Anyone use masks/air filters?

[MattDB]

Another thread got me thinking. A while back I got neurotic about inhaling vehicle fumes. In retrospect there wasn't much traffic but where I am now I'm always behind buses getting that dirty taste in my mouth. I used to use a respro city mask and filter but I used to overheat up the hills and struggle for breath. Then s doctor friend told me they don't do much other than filter out the large particles.

Just wondered if others wear masks, what type and how they find them?

 

[slowmotion]

Unless you suffer from asthma, why bother? They are all very uncomfortable to wear.

 

[classic33]

Move back a bit from the buses!
Filters
Did a trip to work with one of these. 20 minute air supply, but it got me noticed!

 

[Mo1959]

Move back a bit from the buses!
Filters
Did a trip to work with one of these. 20 minute air supply, but it got me noticed!
View attachment 109162

Takes me back. We got trained in SDBA in my job before they decided it wasn't a good idea and just to let the professionals deal with things. Lol

 

[steve50]

thought about getting one of these, would definitely get you noticed......http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Unisex-Sk...255404?hash=item20ee32ba6c:g:5mUAAOxyni9TCu8m

 

[steve50]

Couldn't resist at this price, http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141699044230 ordered one today, should come in handy over the winter months

 

[jefmcg]

The smaller the diesel particles are, the more dangerous they are. There is no solution (except maybe air tanks - thanks @classic33) that will filter out the smallest particulates; you couldn't draw enough air through the fine filter to breathe. There is a suggestion (unproven) that masks might actually make things worse, forcing you to breathe more deeply, and thus drawing the tiny hazardous particles further into your lungs that they would be if you weren't wearing a mask.

OTOH, skull masks are bad ass!

 

[manalog]

Can you not use a mask with a P2/P3 filters? Or are they not good enough for particulate filtering. I'm not an expert but P3 is used when handling asbestos. Got one from screwfix, not for cycling but for DIY, it is brilliant, I thought of using it for cycling but it look so naff!

 

[Jacqueslemac]

I remember reading something (originally in the British Medical Journal if I remember correctly) that said the physical effort of cycling meant the body was better able to process noxious fumes than if you were sitting sedately in a car. In other words, you may smell the fumes, but your body is coping with them.

 

[jefmcg]

OK, my information may be way out of date

http://aqicn.org/faq/2013-02-03/can-masks-really-filter-the-particulate-matter-as-small-as-pm25/

I've never worn a mask like this. Can you exert yourself while wearing them?

 

[jefmcg]

I remember reading something (originally in the British Medical Journal if I remember correctly) that said the physical effort of cycling meant the body was better able to process noxious fumes than if you were sitting sedately in a car. In other words, you may smell the fumes, but your body is coping with them.

I thought that cyclists were better off not because of some biological magic worked by pedalling, but because the air quality is worst inside the cars.

http://road.cc/content/news/129814-testing-mps-reveals-worst-air-pollution-inside-cars

 

[BlackPanther]

Couldn't resist at this price, http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141699044230 ordered one today, should come in handy over the winter months

I've got that exact neck tube. I'd does get you a second glance, especially if you're glaring at a potential side road emerger. Also it's quite a thin material and works well for temperatures from -2ish to +8. Anything above that I don't bother, anything below that then it's the thicker motorbike type neck tube, and in extreme cold, both neck tubes and a skull cap, or a full balaclava.

 

[classic33]

OK, my information may be way out of date

http://aqicn.org/faq/2013-02-03/can-masks-really-filter-the-particulate-matter-as-small-as-pm25/

I've never worn a mask like this. Can you exert yourself while wearing them?

Bottom of page 12 on the link given, gives the type of filter required for diesel fumes.
You'd be looking at changing them at least once an hour. Continue after the recommended time and you actually run the risk of making the problem worse. Mask becomes saturated and you'll end up breathing in extra from the filter.