Respro Allergy Face Mask
by Respro
List Price:
Our Price: $37.00
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Category: Kitchen
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Product Summary
Manufacturer: ResproBrand: Respro
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Respro Allergy Face Mask
Customer Review: Great Idea. Good Filter. Needs better design.
Summary: 3 Stars
I have a deep appreciation for the basic concept behind these masks. I think the filter component itself does a good job of eliminating particles that I don't wish to reach my nose and throat. Unfortunately the design of the mask is not adequate to keep the filter in an effective and appropriate place unless I continuously hold it with one hand or modify it with another velcro strap that loops around behind and/or over the top of my head . The included neck strap slides down too far to guarantee an adequate seal over the nose and face. Thus, it is the nose clip that really determines that the filter is maintained in correct position. It is only partially effective if one clamps it snuggly, and then doing so means it compresses the nasal passages immediately or rapidly slides into such a possession of often that struggling with the mask prevents using one's hands for other tasks effectively. (I have now added further velcro straps to these masks -- discussed under comments.)
When you are trying to prevent allergies from clogging up your nose -- having a clip serve to obstruct nasal breathing instead is not much satisfaction. Worse yet is that deciding to accommodate by breathing through your mouth and sacrificing the nose turns out to be the necessary alternative. The latter can be a deceptive and potentially dangerous one. When mouth breathing you get a false reassurance because you can't smell particles/fumes/smoke as easily. Then you may be blissfully unaware if you are still inhaling them directly into your lungs once the mask has slipped out of place. These same particles can still trigger an asthma attack.
It is doubtful to me that this mask would pass basic OSHA fit tests which require confirming the person cannot smell or taste substances such as saccharin.
I would suggest the manufacturers look at other masks which use a second strap that goes around the top if the head, not just the back. After having tried several masks this summer to block forest fire smoke, the only ones which worked sufficiently to allow me to breathe, have my hands free and support physical exertion such as working around the house, garden or hiking were ones with a strap that went to the top of the head as well.
The best seals which did not block nose breathing were actually obtained with the occupational resuable painters masks with N95 or 100 cartridges, though obviously these weren't too much fun hiking uphill, breathing fast and perspiring once the weather got warmer.
Perhaps some pollen and dust suffers who only need a small reduction in irritants may have a different experience, but when you are trying to block forest fire smoke (moderate particulate matter or higher) that is continuously present for hours or weeks in the summer from triggering your asthma, you get quick feedback when the mask is out of place...this one was most of the time.
I have tried the techno mask by the same company. The neoprene version is a little better and was intended for high demand athletic activities. But basically is limited by the same problem. Neither would be safe for a person sigificantly dependent on assistance from the mask.
It is advertised by Respro that the filters meet UK requirements that are similar to OSHA. I doubt this is true if the mask has been worn "naturally" for a few minutes without hand-holding it in place. Any leak around the side defeats the entire system.
I think a second velco strap that goes over the top of the head would be comfortable enough, would be unlikely to interfere with athletic activity and might transform this item toward a functional success. None of the serious occupational masks or gas masks have such a vulnerable face seal as Respro does for their entire product line. Curiously they make one for fire fighters which I have ordered from different suppliers, but it never seems to arrive. I don't know if the concurrent use of a fire fighting helmet makes them fit better or not, but that's not my idea of gardening, cycling or hiking attire.
In the meantime customers might have to consider stitching on their own retention strap.
Description of Respro Allergy Face Mask
Respro Allergy Face MaskFirst Aid
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