The Moldex 4800, from their excellent "Airwave" line, distinguishes itself from other Moldex models through the inclusion of a carbon layer. It should be noted that the dominant criteria used in evaluating masks on Pollution Mask Review revolve around filtration efficiency. face seal, and N95 certification, critical in addressing PM2.5. A carbon layer's function is unrelated to PM2.5 filtration. The scientific literature today singles out PM2.5 as the overridingly significant element of urban pollution to contend with. Pollution, and exposure to it, are very multifactorial, but we focus primarily on a mask's ability to filter PM2.5, which is highly dependent upon face seal, as a vast body of current research demonstrates stronger links to most major pollution-related health risks from fine particulates than any other element of urban pollution.
The Moldex 4800 is the first mask on Pollution Mask Review to feature a carbon layer. In a certified N95 mask, carbon can deliver additional benefits, mitigating against nuisance odors, ozone, and organic vapor (OV). It appears that the extra layer creates little-to-no additional breathing resistance, thus represents no real trade-off. The Moldex model, like many other carbon masks, does, however, exhibit a slight odor that some users may be sensitive to. There are numerous masks available with carbon, however, our recommendations are always heavily weighted on features like N95 certification, or similar FFP2/FFP3 certification. A mask which is not N95 certified (or similar) and does not seal properly around the face, cannot provide adequate protection from the health endangering effects of PM2.5 and should be avoided, regardless whether it has carbon or not. Moldex is N95 certified. Moldex's pleated "Airwave" design greatly expands surface area, thereby reducing breathing resistance. It's a very effective approach that increases comfort while still filtering fine particulates, when correctly sized and properly worn. The adjustable head strap is easy to use and the mask may be worn hanging from the neck for convenient access. A form-holding exterior shell lends to the mask's durability, which can typically be used for a month under most conditions. This model, however, is not yet available in an exhale valve-equipped version, which would offer enhanced comfort allowing exhaled CO2, heat, and moisture to escape more rapidly. Hoping very much to see this in the future. Price: Approximately 225 NT$ Rating (1-10 scale): 8
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The AIR+ Smart Mask from Singapore with optional usb rechargeable micro ventilator represents a highly innovative approach to pollution mask design. Certainly there have been precursors to this design, but none so elegantly put together as this. Previous attempts have looked more like hacked together contraptions with little to no regard for aesthetic concerns or comfort. The AIR+ Smart Mask, with dual adjustable headstraps and exhale valve, may be used on its own, independent of the micro ventilator, sold separately, so let us discuss the standalone mask first.
The mask on its own, without the powered ventilator, is well designed and certified N95, filtering 95% of fine particulates (PM2.5) when properly worn. The valve allows for easy exhaling of warm air, and keeps the environment inside the mask relatively cool, certainly far more so than a typical non-valved design. Essentially, the mask is comparable in fit, function, and durability to a classic 3M N95 mask with valve, like the 3M 8210V, but with a more thoughtful, less industrial appearance. It's available in a full range of sizes as well, to ensure proper fit and the all-important face seal. The appearance is pleasant, or at least benign, and not unfriendly or warrior-like, such as a typical Respro brand mask. It's also a reasonable good value at 250 NT$ for a set of three masks which with their fairly durable construction, can be expected to be used a month or so each, before reaching for a new one. Now for the new powered micro ventilator. The effect of the device, once attached and activated, ultimately, is quite subtle. One could barely notice a difference while using it, whether cycling, walking, or running. It's not intended to further reduce inhale resistance, but does, ever so slightly, evacuate exhaled air more swiftly. This is not to say that the powered micro ventilator concept isn't worthwhile, but merely that it is simply underpowered, yet at 800 NT$ for the separate device, added to the cost of the masks, one is inclined to expect more than such a subtle effect. The charge lasts about two hours, and takes one hour to charge fully. It is a reasonably sleek add-on device, though with an uncomfortable switch to activate it, usually resulting in some fumbling. Fortunately, representatives from AIR+ in Singapore have stated that a more aggressive ventilator is planned for release possibly in Q2 of 2016, and it is this version that will likely best demonstrate the concept's potential. It appears to be a significantly larger usb ventilator about twice the size as the currently available one with double the battery power. Though the concept of the powered micro ventilator, in its execution here, represents an idea with a great deal of merit, and is a major leap forward compared to earlier similar concepts roughly executed in China, it is still not a perfectly refined one. The ventilator does not yet move a sufficient volume of air out of the mask upon exhale, but one could easily imagine that a doubling of power would produce the intended result. As such, the rating below for the mask reflects the success of the individual mask's design, particularly at this price point, sans the much more expensive and marginally effective powered micro ventilator. Price: 250 NT$ for 3 masks (83 NT$ per mask) Rating (1-10 scale): 8 Separate micro ventilator: 800 NT$ This review covers the second encounter with a model from the Moldex "Airwave" line, a model addressing the only shortcoming noted previously. By adding an exhale valve, the Moldex 4700 achieves the highest marks for comfort and breathability, enhancing an already excellent design and bringing the mask to the top of all models reviewed thus far. The interior remains very cool during use, even beyond the best valved masks in 3M's Aura line, allowing exhaled hot air and CO2 to be evacuated quickly, while on the intake breath, displaying notably less resistance over non-pleated type designs. The mask is the first to be reviewed here with a NIOSH rating of N100. Though N95 is likely sufficient in all but the most polluted urban air quality environments, the N100 designation represents a 99.97% efficiency at filtering non-oil based fine particulates (PM2.5). This model is a rare instance of win-win, where optimal filtration capability appears simultaneously with superior breathability. Key to its low inhale resistance, again, is the pleated "Airwave" design which expands the total surface area of the mask, allowing for reduced inhale force. The edge of the mask is lined with a highly comfortable foam material on the interior, enhancing fit and seal while reducing pressure points on the face. An adjustable head strap system allows the mask to be worn hanging from the next when not in use. After over a month's usage, this durable model still holds up quite well, with no detectable change in breathability or signs of wear indicating it's nearing the end of its usage cycle. A top choice.
