FAQ
Which Respro® mask should I purchase for urban use?- Bikers/pedestrians in urban environments, it is recommended to use the Techno™ mask where pollution is high and full of particulates. The Techno™ filter in the Techno™ mask is a combination of Sports and City™ filters providing both sub-micron gas particle filtration and vapour filtration.
The Techno™ filter has the ability to filter submicron particles. This means that it is able to retain particles smaller than one micron, i.e. it provides a greater capacity to remove 2.5 micron solids.
Particles of pollution in cities appear to be in the size range of 2.5 microns and above. Particles smaller than this are known as respirable dust, which can penetrate deep within the lungs and into the alveolus. This is a dangerous type of chemical pollution from vehicle emissions penetrating the blood barrier via respirable particulates. Hence the need for Hepa-Type ™ filtration of submicron particles. The DACC™ layer of activated carbon in the Techno™ filter provides excellent adsorption properties in terms of SO2 and NO2 assimilation. With this capability and the ability to filter vapours, it is the best filter available in our range to combat the wide spectrum of pollutants commonly found in large cities around the world. - What is the difference between the Sportsta™ and City™ filters?
- Each type of filter has its use in a specific environment.
The City™ Filter uses Dynamic Activated Carbon Material (DACC™) with a 95% pure carbon weave, originally developed by the British Ministry of Defence for use in protecting against chemicals and bacteria in wartime. DACC™ is used to effectively filter the primary pollutants associated with vehicle emissions. The DACC™ is coated with a medical-grade non-woven polypropylene material that filters particulates from the air and helps prevent them from being absorbed into the respiratory system. The City™ filter provides protection against: - Hydrocarbons. e.g. Benzene; Pyrene; 1,3-Butadiene. - Acid Gases. e.g. Nitrogen Dioxide; Sulphur Dioxide - Photochemical Pollutants. e.g. Low Ozone; - Particulate Matter. e.g. Black Smoke; Flower Pollen; Lead Oxide. For more information on the list of all chemicals that have been tested with DACC, please go to the Industry Section of this website.
The Sportsta™ Filter uses electrostatically charged fibres to attract airborne particles down to 0.3 microns. 1 micron = 1/1000 mm. Unlike most particle filters, which rely on mechanical retention, resulting in either high inhalation resistance or high bulkyness, Sportsta filters provide extremely low inhalation resistance, by comparison. The Sportsta™ filter provides protection against: - Dust Dust; Brick Dust; Cereal Dust; Soy Dust; Coal Dust; Dust Mites; Cigarette Smoke. - PM10 e.g. diesel exhaust. - Tar. - What size mask do I need?
- Generally mask sizes are defined as follows:
a. 5' Light Case = Small
b. 5' Heavy Case - 5'6" Medium Case = Medium
c. 5'6' Heavy Housing - 6' Medium Housing = Large
d. 6' Heavy Case - 6'+ Medium Case = Very Large
If you are unsure which size to choose please contact customer service (kontakt@respro.com.pl) with the following information:
Height:
Weight:
Size of neckline (neck):
Head circumference (hat) size:
Length from eye to chin:
Other important features corresponding to facial features:
Measurement tips:
Size of neckline (neck): Using a piece of cotton or string, measure the circumference around the neck. Use a ruler to determine the length of the string. This is the circumference of the neck. It is even easier to check the size of the shirt.
Size the circumference of the head (hat): Using a piece of cotton or string, measure the circumference around your head. Use a ruler to determine the length of the string. This is the circumference of the head or hat.
Length from eye to chin: Place a piece of string between the eyes at the top of the nasal root, pull the string along the nose and down to the underside of the chin. This is the length from eye to chin. - Do the filters need changing, if so, how often?
- Yes, the filters need changing.
The wear and tear of Respro® filters depends on a number of factors, such as: the user's breathing rate; the level of contamination; the length of time the filter is actively working; the level of hygiene. Taking these factors into account, it is recommended to change the filter every month or every 69 hours or faster.
Changing the Sportsta™ filter should be done monthly, or when the filter is noticeably discoloured. - What filter do I need?
