Thanks to Scott sharing his Supercool mask experience for MTB in Chiangmai high AQI >400
Scott wearing his SuperCool mask in Chiang Mai
When did you start using the Supercool mask?
I’m going to say 2-3 years. I pay attention to the AQI and use the mask when it’s above 100.
Was the customization process difficult for you?
No, very straight forward. I initially bought 2 masks just in case I made a mistake, the template is easy and accurate to use.
Have you tried other masks before?
Just the N95 paper masks. No comparison really both in fit and comfort. Well done.
What are the differences between the previous mask and the Supercool? Pros and cons?
Like the name says it’s very cool. I do find that I breath almost always, if not entirely, through my mouth when I’m riding hard. Being able to wash out the mask after a ride is a plus also. Finally, a new user should allow several rides to adjust to having a mask on, but after initial period it’s hardly noticeable.
Filter turns dark after ONE 30 km ride in Chiang Mai (AQI-424)
Dear Totobobo,
I love your products. I ride MTBs both in Hong Kong and Chiangmai, TH. I use the SuperCool modification and it works great. In HK I began using the PRO filters and now I want to buy some for Chiangmai. (As well as few normal masks.) A few pix from Chiangmai. Note the filters after ONE 30 Km ride while the AQI was > 400 recently !!
You may be thinking, what air pollution? Skies are bright and the vision is clear, where is the pollution? Well, the truth is, it’s invisible and that’s why it’s a killer. Unlike the pollutions caused by haze, the ones we face daily contains pm2.5 particles, which are too small for our naked eyes to see. PM2.5 mainly comes from traffic smog and industrial burnings in our tiny land, you don’t see them, but they’re there. If you belong to one of the sensitive groups (asthma, lung or heart condition, elderly) it’s important to protect yourself from PM2.5 as they are able to enter deep into our body through the respiratory system, which can trigger an asthma attack or a cardiovascular episode.
An unexpected, healthy group of local user are road cyclists. They wear a mask to cut down the traffic smog along the busy road behind buses. That makes sense if your bike-to-work commuting involves long distance on roads.
Finally for emergency, remember this?
(Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)
The 2013 haze crisis that we hit us suddenly and it lasted for 1-2 weeks before it started to get better. We weren’t expecting nor prepared for it, parents rush to pharmacies to get masks from their families and themselves. Therefore, it is a good idea to keep a mask at home so that in the case of an emergency, you’ll be prepared for it. You can also keep it for future uses such as traveling to air polluted countries like India, China, Thailand, etc.
It was the end of the Lunar New Year and it didn’t spare our neighboring country, Thailand, from the air pollution. The authorities were concerned as well as the citizens and the tourists who were traveling there. During this critical period of time, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation decided to invite us over to give a seminar and a demonstration of Totobobo Mask in Bangkok.
Francis Chu, the inventor of Totobobo Mask.Receiving the interview from the media crew arranged by art4d and the Thai Health Foundation
Photos from the seminar “Air Pollution: from Crisis to Solution”.
Demonstration of Totobobo mask in Bangkok:
After the speech, we proceeded to explain how the TSI Portacount Pro fit-tester works and asked for volunteers who wish to participate. We are thankful for the volunteers (Mr. Apiphu and May) who came forward and help us demonstrate how Totobobo mask can be ReShaped to fit, and validate the result with the Portacount Pro. First Mr. Apiphu wanted to test his own cloth mask. We use the Portacount Pro and obtain a Fit Factor of ~3, which is similar to surgical mask. Then we tested the Totobobo mask he brought with him, The Fit Factor was initially 12 before ReShape and improved to 200+ after ReShape, that demonstrate how important the ReShape function for improving the protection is. Finally we change the F96 filter on Mr. Apiphu’s Totobobo mask with a pair of cotton pad. The Fit Factor dropped to 2.5 immediately! That shows the significance of choosing the right filter for the job.
To finish the day off, we had 2 really cute kids who came up to try out with us too!
All in all, we would like to thank the Thai Health Promotion Foundation for inviting us over to share our story with and demonstrate Totobobo mask features to our users in Bangkok! We would also like to thank the media co-ordinator art4d for planning out the event in such a short period of time!
Singapore-based Totobobo Pte. Ltd., a pioneer in customizable pollution masks, has earned international acclaim not only for its innovative products but also for its outstanding customer support, as highlighted by the decade-long engagement with loyal user Ross Hirsch, a dedicated cyclist from Los Angeles.