Price: Approximately 250 NT$ Rating (1-10 scale): 9 And now for something different. Moldex, a California-based company, produces the "Airwave" series of respirator facemasks which are highly unique. By utilising an accordion bellows-style design in the half-cup mask, the total filter surface area is effectively doubled. The benefit to that increased surface area is distinctly less breathing resistance. This reduced resistance, particularly on the inhale, gives the mask a more comfortable, open feeling, quite unlike conventional N95 masks. The difference, however, is less apparent on the exhale when compared to N95s with exhale valves. It would seem that a combination of both the pleated "Airwave" element with an added exhale valve would yield superior results, though such complexity adds to costs. Moldex asserts that in their tests, the Airwave designs provides 56–65% less inhale resistance over conventional N95s. In personal use, these figures felt right. Similarly, exhale resistance was reportedly reduced 58–68%. In comparison to valved N95 masks in Moldex's tests, inhale resistance was reduced 51–68% while exhale resistance varied dramatically, from 14–51%. These numbers make sense intuitively, as a valve would occupy a percentage of the filter surface area, with relatively larger impact on a conventional half-cup style mask. The mask features rubber type headstraps (not earloop straps) and is, at this time, only sold in boxes, as are all Moldex models. This particular model from their Airwave line is the most economical. A laudable new design approach and a good value.
Price: Approximately 100NT$ Rating (1-10 scale): 7 The 3M Aura series 9211+ is something of a standout among all other masks reviewed to date. The Beijing-based US physician and noted pollution mask blogger, Dr. Richard Saint Cyr, presented fit testing data carried out in China on a number of masks, and it was the 3M Aura line which rated very significantly above all other N95 masks. The fit achievable with the Aura line is industry leading. In contrast to older cup-style N95s, the 3M Aura line features a more sophisticated three-panel design which can provide an excellent fit and face seal. Since a less-than-ideal face seal will always preclude the effectiveness of any mask, the Aura line's design appears to stand head and shoulders above the rest. Additionally, the 9211+ significantly bests many other masks by the inclusion of an exhale valve, an essential feature for N95s used for any lengthier period of time. The valve greatly enhances the potential for wearer compliance by avoiding heat and moisture buildup and allowing exhaled CO2 to escape from the mask. Conversely, the lack of any degree of a proper seal such as in common surgical masks, with their large air gaps along the sides and nose, are precisely why they're perceived as comfortable as well as a major reason why they're ineffective. For an N95 is to work properly, face fit and an air tight seal are imperative, yet once this is achieved, comfort tends to drops dramatically with the resultant buildup of heat, moisture, and trapped CO2. Therefore, it's all the more necessary with a proper seal to include an air exhale valve. Lastly, the 3M Aura 9211+ also scores higher marks for its durable braided elastic headbands. These extend the usable life of the mask over those with thin rubber straps which typically tend to break after a few days. A month of daily use can generally be expected. This is a significant improvement over the original 9211's rubber straps, and is signified by the "+" designation to the model. All in all, an excellent mask that provides comfortable protection from fine particle pollution (PM2.5) and additional value through some of its more durable construction features. A benchmark from 3M.
