Pollution Mask | Customisable | Totobobo

Recently the air pollution in Beijing has become a world wide topic. Just two weeks ago, Beijing has recorded the worst pollution days in 20 years. Air Quality Index shot through the roof and the government issue warning to ask the public stay at home. aqicn.info stands for Air-Quality-Index-China, which is a very useful site providing live data of air quality index in China and some parts of Asia.

If you are travelling to China, quickly check this site for the latest AQI report of your destination. Better to be prepared.

Some customers asked if our filters are effective again PM2.5, the very fine particles which are the key concern for many people. We sent our 96% to the highly reputable Nelson Labs for test. The result shows Totobobo 96% filter is able to cut down the number of particles from 10776 to 17, a filtration efficiency of 99.85%. Here is a test report available for download.

A few links to websites talking about Totobobo in Beijing:

Air Pollution 101: Here?s Your Syllabus, by Dr. Richard Saint Cyr.
A great collection of informative articles on air pollution.

The Mask Factor: Breathing Easy for Cheap by Marilyn Mai
The Beijinger

700Bike reviews several pollution masks for cycling, including Totobobo mask (in Chinese)

Forum Club PChome discussion about Totobobo mask (in Chinese)

Due to sudden surge in demand, new orders may take up to one week to clear. To speed up delivery, all filters (96%, 94% and Matrix filters) are packed in sealed zip lock bags, not individually sealed.
Alternatively, try our resellers in different countries

When you discuss air pollution, most people think of the chemicals and particles breathed in when outside. Of course, traffic and industrial pollutants are a real hazard for our health. However, that doesn’t mean we are that much better off indoors. In fact, the air in our homes can be far more polluted than the air outside, even in a major city. Indeed, the Environmental Protection Agency suggests the air inside air homes can be even more damaging to our health than the air outside because of the prolonged exposure to it.

The good news is that many of the pollutants in our home or office lie dormant in the carpet or furnishings, so they do us very little harm when we are just relaxing on the couch watching TV or are sat at our desks working. However, when we do the domestic chores and start vacuuming and dusting, these dormant particles become disturbed and can spread into the air, resulting in our exposure to them increasing. For commercial cleaners, the problem is even worse. Worst of all, prolonged exposure to some of these pollutants in our homes and offices can have quite dramatic effects on our health.

Dust

There is a common misconception that dust is comprised mainly of human skin cells. Actually, the truth is that dust can contain anything, but human skin cells are fairly common, and while breathing in these particles is pretty harmless, some other components lingering in household dust can be much more hazardous to our health. One pollutant found in dust in virtually all homes and offices, is dust mites. Dust mites live in our carpets and bedding, even in the cleanest of homes. As they mainly eat human skin cells, it means our homes and offices are abundant feeding grounds. Dust mites are the leading cause of allergies in the UK and United States and have been linked to causing and aggravating conditions such as asthma.

While dust mites themselves don’t cause these allergies, their feces does, and it is this we are breathing in when we start cleaning the carpets and bedding. Of course, regular cleaning can drastically reduce the number of dust mites in our homes, but even in the cleanest of houses, they will still exist in abundance. Furthermore, vacuuming, bed stripping, and cleaning disturbs the tiny dust mite particles, so when we carry out these activities, we are most at risk of up breathing in this common pollutant.

Tobacco smoke

While everybody knows the dangers of smoking and second hand smoke, what it is less well known is that the particles in smoke can still be harmful a long time after people have stubbed out their cigarettes. Not only can these particles still cause cancer and respiratory problems, but also they can cause throat irritations, headaches and other health problems. Because these particles are fairly large and heavy, they often linger in carpets and curtains, so when you start cleaning, they become airborne again, resulting in you breathing them in. Of course, if there is a smoker in your home, by far the best solution is to encourage them to stop, and there are plenty of products available these days that can help you quit smoking. However, for those that share a home with somebody unable to quit, or for cleaners who have to work in environments where people have been smoking, tobacco particles can represent a serious health concern.

Mold and other pollutants

Another common pollutant in our homes and workplaces is mold. Mold is a fungus, and as such, it puts out spores that can be breathed in. However, in small quantities, mold spores are fairly harmless, but when they land on wet or damp surfaces, the mold grows, producing even more spores, which in greater numbers can cause chest irritations, allergies, and problems with the eyes, nose and throat.

