How do you feel about the TOTOBOBO mask?

It's comfortable to wear, but I can't say I've turned much since receiving it. It's a little aggravating to put on and at times I didn't get a good seal around my nose which caused my glasses to fog.

JD

JD, Thanks for your quick response. We did put a lot of effort to customize the material so that it feel very comfortable to wear. I agree it is not immediately clear how to put it on, because it is different from the normal approach. However, once learn, it is quite easy to do it again. If anyone need a bit of help, please refer to the demo page on our site: There are step by step illustrations and a short video at the bottom of the page.

For most cases, adjusting the position of the mask (higher or lower) and the tension of the strap (upper part, lower part) will help to solve the issue of air leak around the nose bridge. If the leak persist, it is possible to trim a small portion of the mask to make a customized fit. Since this is a reusable mask, such customization only need to do once, if it is ever needed.

If you want to get more detail instruction please send your request directly to me.

I like the Totobobo mask. I have a full beard, so getting a decent seal is a hit-or-miss thing (never completely sealing with anything short of a helmet), and the fit/seal also changes depending on how long it's been since I've trimmed. The mask certainly is comfortable, easy to get on and off. It rode a little high for my glasses, but is easily trimmed. I question how long the strap (silicone?) will last, it is awfully thin. I haven't done any power sanding since using it, so I can't give you feedback on how it works, or how fast the filters last, in a room full of dust, but it works fine around the bandsaw and general turning/sanding.

Overall, I like. I have a feeling that I'll order replacement filters... I guess that's the ultimate recommendation.

Michael Latcha - at home in Redford, MI

> > May I invite those who received the mask post their feedbacks here, so > that everyone can learn from your experience. >

"totobobo" wrote: (clip)I invite those who received the mask post their feedbacks here, (clip) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ The mask is very comfortable. I think I am getting a good seal, because the material is flexible and clingy. Unlike some other masks the back pressure while breathing is not noticeable. I think this contributes to the quality of the seal--less pressure, less leakage.

I viewed the video a while back, about putting the thing on, and it looked easy. When the mask came, for the life of me, I couldn't figure it out. Fortunately, the website is molded right into the mask, so I didn't have a problem viewing the video again, and voila, it *IS* easy--just not obvious.

The strap, although thin, can last for very long. It can be extended to 4 times it's own length and has been tested for repeat extension for over 8000 times. It should last at least as long as the mask. Most important thing is that you should feel comfortable with the wear and not over stretch it when putting it on.

Thanks Michael, for your ultimate recommendation : ) I expect our US shop should be up soon. Come visit the following link when you need replacement filters.

You are right Leo, this is one of the essential element of the TOTOBOBO patented : more flexible body >> less pressure needed >> more comfortable. We did put a lot of effort to obtain the perfect blend of ingredient to achieve the desired material property.

I didn't get one as I'm still happy with my Dust-Be-Gone that I'm still using after 15+ years.

I'd be interested in a comparison by someone who's used both.

I like the overall design of the product. I do have the same issue with not always getting a good seal. I have also noticed that the filters will have to be switched on a regular basis when turning. You can look at the filter media and see how much it is keeping out of your lungs. Overall I am happy with it for turning. I haven't used it yet when cutting on the tablesaw, primarily because I just acquired one. I will post once I start doing a lot of cutting.

Andy K.

The filter media is charged with electro-static. It filter large particle mechanically and attract&arrest smaller particle by electrostatic force. Take a look at these filters from India, is it comparable to yours?

You'll need to change the filter when you start to feel more difficult to breathe. Higher breathing resistance is a sign of filter blockage due to excessive particle load.

I haven't tried the mask, but have to mention that I've very impressed with your participation in this newsgroup and fast response to users questions.. Very impressive support and customer service, I hope you do well with your product..

mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

"mac davis" wrote: I haven't tried the mask, but have to mention that I've very impressed with your

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ This includes frank discussion of criticism, as well--very unusual.

to users questions..

mac davis/Leo Lichtman

Thanks for your kind words and encouragement. We won't have a chance to perform if not for the great participation of you guys from this group. Thanks to you all : )

I just discovered your product through this forum so I missed the opportunity to try one. I'm wondering what cold weather testing results you might have. I'd be interested in purchasing your mask when it's available for sale but I'd like to know how it performs in a cold climate (maintaining a seal once established). I live in Manitoba, Canada where we experience sub zero temperatures for a good part of the year and I have occasions when I would wear it outdoors.

I appreciate any comments you may have.

Michael

Hi Michael,

Thanks for your interest. The mask will become less soft at sub-zero temperature, although it remain flexible, just not as soft. We have not "life-tested" the mask in the sub zero weather condition. Therefore we are very interested to hear from your use experience. Please forward your address to totobobomask (at) gmail.com so that I can arrange a mask for you to test.

Francis

Once adjusted for correct fit I found the mask to be very comfortable. I can get a good seal round my face and shortish beard, and the seal appears to be sufficient as I haven't detected dust getting through. I would prefer the size adjustment to be easier to do with the mask in place on the face, but as this only needs to be done when first worn this isn't really that important.

The filters are becoming dust filled so must be doing their work, and if I blow my nose after turning there's no evidence of dust.

The only problem I've found is the tendency of the mask to mist up the lower portion of my face shield. The only way I see of getting round this is to put some sort of deflector over the filter which directs exhaled air down away from the filter. It will be interesting to see how the misting problem changes when the weather changes. At the moment the workshop is around 14 degrees C

So far I've only used it for turning (with tools and sanding) and a small amount of bandsawing and I like the mask a lot.

Duncan

Try to breathe in with the mouth and breathe out with the nose. Reasons being, the faster breathe in through the mouth helps to dry up the air within the mask. While the air breathe out through the nose carry less water (mist).

One more tip, this one is more tricky and may involve trimming the mask, but the result (extra comfort) will be worth it: Adjust the strap so that it is just sufficient force to hold the mask on your face and a little extra for the seal. As you breathe out, the positive pressure allow the air/moisture exit easily from the side/ bottom of the mask. As you breathe in, the negative pressure causes the seal to close. This is possible because the strap is not tight to the edge of the mask and the edge is free to move with the pressure.

I am interested to know too, please keep us post.

Thanks for mentioning : )

Try to breathe in with the mouth and breathe out with the nose. Reasons being, the faster breathe in through the mouth helps to dry up the air within the mask. While the air breathe out through the nose carry less water (mist).

One more tip, this one is more tricky and may involve trimming the mask, but the result (extra comfort) will be worth it: Adjust the strap so that it is just sufficient force to hold the mask on your face and a little extra for the seal. As you breathe out, the positive pressure allow the air/moisture exit easily from the side/ bottom of the mask. As you breathe in, the negative pressure causes the seal to close. This is possible because the strap is not tight to the edge of the mask and the edge is free to move with the pressure.

I am interested to know too, please keep us post.

Thanks for mentioning : )

Try to breathe in with the mouth and breathe out with the nose. Reasons being, the faster breathe in through the mouth helps to dry up the air within the mask. While the air breathe out through the nose carry less water (mist).

One more tip, this one is more tricky and may involve trimming the mask, but the result (extra comfort) will be worth it: Adjust the strap so that it is just sufficient force to hold the mask on your face and a little extra for the seal. As you breathe out, the positive pressure allow the air/moisture exit easily from the side/ bottom of the mask. As you breathe in, the negative pressure causes the seal to close. This is possible because the strap is not tight to the edge of the mask and the edge is free to move with the pressure.

I am interested to know too, please keep us post.

Thanks for mentioning : )