Ross cycling with the SuperCool Mask
Ross’s journey with Totobobo began in 2009 when he purchased the SuperCool customizable mask aimed at protecting him from urban air pollution. From the outset, Totobobo’s team demonstrated personalized and proactive service, assisting Ross in addressing practical challenges such as mask fit and persistent glasses fogging—a common problem for cyclists. The team’s technical experts offered tailored advice, including tightening straps, custom trimming around the nose bridge, and even sending prototype masks for field testing.
Unlike typical support, Totobobo cultivated a collaborative partnership with Ross. They invited close-up photos of Ross’s face using a specially designed “nose card” to create a custom-fitted mask profile. Later, as fogging issues persisted, the company innovated with an alternative mouth-only mask, recommended breathing techniques, and instructed on fine-tuning mask tension for optimal seal. Ross actively shared detailed feedback on these iterations, which the company eagerly incorporated into product development.
The human touch extended beyond product functionality. When Ross suffered a serious cycling accident in 2014, the Totobobo team expressed genuine concern for his recovery and advocated cycling safety in the community. Continuity of support was maintained throughout, with Totobobo supplying upgraded masks, filters, and replacement parts such as head straps and filter bands. They accepted returns of well-used masks for wear evaluation—demonstrating accountability and commitment to quality improvement.
Ross’s experience epitomizes the benefits of a customer-centric approach that blends innovation with empathy and long-term engagement. Totobobo’s support transcended the transactional norms of many consumer brands by fostering transparency, customizing solutions, and involving the user as an active collaborator. This approach has not only enhanced product effectiveness but also built staunch brand loyalty.
Even years later, Totobobo continued to impress by offering Ross the latest PRO filter technology and new mask models, accompanied by data-driven advice on filter replacement frequency and maintenance practices. The mutual respect and open communication set a gold standard in aftersales care.
Singapore companies and startups aiming to elevate customer experience can draw invaluable lessons from Totobobo’s model: personalized assistance, technical expertise, emotional support, and flexibility in servicing customer needs combine to create a sustainable competitive advantage. This case study showcases how nurturing enduring relationships and valuing customer voices can power both innovation and goodwill.
Ross Hirsch’s decade-long partnership with Totobobo is a compelling testament to the transformative impact of exceptional customer support in the health and wellness sector. In an increasingly digital and impersonal marketplace, Totobobo’s human-centered approach is a beacon for businesses worldwide aspiring to exceed customer expectations and foster lasting community connections.
FAQs:
Q: What makes Totobobo’s customer service exceptional? A: Totobobo provides personalized mask fitting, proactive troubleshooting, flexible replacements, and empathetic long-term engagement unmatched in typical customer service.
Q: How does Totobobo customize masks for users? A: Customers submit photos with a reference “nose card” to help engineers create mask profiles tailored for optimal face sealing and comfort.
Q: How does Totobobo handle product improvements? A: They collaborate closely with users for feedback, evaluate returned products, and send updated models and prototypes for real-world testing.
Q: Is Totobobo’s service model replicable for other startups? A: Absolutely—personalization, empathy, and long-term partnership can build brand loyalty and innovation in any product-focused business.
This comprehensive report highlights how Singapore’s Totobobo combines innovation and human connection to set global standards in user-centered health product support.
If you are in Bangkok this weekend, come visit us at the Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre (BACC). We will be sharing the story of Totobobo mask (Air pollution: From Crisis to Solution). We will also take the opportunity to demonstrate the Reshaping and fit-testing, using the TSI Portacount PRO 8038 fit-tester. The event is sponsored by Thai Health Promotion Foundation Following this link to get your free ticket: https://www.facebook.com/events/549979362150328/
This nice comment is from Stephanie H. from Kaoshiung, Taiwan. She has been using our mask since last year and recently purchased some filter refills.
“My husband and I have been really happy with our Totobobo masks. Often, we recommend them to our coworkers and friends who would like some protection on days when the air quality isn’t so good in the city. My husband and I use ours when cycling in the city or on a scooter. We’ve been using them for it seems like over a year now and we are still quite happy with them! It’s really nice to have an alternative to the disposable masks.”
How to choose a mask that is suitable for children?
WHO data shows that 9 out of 10 people breathe air containing a high level of pollutants. Air pollution estimated kills 7 million people worldwide per year. In cities with heavy air pollution, most people will need to carry a mask with them, or keeping it at home for times of emergency. That doesn’t exclude children, in fact, they need them more than adults do to protect their bodies and organs because they are still growing. So, what’s the issue here? It isn’t hard to find a pharmacy that sells masks, they’re almost everywhere, but the question is, will they fit your children?