Other potentially harmful particles in the air include wood fibers, particularly from self-assembly furniture as these contain glues and resins that can cause rashes, nausea and asthma attacks. In addition, machines such as computer printers are also pretty hazardous to our health as they spit out tiny particles of ink, ozone and toner, which are all lung irritants. These are of course much more prevalent in offices, which means that commercial cleaners are at an even greater risk.

Totobobo mask

Despite all these pollutants in the home and office, nobody is suggesting you should wear protection such as a Totobobo mask when just sitting on your couch watching TV or sat at your computer working. However, when cleaning, vacuuming, changing the printer cartridge or putting up self-assembly furniture, keeping these harmful particles out of your lungs may reduce potential health problems. Furthermore, for commercial cleaners, protection such as a Totobobo mask is even more important because the prolong exposure to these pollutants makes health problems even more likely.

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Cycling poses unique challenges when it comes to wearing an air filter mask. Air flow restriction, uncomfortable heat buildup, straps that dig into your skin, foggy goggles, and the inconvenience of carrying a bulky mask when not in use are just a few of the issues cyclists face. If you’re on the lookout for a suitable mask to safeguard your lungs while cycling in the prevalent air pollution of modern cities, you’ve come to the right place.

At Totobobo, we understand the importance of finding the ideal air filter mask for sports enthusiasts, particularly cyclists. That’s why we’re grateful to Mike McCarthy for sharing his invaluable experience with the Totobobo SuperCool mask, specifically designed for cycling. Based on extensive research, Mike initially purchased the SuperCool mask and has graciously provided his ongoing feedback below.

2012-09-28 Mike left a note when he bought his first Totobobo mask
“When cycling around at night, I can see dust flying everywhere and I can feel it in my lungs.  I researched some dust masks and came across very few options.  Fortunately, Google showed me totobobo.  I’m excited to try it out and breathe better while cycling at night. I am a cyclist in Saigon (Vietnam) and the pollution can sometimes be a killer, I did try another mask that also covered my nose but it just so easily fogged my glasses up (As well as costing a lot more!) I google found the found Totobobo mask and I like the price as well as the fact that it leaves your nose uncovered, cycling with a mask and un-fogged glasses will be a luxury!“

2012-10-06 Mike received and quickly tested with his SuperCool mask
“Took delivery of my “cycle” mask yesterday and tried it for the first time today – was a short cycle, 12Km. just 35 minutes on my bike was amazed to see it had already discolored from that short time. Can’t imagine how bad it will get after 2 or 3 hours of City riding.
I am still not satisfied with the fit, maybe takes a while to get used to, don’t want to do too much cutting (And do please cut carefully and cautiously). Another upside for me was the mask also stops you from breathing dry air, their is some condensation to take the dry cut out of the air – I like that.
Design simplicity – Yes.
Functionality – Yes.
Fashionable – NO !
I doubt I will ever cycle again without it!“

2012-11-19 Mike’s further feedback after 6 weeks of using SuperCool mask for cycling in Nagoya, Japan
“As a cyclist, I been using the mask now for about 6 weeks and am very happy, it definitely cuts down on the amount of pollutants one breathes in, and now that the air is much colder and drier (Nagoya Japan) a huge bonus for me is the fact that it cuts down on that cold dry air going straight into my lungs, the mask seems to warm the air up and moistens it cutting down on the cold dryness.
The only problems I had were minor – I cut too much away from the nose part – so cut slowly and carefully, also I hated the head straps – two of them that went around the back of my head, so I changed them so I could loop over my ears and are pre adjusted, very comfortable now!“

“I also regret not having ordered 2 sets of this mask – I want to keep one at my work place. Another order in the works. I got to say thanks for making a reasonably priced and extremely functional mask.“

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Totobobo Mask is dedicated to helping cyclists overcome the challenges associated with finding the perfect air filter mask for their cycling needs. Our goal is to ensure optimal comfort and protection against air pollution, allowing you to fully enjoy your cycling experience.

Explore our range of high-quality air filter masks designed for sports enthusiasts, including cyclists. With our masks, you can ride confidently, knowing that your lungs are shielded from the harmful effects of air pollution. Join the growing community of satisfied cyclists who trust [Your Company Name] for their air filter mask needs.

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More advanced features of TOTOBOBO mask
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How to clean TOTOBOBO mask for reuse?
Buy TOTOBOBO mask

Good news for Totobobo customers in UK!
Our UK dealer Bojidar has launched the TotoboboUK site. Now Totobobo mask is available directly from UK, there is no need for long wait any more!
Demand of Totobobo mask in UK has been steadily increasing after an article “Cycling masks and the shocking results” by Claire in the highly regarded LondonCyclis blog by Andreas. The blog provides very useful insights about cycling in London.