- Determine in which type of environment the mask will be used, i.e. urban or rural. If you are in heavy or slow traffic on a daily basis, you should use the Techno™ or City™ filter. Despite the chemical pollutants present in the countryside; crop spraying, fertilisers etc, particulates are much more of a potential problem, so the Sportsta™ filter is a better option.
- I need the protection that the City™ mask provides, but I also want the extra comfort provided by the Sportsta™ mask, is it possible to combine the two?
- Yes! The filters and valves used in both the City™ and Sportsta™ masks are interchangeable.
- Are all filters and valves interchangeable?
- Yes! All our filters are interchangeable as long as they are the same size. You can even create your own mask from a combination of different parts. E.g. a Sportsta™ mask with a Techno™ or City™ or Cinqro™ filter, or an Allergy mask with a Powa™ Elite valve.
- Do I need to replace the valve?
- Valves if maintained as they should not need replacing. Every month it is recommended to flush the valve with warm water, allowing it to dry and applying a small amount of talc to prevent the valve from sticking. On the Powa valve, it is important to position the two pins, closest to the hinge, appropriately to the valve body and check that they are correctly fixed.
- Can the bonnet be washed?
- It is recommended to wash the neoprene shell of the mask every month under normal conditions of use. The filter and valve should then be removed before washing. Although all additional valves and filters are available in the shop, care should be taken not to misplace any of the items.
- Nose bends: how much should I bend them?
- The cast iron stretch nose clips shape easily to fit snugly around the base of the nose. Continuous or exaggerated deformation/bending will eventually damage the metal - it may tear. Once the shape is correctly fitted, it is best to keep it, not folding it flat for storage purposes or when not in use.
- How long is Bandit™ active before it needs replacing?
- Under normal conditions, Bandit™ provides the user with approximately six months of protection. Bandit contains D.A.C.C., which has a special coating that allows it to be washed. Regular washing is recommended to maintain optimum performance. It should be immersed in a pot of boiling water (this releases oil-based compounds that are attracted to the D.A.C.C.) and allowed to cool. Then rinse in warm water using a washing detergent, rinse and leave to dry.
- What filter do I need for the X-treme™ mask?
- Basically, the X-treme™ filters work in the same way as the City™ and Sportsta™ filters. The X-treme™ mask is used for sports and uses the Sportsta™ filtration ability, while the X-treme ™ mask is designed for urban use and uses activated charcoal as the filtration media.
- What are the differences between the new Cinqro™ masks?
- The Cinqro™ masks are primarily designed for use by "urban trainers", "runners" or "multi-sport users", where breathing rates are typically higher than the average user. Improved comfort is key for this level of personal use.
In order to improve airflow and comfort, the Cinqro™ mask uses two Elite Powa™ valves, which allows for rapid airflow with increased breathing effort, providing less back pressure, less moisture in the filter, better filtration, lower inhalation resistance, ultimately providing improved comfort and performance.
The Cinqro™ kit includes a mask equipped with a Hepa-Type™ filter that filters out submicron particles such as exhaust smoke, pollen, brake lining dust and any water vapour particles that carry various chemicals in the air. In addition, a DACC™ chemical/particle filter is also supplied as part of the kit allowing the filter to be interchangeable to make the Cinqro™ mask suitable for use in a variety of environments from city to countryside.
The mask's casing graphics match the sporting arenas rather than scaring the "hell out of you". - What particle sizes does the Techno™ mask filter?"
- The Techno™ filter has the ability to filter submicron particles. This means that it is able to retain particles smaller than one micron, i.e. it provides a greater capacity to remove 2.5 micron solids.
Particles of pollution in cities appear to be in the size range of 2.5 microns and above. Particles smaller than this are known as respirable dust, which can penetrate deep within the lungs and into the alveolus. This is a dangerous type of chemical pollution from vehicle emissions penetrating the blood barrier via respirable particulates. Hence the need for Hepa-Type ™ filtration of submicron particles.