Price: 110NT$ Rating (1-10 scale): 8 The 3M "Aura" series 1870 mask is distinguished by its unique shape and a three-panel design that provides an enhanced fit quality over the classic cup-style N95s. The three-panel design seems to accommodate a wider range of face shapes and sizes, providing a better more secure seal once adjusted correctly. The 1870 is an FFP3 class respirator mask that filters 98% of small particles (PM2.5), which is an effectively higher level of protection than N95 that filters 95%. The dual headband red rubber strap denotes its FFP3 class in 3M's color-coding scheme (a blue strap would be FFP2 filtering small particles at 94% efficiency, and gray, FFP1, filtering even less). A valved version would significantly enhance comfort, allowing more heat, moisture, and CO2 to escape, nevertheless, the non-valved model at hand did provide a surprising level of comfort, perhaps the most of any N95 without an exhale valve yet encountered. The three-panel design folds down flat for easier carry, but when seated on the face, provides a distance from the mouth that, along with the unfolded panels, seem to create a larger surface area over conventional cup-style N95, enhancing breathability by decreasing air flow resistance on the inhale. Some users have found this design slightly more fussy to use at first, and for those wearing a full-face helmet, the mask can be difficult to wear inside. For its otherwise superior fit capability and surprisingly decent breathability for a non-valved mask, particularly one filtering at 98% efficiency, the 1870 earns higher marks.
Price: 80NT$ Rating (1-10 scale): 6 The 3M VFlex 9105 is one of 3M's more recent efforts to update the basic N95 with better design than the classic cup shaped mask. It is also the mask commonly distributed by the Singaporean government during the severe haze pollution affecting Southeast Asia . The VFlex folds down very slim and can be slipped easily and conveniently into any carry bag. The dual headband strap is rubber rather than elastic fiber, and has a slight texture to it for extra grip. Tabs on either side of the mask are convenient points to hold while adjusting the mask for proper fit. A metal nose band to seal around the nose is built into the mask between fabric layers, differing from older designs where the metal band is often visible on the outside. The perforated or scored section across the top and bottom half of the mask allow it to easily take its intended shape off of and away from the mouth when worn. This certified N95, when correctly worn, filters fine particulates of 2.5 microns and below at an efficiency of 95%. It can be used until the filtering material becomes noticeably clogged, impairing breathability or other signs of damage appear which may hinder the fit or performance of the mask. The VFlex 9105 is a highly cost effective and somewhat unique N95 mask. However, like all N95s without an exhale valve, the rapid buildup of heat, moisture, and exhaled CO2, make the wearing of the mask for any extended periods very uncomfortable, but at this price point, it still represents a solid value, at a price perhaps too low for inclusion of an exhale valve. The VFlex 9105 is also available in a smaller version, the 9501S.
Price: 18NT$ Rating (1-10 scale): 5 The 3M 8210V is the valved version of the 8210, a gold standard among early N95 masks. For comfort and wearability, the exhale valve at the front of the mask is an essential feature. How so? Essentially, upon every exhale, heat and moisture build up within a proper N95 mask with good face seal. This rapid buildup of heat and moisture dramatically reduces comfort and the temptation to unseal or remove the mask increases steeply. A valve, for any conventional N95 mask, will enhance comfort and wearability dramatically by allowing heat and moisture to immediately escape. Without this feature, the likelihood of using the mask for any amount of time drops significantly. The 3M 8201V, though lacking in aesthetic regard, is very effective and considerably more comfortable than conventional non-valved N95 masks. The cup-style mask with dual head straps correctly filters fine particulates of 2.5 microns and below at an efficiency of 95%. Though conceived of as a disposable-type single-use mask, it can be used until the filtering material becomes noticeably clogged, impairing breathability or other signs of damage appear which hinder fit or performance. Month-long usage, or longer, of this model is not uncommon, and thus the mask represents a good value for this level of performance, particularly in comparison to Tototobo masks and others at several times the price.
Price: 150NT$ Rating (1-10 scale): 7 Described on the front packaging as a "comfort mask", this non-N95 model from 3M's highly popular Nexcare line is not designed or intended to filter urban pollution. It cannot filter at the correct micron particle size to protect the wearer from the harmful effects of PM2.5. Face-fit is above that of a surgical mask, however gaping pockets on either side of the nose ensure that even if another filtering material had been utilized, inhaled air would take the path of least resistance and be drawn through the gaps on either side of the nose. This mask is merely another look for the ubiquitous surgical mask, which provides scant benefits in terms of filtering pollution.
Price: 65NT$ (5-pack) Rating (1 to 10 scale): 0 The the Giko 1400 is a somewhat peculiar 'duckbill' style N95 mask. Its design did not enhance breathability – airflow resistance on the inhale appeared similar to the conventional 3M cup-style N95 masks – however its foldability would constitute a small advantage. Dual head straps and nose clip are featured which are standard fare for most N95s. Another version, the 1410, provides an exhale valve which, based upon experience comparing many valved vs. non-valved masks, would significantly improve its comfort and usability. Such a valved version might score two points higher on the 1–10 scale.
Price: below 80NT$ each Rating (1 to 10 scale): 5 |
AuthorTaipei resident since 2012, I strive to draw attention to air quality, clean tech, and sustainable mobility solutions. Archives
February 2016
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