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Respro

Testing 6 filters with a laser particle counter

by info on January 20, 2010

The filter is the most important component of a respirator. The quality of air that gets into your lung is determined by the quality of the filter, provided there is a good seal between the mask and your face.

The design of Totobobo mask makes it quite easy to replace the filter with any flat, air permeable material. It is tempting to use a “filter look-a-like” such as cotton wool or a piece of felt to replace the used filters. Does it work? I am interested to find out how effective these different alternatives are.

A Dylos laser particle counter is used to collect objective data. The particle counter is affordable and performs consistently. I’m using the Pro version which is able to detect two fine particle sizes: 0.5 and 2.5 microns. The particle counter has an air-inlet and a exhaust vent. Air drawn into the counter goes through a passage and there is a laser diode and an optical counter along the air passage. If the air inlet is covered by a piece of filter, air drawn into the unit will be filtered and therefore produce a lower particle count reading. The performance of the filter can be calculated by dividing the ambient particle count value with the “filtered” value. For example, if the particle count drops to half, the protection factor of that particular filter is 2.

Laser Particle Counter

Dylos Laser Particle Counter

The method is simple and easy to understand. First of all the ambient particle counts is measured against two different particle sizes – 0.5 microns and 2.5 microns. Different types of “filters” are used to cover the air inlet (edge seal with tapes) one after another. Reading of each filter is obtained after 2 minutes when the value stabilized. Finally, the ambient particle count is once again measured without any filters. The first reading without the filter and the last reading are within 5% tolerance.

Laser Particle Counter reading without filter

Laser Particle Counter reading without filter

Protection factor (P) of each filter is calculated by the formula:

P = Qi / Qn

Where Qi is the value of ambient particle count without filters and Qn is the particle count of the filter concerned. Higher P value indicates better protection factor.

The Totobobo filter (low cost anti-pollution filter) produces a high protection factor of 5564/587 = 9.5 (for 0.5 microns) and 184/10 = 18.4 (for 2.5 microns). This figure indicates a high filtration efficiency of over 90%, effectively raise air quality from “VERY POOR” to “FAIR”.

Totobobo mask filter test

test reading of Totobobo filter

Surgical mask is commonly used, the problem is getting a good seal. In this test, we seal the surgical mask filter media over the inlet to measure the filter effectiveness. As expected the protection value is not very high: P=2.9 for 0.5 microns, P=4.8 for 2.5 microns.

surgical mask filter test

test reading of surgical mask filter

As a reference, the filter of a Respro City mask is also tested. The result is disappointingly poor: P=2.2 for 0.5 microns, P=3.1 for 2.5 microns. I am shocked since this product was reported some years ago to be among the “top performers”. I checked several times to make sure the readings are correct. It may be possible that my sample is dated (over a year old). I will update this record if new evident is found to prove this results wrong.

Respro City mask filter test

test reading of City mask filter

Magiclean is cheap and commonly available and it’s working principle is based on static charge in the fibre, a characteristic of Totobobo filter. I expect it shell produce reasonable good performance. However, the result of 4 layers of Magiclean wiper is the worst out of the lot: P= 1.6 for 0.5 microns, P=2.2 for 2.5 microns.

Magiclean dry wiper sheet test

test reading of Magiclean dry wiper sheet

Facial pad is probably the most commonly used “replacement filter” since some of them available in similar dimension as Totobobo filter. The result of the test is: P=2.4 for 0.5 micron, P=3.5 for 2.5 micron. This is slightly better than the result from the Respro filter.

Facial pads test

test reading of Facial pads

Finally a benchmark test was performed against the well know 3M 8210 N95 filter. However, as the air resistance is too high, we need to enlarge the total surface area and we manage to seal the enlarged area around the inlet. The performance of this filter is remarkable: P=12.8 for 0.5 micron, P=33 for 2.5 micron, highest of the lot. The only problem with this material is the air flow resistant. It is more difficult to breathe through.

Protection factor (higher better)

Filter
_________
Totobobo filter
Surgical mask
Respro mask filter
Magiclean wiper
Facial pad
3M 8210 N95 (enlarged area)

 0.5 micro
_________
9.5
2.9
2.2
1.6
2.4
12.8

 2.5 micro
_________
18.4
4.8
3.1
2.2
3.5
33

Conclusion:

3M 8210 N95 and Totobobo are the only two filters provide real protection factor above 9.5. These results is consistent with the finding of a study done in the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Prince of Wales Hospital). However, the air resistance of the 3M 8210 filter is too high and is not suitable to be used with Totobobo mask.
All other alternative filters are considerably less protective.

read more :
Cyclist, protect your lung when riding in the city
How to change Totobobo filter?