The DACC™ layer of activated carbon in the Techno™ filter provides excellent adsorption properties in terms of SO2 and NO2 assimilation. With this capability and the ability to filter vapours, it is the best filter available in our range to combat the wide range of pollutants commonly found in major cities around the world. - Why is the Cinqro™ mask more expensive than other masks?
- The Cinqro™ kit includes a mask equipped with a Hepa-Type™ filter, which filters out submicron particles such as smoke from exhaust fumes. In addition, a DACC™ chemical/particle filter is also supplied as part of the kit allowing the filter to be interchangeable.
In order to improve airflow and comfort, the Cinqro™ mask uses two Powa™ Elite valves, allowing rapid airflow with increased breathing effort. This provides less back pressure, less moisture in the filter, better filtration, lower inhalation resistance, ultimately providing improved comfort and performance.
The graphics of the mask casing match the sporting arenas, rather than scaring "like hell".
Cinqro™ = mask + 2 filters + Powa™ Elite valves + graphics = value for money - Are masks available for children?
- The main problem in providing child masks is the variable size. The wide range that is required does not always fit within the child's size range.
Masks for a 3 year old no longer fit a 7 or 10 year old. Therefore, it is not advisable to use masks for children younger than 11 years, it is better to look for alternatives that "common sense" suggests, e.g. the use of a pram cover, staying away from a large crowded or dense traffic area; otherwise something can be placed in front of the child's face to protect against the influx of polluted air/wind/exhaust fumes in direct contact. A child's respiratory rate is much lower than an adult's, so they should not be exposed to too much danger. In general, always use common sense. If a child suffers from specific respiratory problems, medical advice should be sought in the first instance.
The small Respro® Allergy™ masks have the smallest size available and are used by very young adults as well as older children over 10 years of age. - How to prevent your glasses from fogging up?
- When using a mask with goggles, it is best to first fit the mask to get a proper seal, and then place the goggles just before the nose clip on the mask. In fact, the fogging of the goggles depends on the seal of the mask. Adjustable nose pads facilitate a better fit than plastic moulded frames. A proper seal around the nose and cheekbones prevents venting in this area, thus preventing fogging. In our experience, most eyewear wearers have patented a way of adjusting their glasses with a mask without fogging.
- I feel my breathing is restricted, is this normal?
- It is important to understand that all masks have some level of restriction, especially at fast breathing rates; for example, when cycling fast.
All our masks are compatible with aerobic exercise. If your body starts with anaerobic capacity then no mask will fit and you will feel you need to stop or slow down.
The best masks use valves that 'condense' heat, water vapour and Co2; the faster the better. Removal of these components is key to comfort. Powa™ and Powa™ Elite valves are best for increased respiratory rates. - What % of the mask (Sportsta) protects against PM 2.5?
- The filter material in the Sportsta mask is the subject of continuous research. It provides 99% filtration of particles smaller than PM2.5 (2.5 microns); in fact, almost ten times smaller, 0.3 microns. An important point is the fit of the mask. If the mask is ill-fitting, air escapes through a mismatched outlet - a gap, which is why three sizes are offered.
Generally mask sizes are specified as follows:
5' Heavy Case - 5'6' Medium Case = Medium
5'6' Heavy Case - 6' Medium Case = Large
6' Heavy Case - 6'+ Medium Case = Very Large
To confirm size, contact customer service (kontakt@respro.com.pl) with the following information:
Mask 1:
Height:
Weight:
Size of neckline (neck):
Size of head circumference (hat):
Height:
Weight:
Size of neckline (neck): Using a piece of cotton or string, measure the circumference around the neck. Use a ruler to determine the length of the string. This is the circumference of the neck. It is even easier to check the size of the shirt.
Head circumference (hat) size: Using a piece of cotton or string, measure the circumference around your head. Use a ruler to determine the length of the string. This is the circumference of the head or hat. - What are the health effects of exposure to dust and other particles?
- ...
- How long do I have to wait for my order to be delivered?
- Orders placed and paid (or with the cash on delivery option) by 12 pm are sent by courier the same day. After12 pm we dispatch the next working day.