What sort of protection do you get

P2 or PM2.5 are tiny particles in the air that reduce visibility and cause the air to appear hazy when levels are elevated. 

These particles come in a range of sizes, from 0.1 & 50 micrometres (microns or μm). 

Particulate diameters that are: 

• larger than 50 μm (PM50) can be seen by the naked eye;
• 10 μm (PM10) start to pose a health concern because they can be inhaled causing irritation; or 
• 2.5 μm (PM2.5 or P2) are fine or ‘respirable’ particulates and are believed to pose the greatest health risk. These are mainly dust, spores, and pollen in the air, but these particles are also formed because of burning fuel, chemical reactions in the air.  

The N95 and N99 masks both could block 95% and 99% of PM2.5 particulate matter of 2.5 μm diameter.  These particles are a complex combination of pollutants as dust, pollen, mould spores, dust mites, some bacteria, smoke, and mist.  

The difference is in the level of filtration. In most cases 95% filtration should be sufficient, but this depends on the ambient particle level in the air. 

Our filters are compliant with European standard EN149 

• N95 at FFP1 class; &
• N99 filters at FF3 class.

Protection depends also on how well the mask is fitted to your face and if the filter and mask are serviceable.

PM 2.5 is harmful since these particulate matters are so small, light & very fine particles, remaining airborne longer. 

They become dangerous when these particles penetrate deeply into the lungs and the worst scenario if some might be able to enter the circulatory system. Other reasons why PM2.5 is dangerous because it has multiple short terms and long-term health impacts. 

In the short term symptoms might include irritation in the eyes, nose and throat, coughing, sneezing and shortness of breath.

Prolonged longer term exposure can cause permanent respiratory problems such as asthma, chronic bronchitis & heart disease. 

People who are exposed to places with particulate matter need to ensure that they use an appropriate mask with a ‘Hepa’ Filter.

Click on the picture to see how effective the type of mask you choose can be from a university study from the US.

Our masks are 100% washable and reusable and should be serviceable for many years. 

We recommend a maximum use of eight hours continuously before the filter is removed and the mask is washed. Once washed the filter can be replaced and used again.

Beards may interfere with the sealing of a mask. 

Have a look at our size guide to get the best fit.

How much leakage is governed by the thickness of the beard and the correct size of the mask.

Lifespans are indicative and subject to air quality, level of aerobic activity and duration of exposure.

It is also subject to how clean you keep your mask.

 All masks are compatible with aerobic exercise (even the BreezeFIT and SafeFIT with their expanded cavity), but if your body feels shortness of breath or pain quickly find a safe place, stop, and remove the mask. 

Rest until you have returned to normal comfortable breathing.

If there is still discomfort consult your doctor.

Otherwise have a look at what the World Health organisation recommends for mask use in general.

Our masks support several different uses and as such we are going to contrast some different examples for the life of the filter.

In the country exposed to atmospheric dust, pollen, and spores (5 – 10 μm), the P2 filter will filter out these particles significantly reducing the symptoms of hay fever (if the mask is correctly fitted and washed as above. 

Considering you are walking or riding leisurely using 2400 litres of air per hour, your filter should last 160 hours or one month.

Depending on what you are exposed to in the city, the risks may be different but our mask should support your quality of life.

Consider walking in the city exposed to fine dust, exhaust, allergens, and mould (2.5 μm), the P2 filter will filter out most these particles if used as above. 

If walking briskly to work for 30 minutes each way using 1600 litres of air, your filter should last 110 hours or one month 

Riding in city exposed to traffic, fine dust, exhaust, allergens, and mould (2.5 μm), the P2 filter will filter out a majority these particles if used as above. 

Riding work for 30 minutes each way using 1800 litres of air, your filter should last 90 hours or one month