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12 useful features of Totobobo mask for cyclist

by info on September 6, 2009

“My girlfriend Sarah and I have been using and very much enjoying the anti-pollution Totobobo masks in New Delhi – India. I want to say thanks… The radio taxis here have gone wacko and so we are spending a lot more time in rickshaws. I used to have a very bad cough and had to take allergy medicine but it seems to have resolved itself! no more medicine – no more coughs. ” – Sam

Personal experience is critical for the development of innovative technology. I cycle to work daily, and this allows me opportunity to test a number of different safety masks. These provide me with first hand evaluation of products from a cyclist’s perspective. Gathering input from other cyclists and working with their feedback helps take into account alternative climates and riding issues. All in all, I have found that the demands of a cyclist are many and, at times, contradictory. Here are a few:

Breathing versus Protection:
Cyclists need to breathe heavily, but the resistance through a protective filter can uncomfortable and increase strain. A filter with low air resistance would be better, but would be less effective in filtering. Most filters with high protection levels are difficult to breathe through, making finding the goldilocks zone of filtration and “breatheability” critical.

Heat Dissipation:
In a cycling workout blood is pumped vigorously through the body and heat is generated. A mask that traps heat is a major problem, because it reduces the intake of oxygen and makes breathing more difficult. Unfortunately, most masks on the market are heat-traps.

Easy on, easy off:
If only part of one’s commute involves heavy traffic and wearing a mask, why not wear it as needed? A well-designed mask should take this into account. The user should be able to remove and replace the mask with ease while cycling.

Portability:
Additional weight to carry while riding is a nuisance. Protective masks should be compact and lightweight. This makes bringing the mask and using the mask more likely and easier to do.

But rather than drone on further, let me cut to the chase and explain TOTOBOBO’s 12 features relevant to cyclists:

1) Powerful filter: Breathe as easily as not wearing a mask. With the TOTOBOBO filter, air moves freely while still capturing at least 94% of pollutants.

2) Fold flat: Compact and portable, the TOTOBOBO mask is no burden to carry around when not in use. Just fold it up and stick in your pocket.

3) Lightweight: Only 20g, unparalleled among reusable facial protection.

4) Low profile: The mask itself is only .5mm thick, like a second skin over your nose and mouth. It is nonintrusive, and can be worn with glasses or a helmet with no problems.

5) Comfortable strap: Less tension, more comfort. The unique, flexible strap may look flimsy but is surprisingly strong. The mask requires little tension to keep firmly in place with this plastic strap.

6) One hand on/off: With one hand you can take the mask off or put it back on while never stopping the bike.

7) Active valve: The mask acts as a one-way valve; as you breathe, so does the mask.

8) Raised structure: The mask’s design keeps the filter fibers away from your mouth and nose.

9) Customized fit: One mask fits all. The mask adapts to any face shape or size.

10) Anti-viral: A silver ion anti-viral agent stops any virus from growing on the mask, and lasts as long as the mask does.

11) Washable and reusable: Washable with soap and water. Easy and safe.

12) Transparent: The clear masks allows easy adjustment and checking of an optimal seal.

TOTOBOBO is the most comfortable mask on the market for cyclists, but it is by no means perfect. If you are considering using it, be aware of moisture trapping and potential fogging of your glasses. These can be mitigated by tightening the upper strap and loosening the lower strap, or, when exhaling, closing your mouth to break the seal below the chin, allowing the trapped moisture to escape.

Have you used a TOTOBOBO mask before? Have I missed anything?

Related:

Protect your lungs when riding in the city

How to choose a pollution mask for cyclist?

How to clean TOTOBOBO mask for reuse?

Beijing: dirty on the outside, clean on the inside?

The Bangalore test

Your masks are very useful in India, thanks!

