This Useful Guide Will Help You Buy A Mask So You Can Breathe A Sigh Of Relief Outdoors
Buying a mask just because someone else is using it, is not as effective a solution as choosing one that fits you the best.
Despite the blanket ban of firecrackers in the country by the supreme court and its verdict on them stating that only ¡®green crackers¡¯ can be burnt during Diwali, the festivities have ended up leaving us engulfed in smog, yet again. In fact, the last few weeks has seen the air quality in some parts of the national capital breach the mark of '999', beyond which the air quality cannot be measured.
This doesn¡¯t come as a surprise as a majority of the Indian vendors didn¡¯t even understand what the term ¡®green crackers¡¯ meant and were attempting to sell off their existing stocks as soon as possible. Of course, this has further deteriorated the already worsened air quality outdoors.
AP
Further, disruption of air quality has led to people experiencing several breathing issues, such as headaches, nausea, cold & cough and more serious respiratory ailments. While staying indoors as much as you can¡ªalong with the use of air purifiers and plants¡ªis one the best solutions save yourself from breathing woes, avoiding heading outdoors is not really an option for most.
While a mask to help you breathe with ease outdoors can be helpful, you¡¯d be better off knowing which air mask is good for you.
N99 and N100 air masks
Flipkart.com
The N99 and N100 air masks are capable of filtering PM 2.5 airborne particulate matter with up to 99 to 99.97 percent efficiency. But these masks are not resistant against oil-based pollutants.
Vogmask, Cambridge mask, Smart air are some of the brands that sell N99 mask. Finding an N100 mask is harder and you may have to contact an industrial supplier to get one.
Price: INR 1800 to 2800
Sizes: Available in all sizes, from XS to XL
Reusability: It is reusable and works for 5-6 months if used regularly. It can also be washed.
N95 mask
Indiamart.com
N95 mask filters up to 95 percent of particulate matter from 0.3 to 2.5PM. It is the most common and reusable mask.
Price: INR 90 to 150 each.
Reusability: Can be used for 2-3 days if used regularly.
Sizes: Available only in one size
P95 mask
Amazon.com
The difference between P and R masks is that the P masks can also filter the oil-based pollutants which N masks cannot. But the P masks are way costlier than N masks and are also to be replaced frequently.
Price: INR 10,900 for a pack of 10 masks.
Reusability: Can be used for 8 hours
Air purification motion mask
Amazon.in
Prana air has a 6 layer air purification motion mask that cancels out nearly all the polluting materials. This mask is highly advisable for cities like Delhi where the condition of pollution is severe. It is advisable for people who play sports, run, jog or do any other strenuous activities to use this mask. The purification efficiency of the mask is 99.95 percent.
Price: INR 3000 to 3500
Size: Available only in one size
Reusability: Filters can be replaced and the mask should be charged for the fans inside it to work.
Charging time: 1-2 hours.
Totobobo mask
Amazon.com
The heat moulding solution of this mask makes it unique. It¡¯s a high-tech anti-pollution mask which is not commonly available. It¡¯s perfect if it fits you properly.
Price: INR 2000 to 2500 each
Sizes: Available in various sizes
Reusability: Can be reused
Respro mask
Amazon.com
It filters particulate matter rating PM10. The mask is stretchable, which gives it the best fit.
Reusability: Can be used for 69 hours
Sizes: Available in three basic sizes
Cost: INR 750 to 1000
N95 aura particulate respirator
Amazon.com
Filters particulate matter rating 2.5PM. This mask is good for people who feel suffocated after wearing a mask. The mask provides good ventilation.
Reusability: Can be used for 4-5 days
Cost: INR 150 to 200 each
Sizes: Available only in one size
Surgical mask
Indiamart.com
Gives you no protection against air pollution.
Reusability: Should be disposed of after each use
Cost: INR 3 to 10 each
Sizes: Does not have any sizes
Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting a mask to buy:
Reuters
- Look for masks that have at least an N95 rating.
- Buy the mask that fits you properly.
- Check for proper ventilation (mask should not make you feel suffocated).
- Check the material to ensure if it can filter small particles i.e. PM 2.5.
