Every February marks the beginning of a very unpleasant season for riders with pollen allergy. Actually, I have a pollen allergy too. Every year, I am disappointed when I hear the news that there is a lot of pollen in the air this year. However, you should be able to go out for touring if you take measures against pollen!
So, we would like to introduce some of the recommended masks & eyeglasses for pollen countermeasures.
These countermeasures can be used not only for pollen, but also to combat microparticulate matter (PM2.5), and exhaust gas, so even if you don't suffer from pollen allergies, let's work together to control it for the upcoming motorcycle season!
⚠Ordinary mask has been reported out-of-stock due to the coronavirus outbreak this year. The use of reusable masks not only helps protect yourself from pollen, but also helps to give consideration to those who really need disposable masks, such as in medical practice.
1. RESPRO mask is an effective protection against pollen and exhaust gas!
RESPRO, a British motorcycle and bicycle supplies manufacturer, is a technological pioneer of high-performance masks. Its mask performance for harmful particulate matter developed in 1991 comes with origami, such as using filters for nerve gas measures used by the UK Department of Defense. Other manufacturers have released many similar products so far, but they seem to be unable to keep up with the performance and quality.
2. What is great about RESPRO?
Excellent sealability!
A common mask has an ear-hook attached to the filter, but in the case of a RESPRO, the filter and the outer mask (outer shell) are made separately. In other words, it's a two-piece structure.
In addition, the often-formed gap in the nose is provided with an aluminum nose clip that is folded and tightly attached. It is aluminum.
This allows the user to cover the gap between the face, which is typical for ordinary masks thanks to the outer shell's tight contact while taking advantage of the filter's performance. Furthermore, the internal filter is separated where you can choose the appropriate filter depending on its usage and situation.
3 types of filters according to its purpose
The pollutants in the air has a substance of gaseous and particulate. Choose the most suitable filter for the contaminants.
DACC filter
Aerosol allergy filter
Sports filter
Filter Introduction
DACC filter →mainly use to prevent gaseous pollutants such as exhaust gas. (City mask standard equipment) (This is recommended for those who are sensitive to exhaust gas causing a sore throat.)
Sports filter →mainly use for pollen and fine particles (PM2.5) (This is standard equipment for sports masks and aero or allergy masks.) (This is recommended for those who take measures mainly for pollen and PM2.5!)
Aero or Allergy filter →mainly use to prevents both gaseous and particulate contaminants such as exhaust gas, pollen, and PM2.5. (Sold separately) (It is the strongest filter that can prevent both exhaust gas and pollen!）
There are individual differences and environmental differences as a rough guide of filter replacement, but it is assumed to be used for approximately 1 hour per 69 sheets. The effect does not disappear immediately beyond this time, and the adsorption effect gradually decreases. Considering the hygiene and filter effect in the best condition, we recommend the replacement in the above period!
Not suffocating with replaceable exhaust valve
RESPRO has excellent sealing performance and respiration has been taken into considerations to prevent stuffiness. It is a one-way exhaust valve mounted on the left and right sides of the mask. This valve has the function of expelling moisture and exhalation from the mask, but it has a one-way structure where it closes during inspiration in order to prevent outside air, and it opens during exhalation to expel exhalation and moisture inside the mask designed to suppress the flow of the outside air.
3 types of valves
Techno valve
Power valve
Aero valve
Techno Valve →This is a thin, slim basic valve that does not interfere when using with a full-face helmet.
Power Valve →This is recommended for vigorous exercises such as cycling and off-road riding because the valve opening is wide open to maximize the discharged air amount per exhalation.
Aero Valve →This has the same structure as the techno valve where the color variations match the aero or allergy mask.
3. Selectable into 4 different masks for both motorcycle and bicycle users!
RESPRO has 4 types of masks, 3 types of filters, and 3 types of valves. This allows you to select the best combination according to its particular uses and it does not require to purchase individually. Available in combination recommended for each application!
We will introduce the following features of each model.
・City mask (recommended for motorcycle users!)
City mask outer material is made of neoprene that is also used in wetsuits. This mask has good sealability ideal for pollen prevention as it will fit perfectly on the face.
Sports mask outer material is also made of neoprene, but the cheek portion is breathable made of mesh. A power valve with a large valve diameter is adopted as a standard, making it is easier to breathe. Choose a sports mask if you are considering to use it for off-road riding or use for on-road bicycle riding.
