Totobobo has six key features that you must know. It is a customisable respirator designed to fit a remarkably wide range of faces — from young children (around age 5) to adults. But fit is only the beginning. Here are the six key features that you must know, grouped by what matters most when you’re choosing a mask.
As air quality and virus protection continue to shape global health awareness, the Totobobo® reusable mask—invented in Singapore—stands as a trusted innovation in respiratory safety. Designed for both comfort and performance, it combines science-backed filtration with ergonomic, eco-friendly design.
1. Filtration & Scientifically Validated Protection
Four filters for different needs. Choose from four filter grades, ranging from the most breathable to the most protective. F92, F94 and F96 are convenient and affordable, and all have been tested by the Nelson Lab in the USA. The Pro99 filter was tested by an accredited laboratory in China and demonstrated filtration performance comparable to N99 standards under test conditions (≥99% particle filtration efficiency).
Users can select from four filter grades—F92, F94, F96, and Pro99—to match their activity level and air quality conditions. Each filter pair typically lasts 7–14 days and visibly darkens as it traps fine particles—an intuitive cue to replace them.
| Filter Type | Efficiency | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| F92 | ≈92% | Everyday urban commuting |
| F94 | ≈94% | Moderate pollution, city cycling |
| F96 | ≈96% | High traffic or wildfire smoke |
| Pro99 | ≥99% | Hospital, industrial, or high-risk exposure |
How does it stay breathable and protective? A common trade-off in masks is that higher filtration means harder breathing. Totobobo manages both by combining an efficient filter media with a large effective filter area, allowing air to move freely even at higher protection grades. In practice, Users commonly report being able to wear the mask while training or cycling without the heat buildup associated with neoprene and fabric masks.
Backed by independent research. Totobobo’s performance has been studied and reported in respected sources, including the Journal of Hospital Infection and the Journal of Industrial Textiles, with additional findings presented as a conference abstract at Thorax (BMJ). Independent filtration testing has also been carried out by Nelson Labs in the USA.
Antimicrobial mask surface. The mask body incorporates BioCote® silver-ion Antimicrobial technology, which inhibits the growth of bacteria and other microbes on the surface of the mask itself. Because it’s embedded in the material rather than applied as a coating, this property lasts the life of the product. (It is a hygiene feature for the mask, not a substitute for the filtration that protects what you breathe.)
This technology is EPA-registered and clinically proven to stay active for the entire lifespan of the mask without washing off or losing potency. BioCote® offers these key benefits:
- Continuous protection between washes
- Non-toxic, non-flammable, and non-corrosive
- Does not contribute to antimicrobial resistance
Learn more: How BioCote® works
2. A Fit Designed for a Wide Range of Faces
Customisable in a way few masks are. Totobobo is heat-mouldable and trimmable. Warm it, then shape it to your own face contours — or trim it smaller for a child or a narrower face. This adaptability is the core of its design and the reason one product can fit so many different face shapes. The patented ReShape™ and Cut-to-Size system allows Totobobo® masks to fit faces measuring 90 mm to 135 mm, covering most children and adults.
This custom-fit design addresses a key weakness in traditional N95 masks, which fit only 40% of wearers in tests. In contrast, independent studies show Totobobo® achieving a fit rate above 70%, thanks to features such as:
- Heat-mouldable frame—reshape using warm water or a hair dryer
- Scissor-trim edges—precise adjustment for smaller faces
- Multi-strap configuration—choose earloop or headstrap fit
For families, schools, and workplaces, “one mask fits all” means simplified logistics and reduced per-user cost.
Less guesswork before you buy. Because a single design fits most faces, there’s less risk of ordering the wrong size and only finding out after it arrives.
Helps prevent fogged glasses. Shaping the mask closely around the nose bridge reduces warm breath escaping upward — a frequent cause of fogged lenses for glasses wearers.
3. Comfort You Can Wear All Day
Covers less, feels lighter. Totobobo covers a smaller facial area than most mask designs — less claustrophobic, and it traps less heat.
Among the lightest respirators available. At roughly 18g, Totobobo is a fraction of the weight of a typical “lightweight” elastomeric respirator (often around 110g). Less weight means lighter straps and fewer pressure points.
Straps that adjust to you. Tension adjusts steplessly for the right balance of security and comfort. If you need more hold, combine straps — earloops plus head straps — to increase security without adding localised pressure.
Low breathing resistance. The valve design lets air move freely on the exhale, which is a key reason riders and athletes can keep their pace with the mask on.
Handles sweat well. The mask body doesn’t absorb moisture, and a light layer of sweat can actually help it seal more snugly to the skin — unlike fabric masks that turn soggy.
