid concern that the wearing of face masks, which has become an accepted measure to reduce the spread of the new coronavirus, will increase the risk of heatstroke.
A vending machine selling masks that are design to mitigate the heat risk has been installed at a tourist attraction called Kojima Jeans Street in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, and the new type masks are gaining popularity among local residents.
The face masks were created by Shibutani Shoten, a car seat maker based in Kurashiki. The company started making masks because of shortages seen when the virus started to spread. But as summer started to approach, some employees pointed out that "it will be too hot to endure with regular masks."
These summer masks are made of a meshed fabric sandwiched between gauze and silk, making it cooler and less stuffy than standard masks, which are typically polyester or nonwoven fabric. They are available in four sizes ranging from "Infants" (9 centimeters by 13 centimeters) to "Large" (14 centimeters by 21 centimeters) and in five colors, including pink and blue.
As Shibutani Shoten had no sales channels other than online sales, they purchased a used vending machine and installed it on Jeans Street. When purchased, the masks come out in a chilled cylindrical container.
The "new way of life" being cited by a government panel of experts urges people to wear masks even if they have no symptoms when they go out and converse with other people.
On the other hand, wearing masks makes it difficult for body heat to be released, which naturally leads to an increase in body temperature. It has also been pointed out that when wearing a mask, the mouth stays moist and people mistake this for having enough water in their bodies, which can lead to dehydration.
Therefore, the environment ministry and other organizations have warned people to "remove masks if you can maintain adequate distance from people outdoors, for fear of taking risks," and "avoid heavy work and exercise while wearing a mask, and try to drink water frequently even when you are not thirsty."
About 1,000 of the cooler masks have been sold since the vending machine was installed in mid-May.
"I'm surprised by their popularity," said Toshio Shibutani, 62, the car seat maker's president. "While being careful of heat stroke, it's good if it can be used for a long time as an antivirus precaution."
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