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motor biker wearing Totobobo mask in polluted traffic

Light weight mask against heavy pollution: Totobobo for Motorcyclist

by info on April 27, 2009

Motorcycles, mopeds, Vespas, scooters, and dirt bikes are a fast, cheap, and fuel efficient way of traveling that is enjoyed by many. Urban commuters prefer the mobility and flexibility these two wheeled vehicles offer in comparison to cars. Like cyclists, however, bikers have the problem of dealing with airborne pollutants head on while driving through the city. When sitting or cruising in traffic, bikers are in the line of fire of the exhaust spewed out of the engines of vehicles around them. In larger cities, especially Asian metropolises, poor air quality is an additional concern because of its harmful effects to the throat and lungs. For motorcyclists this poses a particular problem: how to combat aerial pollution while not sacrificing the freedom and luxury of riding an open-topped motorcycle or scooter. To ride safely in motor vehicle traffic riders need a safety device that filters the air they breathe and keeps smog, soot, and other harmful particles out.

CONSIDERATIONS:

Preferred motorcyclist masks should incorporate the following criteria in order to ensure maximum effectiveness and safety for the user:
• Ease of use
• Wearing comfort
• Filtration power
• Price

Donning and removal needs to be quick and easy with a single hand so as to maintain stability and control of the vehicle. Bikers have to take their helmet into consideration as well when looking for a protective mask; if the helmet fully envelops the face with a visor, the mask must be able to fit beneath it. If a mask is too ungainly or heavy, wearing it with a helmet, even if it does not have a visor, can be uncomfortable. Comfort around the bridge of the nose and below the chin is important, too. What good is a mask if it is uncomfortable to wear regularly? Therefore the size and weight of the mask are also important consideration.
Protective masks should snugly seal to the wearer’s face and limit the intake of air exclusively to the filters, allowing no particles to enter through other air holes. The filter itself needs to be able to allow easy breathing while simultaneously keeping microscopic particulates out of the breathing passages.
For those who require a protective mask on a daily or regular basis, cost is an important factor. Disposable, one-time use masks can rack up a considerable charge if used often. Then again, replacement filters for bulkier, heavy-duty respirators can be as expensive as the masks themselves, not to mention the hassle of finding the products you need.

TOTOBOBO: THE IDEAL BALANCE

There are a number of different respirator masks on the market offering a wide range of prices and protection, but only one provides the right balance for your lungs and your wallet without sacrificing quality.

  • Filter: The filters are European designed and of the finest quality, capable of keeping out particulates as small as .3 microns. Using static electricity to snag the particles as they enter the filter, the TOTOBOBO mask keeps out all particulates from motor vehicle exhaust to dust and soot.
  • Seal: The TOTOBOBO mask forms a snug seal to the wearer’s face to ensure exclusive airflow through the filter. Unlike other masks, the TOTOBOBO mask combines high airflow with high filtration.
  • Design: The mask fits under most motorcycle helmets with ease. The mask’s special design and unique material allow the wearer to custom fit the mask to their face; it is held firmly onto the face by a pair of ultra-elastic and flexible straps. One mask fits all, and can be trimmed with ease to fit any age, shape, or size. When not in use, it folds comfortably into a pocket. As for weight, it is a meager 20 grams.
  • Simplicity: Whereas other protective masks need to be professionally checked for a proper seal that takes time, the TOTOBOBO mask is quick and easy to check for a safe seal to the face. It is easy to put on and take off with a quick hand motion.
  • Health: The mask is anti-viral thanks to Biocote®, a silver-ion anti-microbial agent. The mask is easy to clean and dry with soap and water. Best of all, it is reusable, just replace the filter. The mask itself endures many uses.
  • Cost: The TOTOBOBO is unbeatable when it comes to economy. Compared to the leading competitors on the market, the TOTOBOBO is unparalleled in value. As the chart below indicates, the TOTOBOBOmask is more cost effective than any of the leading alternatives. Being reusable, buy a mask once and just replace the filters when needed. Save money and time.

Prices comparison

Dust Bee Gone : USD 35
I Can Breathe _ : USD 22 …… Filter : USD 5
Respro Sporsta : USD 50 …… Filter : USD 20
TOTOBOBO __: USD 20 …… Filter : USD 1.6

In addition to a helmet, motorcyclists should consider respirator masks as a standard piece of equipment when riding polluted traffic. Whether you are a recreational cruiser, a commuter motorcyclist, or a hardcore biker, there is no better alternative than TOTOBOBO for keeping yourself healthy when riding your motorcycle.

Anti-pollution mask for motorists

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