How we wish that it was as easy as heading down to the pharmacy, purchase the mask and letting our children wear it. In reality, it’s tougher than that, buying a mask isn’t tough, but getting one that will really fit and protect your child is the main issue here.
Here are some simple guidelines that will explain what makes a good mask and how do you tell if the mask will fit your child!
To get good protection is to have a good filter with a good face seal. You have to make sure that the air your child breathing were only able to enter through the filters and not through any gaps under the mask. Effective protection only happen when the mask forms a good seal on the user’s face.
Surgical masks and the well known 3M N95 masks are commonly seen worn by the public these days, however, most of them do not know that these masks are not protecting them. We’ll explain why :
Surgical Masks
To begin with, commonly seen surgical masks were not designed to protect the users from air pollution, they were only made to prevent direct contact with sick patients. These masks do a great job at preventing viruses from spreading, but it doesn’t protect you from air pollution. The gaps between the mask and the user’s face are too big to protect the user, letting pollutants enter easily.
N95 Mask
Alas, the very well known N95 Mask by 3M and other major manufacturers. These masks are proper air pollution masks, they do a great job with filtering out pollutants and particles, that only applies if the mask forms a good seal on the user’s face. The mask only comes in adult size, which usually only fits a grown adult’s face, a child’s face will almost never be able to have a good fit with such mask. Another issue is that there’s no way to check whether it’s providing a good face seal, unless with professional equipment which are costly and usually only owned by trained professionals. Simply holding onto the mask while blowing into a mask is a very inaccurate and unreliable way to check on the face seal for leaks, this technique that is recommended by manufactures is too ambiguous.
Hygiene is another issue, consumers often reuse these disposable N95 masks. The germs and bacteria accumulated on the mask after each use can be a threat to health. A disposable mask can’t be washed and are tough to dry if wet.
Why is Totobobo Mask better than the rest?
Firstly let’s take a look on the background and history of the company.
Francis Chu, the inventor of Totobobo Mask, faced the same problem that most parents face when looking for a respirator for their children. He was then aware of the difficulties and decided to come up with a solution for others and himself. Being a product designer in the past, he experimented with many different prototypes before coming up with an ergonomic design that fits most users and more importantly, customizable while being children friendly. Apart from a good seal and filtering, the comfort, ease to clean, portability and other factors are also important points to take note of, before the product is considered “Child Friendlyâ€.
The Totobobo Masks are made of soft plastics, embedded with anti-bacterial silver ion, disallowing the growth of germs and also making it easy to wash and dry for reuse.
Flexible size and shape
Most Respirators come in 3 sizes like S, M, and L. However, it is not easy to decide on which size to get without opening the package and letting your child try the mask. Most shops do not accept returned products as it compromises the hygiene. What Totobobo Mask offers is the flexibility to shape and/or trim the mask down according to the shape and size of the face. We even have a template for you to construct a “dummy mask†for testing before trimming the real mask.
All around the world, parents and teachers have discovered us along the way and have never looked back. If you’re looking for a Respirator that will fit your child, Totobobo Mask will be exactly the one you’re looking for!
Cycling is a mode of transportation that’s growing in popularity and relevance in our Green-Oriented world.
Worldwide, the numbers of commuters forgoing motor vehicles and switching over to bicycles are increasingly growing. While riding a bicycle is a healthier alternative when compared to driving or taking a bus, due to it’s difference in physical activity, the poor air quality in urban settings contradict the benefits. Heavy traffic spews toxic gases and many fine particles which will then enter our respiratory tract eventually. Aerial pollution causes both short and long term damage to our lungs and the upper respiratory tract, therefore, cycling under these conditions will pose problems in the near future. In order to ride safely without inhaling these harmful particles and gases, a protective mask that is capable of filtering the air you breathe is the best solution.
Things to consider:
An ideal mask for cycling incorporates a number of considerations, specifically for cycling, to ensure it”s effectiveness.
Comfort
Filtration Capabilities
Ease of use
Cost
The selected mask should form a tight seal on the user‘s face, so as to make sure the air he/she is breathing, will only get in by passing through the filters. The filters must be capable of keeping microscopic particles and noxious fumes, out of the user’s mouth and nose. Wearing the mask shouldn’t inhibit the breathing of the user during vigorous activities, nor should it cause any discomfort to the user. Cyclists will need to breathe harder than pedestrians, high resistance masks (those that are best for filtering the air) increases the strain on the lungs. An ideal mask for riders will be something that balances between both filtration power and breathability.