4. See, Be Seen, and Be Heard
Check the seal visually. Protection depends on a good seal. A simple user check specific to this design, you can confirm the fit by eye — wetting the face and looking for a continuous seal line is a simple way to verify it. Parents can check a child’s seal the same way.
Totobobo®’s transparent body allows users to visually confirm a perfect seal within seconds. The patented Visual Seal Check (VSC) system eliminates the guesswork of traditional fit tests and has been validated against the TSI PortaCount Plus quantitative fit test—a gold standard used by respirator manufacturers.
This visibility not only enhances protection but also reassures parents and healthcare providers that the mask fits securely every time.
A mask that still shows your face. The transparent shell lets people see your expressions. Teachers and healthcare workers have noted this makes communication with students and patients easier than with an opaque mask.
Clearer sound. Thick respirators tend to muffle the voice. Totobobo’s thin body lets sound through more easily — closer to a disposable mask — so you’re easier to understand.
5. Hygiene, Durability & Easy Maintenance
Washable and fast-drying. Clean it with soap and water and it dries in minutes — no lingering smell, unlike neoprene or cloth masks.
Holds up to repeated cleaning. Research in the Journal of Industrial Textiles found the mask maintained both fit and filtration performance under controlled testing conditions after repeated cleaning cycles.
Long service life in typical use. With proper cleaning and storage, many users report their mask lasting several years. Actual lifespan depends on how it’s used and maintained.
Folds flat and packs easily. The thin body folds into a pocket — a practical grab-and-go option for commuters and cyclists.
6. Simplicity & Value
Analogue by design — always ready. No battery, no app, no electronics to charge or fail. There’s nothing to break, upgrade, or troubleshoot.
Filters signal when to change them. The filter colour darkens as it collects particles, can serve as a rough visual indicator of particle loading over time and gives a simple visual cue to swap it. Each change restores fresh filtration — no sensors needed.
Low ongoing cost. Replacement filters start at around US$1 a pair, so a swap every couple of weeks costs very little over a year. Several premium reusable masks (such as Respro or R-PUR) use replacement filters priced several times higher per filter, which makes Totobobo’s running cost markedly lower over time. (It’s worth checking current competitor filter prices in your market, as these change.)
The Totobobo® mask was engineered for longevity and minimal waste. Its durable, washable body lasts up to 600 days, requiring only the lightweight filters to be replaced. Environmental impact data confirms its low footprint :
| Mask Type | Waste Over 600 Days |
|---|---|
| Totobobo® | 67 g |
| Surgical mask | 1,620 g |
| N95 respirator | 5,400 g |
Simply wash the mask with soap and water, dry it, and insert new filters. This reusable system reduces waste by more than 90% compared to disposable masks—making it a sustainable choice for eco-conscious users and organisations.
Reusable and sustainable. You replace only the small filters, not the whole mask, so one Totobobo can replace many disposable masks — reducing waste while keeping running costs down.
For clinics, schools, and workplaces, Totobobo® reduces procurement complexity by eliminating size variations. Storing one mask type that serves all staff or students saves shelf space, reduces supply waste, and reduces mask inventory costs by over 50% compared to disposable alternatives.
Conclusion: Smarter Protection for a Cleaner Future
The Totobobo® mask offers more than high filtration—it represents a philosophy of responsible protection. By fusing transparent safety checks, comfortable customization, and true sustainability, it sets the benchmark for reusable respiratory gear.
As global concern for air quality and respiratory health grows, Totobobo remains a practical, eco-conscious solution trusted by families, educators, doctors, and athletes across more than 70 countries.
Totobobo®. Protect better. Breathe smarter.
Totobobo: clear protection you can see working — light, simple, and built to last.
Updated: 2026-05-31
Specifically for the prevention against the COVID -19 virus, should the TOTOBOBO filters be re-used?
If so, how many times can the Totobobo filters be effectively used to prevent the corona virus COVID-19, before they should be replaced?
Thanks,
Long time Totobobo user
For effectiveness against virus and bacteria, please refer to this page: https://totobobo.com/2014/07/latest-filter-test-report-from-nelson-labs/
Hi, is the totobobo mask + filters effective against coronavirus? If so, which filter is best suited?
Hi
How much does the 96% mask cost? How much do the filters cost?
Are there any places in Canada that I can buy one?
Are Totobobo filters replacement filters readily available?
Thanks I’m available by email.
I have promoted your product from the begging when they were very inexpensive to buy;. I did not buy one, but knew it was a great product for the bicycle riders and others.