“Buy a Totobobo and breathe easy – I’ve discovered just how horrifying London pollution is, and I value my lungs. Since I have been using my Totobobo my sore throat has disappeared – that makes me happy!”
– Claire, A London Cyclist

The growth of cycling community in London and UK has been ballooning over the last decade. Since 2005, more and more people started to join the cycling community due to various reasons. The controversial London city congestion charge introduced in 2003 causes many to switch to bicycle to avoid the congestion charge. During the suicide bombers attack in 2005, London underground service was paralysed. Many started to see bicycle as a robust alternative mode of transport. Along the way, continuous improvement of bicycle friendly infrastructure, active promotion effort by London cycling campaign and the introduction of Boris bike in 2010 fuel the development even further.

Demand of pollution mask follows the increases of cycling community. Not everyone need a mask, but for those with sensitive respiratory system or with heart condition, wearing an effective pollution can reduce their risk. Like Dr. Anil Simhadri MB MChir (Cambridge) MRCP (London) from UK, suffer from asthma and need to use a ventolin inhaler. He told us: “Totobobo masks prevent these pollutants reaching the airways and so help remove the “trigger” for asthma.”
Here in an earlier post, you can see a whole list of reasons from different people, why they choose Totobobo mask.

Customers in UK this is the fastest and surest way to get hold of our products.
Wait no longer, get your Totobobo mask directly from UK!
Tototbobo UK site: http://uk.totobobo.com/

For some reason the first post “Why do you choose Totobobo mask?” stopped receiving new comments. This post includes all the earlier comments.

Dr. Anil Simhadri’s Experience with Totobobo Mask

There are many reasons to choose the Totobobo mask. What is yours?

Dr. Anil Simhadri, a physician at University College London (UCL), cycles daily in London and has been using Totobobo masks since February 2010. As someone who suffers from asthma, he has found the mask particularly beneficial. Since using it, his cycling speed has improved by approximately 12%, and his asthma symptoms have become much easier to control.

Asthma is a condition characterized by airway hyper-responsiveness, where the tracheal airways react strongly to various triggers. Air pollutants—especially common in inner-city London—can cause these airways to constrict or narrow, leading to breathing difficulties. The Totobobo mask helps by filtering out these pollutants before they reach the lungs, thereby reducing asthma triggers and improving overall respiratory comfort.

Dr. Simhadri wrote to us and shared his personal experience in 2019:

I am a physician in the UK at UCL and cycle daily to work in London while wearing a Totobobo mask. I suffer from asthma and use a Ventolin inhaler, but since 2010 I have been using Totobobo masks because I find them very effective. My cycling performance has improved noticeably — I used to cycle 6 miles in an hour, but now I complete the same distance in 50 minutes. The mask has helped me gain better control over my asthma.

Asthma is a disease of airway hyper-responsiveness. The tracheal airways can overreact to various triggers, and pollutants in the air—such as those found in inner-city London—can cause the airways to constrict. Totobobo masks prevent these pollutants from reaching the airways, helping to eliminate a key trigger for asthma.

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Reasons from Totobobo mask users :

Chuck Stefanato, a Scrollsawer from Canada told us about this:

I purchased the mask because of the review by Steve Good at the Scrollsaw Workshop. In it he stated that it was very comfortable and did not fog up glasses. Since using it I have to agree, it is very comfortable and you don’t even know you are wearing it. I have asthma and the fine sawdust created by the scroll saw affects it, but using the mask eliminates the asthma attacks. I was using disposable masks previously with limited results, but the Totobobo mask beats them all.

Ken Henschel from Israel

The reason I bought the mask is because I have asthma. However, I enjoy walking to work, which is 5 kilometres (3 miles) from my home. There is a lot of vehicular traffic. I have caught bronchitis and am still coughing. I am hoping to protect my lungs and reduce the burden on my immune system.

Jessica Gibbs from USA:

I am training for a marathon in Chicago and have been getting very sick from the train, bus, truck, car, cigarette and industry fumes. I am a dental student so I have access to lots of different masks, but I didn’t feel any of them did anything when I ran. During the day I constantly taste diesel from the run the night before. I did a lot of searching about the Totobobo mask and it looks like it should help. As a student it’s a lot more money than I can spend, but I don’t want to give up running. I plan on wearing the mask for every run and race

Roger July 4, 2012 at 1:17 am
I chose TOTOBOBO because I ride all over New York City and have developed a terrible lung irritation because of the pollution. From everything I read, this seemed like the best mask both for protection and comfort.

