@ascentale @bobjonkman @bikenite #BikeNite A7. I think the problem of NOT wearing a mask on a bad AQI day is the permanent damage it does to your lungs (which will make it that much harder for you to breathe in the future). When the AQI is bad, I will hike and bicycle in a mask. That said, there are a few options you might try. ONE, is make sure you have a good fitting mask of good quality (3M N95's are the top notch ones, and I'll wear those hiking or biking no problem). You ALSO might try N95s with an exhalation valve, where you can exhale easier.. it really reduces the pressure in and out for breathing with an N95 mask. (these are usually only found at hardware stores, because they were not allowed many places during the pandemic. Pretty handy for dusty area work though).

@ascentale @bobjonkman @bikenite #BikeNite A7. related story, we have to walk the dog even in bad air (and can't figure out a mask for him) otherwise he has intestinal problems, so I will hike in an N95 with him until he does his business and go home. My son (who hates N95's 🙄 ) won't wear a mask hiking, but EVERY TIME this happens I am fine, but we're only halfway through and he has a massive headache and can't breathe and starts coughing. (the fix of course is to just wear the N95... it's much better than scarring your lungs). I only wish it worked for the dog.

@ai6yr Does your son hate all masks or just N95s? He might be more comfortable and willing to wear an ultra breathable Savewo Ultra. I learned about them from a Masknerd video about breathable masks with N95-level filtration. I wear one when walking the dog in bad air or when exercising indoors with others.
https://www.family-masks.com/products/savewo-3dmask-ultra-m-white
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73JWxBXqIR0&t=1590s