6 years of using the Totobobo mask | Dr. Anil Simhadri

Introduction
Dr. Anil Simhadri, a daily cycle commuter in London, has been using the Totobobo mask for several years to manage his asthma and allergies. He first shared his experience with us in 2010, describing how the mask enabled him to continue cycling in London despite traffic smog and respiratory challenges.

Recently, I contacted Dr. Simhadri again to learn more about his long-term experience with Totobobo. I’m very grateful to receive his detailed letter, which highlights how the mask continues to serve him in a variety of everyday situations—offering valuable insight for new users. My sincere thanks to Dr. Simhadri for giving permission to publish his update.
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Real-Life Story: Cyclist Dr. Anil Simhadri Shares His Experience using a reusable mask

London, U.K. – November 4, 2016

Dear Francis,

My situation is somewhat unique because my lungs have always been weak. I suffered from whooping cough as a child, which damaged the tiny hairs (cilia) lining my airways. This makes it difficult for me to clear mucus, leaving me more vulnerable to respiratory infections such as flu or bronchitis. As a child, I would come down with a chest infection every winter, and I have also struggled with hay fever and asthma throughout my life.

When I first came across your Totobobo mask in 2009, I immediately recognized its potential. Having already tried many other masks, I could tell right away that yours was different—and more effective.

Over the years, I have found the Totobobo mask especially helpful in several situations:

1. During flu season: In the UK, crowded conditions on the Underground create a perfect environment for flu transmission. During rush hour, people are often pressed together in close quarters. Wearing the Totobobo mask helps me avoid catching infections from others coughing or sneezing nearby. Your website notes that even the F92 filters effectively block aerosol droplets, which aligns with my personal experience. Of course, cycling instead of commuting underground is even better—it avoids both crowd exposure and improves aerobic health.
2. During hay fever season: When pollen levels rise in summer, I often suffer from allergic sinusitis or rhinitis. Wearing the mask keeps symptoms under control and reduces discomfort.
3. Preventing transmission to others: When I catch a cold, I wear the Totobobo mask around my six‑month‑old son to minimize the risk of passing it on. This helps protect my family from infection.
4. Household cleaning: During spring cleaning, airborne dust can aggravate my asthma. Using the Totobobo mask significantly reduces symptoms triggered by dust mites.
5. Cycling through polluted areas: The mask shields me from air pollution that might otherwise trigger asthma attacks.

Overall, the Totobobo mask has become indispensable for me. My whooping cough history left my lungs vulnerable, and with my combination of allergies, asthma, and dust sensitivity, I constantly need reliable respiratory protection. From my experience over the last five or six years, the Totobobo mask is highly effective at preventing flu infections, reducing hay fever symptoms, and stopping dust from triggering asthma.

For example, when exposed to dust for about 20 minutes, I begin to wheeze audibly. If I then wear the Totobobo mask and remain in the same environment for another 30 minutes, my wheezing subsides by roughly 70%. Clinically, that’s a measurable improvement in breathing comfort.

When I visit India, the benefits are even more obvious—pollution levels in cities like Mumbai and Delhi can be five times higher than in London. In such conditions, the Totobobo mask truly feels like a lifesaver.

Thank you for developing this product and for your continued support.

Warm regards,
Dr. Anil Simhadri
London, U.K.

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FAQ

Q1: Where can I buy the Totobobo Mask?
You can order securely from the official Totobobo website for worldwide shipping. For group or institutional purchases, contact totobobomask (at) gmail.com.

Q2: How often should I replace the filters?
Replace the Totobobo filters after approximately 2 weeks of daily use, or sooner if they turn visibly darker from pollution exposure.

Q3: Can this mask help with pollen and allergies?
Yes. The Totobobo mask effectively blocks pollen and dust particles, reducing hay fever and allergic rhinitis symptoms.

Q4: Is the mask suitable for people with asthma?
Absolutely. Many users with asthma find Totobobo reduces wheezing episodes by filtering out triggers such as dust and exhaust particles.

Q5: Can I adjust the mask to fit my face?
Yes. First, the straps can be steplessly adjusted. Next, the transparent body can be ReShaped / trimmed to custom-fit smaller faces, making it ideal for women, teens, or anyone needing a snug, leak-free seal.

Is the Totobobo mask certified?
The Totobobo mask is not N95 certified, but it has been extensively tested in clinical conditions and proven to perform similarly to an N95 mask.