Shady July 4, 2012 at 7:22 am
I had to buy another pair of Totobobo masks because I could feel the difference riding in LA after using them for a few weeks (then losing them!). After living in Cairo, I developed some respiratory issues that have made my lungs sensitive to pollution. These keep me from feeling nasty on my daily bike commute through traffic in Los Angeles.

Jose July 5, 2012 at 10:50 pm
I chose totobobo mask because I used to walk to work along a 8 ways road every day. It’s full of cars and buses, and the smell is relly bad. So I can’t imagine how much pollution is generated there.
I will use it also for any other walking in Madrid. I expect that I can get rid of the itchy throat!

Fran Fitzsimon July 6, 2012 at 5:36 am
I am attending a week-long pastel class with approx. 12 other pastelists. By mid-week there is so much pastel dust in the air that you start to feel it’s affects. I am so happy to have found the solution to this problem with your mask. THANK YOU!

michael stock July 6, 2012 at 4:04 pm
I chose Totobobo for London cycling because the filters are good and one of the mask options only covers the mouth which gives some flexibility. The bigger picture is that thanks to Campaign for Clean Air in London http://cleanairinlondon.org/ we now all know how poisonous the air is and we have to protect ourselves as best we can.

Matthew Ingram July 6, 2012 at 6:35 pm
Heard marvellous things about this filters. Detest my Respro Techno mask!

Sunell July 8, 2012 at 11:08 pm
I just ordered my Totobobo mask!

I’m looking forward to using it because I live in Taiwan and either cycle or take a scooter to and from work. I have constant battles with throat infections and my breathing, both when I’m cycling and at rest. I’ve tried other masks, but found them to be either too uncomfortable, with the headband sliding down all the time and definitely too hot for this climate. I also found that they did not breathe enough and that there was too much condensation.

I read some bloggers’ comments about Totobobo and also clicked through the website. Especially in this climate, I look forward to having a mask that is made from an anti-bacterial material and allow maximum airflow.

I’ll post some feedback after the first month of using it

RJ July 10, 2012 at 8:18 am
I chose Totobobo because I regularly walk to work through a congested downtown loaded with large idling trucks at stop lights and the air quality is terrible.
When I watch the local weather on The Weather Channel, often our air quality is bad due to pollen & particulates.
The other masks out there seem so clunky and industrial compared to the sleekness and light weight of the Totobobo.
I feel very good about incorporating this product into my active lifestyle.

Nicole July 11, 2012 at 6:49 am
I searched several sites to find a mask that could filter heavy air pollution and chose Totobobo biker masks because the info on the site is well written and from diverse sources. The details helped me choose the mask I needed� now it remains to be seen how H O T I’ll feel wearing the mask in India during the summer- hmmm. Anyway, thanks for a great site.

Poonam Chandra July 11, 2012 at 9:13 am
I chose to order Totobobo mark because next month we are moving to India for a few years and pollution levels are sky high there. Totobobo gives us hope to keep ourselves pollution free.

Elena Yuan July 11, 2012 at 10:44 pm
Beijing’s air is simply un-breathable sometimes; I’ve searched through most of the anti-pollution masks available locally but couldn’t find anything to my liking. TOTOBOBO is recommended on the US embassy in China (Beijing)’s webpages. This is the same website giving out hourly pollution level updates to everyone. I think this is worth a try.

Jonathan F July 12, 2012 at 11:18 pm
Being an asthma sufferer who is now planning on cycling a distance to work through the busy, smoggy streets of London, I felt I needed to protect my lungs from the daily polution. Doing quite a bit of research I have found that totobobo face mask offer the top protection I need, along with being customisable and well priced.

Liam July 13, 2012 at 1:37 am
I’ve chosen to buy a totobobo mask for my mum who lives and cycles regularly in Jakarta. She tells me how bad the air pollution is, so I wanted to get her something that could really benefit her health. I have a respro mask, but have found it to restrict my breathing. Based on the reviews, totobobo doesn’t have the same problems. Fingers crossed that works out to be true for my mum!

