Pollution Mask | Customisable | Totobobo

Details later..

Totobobo mask was prominently spotted in a recent TV report “Indonesians turn to cycling to beat traffic” by Syarina Hasibuan of Al Jazeeras (English channel). The person wearing the Totobobo mask cycling on Jakarta streets is Mr. Toto Sugito, the founder of Bike to Work Indonesia organization (B2W). B2W is the pioneer of socializing bicycle as alternative transportation throughout Indonesia. Established in 2005 with significant member expansion and still rapidly growing. Interestingly there’s no membership limitation, from nobody to Mr. President.
B2W became the official dealer of Totobobo mask since 2009.

More about Totobobo mask;
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12 useful features for cyclist
How to clean TOTOBOBO mask for reuse?
Buy TOTOBOBO mask
How long does the filter last?
What Ross has to said about SuperCool?
Protect your lungs when riding in the city
Advanced features of TOTOBOBO mask
How to customize TOTOBOBO mask to fit your face?

Mr. Monin lives in Beijing, he bikes a lot and has been using a Totobobo mask since 2010. After one year the strap was broken too many times and he need to order replacement. “My earloop is broken in at least 4 places — I should have ordered earlier in fact. It seems that the duration of an earloop is roughly a year.” Said Jean-Francois. He used a Classic Totobobo at the beginning and afterwards changed to Earloop version because he found that it fits better. We took the opportunity to interview him about his experience of using Totobobo mask for cycling in Beijing. Here is the full interview:
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1) Why do you like to cycle in Beijing?
I like to cycle in Beijing because it is the most eco-friendly and most predictable transportation mode. It is the fastest for short distances (< 4km)
Compared to other mode of transportation, bicycle is as fast as the subway and cars, and faster than bus on longer distances (up to 15 – 20 km).
By experience, I was often faster than people using other transportation means. I think that electric bikes (very common in Beijing) are faster, but they are a bit more expensive; and then you are more incline to use roads with heavy traffic where air pollution is worst.
The problems of other transportation modes are the following:
– Buses suffer from waiting time and depend on traffic.
– Subway is not very frequent and waiting time can be very long in some situations.
– Cars? parking issues and traffic is unpredictable, and sensibly more expensive.
– Taxis? You may have to wait, and traffic is unpredictable.
However cycling has a couple of drawbacks: namely road danger and air pollution. You need to understand the local traffic culture, which is very different from France for instance. To cut down the pollution I use a Totobobo mask.
2) Is there any reason that makes you feel needing a pollution mask?
Before (having a mask): I discussed with friends and became aware of pollution issues.
Now (having used a mask for 1 year): the change of color makes it clear that it is actually useful!

3) Have you tried other mask before?
No
4) What do you like about the Totobobo mask?
Efficient, light, easy to wash and change filters.
5) How often do you use the mask?
Every day, at least twice, often 4 times
6) Where would you like to see improvement of Totobobo mask?
Sometimes I have to remove the mask from nose and mouth for a few minutes, I’d like to do it conveniently, without stopping (I often use my 2 hands in this operation or the converse one — installing the mask on my face again, hence have to cycle without hands, which may a little bit dangerous).
Another suggestion is for the Totobobo website: it says very few about matrix filters. I tried to find independent information about zeolite and decided to test matrix. More precise explanations and evidence about the efficiency of this product would really be welcome on your website.
7) Will you recommend Totobobo mask to others?
Yes
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What Ross has to said about SuperCool?
Protect your lungs when riding in the city
More advanced features of TOTOBOBO mask
How to customize TOTOBOBO mask to fit your face?

12 useful features for cyclist
How to clean TOTOBOBO mask for reuse?
Buy TOTOBOBO mask

Thanks to Al Castillo from Manila, we got this cool picture from him: “Based on the color of the filters which I used only for a day, it filters well.”

Al is part of the Tiklop Society of the Philippines, Tiklop- meaning folding, TSP is a folding bike riding group. On the 7th of August the group was riding from Manila to Bulacan, an 80km ride! Al didn’t need to use the mask for the entire trip, possible only use it for half of the trip where the air pollution is more apparent.
more about the Bulacan ride

SuperCool, the coolest cycling mask
Philippines: Cool picture of SuperCool
SuperCool respirator review by product design student
What Ross say about the Totobobo SuperCool?
Mike Mc Carthy and his experience with SuperCool mask
Protect your lungs when riding in the city

From http://english.aljazeera.net

“Ojeks”, or bicycle taxis, were once a common sight in Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta.

But as cars and buses have become cheaper, the ojek transport industry has gone into decline, and there are now just a few hundred riders left.

Al Jazeera caught up with one of the riders who is finding it difficult to make ends meet.

 

“Bicycle is anti-pollution but the rest of the vehicles are not. we are just right behind them!”  Said the bicycle taxi rider.

The last sentence touches me the most:  “I want to just enjoy my life, just let it flow!”

Starting from 2009, pastel artist Paula Ford started to use Totobobo mask, because she developed a breathing problem after painting with soft pastel.
“I could hardly breathe, and my eyes have been running, red and itchy all the time whether I’m painting or not”. She wrote in her blog.

