Totobobo Customisable Children’s Mask Addresses Rising Global Demand Amid H1N1 Concerns

Singapore, May 4, 2009 — As the H1N1 influenza virus continues its rapid global spread, parents are increasingly concerned about respiratory protection for their young children, whose developing lungs make them especially vulnerable. Recognising the lack of child-friendly respirators in the market, Singapore-based Dream Lab One Pte. Ltd. has announced growing international demand for the Totobobo customisable mask, designed by product innovator Francis Chu.

The Totobobo mask is engineered to provide effective, comfortable, and transparent protection for both adults and children — addressing a critical gap in respiratory safety during viral outbreaks such as the 2009 swine flu and, later, seasonal influenza.

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Purpose-Designed for Children’s Comfort and Safety

Manufactured from Totosoft™, a proprietary transparent elastomer developed from FDA-approved materials, the Totobobo mask is free from latex and phthalates. The mask can be reshaped or trimmed with scissors to fit smaller faces — even down to children as young as five. Its lightweight build, weighing only 20 grams, and soft, flexible edges ensure comfort over extended use.​

A unique Visual Seal Check (VSC) system allows parents to confirm at a glance that the mask is sealed properly against the child’s face, a critical step for ensuring full filtration efficiency. Without a proper fit, airborne viruses can easily bypass even the most advanced filter.​

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Filtration Efficiency and Proven Protection

Totobobo masks use dual electrostatic filters, independently tested by Nelson Labs in the United States to exceed 99% Viral, Bacterial, and Particulate Filtration Efficiency (VFE/BFE/PFE). The mask body is embedded with BioCote®, a silver-based antimicrobial agent proven effective against bacteria, mould, fungi, and even strains of influenza A (H1N1).​

Each pair of filters typically lasts 7–14 days, and only the filters need replacing — a design that reduces waste and ensures reliable, hygienic reuse for up to 600 days of continuous use.​

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Addressing the Challenges of Fit and Certification

In the United States, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) certifies respirators like the N95 standard, but these certifications apply only to adult users and do not assess how well masks fit smaller faces. As a result, children wearing adult N95 masks often experience air leakage that compromises protection. The Totobobo mask, with its custom-fit capability, offers a child-safe alternative where standard respirators fall short.

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Inspired by a Parent’s Determination

Francis Chu conceived Totobobo during the 2003 SARS outbreak when he struggled to find proper masks for his six- and eight-year-old sons. “I felt helpless knowing that my children could be at risk simply because no mask fit them properly. That experience pushed me to design a safe, reusable solution for families,” Chu recalls.

After crafting and testing hundreds of prototypes, Chu’s final design successfully combined ergonomic comfort, transparency, and safety — a blend praised by parents worldwide for providing confidence and peace of mind.

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Eco-Friendly Design Philosophy

Driven by personal sustainability values, Chu’s development approach also focused on environmental responsibility. The mask’s reusable structure minimizes plastic waste, with only filter replacements required, while the compact, recyclable packaging further supports eco-conscious manufacturing practices.

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About Totobobo and Dream Lab One

Dream Lab One Pte. Ltd. is a Singapore-based product innovation firm dedicated to designing practical, sustainable health solutions for everyday families. The company’s flagship product, the Totobobo mask, is used in over 30 countries across Asia, Europe, and North America — recognized for its adaptability, hygiene, and commitment to both health protection and environmental responsibility.

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