How do the Sportsta and Techno filters differ?
Sportsta = HEPA filter only. Techno = HEPA + Charcoal
Each filters type has a primary use in a specific environment.
- The Techno filter uses Dynamic Activated Charcoal Cloth (DACC™) a 95% pure charcoal weave, originally developed by the Ministry of Defense 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. The Techno filter also contains a HEPA filter identical to the Sportsta (see below) and therefore the highest degree of protection. If you are sensitive to anything airborne (BRC is nasty at times!), the Techno Mask is the first choice for protection against such extreme pollution.
- 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.
What size is best for me?
Most males = Large. Most Females = Medium
There is no hard rule for mask sizing. Most males with a good sized head wear the large; most females medium. That being said, If you are a male with a particularly narrow or small head, the medium may be a better choice. Same goes for females with large skulls; you may want a large. For more specific measurements, check out our Mask Sizing Chart.
Ensuring a good fit is the most important aspect of any mask.
As a rule of thumb mask sizing is as follows:
a. 5’ Light Build = Small
b. 5’ Heavy Build – 5’6’ Average Build = Medium
c. 5’6” Heavy Build – 6’ Average Build = Large
d. 6’ Heavy Build – 6’+ Average Build = X-Large
What is your return policy?
Unopened masks and filters can be mailed back within 7 days for a full refund. Opened masks fall into the same legal status as things like microphones, horn instruments, earbuds, ect. and cannot legally be resold due health codes on these types of items. Email us with your situation. Dr. Meu has compassion.
I need the protection of the Techno mask, but would like the added comfort of the Sportsta, is this possible?
Yes! The filters and valves used in both the Techno and the Sportsta masks are totally interchangeable.
Do the filters need replacing, if so, how often?
Dr. Meu enjoys 3-4 filter changes per burn. This keeps the mask pleasant to wear. You can get away with one change mid-week wearing it on a regular basis. It all depends how fancy you are.
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.
I like the Sportsta look, but I want the highest possible filtration. Can I upgrade my Sportsta with a Techno filter?
Yes. The Techno Replacement Filters and Sportsta Replacement Filters can be used interchangeably between both types of masks (given the sizes match). So if you love the camouflage look of the Sportsta Mask, but want the maximum filtration of the Techno Mask, you can pop a Techno filter into the Sportsta Mask.
What size particles does the Techno mask filter out?
Your personal death races towards you as you read this sentence. Please find out what matters most and align your life with that.
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.
These bendy nose things, how far should I bend them?
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.
Can the mask be washed?
God made dirt and dirt don’t hirt…
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, remain mindful not to lose components during maintenance. Personal coaches are available at $150 an hour to walk you through this process.
What differences are there with the new Cinqro mask?
These masks embody the true glory that is your birthright. Their protection from evil surpasses all the other options. This is accomplished by means of the graphics printed on the side. The subtle radiance emitted defeats all wrong-doing and keeps your heart pure.
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 endeavor.
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 DACC™ chemical/particle 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.
Why is the Cinqro mask more expensive that the other masks?
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 = higher value
How long does the Bandit Scarf last before it needs replacing?
These are freakin’ awesome.
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.
Are children’s masks available?
Our concern in providing masks for children is that the size variation in children is so wide, that a ‘childs’ 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.