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FAQ
Can A Respro® Mask protect against Coronavirus.?
Which Respro® mask should I buy for Wildfire environments?
How do the Sportsta™ and City™ filters differ?
What size mask do I need?
Do the filters need replacing, if so, how often?
What filter do I need?
How do I change the filter?
I need the protection of the City™ mask, but would like the added comfort of the Sportsta™, is this possible?
Are all the filters and valves interchangeable?
Do I need to replace the valves?
Can the mask be washed?
These bendy nose things, how far should I bend them?
What size particles does the Techno™ mask filter out?
Are children’s masks available?
How do I stop my glasses from misting up?
I feel my breathing is restricted, is this normal?
What % of your mask (sportsta) protects against PM 2.5?
Will a beard affect the performance of a mask?
Can A Respro® Mask protect against Coronavirus.?
There is limited information on this specific virus but it is part of a family of viruses that have been previously researched and documented. The mechanics of capture remain consistent with other airborne viral pathogens. Viral infection is transmitted in two major ways:
By airborne transmission.
By coming into physical contact with viral material and self administering the virus by hand to mouth or nose actions.
Viral protection is best attended to in two ways.
- Use a respiratory mask that incorporates an Activated Charcoal Cloth layer together with a submicron particle filter layer (combination filter) as it has the ability to adsorb viral matter in both the micro and the nano range of sizes by means of entrapment and adsoprtion. Whilst a P2/P3 industry face mask will trap particulates which may well carry viral matter (micro size), they are seldom bespoke and only come in one size. This increases the chance of a misfit by the user, especially if used by children or if they are not shown how to fit a mask properly or undergo a fit test~This means that a percentage of unfiltered air will bypass the filter completely. What these masks cannot do is adsorb the viral matter on its own, this happens with DACC as it operates on both a different principle and size scale (nano size). So whether that rated mask is P1/2 or 3, is not a significant factor. The correct fit and the seal are!
Suitable masks with a combination filter:
Techno Mask - (suitable for commuting)
Ultralight Combo - (suitable for Sport)
Sportsta Combo - (suitable for Sport)
A combination filter would be suitable for exhaust pollution (VOC’s and PM 2.5’s) airborne viral and bacterial matter, and cigarette smoke.
A combination filter has both a Hepa-type filter layer and a DACC layer. This combination of Hepa-type filter layer and DACC in one single filter provides submicron (smaller than PM 2.5) dust filtering capability, together with DACC capability for filtering gases (VOC’s /Acid gases), vapours and viral matter in the nano range of sizes by means of adsoprtion. It is the best type of filter available in our range for dealing with the broad spectrum of vehicle and non vehicular pollutants commonly found in major cities across the globe. They can be found here:
Cinqro Filter Twin Pack
Techno Filter Twin Pack
- Using a hand sanitiser that kills viral and bacterial matter found on common surfaces will help against the spread of a virus. Viruses can be picked up from door handles, light switches, TV remotes, communal surfaces, vending machines and on mass transit systems from buses, trains and metro or at work on shared surfaces, in lifts etc.
We are running a Travel Sanitiser program. Our Sanitiser, water based and Non-Toxic, kills 99.9% of all common germs and bacteria. It is hand sized and an excellent travel product for everyday use. Please visit this link to see the how to clean your Respro® mask using the Respro® sanitiser spray.
Which Respro® mask should I buy for Wildfire environments?
The pollution from burning forest fires and shrubland would be made up of carbonaceous particulates in the form of black smoke and resultant chemical compounds from burning sap from the trees or tree material.
We would recommend the Ultralight mask with a Cinqro Urban filter pack option especially for hot summer conditions.
The filter fitted into the Ultralight mask as standard (Cinqro sports filter) is a Hepa-type filter, perfect for sub-micron black smoke particulates and pollen (smaller than PM2.5 and less than 1 micron).
