Pollution Mask | Customisable | Totobobo

Updated: 2026-01-26 by Reuben B, Indonesia
I bought the Totobobo mask in 2013 because I commute on a bicycle to work in Jakarta. Indonesia is known as having some of the worst air quality in the world, and when I began cycling I really began to notice congestion in my chest and a regular sore throat, although I already was using a fabric mask. Since using the Totobobo mask, both the sore throat and congestion have disappeared. I have noticed that the sore throat sometimes comes back if I continue using filters which should have been changed.

Although Totobobo was quite costly (especially when shipping costs from Singapore are included), the mask looked very good and the ability to change filters was particularly attractive. Spread across the year, the cost of my mask works out at about US$6 per month (including international shipping & replacement filters), which is actually very cheap especially when you see what gets trapped on the filters. I Purchased the headstrap classic with extra 94% filters (92% bulk pack was sold out at the time). This review is based on 5 weeks of use.

My experience using the mask has generally been excellent, and I have recommended it to many people. Using the mask is very easy. Once it’s on, it is very comfortable and I tend to forget about it. It can easily be pulled aside when necessary which I find useful as need to be able to speak in order to purchase train tickets on part of my journey. A major advantage over my previous fabric mask is that it covers the minimum of my face and the straps are simple, thin plastic. This makes the mask much more comfortable, because the fabric mask trapped heat around my face and neck like a scarf, which quickly became uncomfortable in the Jakarta heat.

Although I was worried excess moisture might get trapped in the mask, so far I have found that this is not a problem. Furthermore, if the mask gets wet through condensation or rain, it can be wiped dry easily, or it will dry itself very quickly. With the fabric mask, I sometimes had to put a cold wet mask on if it had rained in the morning and the mask hadn’t dried before home time.

The filters are excellent and I found the comparison colour guide on the replacement filter packaging a very handy feature, making it simple to know when to change the filter. Changing the filter can be done in under a minute, and is very easy. In my experience in Jakarta, I need to change the filters after about 12 hours of cycling time (see photo). It’s quite alarming to see what the filters collect, that would have otherwise been in my lungs.

I think it looks a lot nicer than many of the other alternatives on the market, and many people in the street have been curious about the mask, even though wearing masks is very common in Jakarta. The clear plastic means you can easily see when the mask needs a clean. The mask packs down pretty small, and is durable, so I can easily stuff it in a pocket or in my rucksack when I’m not on the bike.

I still find it quite difficult to get a complete seal, because my nose is quite narrow and it is difficult to get the mask to seal where the nose joins the face (although watching the fitting video improved the fit a lot). However, I think that even the partial seal is sufficient to cut out most of the pollution. I’m reluctant to start cutting the mask in case I make the problem worse.

My strap snapped after 4 weeks of use, which was frustrating as I didn’t order a spare with the original shipment and the cost of ordering one now would be about US$30 (including shipping). Fortunately, the strap can easily be tied back together and I have continued to use the mask without problems.

Overall I would (and have) recommended it to anyone cycling in an urban area. I think it is an excellent product.
thanks Totobobo
——————————–
PS. I also think the website is really good and constantly improving. the videos showing how to do everything are great. Although the instructions that come with the mask are adequate, I watched the video and it helped me to improve the fit of the mask

We have been holding back the price increase since the beginning of 2013, but due to the increasing labour and business cost in Singapore, we decided it is necessary to adjust the price of our final products. New price will see a 20~35% increases depends on product type. However, for now until the end of November, you can still purchase Totobobo mask at the current price.

(For more information about labour cost increase in Singapore and it’s impact : http://www.straitstimes.com/the-big-story/budget-2013/story/companies-venture-abroad-survive-20130204)

url: http://instagram.com/p/VfPCWwAZQ3/

Always happy to know that Totobobo mask make it possible for a person to continue using bicycle even when the air pollution gets worst. Through words of mouth, Totobobo mask is now selling to over 50 countries. Poland is a relative recent phenomenon.

Przemek Maciolek from Cracow, Poland sent us the following in 2012-12-16:
“Cracow, while beautiful, is one of the most polluted cities in EU (I believe that during the winter the air quality is even worse than London). Few months ago I started using bicycle for commuting and cannot look back for any other option. Cycling is just so right from a number of reasons. (editor:YES!!)

