“It does not fog up my glasses!”
“There was no noticeable decrease in air flow!”
“The straps were more comfortable, and even better, they are adjustable”
“The mask itself is more environmentally friendly”
– Don /WC! forum Guide, Rochester, NY
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By Don Ketchek, Wet Canvas forum guide, pastel artist. June 14, 2009
Recently, I purchased a Totobobo mask. The first thing I noticed was that there seemed to be more air coming through the Totobobo mask than the previous mask that I have been using. In fact, I took the mask off to check and make sure the filters were in place, because there was no noticeable decrease in air flow! (Yes, the filters were in place!) The mask seems lighter, too.
The straps were also more comfortable, and even better, they are adjustable. You can tighten or loosen them with a little clip that is attached to the strap.
The mask seems to do a fine job – no coughing or clearing my throat after working with the pastels.
One of the nice things about it is that the filters detach and are replaceable, so the mask itself is more environmentally friendly. You only throw the filters away – not the entire mask. The filters will probably last a good long time, I guess I don’t know how long yet! I’ve used it twice and the filters aren’t dirty at all.
One thing that you might need to do, is make some “homemade adjustments” to ensure the mask is tight against the side of your nose – so that the air does not escape through there. The folks at Totobobo recommended cutting a filter in half and placing a piece on either side of the nose. I ended up doing something different – I cut a small groove at the top of the mask for the bridge of my nose (which, apparently, is larger than the average totobobo mask user!). It worked fine, and when I wear the mask, it does not fog up my glasses!
So, that’s my review and I definitely recommend this mask. I know many of you are hesitant about wearing a mask, and believe me, so was I. In fact, I pretty much had to give up pastels for about 20 years, only doing them occasionally and then stopping due to coughing issues. Finally, I decided that using a mask was something I could get used to – and I did. I think it would have been an easier decision if this mask had been available then. It seems very unobtrusive compared to the others.
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“I totally agree with Don. It’s extremely comfortable, does not fog up my glasses and fits well.”
Devonlass – Chelmsford, Massachusetts
“This is the only mask I’ve been able to get used to. I cut it to the first mark for it to produce a good seal.”
Adriana Meiss, Syracuse, NY
More about Don’s view and other artist’s feedback can be found on the actual Totobobo mask review on the Wet Canvas forum.
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