The filter pack supplied with the 'combo' kit is the Cinqro Urban filter. This filter is a combination filter comprising of an Dynamic Activated Charcoal Cloth layer (DACC) laminated to the Hepa-type particulate layer of the Sports filter and provides a broader spectrum of screening which would include wood gas and carbonaceous pollution together with filtration from urban vehicle pollution.
The Ultralight mask is made from air permeable material which is good for facial ventilation, comes in 4 sizes for a comfortable flexible fit and is fitted with the Elite Powa valves for humidity control in the filter.
If you are seeking a more economical solution, then we would suggest the Techno mask as this has a combination filter similar in specification to the Cinqro Urban filter.
In summary: Masks we recommend for Wildland fire pollution depending on the level of activity of the user.
ULTRALIGHT-MASK-PLUS-URBAN-FILTER-COMBO (SPORTS USE)
TECHNO-MASK (GENERAL)
How do the Sportsta™ and City™ filters differ?
Each filters type has a primary use in a specific environment. The City™ filter uses Dynamic Activated Charcoal Cloth (DACC™) a 95% pure charcoal weave, originally developed by the U.K. Ministry of Defence for use in the protection against chemical and bacteria warfare situations. We use DACC™ to effectively filter out Primary pollutants associated with vehicle exhaust emissions. The DACC™ is laminated with medical grade non woven polypropylene material which filters particulates from the air and helps prevent them from entering the respiratory system. The City™ filter offers protection against: - Hydrocarbons. e.g. Benzene; Pyrene;1,3 Butadiene. - Acid gases. e.g. Nitrogen dioxide; Sulphur dioxide. - Photo-chemical pollutants. e.g. Low level Ozone - Particulates. e.g. Black smoke; Pollen; Lead oxide. For a more comprehensive list of all the chemicals that have tested with DACC, please go to the Industrial section of the website. The Sportsta™ filter uses electrostatically charged fibres to attract airborne particulates down to 0.3 microns in size. 1 Micron = 1/1000mm. Unlike most particle filters which rely on mechanical retention, which inherently results in high inhalation resistance or very large cumbersome filters, the Sportsta filter offers extremely low inhalation resistance, by like comparison. The Sportsta™ filter offers protection against: - Pollen dust; Building dust; Clay dust; Grain dust; Soya dust; Carbon dust; House dust; Cigarette smoke. - PM10’s. e.g. Diesel smoke. - Lead & Tar.
What size mask do I need?
As a rule of thumb mask sizing is as follows:
a. 5’ Light Build = Small
b. 5’ Heavy Build - 5’6’ Average Build = Medium
c. 5’6” Heavy Build - 6’ Average Build = Large
d. 6’ Heavy Build - 6’+ Average Build = X-Large
Do the filters need replacing, if so, how often?
Yes, the filters do need replacing.
The effective working life of Respro® filters depends on a number of factors, such as; the breathing rate of the user; ambient levels of pollution; the length of time the filter is actively working; hygiene levels. Taking these factors into account we recommend that the filter should be replaced every month or every 69 hours, whichever is sooner.
Replacement of the Sportsta™ filter should be carried out every month or when the filter becomes noticeably discoloured.
What filter do I need?
You will need to determine what type of environment you will be using the mask in, ie, a city environment or a countryside environment. Typically, if you are commuting every day with heavy or slow moving traffic, you should use the Techno™ or the City™ filter. Although chemical pollutants can be found in the countryside; crop spays, fertilisers etc., particulates are more likely to pose a potential problem, thus a Sportsta™ filter is likely to be the better option.
How do I change the filter?
If you visit our YouTube channel there is a video to show how to change the filter.
I need the protection of the City™ mask, but would like the added comfort of the Sportsta™, is this possible?
Yes! The filters and valves used in both the City™ and the Sportsta™ masks are totally interchangeable.
Are all the filters and valves interchangeable?
