Coronavirus (Covid-19)

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 viral matter.

Viral infection is transmitted in two major ways:

  1. By airborne transmission.
  2. By coming into physical contact with viral material and self administering the virus by hand to mouth or nose actions.

How to protect yourself from airborne viral transmission:

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 adsorption. 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)
Cinqro Mask (suitable for Sport)
Ultralight Combo (suitable for Sport)
Sportsta Combo (suitable for Sport)
Allergy Combo (suitable for commuting)
Skin plus Techno upgrade kit (suitable for Sport)
Techno Plus (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

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 viral matter.

Viral infection is transmitted in two major ways:

  1. By airborne transmission.
  2. By coming into physical contact with viral material and self administering the virus by hand to mouth or nose actions.

How to protect yourself from contact based viral transmission:

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.

Our Sanitiser is 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.

General

Our concern in providing masks for children is that the size variation in children is so wide, that a ‘child’s’ mask will not fit the range of sizes that children come in.

A 3-year-old will not require the same mask sizes as a 7 -to 10-year-old. We do not recommend the use of face masks for children younger than 11 years, but to seek alternative ‘common sense’ precautions ie hood on push chairs, keep away from large congested or dense traffic environments; if you cannot, then place something in front of their faces more like a guard to prevent air/wind/ polluted air from direct contact. Children’s breathing rates are considerably lower that that of a walking adult so they should not be in too much danger. Generally common sense practice where at all possible should be considered. If a child has a particular respiratory issue then medical advice should be considered first and foremost.

The small Respro® Allergy™ mask is the smallest size available and useable by very small adults and older children above the age of 10 years.

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.

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.

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.

Cinqro™

The Cinqro™ mask focuses on the ‘urban trainer’, the ‘home runner’ or the multi-sport end user where breathing rates are typically higher than your average commuter. Improved comfortability are key to this level of personal endeavour.

For improved air flow and comfortability the two Powa™ Elite valves on the Cinqro™ mask allow faster air flow characteristics when breathing out at elevated breathing patterns, ie when you are giving it the beans from A2B which equates to less back pressure, less dampness in the filter, improved filtration, lower inhalation resistance all of which result in improved comfort and performance.

The Cinqro™ package incorporates a complete mask fitted with a Hepa-Type™ particle filter for filtering submicron particles like diesel smoke, pollen, brake lining dust and any aqueous water vapor particles that can carry various chemicals in the air. A spare combination filter is also supplied as part of the package allowing filter interchangeability making the Cinqro™ mask suitable for use in a wider variety of environments from inner cities to the countryside.

A graphics rebuild for the look of the mask fits it squarely in the sports arena rather than the ‘scare the hell out of everyone’ arena.

The Cinqro™ package incorporates a complete mask fitted with a Hepa-Type™ particle filter for filtering submicron particles like diesel smoke. A spare DACC™ chemical/particle filter is also supplied as part of the package allowing filter interchangeability.

For improved air flow and comfortability, two Powa™ Elite valves are included with the Cinqro™ mask. They improve air flow characteristics when breathing out at elevated breathing patterns. This equates to less back pressure, less dampness in the filter, improved filtration, lower inhalation resistance all of which result in improved comfort and performance.

A graphics rebuild for the look of the mask fits it squarely in the sports arena rather than the ‘scare the hell out of everyone’ arena.

Cinqro™ = mask + 2 filters + Powa™ Elite valves + graphics = value for money

Filtration

Any of the following masks which come with a combination filter would be suitable for environments where pollution is high and full of exhaust gases and various particulates including PM10, PM2.5 and respirables (sub-micron).

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) and vapours . It is the best type of filter available in our range for dealing with the broad spectrum of pollutants commonly found in major cities across the globe.

Typically particulate pollution in cities appears to be in the 2.5 micron size range, above and below. 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 together with a DACC Activated charcoal layer.

The usable lifespan of the filter is based on the characteristics of the active urban cyclist. If you are using the mask for another activity it still applies, but your breathing rate and activity would put the lifespan of the filter at a proportionally shorter or longer time. If your breathing rate is say half that of a cyclist then the effectiveness of the filter would be twice as long. For cycle commuting on a daily basis we recommend that the filter should be replaced every month or every 69 hours, whichever is sooner.

With respect to shipping, we now offer free shipping anywhere on the planet. We do offer a quicker courier service but this is chargeable and can be viewed and paid for at the checkout if required.

Each filters type has a primary use in a specific environment.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

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.

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.

Yes! The filters and valves used in both the City™ and the Sportsta™ masks are totally 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.

Essentially the filters in the X-treme™ function in the same way as the City™ and Sportsta™ filters do. The X-treme™ mask for sports utilises the particulate filtration ability of the Sportsta™ and the X-treme™ mask for urban use, uses activated carbon as its filtration medium.

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.

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.

To find out what size you are visit our sizing guide.

What are the health effects of exposure to dust and other Particulate Matter? Please see this 2008
Fact Sheet for more detailed information.

Maintenance

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.

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 and allow to air dry.

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.

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.

Under normal conditions the Bandit™ will provide the user with approximately six months protection. The Bandit incorporates D.A.C.C. which is specially coated so that it can be washed. It should be washed on a regular basis to maintain optimum performance. Immerse in a pan of boiling water (this releases the petroleum compounds pounds which are attracted to the D.A.C.C.) and leave to cool. Then wash in warm water using a non-automatic washing powder, rinse and leave to dry.

Returns

The sizing guide is a guideline only and it is recommended that you email your Biometric data to have your mask size confirmed.

Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations June 2014, a mask is considered as ‘personal’ item and for hygiene reasons Respro® are unable to exchange any mask that has been removed from its sealed packaging and fit attempted. This poses a contamination threat and subsequent product liability issue.

If however, Respro® have advised you of the size to purchase and if it is subsequently deemed the wrong size then Respro® will exchange it for the correct size free of any charge. Respro® does not offer this service if a mask is purchased from a third party supplier.

Shipping

Shipping is a free service and transit times vary:

  • Delivery time to the States is anywhere between 8-12 days, it varies according to the postal code and is delivered by USPS.
  • Delivery time to China is anywhere between 10-14 days, it varies according to the postal code and is delivered by USPS.
  • Delivery time to Europe is anywhere between 7- 10 days, it varies according to the postal code and is delivered by the national postal service of the individual country.
  • Delivery time to the rest of the world is anywhere between 10-20 days, depending on the country and is delivered by the national postal service of the individual country.

Question not answered?

Get in touch… find out how on our contact page.
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