But now, we have winter here, and the pollution levels are many times over the dangerous zone. You can pretty much feel you are breathing toxic fumes… I needed to find a solution – that would allow me to cycle to work, but keeping me safe at the same time.

I was considering many options… but almost every review I have found was pointing to Totobobo. Even if this wasn’t my first choice, I gradually changed my mind and decided to try it. I am very curious of the results. Will be happy to share my opinion as a user in few weeks. Thanks!”

After 10 months of using Totobobo mask, we received another mail from Przemek:

“My first Totobobo was bought year ago and it came with ear loop rather than the headstrap (as I ordered it). I used it quite a few times and thought that it would be nice to replace the ear loop with headstrap accessory for this winter and buy another one for my daughter. ”

Thank you Przemek!

Bertrand Jenner was setting up an exhibition in Mumbai Exhibition Center. The dust and smoke inside the exhibition hall is not much better than the traffic pollution outside in the street. He purchased a Totobobo mask and this is the time to use it. Bertrand is so kind to send us the following photos and comments:

2013-09-15 Sent by Bertrand JENNER from Mumbai

“I finally got my hands on a new mask and I was able to mould it. See the results. I’m in Mumbai this week, so I can really appreciate the mask :D”
“after 1h in hot Exhibition Center during setup, I can tell you that the mask is incredible !
You can share the pictures no problems.
This filter has been used just for 1h…”

It would be nice to compare Bertrand’s filters with others with other examples from Asia
after 6 hours of use in Mumbai.

Thanks you! Bertrand!

Related post:
How to ReShape Totobobo mask to get the perfect fit?

[Click here if you cannot view youtube from China]

Looking for the best customizable mask solution for a superior fit and reliable protection? Totobobo masks offer a unique approach with a fully moldable, cut-to-fit design—perfect for anyone struggling to achieve a snug seal around the nose, chin, or other contours.

Many standard masks leave a small gap next to the nose bridge, especially for those with prominent nose features. Disposable masks may include a built-in metal nose wire, but this is not a sustainable fix for reusable masks; over time, repeated bending will break or fatigue the wire. Totobobo’s innovative solution: custom heat-moulding.

Simply dip the mask in water up to 70–80°C, shape it by hand while warm, then set in cold water. This easy DIY adjustment can be repeated as many times as you need to fine-tune the seal around the nose bridge, chin, and jaw—for truly optimal fit and protection, totally without fragile metal wires. For a demonstration, see the step-by-step video below:

Why Mask Customization Is Critical for Protection

An airtight mask seal is your best defense against PM2.5—ultrafine particles smaller than 2.5 microns notorious for causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Many studies confirm that loose-fitting disposable or N95 masks offer minimal real-world protection since particles can enter through edge gaps. Customising your mask’s fit significantly boosts both comfort and protection.

Totobobo’s Customizable Mask Features

• Sizing flexibility: Cut Totobobo masks to your exact size. Try our free paper template before trimming the real mask to avoid mis-sizing.
• Precision heat-moulding: Hot water lets you remould areas—like the nose bridge or chin—again and again until the seal is perfect.
• Visual fit check: Totobobo’s transparent material makes it easy to see if the mask touches your chin and cheeks properly. Adjust the strap, recut, or remould as needed to achieve a consistent seal.

Enhanced Comfort for Everyday Use

A mask needs to be comfortable or you simply won’t wear it. With Totobobo’s customizable fit, the mask molds closely to your natural profile, allowing for looser straps without compromising the seal. On exhale, the mask gently releases pressure, while on inhale, any gaps close—providing a secure valve-like effect for easy breathing and optimal filtration performance.

Totobobo’s flexible mask design is perfect for cyclists, commuters, artists, and health-conscious individuals needing reliable, reusable masks that fit just right—every day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What temperature should I use to heat mold my Totobobo mask?
Use hot water between 70°C and 80°C to soften the mask for molding. Avoid boiling water as it may damage the mask. (To achieve 70–80°C water, mix 4 parts of cool water at about 25-30°C with 1 part boiling water.)

2. How many times can I reshape the mask?
You can heat mold and reshape your mask multiple times until you achieve the most comfortable and secure fit.