Yes! All our filters are interchangeable, provided they are the same size. You can make your own mask from a combination of parts. like the Sportsta™ mask with Techno™ or City™ or Cinqro™ filter or Allergy mask with Powa™ Elite valves.
Do I need to replace the valves?
The valves should not need replacing on a regular basis assuming that they are maintained properly. On a monthly basis, it is advisable to flush the valves through with warm water, allow to dry and apply a little talcum powder to prevent the valve from sticking. On the Powa valve, it is essential that you locate the two pins, nearest the hinge, properly into the body of the valve, and check that they are seated properly.
Can the mask be washed?
It is recommended that you wash the neoprene shell of the mask every month under normal use. To do this it is necessary to remove the filter and the valve first. Although spare valves and filters are available from your retailer, please be careful not to misplace any of the components during maintenance.
These bendy nose things, how far should I bend them?
The malleable nose clip deforms easily so that a good fit can be formed around the bridge of the nose. Continuous or exaggerated deformation will eventually cause failure in the metal - it will snap. Once a good fit has been found, it is best to maintain the shape, rather than folding it flat when storing it or when not in use. If it breaks, all you have to do is send a picture of it, indicating size, model and address details to customerservices@respro.com and we will send a replacement shell FOC. There is a small shipping charge which is charged at cost and dependent on country location.
What size particles does the Techno™ mask filter out?
The Techno™ filter has sub-micron filtration capability. What this means is that it is able to trap particles less than one micron in size which is more than capable of the removal of 2.5 micron particulate material (PM). Typically particulate pollution in the cities appears to be in the 2.5 micron size range and above. Particles smaller than this are known as respirable dusts, which can lodge deep within the lungs and air sacs. This is the more dangerous type of particle pollution as chemicals from vehicle exhaust gases combustion known to be toxic, are carried by means of the respirable particles. Hence the need for a Hepa-type™ submicron particle filter. The DACC™ Activated charcoal layer within the Techno™ filter has excellent adsorption properties when it comes to SO2 and NO2 uptakes. With this capability and its capability of filtering VOC’s it is the best filter available in our range for dealing with the broad spectrum of pollutants commonly found in major cities across the globe.
How do I stop my glasses from misting up?
When using a mask with glasses, it is best to fit the mask first to get the correct fit with no seal leakage, then place the glasses in front of the nose clip on the mask. It is really dependent on the seal of the mask. Having adjustable nose pads facilitates a better fit than plastic moulded rims. A good seal around the nose and cheekbone will mean no leakage in that region which equals no misting. This is how/why glasses get misted up on the inside of the lens. In our experience most glasses wearers manage to figure a way of fitting glasses with a mask without them getting misted up.
I feel my breathing is restricted, is this normal?
I think that from the start that you have to understand that any mask will have some level of restriction especially at fast breathing rates for example; when cycling fast. All of our masks are compatible with aerobic exercise. If you body starts working in an anaerobic capacity then no mask is compatible and you will feel like you need to stop or slow down. The best masks will use exhalation valves that ‘dump’ heat, water vapours and Co2; the quicker the better. The removal of these components are the key to comfort. You need to get them out of the mask. The Powa™ and Powa™ Elite valve is key at elevated breathing rates.
What % of your mask (sportsta) protects against PM 2.5?
The filter material in the Sportsta mask is subject to testing which gives 99% filtration of particulates smaller than PM2.5 (2.5 microns); in fact almost ten times smaller, 0.3 microns. An important point with respect to masks is how well they fit. If they fit poorly then the air will just pass through the gap where it doesn’t fit, that’s why we have three sizes.
As a general rule of thumb, mask sizing is as follows:
5’ Heavy Build - 5’6’ Average Build = Medium
5’6” Heavy Build - 6’ Average Build = Large
6’ Heavy Build - 6’+ Average Build = X-Large
Will a beard affect the performance of a mask?
Any beard will interfere with the sealing of a mask, it goes without saying. How much leakage is governed by the thickness of the beard and the correct size of mask.
