Unfortunately, wearing a surgical or cotton mask had no effect on performance or muscle oxygen levels, according to research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

Do fitness masks work?

Professional athletes often wear training masks during workouts, but do they really work? Also known as altitude and elevation masks, these products are said to give your exercise regimen a boost. However, their effectiveness as training tools has yet to be proven.

Are elevation training masks effective?

The study concluded that the elevation training masks are equally effective as the more traditional method of high intensity interval training while wearing self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). ... Despite the apparent positive benefits of training with a high altitude training mask, it is not without criticism.