Masks during chemo, after a transplant, or with a weakened immune system — real users share what worked for them

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Masking during chemo, after a transplant, or with a weakened immune system raises a hard, personal question: which mask can you actually trust? Below, real Totobobo users protecting a vulnerable immune system or a serious health condition explain, in their own words, why they chose it and what worked for them.

These are individual experiences, not medical advice. Outcomes vary from person to person — always follow your doctor’s guidance on respiratory protection.

Real experiences: chemo, transplant recovery and weakened immune systems

The accounts below are individual experiences shared with permission, not medical claims.

I chose Totobobo for a good-fitting mask after receiving a kidney transplant. It has better airflow than most masks I have seen. I should wear a good mask for about two years after transplant — being able to see the fit and change the filters is very important to me. Once healed, I will continue to wear it for taekwondo.

— Ian, kidney transplant recipient

Doing big-guns chemo, an extensive web search for a mask to wear in public unearthed this product. I’m an engineering manager who analyzes every purchase — on specifications, description, and user reports this device is hands down a winner. Less obtrusive, more effective, re-useable, and a reasonable price. Kudos for thinking out of the box!

— Greg, chemotherapy patient, USA

I bought this mask because I just started chemotherapy, and on day one my husband woke up sick with the flu! The holidays are coming, and as my treatment progresses I don’t want to miss out because someone else isn’t well.

— Laurie, chemotherapy patient, USA

My daughter Kayla was severely immune-compromised following chemotherapy — doctors said her immune system would not fully recover for another six months. She has worn the mask every day since January 2009, and being able to see the fit and change the filters gave us real peace of mind. It became the safety net we relied on, and Kayla was later tested cancer-free.

— Debbie, mother of Kayla (leukaemia), USA

I am concerned about an upcoming trip to Beijing and its extreme air pollution. With two heart operations, I must be careful. After due research, the Totobobo came out far superior to other N95 masks. I am confident it will keep my health intact.

— Ed, heart patient, USA

My husband and I are moving back to China. Getting a Totobobo mask was one of the first things we arranged. I’m pregnant and I want to limit my baby’s exposure to harmful pollutants as much as possible.

— Si, expecting mother, moving to China

I ordered the 92% filters to filter out second-hand cigarette smoke that drifts into the house. After wearing the mask for half an hour, removing it showed immediately how well it is working. It is truly amazing how much pollutant and smell is removed. This mask is the answer I have been looking for.

— Jamie, second-hand smoke protection, USA

My dad is a longshoreman and the air quality down at the docks is terrible — he washes out his sinuses and black stuff just comes pouring out. He won’t wear the cheap masks they give him, so I’m buying him this one as a birthday gift, hoping he’ll see and feel the results.

— Richard, buying for his father, USA

More Totobobo reviews by health condition and use case

Asthma, allergies and sensitive airways reviews
Children and family reviews
City smog and haze reviews
Cycling in traffic reviews
Artists and workshop dust reviews

Choosing a reusable mask for a vulnerable time

Every situation is different, but a few things matter more when your immune system is compromised. The Totobobo mask is transparent, so you — or a caregiver — can confirm the seal at a glance instead of hoping for the best. Filters change in seconds, and the thermoplastic body trims to fit an adult or a child’s face. It’s silicone-free and latex-free, which can matter when treatment has left skin or airways sensitive. Always follow your doctor’s guidance on the protection that’s right for you.

See masks & filter options →   Read all 143+ user reviews

Questions about fit during treatment, or sizing for a child? Contact us — we’re glad to help.

Share your experience masking through treatment or recovery

If a Totobobo mask helped you through treatment or recovery, your experience could genuinely help someone facing the same situation right now. Please share it in the comments below.