During a cycling workout, blood is pumped vigorously through our bodies and heat is generated. A mask that traps heat is a major problem, it reduces the intake of oxygen and compromises the ability to breathe easily. Unfortunately, most masks on the market are heat-traps.
After a long ride, the mask will be sweaty, damp and dirty, the last thing you would want is to reuse such a mask on your next trip, not knowing what kind of bacteria will be growing in it. The filters should be quickly replaceable and the mask itself should be easy to disinfect.
For cyclists, being able to mount and dismount the mask quickly is critical. While riding in traffic, the rider should be able to remove the mask singlehandedly with a single motion and vice versa, to minimize distraction and lost of time. Weight is also another important factor to consider, anything heavy or cumbersome will only make the ride laborious and difficult. Ultimately, the most important factor for commuters, is the cost of the product. For those who rides and needs a mask daily, the masks and it’s filters should be reasonably priced and easy to come by.
Other neoprene masks, like some cyclist-intended masks, are heavy duty equipment that digs a hole in your waller. In addition, they are heat trappers and turn smelly quickly, yet difficult to clean. All the more so, it is larger and troublesome to carry around. It is a product designed for professional looks, but it would be a little too much for a daily user.
Why Totobobo?
While there are a mountain of masks out there, all offering a range of protection, comfort and price, only one provides the balance between the factors that best benefits the user, TOTOBOBO.
Design:
Our mask is specially designed and moulded with a unique material that allows the user to custom fit the mask to their face, help firmly onto the face by a pair of ultra elastic and flexible straps. The straps are made from elastic polymers and is friendly on the skin. One mask fits all and it can be folded up when not in use, comfortably keeping it inside our pockets.
Seal:
The Totobobo Mask forms a snug seal on the user’s face, ensuring air to only pass through by the filters. Unlike other masks, the Totobobo Mask is a master in both high airflow and filtration. The patented body valve design allows low resistance exhalation so that you can easily take in clear air with each breath.
Simplicity:
Most protective masks need to be professionally checked for a proper seal, it is time consuming to do so as well, whereas the Totobobo Mask’s seal can be easily clarified in a short period of time. Both children and adults can get a good fit with it.
Filter:
Our filters are European designed and of the finest quality, capable of keeping out particulates as small as 0.1 microns. Using static electricity to snag the particles while they enter the filter, the Totobobo Mask keeps out all the toxic particles produced from motor vehicles, industrial exhaust, cigarettes, wood fire and charcoal fumes and also incense smoke. Biological components such as pollen , mold pores, dust mites and cockroach allergens, dust and common soil particles, can be filtered out as well.
Health:
The mask is anti-viral thanks to Biocote, a silver-ion anti-microbial agent, and important property to be taken into account when heat and humidity of the mask’s interior is involved. This way, you can further ensure the cleanliness and safety of Totobobo Masks. The mask is also easy to disinfect using soap and water. Best of all, the entire mask is reusable, all you have to do is to replace the old filters with a new pair and you’re good to go.
Cost:
As for being economical, the Totobobo mask can not be beaten when it comes to the bang for your buck. Compared to leading competitors on the market, our masks are unparalleled when it comes to value. As the chart indicates below, the Totobobo Mask is more cost effective than any of the leading alternatives, same goes for the replacement filters!
Prices comparison
Cambridge Mask : USD 28
Vogmask: USD 43
Respro Techno : USD 47 …… Filter : USD 34
TOTOBOBO: USD 33 …… Filter : USD 1 – 3.5/pair
User Testimonials:
Cyclists worldwide swore by the effectiveness and usefulness of the Totobobo Mask when it comes to riding in inclement environments. Here are some testimonies of a few elated users from around the globe.
Herve and Bonnaveira and Goska Romanowicz of Develotour, discovered an interesting way to measure and visualize air pollution. On a year long bicycle trek across the continent, the couple traveled through several Asian countries. They visited a number of major metropolises and first handedly experienced the respective air qualities. In each locale they wore our masks to protect their lungs from the polluted air. They wrote to us saying:
“The TOTOBOBO anti-pollution masks came in very useful in India! Weve tested the masks in Delhi, the Indian countryside and Calcuttaused one filter for a days cycling in each placeand we got varying shades of brown.even far from cities and factories the air is very polluted.”
Herve and Goska appreciated the high quality of respiratory safety they enjoyed by using the TOTOBOBO mask on their journey. When they lectured to students along their trip about air pollution awareness, they also informed them of the TOTOBOBO mask�s unmatched quality and value.
