A couple of weeks ago, I attended a milestone workshop titled Next Gen PPE for Future Pandemics. After listening to the presentations and testing the respirators on display, I found myself reflecting on my experience with the Totobobo mask, which I’ve used for an extended period. I realized I had taken several of its features for granted. Here’s a closer look at its design and functionality:
Customizable Fit: The mask can be trimmed to fit the user’s face, aiming to provide a secure seal and enhance protection. This feature also addresses a significant logistical challenge: the Totobobo mask is adaptable for an entire family or group. For example, families no longer need to search for masks in different sizes to suit each member, and schools can avoid the complexity of stocking masks for students of varying ages. This one-mask-fits-all approach simplifies inventory management and reduces the need to maintain multiple sizes, models, and quantities.
High-Efficiency Filters: It includes Pro-99 filters, which offer N99-level protection, and there is an option to other filters for added versatility.
Eco-Friendly Design: The reusable nature of the mask reduces waste and may lower long-term costs, aligning with sustainability principles.
Comfort and Usability: Its lightweight, ergonomic design is intended for all-day wear, while the transparent material is designed to facilitate communication.
Key Takeaways from the Workshop:
The workshop highlighted several important considerations for personal protective equipment (PPE):
- Innovation is Essential: There is a growing need for PPE solutions that balance comfort, usability, and sustainability.
- Reusability is the Future: Disposable PPE may not be sustainable in the long term, making reusable options like the Totobobo mask a potential alternative.
- User Experience Matters: Effective PPE should prioritize features such as ease of adjustment, clear communication, and comfort for the wearer.
Conclusion:
The workshop provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of PPE. While it reinforced some of the benefits I’ve experienced with the Totobobo mask, it also underscored the importance of continued innovation in this field. As we consider future pandemic preparedness, solutions that combine functionality, sustainability, and user-centric design will likely play a significant role.
Discussion:
What has been your experience with reusable respirators? Whether you’ve tried the Totobobo mask or other options, sharing insights can help others make informed decisions about PPE and pandemic preparedness.
Francis, when we met up and you shared the Totobobo mask during COVID-19, I was impressed with the details of the mask design. The customization for the mask to have a perfect fit of user face contour, the lightweight, using thin stretchable material to secure the mask to the face, the replaceable filters (sustainable), and the size of the mask, very compact, able to fold when not use and still allowing an air space btw our nose and the filter.
Looking at the photos you shared here, I think the Totobobo mask design will be the one I will buy.
Future improvement, maybe a more expensive version with silicon material.
TakWai, thank you for sharing your journey and great insights.
A silicon version is great if it fits your face directly, otherwise you cannot change the shape because silicon rubber is a thermal set material. It did crossed my mind initially. but finally I opt for the customization of thermal plastic over the soft touch of silicon.
Silicon’s feeling is softer and more comfortable. The soft end of the silicon mask will auto seal the contour of the face.
It will definitely cost a lot more.
Totobobo is very convenient and easy to use, suitable for everyone. It is environmentally friendly. A well-crafted design is timeless and continues to be appreciated over the years.
Thank you for your support
With successful filtration of particles as a constant, bottom right appeals to me the most as reading lips is most important for friends with hearing impairment as well to any listener. Just try to recall the Phase 2 daze in Singapore… communication with masks was so tedious!
On the flip side, the translucency of the material also means that the condensation and lack of maintenance may irk audiences of the user
Kelvin, That’s a great observation. I also found the clear window to be particularly appealing for visual communication. It significantly reduces the frustration of not being able to tell whether the person speaking is angry or happy. However, one drawback of this design is that the voice tends to be directed to the sides and becomes muffled, making it somewhat difficult to hear clearly.
Wow! Look amazing!
SUPER