After several unsuccessful attempts with other masks Paula found Totobobo via Google. She was so happy with the performance of Totobobo that she started recommending to her fellow artists. She is now one of Totobobo reseller in the States. Not everyone is good at searching the net, but many do have a similar problem like Paula and can benefit from knowing there is a simple solution like Totobobo.

We did a search on pastel artist and Totobobo mask and was surprised at the number of recommendation within the community: (link, quote)

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DAK723 WC Forum Guide Rochester, NY

http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=567271
“Recently, based on a thread started by Paula Ford, I purchased the Totobobo dust mask. I thought I would share my review.

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 (3M #8210). 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 more comfortable than the 3M #8210 mask, 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. Paula contacted Totobobo and was instructed to cut a filter in half and place 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.

If you are looking to get one, I highly recommend buying one ”
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Adriane Meiss Syracuse, NY

This is the only mask I’ve been able to get used to. I had to cut it to the first mark for it to produce a good seal. Most important of all, is that it doesn’t fog my glasses! Yeah!
It does leave marks on my face, so I’ll have to learn to adjust it correctly.

As soon as I take it off, I’m aware of how much pastel is on and around me by just breathing (it’s scary to think I was breathing all that dust before!), so next time I’ll blow the pastel away with a fan before removing it.

Thank you Paula for sharing this great product with us! (I’m not associated with that company in any way )
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http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=806331
chuas2 San Francisco

About the dust; all pastels are going to generate some dust. I use a lot of hard pastels and pastel pencils, which are somewhat less dusty, but still when I’m doing large areas or brushing out errors, I use Paula Ford’s “totobobo” mask. It’s really comfortable and you’ll be able to see in the filters what would have gone into your lungs. Not good!

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http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=926264
saramathewson Sunny Southwest
The other thing that I don’t always remember but am working on it is using a mask. I used to always use the paper throw away kind but recently bought a “Totobobo mask” If you search for Paula Ford, she sells them. I don’t sell them or have anything to do with the company but they are nice and inexpensive and you don’t have to keep throwing them away, you just replace the two filters in the mask and they come with extras. You can also cut it to fit your face if it is too big to begin with. It is a nice mask that allows you to wear glasses without them fogging up constantly! And like I said very inexpensive for a more permanent mask.

Like I said I don’t have anything to do with the company, I just own one and like it so thought I would share. I think Paula just sells them because she also likes them and wanted them to be available to other pastelists. I don’t think she really makes any money on them to be honest.
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http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=559350
Paula Ford WC Forum Guide Jasper, TN
“I wanted to tell you about my recent struggle with breathing. For the last couple of months I’ve been having a hard breathing after painting. I don’t think I was blowing on my work, but was tapping the excess pastel into the trash every few minutes. Well, it was getting into the air so much, by the end of the night of painting, I could hardly breathe, and my eyes have been running, red and itchy all the time whether I’m painting or not.

So, I came here to WC and did a search for “masks” and decided, after much research and trial and error with other masks that I bought at Lowes or WalMart, that I’d purchase the Totobobo mask.

Let me first I am not associated with the makers of the Totobobo mask. I just feel strongly about what I am about to tell you. This mask may have saved my life.

First, the mask is made out of a rubbery material, so it sticks naturally to your skin. It is a bit tricky to learn how to put it on, but once you’ve got it, you’ve got it. At first, there was a slight gap near the nose area and I could feel the air coming in around my nose, so I wrote to the makers of this mask and they responded very quickly and told me what to do and it worked perfectly! Since I found the perfect position on my face for my mask, I no longer have any problems with breathing…at all…period. My nose has cleared up, my eyes are no longer irritated, I don’t cough or sneeze at all any more. And, it’s comfortable! I hardly know I’m wearing it!

I feel it has given me the freedom to continue using my pastels. Oh my gosh, I could NOT imagine not painting with pastels. My heart would just die!

So, I’m hear to tell you, if you EVER have any breathing problems due to pastel dust, please buy this mask. It will make all the difference in the world and it may just save your life.

Take care of yourself and love yourself enough to prevent any future problems. There is only one of you and you are the only one that can keep yourself healthy.

Love & Hugs,
Paula”
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http://brendaboylan.blogspot.com/2011/01/time-lapse-movie-passing-point.html
Brenda Boylen
You may notice in these small productions that I wear some sort of mask on my face. Protecting my lungs from the airborne pastel dust is serious business. I’ve tried heavy ventilators and they don’t fit my small featured face. I’ve tried 3M, and a few other disposable face masks, but it seemed like they were not protecting me enough. For my own health I searched high and low for a small, comfortable, and highly effective filter and found another pastel artist, Paula Ford using a Totobobo. Artist’s are always at risk by their mediums, especially soft pastel dust! I wanted to bring this up because recently my favorite online blogger friend Loriann underwent lung surgery and so I wanted her to see that she too, can continue working in pastel! I still have to gently wipe up any remaining dust with a damp rag to keep from getting airborne. I’m not sponsored by Totbobo, but I certainly do encourage pastel artists to check them out for their own health.