I still do tell people about them. I didn’t get one but don’t worry if its helpful for people I tell them.
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Would like to know if totobobo is available in Malaysia yet
Hi.. I tried to purchase it, but seem like no stocks.
kindly advise when is the stocks coming? Thanks
Can we buy in Singapore
Howdy, i read your blog from time to time and i own a
similar one and i was just curious if you get a lot
of spam remarks? If so how do you protect against it, any plugin or anything you can suggest?
I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any help is very much appreciated. Many thanks!
What’s the difference between Matrix and other filters?
Please, I have interes in commercial and technical information about your product. Please step for commercial operation.
Dear Totobobo,
I just purchased one of your masks and love it, but, just for aesthetic reasons, I was wondering if the mask can be coloured black at all?
Is there a paint or other substance that I could use that could safely and effectively improve its general appearance?
Thanks a lot,
James
I cycle a lot in Bristol – rather hilly – so am continually gulping for air. I also suffer form something called COPD, a breathing disorder which, in its most extreme form is known as emphecema. I’m nowhere near that state but my main requirements for a mask are low breathing resistance and to act as a cushion of warmer air, the latter VIP in winter. Pollution filtering is a bonus – and Bristol is generally much cleaner than London. I have tried ordinary surgical masks to provide the warm air with reasonable success though in this exceptionally cold spell it hasn’t been so good. I’m seriously thinking about trying your totobobo mask but wondered whether you were aware of any medical contra-indications for someone like me. Sorry I’m not a twitter or facebook subscriber but e-mail works pretty well for me. John E
What about PM2.5 ? I am looking for a convenient mask to use my bike in Beijing. Is it sold in Beijing ? Look how the weather is today … http://www.flickr.com/photos/chaspope/8373014234/
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Are you going to create certified filters, certified to n95 level?
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Are the straps interchangeable? So if I buy a mask with a head strap and also buy additional ear loop straps, will they work together if I decide I prefer ear loops over the head strap?
Hi,
I live in the Great Britain, do you have any outlets or re sellers here ?
Gerry
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Does totobobo filter emissions from vehicles? (such as diesel and petrol type emissions)
I cycle to work sometimes under heavy traffic conditions and use a repso mask which has filters to protect against these pollutants. Look forward hearing from you.
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The mask come with a pair of filter pre-installed so you can use it right away.
The Matrix filter is at least 92%
We have the Matrix filter which absorb smells and organic vapors as well as cutting down very fine particles including 0.3 microns.
Is there also a filter for Carbon monoxide as its my biggest concern with riding my bike in heavy traffic?
In addition to filtering smells, what is the filter efficiency of the matrix filter for particles? 96, 94, or 92%?
When one buys a mask, does the mask come with some filters? What kind?
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I have a question. Would this mask protect from paint particles in the air for when I am airbrushing?
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@Erin Please use the new Matrix filter which helps to block volatile organic compounds (VOCs). http://totobobo.com/buy.html
I am a hairstylist, would the masks block the chemicals I breath in from hair color?
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I want to purchase two masks and the 96% filters. How do I do this as I do not want the 94% filters.
Hi Steve, we don’t have an outlet in K.L. yet.
I’m in KL, Malaysia, do you have any outlets or reseller here?
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Zaid, the filters can be kept in storage for 2 years in sealed plastic.
The filter is able to block smokes particles, but the fire temperature may cause the mask to soften or melt. So it is not recommended for fire escape purpose.
Additionally how useful would it be for fire or smoke escape purposes? Many thanks!
Hi – how long can the filters be kept in storage? Is there an expiration date of can it be kept indefinitely till usage?
Hi Kim, how long you need to change the filter depends on your application.
For example, if you use the mask to reduce traffic pollution or other irritants like pollen, you may wait until the filter turns from white to grey.
However, if you want to get respiratory protection from flu or other airborne virus then you may want to change the filter more frquently.
In hospital setting, they follow a clear protroco. One may need to change the filter every 4 hours or everytime he/she went into an ICU.
In any case, you should not keep using the same filter for over 4 weeks.
How often do you need to change the filters in the TOTOBOBO masks?
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Hi Rob, any mask that form a tight seal on your face and installed with effective filter should be able to reduce the chances of air borne virus. N95 mask, if it seal your face will reduce the chances by 95%. Totobobo mask, if it seal your face, will reduce the chances by 94%.
Is this mask suitable for the new Swin Flu going around? Please let me know.
Hi Paula, the mask/ strap does not contain any latex material.
Is there any latex in any part of this mask or straps? Thank you
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