Totobobo mask is able to fit a wide range of large and small faces. However, it is not possible to claim that it always seal your face perfectly. Sometimes it may reqire adjustment of the strap and the position of the mask to improve the seal. Sometimes trimming down the mask to a smaller size may help.
The purpose of a user-seal-check is to provide a fast and reliable method to evaluate the face seal, without the need of fit-test equipments.
User-seal-check of normal respirator (e.g. N95 mask) involve the steps of cupping the filter area with hands, forcefully inhale and/or exhale to sense if there is air-leak. Such method relys on the user’s ability to feel the air movement around the leak area. Sereverl studies shown such method is not relaible.
The Totobobo Visual-Seal-Check (VSC) method (patent pending) is facilitated by a very fine texture molded on the inside of the transparent mask. In normal condition, the surface is dry and it appear as semi-transparent. The same surface turns transparent if there is water stick on the surface. Even a tiny little water trapped between the mask and the face will make the surface change from semi-transparent to complete transparent.
To do a simple Visual-Seal-Check, you apply a little moisture on your face, than put the mask on. Observe the edge of the mask. Where it is completely transparent, there is a good seal. Where there is semi-transparent, there is no seal. It will be consider as a good overall seal If there is a continuous seal circle around the nose and mouth.
Our user test using a TSI PortaCount system in a hospital, the gold standard of respirator fit test, shows there is a strong correlation (90%+) between the Visual-Seal-Check (VSC) and the standard fit-test results. In other words, it is possible to predict if the mask will pass or fail the gold standard fit-test by performing a TOTOBOBO VSC. This is particular useful for people who don’t have access to a proper fit-test system.
Milky surface indicates the face seal leak location
Transparent surface indicates good face seal of Totobobo mask
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