Mask evaporation rate is governed by three things, basically--ambient heat, ambient humidity, and the droplet's surface area to mass ratio. Increase the surface area and the rate increases directly. Wicking droplets increase surface area dramatically.

We know that when the surface area to mass is the same as that of a 5 micron droplet, then evaporation occurs in microseconds.

Why do we use paper towels? wicking

What do masks do to droplets? wicking