Thanks to an introduction from Andreas of the London Cyclist Blog, I connected with Claire, a London commuter searching for a more effective pollution mask for cycling. She decided to try the Totobobo mask to reduce her exposure to air pollution during her 12-mile daily ride. After using it for over a month, Claire was pleased with its performance and now confidently recommends it.

Here is Claire’s detailed report:

At the beginning of April I was suffering with a sore throat that was worse in the morning and evening – a trip to see my GP confirmed that it was a reaction to London pollution that I was sucking in during my 12 mile commute twice a day.

I had previously and sporadically used a Respro mask which is the only anti-pollution mask that I’ve found in the UK – but I used it sporadically because it has several big drawbacks for me:

My experience of using Respro mask

1. The mask itself is pretty big on a girl’s face and can chafe my skin. It’s like wearing a muzzle and covers most of my face, plus the velcro is very strong and keeps getting caught in my hair.

2. Even using the ‘sports’ filter makes it exceptionally difficult to breathe in sufficient amounts of air when going at speed, leaving me heaving like a fish out of water.

3. The amount of condensation produced inside the mask is incredible – after a couple of miles at a decent pace, my nose felt as though it was submerged, and when breathing hard, condensation was projected out of the mask – when going fast it occasionally splattered all over my shades!

So, in desperation I emailed the London Cyclist blog and asked Andreas if anyone had any ideas about alternatives – then he put me in touch with Totobobo.

Totobobo sent me 2 different masks, the Classic and the SuperCool – both made of very lightweight soft rubber with 2 small round white filters that sit on either side of the face. The masks come with instructions on how to cut the rubber to suit your face – initially I was a little concerned about cutting too much of my Classic away, but eventually after much cautious trimming I fashioned a mask that covered my mouth and nose and felt comfortable.

Riding home with it on was interesting – people in London are generally used to seeing cyclists wearing Respro masks and resembling Darth Vader, but here I was looking as though I had forgotten to take off my surgical mask. I got loads of odd looks and questions about how good it was.

The answer is that I highly recommend Totobobo (apart from the name, which is impossible to make anyone understand whilst actually wearing it!). When I got home I checked the filters and was amazed to see that even in 30 minutes the pristine white had turned to sludgy grey – I am quite horrified by this amount of pollution in London – I only wear each pair of filters for 2 or 3 days, by which time they are nearly black. With the Respro mask, until you’ve worn it for a couple of months you just don’t see any change of colour and probably don’t replace the filter when you should.

There is a little condensation produced by both the Classic and SuperCool, but the SuperCool doesn’t cover your nose, so there’s even less with that one. The thin straps fit behind your ears and afford a surprisingly secure fit and there’s a alternative strap that fits both masks but is a little more complicated than just fitting around your ears.

There are also different filters – a matrix filter and 2 different grades of particulate filter – 94% and 96% – both are easy to breathe through and the 96% gives a slightly higher grade protection from particulates.

So, in summary, 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!

Related:
What Ross has to say about Totobobo mask?

Cyclist’s review of Totobobo Mask

More advanced features of TOTOBOBO mask

Demo and Instruction of Use

12 useful features for cyclist

How to clean TOTOBOBO mask for reuse?

Buy TOTOBOBO mask

Good news if you are staying in Beijing, you can now get the Totobobo mask directly from a local shop.

Torana Clean Air Center, a store specialized in air filters is our first dealer in Beijing. We are very glad to have an expert in the field to be our first dealer in Beijing.

Beijing air, like many big cities is not particular friendly to people with respiratory condition. A quick check on the air quality, the numbers shows the key concern is PM2.5, the very fine particles that can be inhale deep into our lungs, a byproduct of motorized vehicle. Recent studies suggested that the increased concentration of PM2.5 is strongly link to the number of hospital admission relates to heart problems. Totobobo mask is able to drastically cut down your exposure to such fine particles during the ‘bad air days’. It is also the only mask that can be customized to fit small faces, even as small as five years old, and is recommended by Dr. St. Cyr, a family doctor in Beijing.

On March 22, 2011, Michael Romo purchase a Totobobo SuperCool mask from our site. At that time he told us:

“Hello, I’m looking forward to bringing this mask to work with me because I am a bicycle messenger in Los Angeles and the aerial pollution here is very bad. As long as we have to live in a world where our cities are full of noxious gas automobile pollution, I have to make adjustments so I can earn a living. It is ironic that we can send robots to Mars but we can’t transport ourselves from place to place without spewing poisonous gas into people’s faces. It’s really sad. I appreciate your product though and hope it works well for me. Thank you, Mike.”

Now two months after receiving his SuperCool, Mike wrote to us again:

“I got my mask and it works really well. I bike messenger in los angeles and after 5 years I almost had enough of the smog and couldn’t stand it. I’ve been using it for 2 months and I like my job again. It cuts out the general air pollution around but if you’re right behind a truck or similar you still breathe in some gas but if you know how to avoid and dodge that while your riding then this mask really helps. I also like that it covers part of my face. Now I’m like a ninja slicing my way through this toxic nebula. My job is fun again! Thanks, Mike.”

Isn’t this beautiful? This is the kind of direct user feedback that make us believe in what we do. Thanks you, Mike!