Cycle mask question

[Nightmage]

Hey all,

Regarding anti-pollution cycling masks, all the ones I've seen are described as "HEPA-type" (rather than pure HEPA-filter) and either protect you from particulates or gasses but not both. I found this one

http://ultimatecyclemask.com

Does anyone use this? Is it any good? It looks quite big/bulky. I cycle in town quite a lot these days and would really like to protect myself.

 

[Jake]

i don't know if they are worth it. I've seen a couple of people wearing them and they look like plonkers. (maybe they need them for some kinda medical purpose.) Saying that, seen lots of people wearing surgeons masks of late.

 

[Bristol Dave]

The problem with masks is maintaining a seal around the edges. This is easy if, for example, you are respraying your frame in the garage but not so easy as you huff, puff and grimace your way along the daily commute. Also it doesn't say how long the filters last. I would be surprised if they were guaranteed for more than 10 hours of heavy use, so you may have to replace them weekly or more often.

If your commute is fairly sedate along busy, fume filled streets then it may be worth it. Otherwise I'd give it a miss.

It always seems to be a friend of a friends friend who had carbon monoxide poisoning from cycling in traffic I find, never someone you actually know.

BD

 

[semislickstick]

I've used the respro one in winter (it doesn't have sticky out filters) mainly so I'm not breathing in cold air cos my lungs start hurting!
They certainly do take away the smell of pollution if that meaning anything to you, but it is a bit hot and sweaty, I can live with that in winter, not tried in summer.

 

[Rhys_Po]

I used to regularly see one guy parking up at the bike stands at Hanover Square, London wearing one.

He'd then pop into the park and sit down for a ciggie before going into the office.

 

[purplepolly]

Reasearch has found that you would breathe in more fumes whilst in a car but I don't see any drivers wearing them.

 

[fossyant]

No use I'd say..... certainly not very nice if you are 'working' out - i.e. a good HR....

The filters would be next to useless in a short time, and I doubt they filter particulates....

I've never used them, and they restrict breathing too much.

 

[classic33]

Have done a few trips wearing one of these:-
http://www.arco.co.uk/products/2106400/15544/Scott_Cen-Paq_Jacket_&_Pneumatics_Only

A few odd looks, a few worried looks when Iv'e pulled up alongside someone in traffic. Warm on the face, but I felt it restricted the breathing.
It helped me stand out slightly from everone else.

 

[Jake]

well i guess you would look like rocketman

 

[skwerl]

the top-end Respro ones should, in theory, filter out everything, right down to the nasty PCBs. I forget the numbers but the micron-level filtering they claim to hit is within the PCB range.
main problem with them is they restrict breathing - though that could in theory help with training as you have to work harder. When I used one for a few weeks I got a bad sweat rash where it contacted my face. Handy for dusty DIY jobs though

 

[HJ]

They are all pretty useless and really not worth the bother, you are exposed to higher concentrations of pollutants when in a car then you are on a bike, unless you ride a bent...

 

[ttcycle]

I wore a Respro a while ago as was advised to due to asthma-however, I found it cumbersome as it didn't fit well and would inch down my face every few minutes needing constant readjusting. Warms ups the air but regulating breathing is trickier. Completely pointless if you're doing a tough ride and sweating. What used to be interesting though is I compared a new filter with an old one and it had turned dark grey from white...disgusting.

It does still make me smile when I see people onmy commute wear them as they look bizarre - especially if the cyclist is lycra clad too

 

[TwickenhamCyclist]

old (1998) but interesting: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/latest_news/109656.stm

 

[Bristol Dave]

If you can get one with a built in voice synthesizer that would make you sound like Darth Vader then go for it!

"Cut me up again and you will feel the full power of the force"

BD

 

[Jake]

Saw a couple of them last night, facemasks that is.