Robin Baumgarten July 17, 2012 at 10:24 pm
I’m cycling through London, and although doing sport is healthy, many of the benefits might be canceled out because of the air pollution i’m breathing in next to all the car exhausts. After researching on the Internet, the totobobo filters came away ahead, so I ordered them straight away!

 

More reasons from users:

Thana July 19, 2012 at 4:18 pm
I started cycling about a month ago. Having to cycle from the outskirt of Bangkok to the center of downtown regularly exposes me to a lot of air pollution, mostly from the exhaust of motor vehicles. The worst is the bus that sometimes blows black smoke in my face. The masks I found available for sales here aren’t just good enough they don’t fit well and I can’t breath with it on. I don’t want to risk having respiratory diseases so I better get a good quality mask and get it soon. Prevention is better than cure and cheaper as well.

Ron Fisher July 23, 2012 at 3:37 am
After a lot of research on your site and many other we decided this was the mask to try at Burning Man.
Veteran burners recommended them and we will see how they work out in a dust storm on the Playa!
I also bike to work in Vancouver BC and as a past smoker my lungs need all the help they can get.
My partner is an artist and want to try them in her studio. Thanks

Ian July 26, 2012 at 7:25 am
I chose the Totobobo for a good fitting mask after receiving a kidney transplant. It has better air flow that most masks that I have seen and once I am healed I will continue to wear it got taekwondo. I should wear a good mask for about two years after transplant and being able to see the fit, and change the filters is very important to me.

OLIVER July 27, 2012 at 3:49 am
I’ve chosen to buy a totobobo mask for my girlfriend who lives and cycles regularly in Barcvelona. She tells me how bad the air pollution is, so I wanted to get her something that could really benefit her health.
Happy birthday linda!!!

Jackie Nunez July 28, 2022 at 8:12 am
Just ordered my mask.
I’ve been researching masks to bring to Burning Man.
This year is due to be the worst ever for dust storms, due to the drought.
I am looking forward to testing out my mask at Black Rock City!

Sara in China July 28, 2022 at 4:18 pm
I’ve been biking in a large city in China for the past two years, often resulting in a cough that lasts for months. There is the constant tearing down of buildings and new construction going on. I am looking forward to receiving Totobobo masks for both my husband and me! Now can you make one for my dog???

Pascal July 28, 2022 at 10:54 pm
I chose the totobobo mask because I move from the countryside of Germany to a mega city in China. I just want to keep my lung as clean and good in shape as they are now .

Waro July 31, 2025 at 10:30 pm
i live in BKK and occasionally bike on the road traffic and air pollution. i searched the mask to protect my breath from any pollutants in the air and luckily me i found TOTOBOBO that looks like 3M mask and show a pad test in BKK. and then i ordered and look forward to get them in soon.

Max Raymond August 3, 2025 at 4:33 am
I’m a cyclist in London and I love using my bike to get around. For me the daily commute is wonderful, see the city getting the exercise. I can’t get enough. However I really hate breathing traffic fumes be it a harsh blast from a bus, an iggnorent driver reving up in my face or some very simple mined fock who remove the catalytic converters from their engines (disgusting
Not to mention illegal) I choose these mask after being dissatisfied with another brand and reading many great reviews in London cycling media. You will breath easy and gasp at the amount of rubbish that collects in the filters. Ride safe peeps.

Bianka August 4, 2025 at 6:41 am
I have moved from Ilha Grande, an island in Brazil with no cars and no pollution, straight to New York City. Me and my 6 years old daughter bike all the time. The masks will be a must in our lives!

Read More:

What Real Cyclists Said About the Totobobo Mask?

Protect your lungs when riding in the city

How to clean TOTOBOBO mask for reuse?

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

Today, 2012-08-12, is the 47th birthday of the “Little Red Dot” called Singapore. Not many people knows the entire creation, development and production process of Totobobo mask was done in Singapore. To celebrate our National Day, we are going to give away a set of (Totobobo mask + filters) for the best answer to the following Quiz:

Question:
In what way does the design of Totobobo mask reflect the identity of Singapore?
This quiz will be closed by Sunday, 12 August, 23:00pm Singapore time.

Guiding principle of the design of Totobobo mask:
– Effective protection is king.
– Comfort is queen. If it is not comfortable, it get used less, or none!
– Reuse, reuse and reuse again!
– Minimize waste
– Small
– Easy to clean

More info : http://totobobo.com/blog/features/
Give your answer as comment below or on our Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Totobobo-mask/124204946791