3. Can I only mold the nose area?
No, heat molding can be applied to any part of the mask, including the chin and cheek areas.

4. Why is heat molding better than metal nose clips?
Metal nose clips tend to fatigue and break after repeated bending. Heat molding offers a more durable and customizable solution.

5. How do I check if the mask fits properly?
Thanks to the transparent mask material, you can visually check the seal around your face, including under your chin. A secure fit means fewer gaps and better protection.

6. How often should filters be replaced?
Filters should be changed every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on usage and environmental conditions, to maintain effective protection.

———————————————————————————

任何口罩的舒适度与保护效果，主要取决于口罩能否紧密贴合你的脸型。该视频演示了如何用热水(70C~80C)重新塑形Totobobo口罩，随后用另冷水固定形状。此过程可反复多次。相比之下，一般的金属鼻夹经过多次弯曲容易疲劳断裂。热塑处理适用于口罩的任何部位（如下巴），不仅限于鼻梁区域。你可能需要多次进行热塑处理，才能达到最佳贴合效果。热塑功能能显著提升Totobobo口罩的贴脸密闭性和佩戴舒适度。

Az arcmaszk kényelmét és védelmi hatékonyságát elsősorban az határozza meg, hogy mennyire tud szorosan illeszkedni az arcod formájához. A videó bemutatja, hogyan lehet 70-80 °C-os meleg víz segítségével újraformázni a Totobobo maszkot, majd hideg vízbe mártva rögzíteni az így kialakított alakot. Ezt a folyamatot többször is ismételheted. A hagyományos fém orrklipszek ezzel szemben könnyen elfáradnak és eltörnek a többszöri hajlítás után. A hőformázás a maszk bármely részén alkalmazható (például az állrészen), nem csak az orrnyergen. Többszöri hőformázásra lehet szükség a legjobb illeszkedés eléréséhez. Ez a technika jelentősen javítja a Totobobo maszk arcra simuló tömítettségét és viselési kényelmét.

Related:

Advanced features of Totobobo mask

Putting on a mask usually look strange compared to not wearing one. But from time to time we spotted some very stylish wearer. Ms Jiang is definitely one of them! She was spotted on the popular Chinese micro-blog “Weibo”, and with her permission, I am glad to share her photo here. (谢谢你，蒋二!）

 

Good news for our customers in Hong Kong and China. Our Hong Kong dealer recently updated and you can enjoy free shipment to Hong Kong and address in China!
Their website and related links as following:

Website
http://totobobo.com/hk/

Twitter
https://twitter.com/TotoboboHK

Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Totobobo-HK/392194967494631

Blog
http://totobobo-hk.blogspot.hk/

Happy shopping!!

related:
Totobobo global dealers

Source: Bloomberg News 2013-04-17
Face Masks
Beijing Tongrentang (600085), which makes a product extracted from ban lan gen, said in an e-mail that the outbreak of H7N9 has boosted sales, but didn’t provide numbers. The company’s shares increased 1.9 percent to a two-week high of 22.20 yuan at the close of trading in Shanghai today.
Francis Chu, the Singapore-based inventor of the totobobo face mask, said he’s fielded more than 20 inquiries about the pollution-filtering equipment’s effectiveness against bird flu since the start of April. Sales are up eight-fold from the same period last year.
“Earlier in the year, most of the increased orders from China were because of the air pollution,” Chu said in a telephone interview. “Sales are still increasing, but now it’s because of worries about bird flu.”
Beyond anecdotal evidence, the surge is hard to quantify. Pharmaceutical companies reaped at least $10 billion in sales of vaccines and antivirals globally as a result of the 2009 swine flu outbreak, according to data compiled by Bloomberg at the time. It’s too early to tell whether H7N9 will touch off another pandemic.

Daily Vitamin is a popular Chinese blog focusing on lifestyle tips in China.
The reportor has been eyeing on Totobobo mask for sometime and finally decided to do a review because of the air pollution in Beijing. His verdict:

Pros:
1. Light weight and easy to breath.
2. Good fit, customizable size.
3. Easy to detect pollution captured on the filter.
4. Eye catching design.

Cons:
1. Expensive
2. water condensation
3. marks on the face due to tight fit

Read the original post here:
http://www.dailyvitamin.cn/totobobo