Nagaraj Pudukotai of Bangalore, India, test out the Totobobo Mask during his daily commutes to work by bicycle. The air in Bangalore is terribly polluted, within forty five minutes, the filters were already black! Thankfully, the pollutants were trapped in the filters instead of his lungs. He commented :
“It is very effective. It seals your nose and mouth completely, although you can smell intense odors like that of petrol exhaust and diesel exhaust when you are very close to a vehicle, the emissions do not get in your lungs.”
Montgomery Tufeld of New York City regards the Totobobo Mask’s ability as an invaluable thing. Riding around the city on his daily delivery route, he comes across a lot of smog and dust in traffic. Before he started to wear a mask, he would get home everyday with a sore throat and blackened mucus from the soot he had been inhaling. He tried a number of different brands before touching on ours, since then, it has been life changing for him. He stated :
“The mask fits better than anything else on the market. It is snug and comfortable, and easy to put on and take off when riding through traffic. I barely notice it is there.”
Choose Totobobo for Safe Cycling!
Around the world, across the globe, cyclists are adding another item to their must have list, apart from protective gear, they added in the pollution masks. If you’re looking for one, don’t hesitate to try out our Totobobo Masks!
Pollution mask helps cycling in air-polluted cities. Cycling as a form of commute, leisure and fitness activity has a long history. The bicycle was invented over a hundred years ago and since then it has been adopted by countries all over the world as a mode of transport. Not many know roads were first paved for bicycle before the introduction of the automobile. Interestingly, many car manufacturers were started as bicycle factories. However, with the growing population of cars, many cities are planned and designed for driving rather than cycling and walking. The car-centric city planning gives rise to traffic congestions and air pollution. Ironically, cyclists are now unfairly affected by air pollution from the smog from cars.
We know cycling used to be very good for health and keeping fit. However, in some cities, serious air pollution devours the urban environment, it isn’t very healthy anymore. That’s why you have to protect yourself from the toxins with a filtering mask while cycling.
With Totobobo, a respiratory mask designed to cut down the smog, you’ll be able to cycle and exercise without worrying about city pollution anymore.
Comfortable, reliable and reusable, perfect for declaring freedom from the air pollution!Â
Asthma is not something that we’re new to, it has been known to cause many problems and discomfort for asthmatic adults and children. Asthma can be deadly if it is not dealt with carefully. Both adults and children can suffer from asthma attacks when exposed to air that is filled with dust and other pollutants.
Normal airway and airway under asthma attack
Air pollution can be caused by different sources, both man-made and natural occurrences. Air pollution includes gases, smoke from fires, volcanic ash and dust particles. A research done by AAFA (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America) shows that air pollution can worsen asthma symptoms. A study of young campers with moderate to severe asthma showed they were 40% more likely to have acute asthma episodes on high pollution summer days than on days with average pollution levels.
Ozone
Source :Â http://o3organics.com/about-ozone/
A gas, one of the most common air pollutants. It contributes to what we call ‘Smog’ or haze. Commonly found in cities with more cars and also more common during the summer period when there is more sun and lesser winds.
Ozone is very irritating to the lungs and airways, hence triggering asthma attacks. It reduces lung function and make it difficult for us to breathe deeply.
Another form of airborne pollutants, entering your lungs through your nose and mouth while breathing. People with asthma are at greater risk from breathing in small particles, these particles can make asthma worse.
How does an Air Filter Mask help prevent one from asthma attacks?
An air filter mask doesn’t help to get rid of the air pollutants, but it does help to prevent these pollutants from entering our body. Clean and fresh air is very important for asthmatic patients, therefore, wearing a mask that can filter out the pollutants is very important for them. Many might think a simple surgeon or face mask will be able to block out these pollutants, but in actual, these masks do not help much as the tiny particles can pass through the gaps in between the mask and the user’s face.
Totobobo Masks are using filters that are able to filter out these tiny air pollutants, most importantly, the PM2.5 and 0.1microns. Even better, our masks are able to be customized to fit and provides a good seal, for both adults and children.
Here are some links for you to have a better insight of how air pollution can be harmful to our bodies, if you’re interested, do take a look!
We are also honored to have Dr. Anil, one of our valued customers, give us feedback on how Totobobo Mask has been helpful to him. Being asthmatic and a doctor himself, we can be sure that his opinions are valuable and constructive to other asthmatic patients.
Below are the posts about his review on the Totobobo Mask over the many years:
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