This mask is designed for allergy prevention. Piping has been applied for the cut surface around the outer mask, making it safe for people with sensitive skin. You should be careful when choosing sizes as it has a severe stretchability compared to other masks. This mask is designed for daily use, such as commuting to work or going to school.
The bandit scarf has a built-in filter with a "City / DACC filter" layered in a belt shape in advance between cotton fabrics. It seems like a normal bandana at first glance, but it absorbs fine particles such as pollen and exhaust gas the same way as the mask.
* This is advisable for a filter replacement for those who have frequently used this mask for about half a year since the filter of the bandana scarf is not replaceable.
The L size is for adult men and the M size is for adult women and small men as only for reference. It is important to choose a suitable size without leaving a gap under the chin upon wearing the mask.
How to choose sizes
•First, measure the height from the base of your nose (near the eyebrows) to the tip of your chin, and choose a mask size that does not exceed its height.
•As for the outer sizes, close it widely with a velcro tape behind the head, making it possible to adjust since the material is stretchable.
•For aero allergy masks, measure and choose the outer sizes as the magic tape is thinner with less elasticity compared to other masks.
5. Video instructions on how to wear a RESPRO mask!
6. RESPRO mask review
We know the specs are excellent, but what about the actual specs? Our staff tried using RESPRO mask during commuting! On one side of the main road on the 3rd lane, there is a traffic jam in front of the station, so it will take 50 minutes each way every day. It's 20km away. It is a commuter impression about the REPRO mask. Let's do it!
Try running and feel immediately! It's not cold!
In January, the temperature during the commuting hours falls below 5°C. It was cold in the mouth with a cold wind caught running, but I could not feel the cold when I was wearing a RESPRO mask. The pollen season ends on February, but it's still cold. In such a case, a RESPRO match made with a neoprene material would be very grateful. Only one point, condensation in the mask caused by the temperature difference between the outside air was concerned about. However, it seems that you can take measures by sandwiching the tissue in the mask or changing the valve to the power valve.
Concern about exhaust gas and harmful substances
For verification purposes, I deliberately chose a busy road and tried to stick to a 4-ton truck waiting for a traffic light, but I was able to commute comfortably without having a sore throat after the ride. In addition, since the exhaled breath is discharged through a valve on the side of the mask, the shield is less cloudy than a typical mask, and a clear vision is maintained.
Problems you will feel after using it
He used an off-road helmet for verification, but it was the right size for the off-road type with plenty of space in the nose top. For those who are thinking about using it on a full face, you may want to consider a bandit scarf.
The "TOUR MASK", a sports-type mask with a valve, is sold by POi DESIGNS, which plans various types of protectors based on the concept of "becoming attractive". The multi-layered filter has proven an average of 99% capture and repair efficiency in both the "Pollen Particle Capture (Filtration) Efficiency Test" and the "Particle Collection Efficiency (PEE) Test" conducted by the Kaken Test Center. Unlike RESPRO, the POi DESIGNS filter-replaceable mask has one type of mask and one filter, but you can choose 4 color variations.
Camouflage
Carbon
Checkered
Black
The tour masks are designed to fit the Japanese face, and are easy to purchase and use at a low price!
Review of wearing POi DESIGNS mask by "Full-face", "Off-road", and "Jet" helmet type
Jet helmet →Since the helmet does not cover the mouth area, the mask does not slip even when you put it on and take it off. It works well with masks.
Off-road helmet →Unlike a jet helmet, an off-road helmet covers the mouth circumference, but you can wear it relatively stress-free because the space around the mouth is secured widely.
Full-face helmet →The space around the mouth is not as wide as the off-road helmet. The tour mask interferes with the mouth because of the three-dimensional molding.
For a full-face helmet, RESPRO's bandit scarf might be a good fit.
I actually wear the tour mask and sprinkled flour on it.
I experimented with the dust proofing performance using flour as if it were pollen. My face and clothes got powdery, but the tour mask protected my nose and mouth!
8. KN PLANNING: Cheaper mask against pollen, exhaust gas, and cold
So far, we have introduced high-performance masks made by RESPRO and POi DESIGNS. However! There are also really cheap masks out there! This mask has been released from KN PLANNING, custom parts brands for scooters. The price is around 9 USD, so you can use it on a trial basis.
9. Recommended eyeglasses and goggles against pollen eye allergy!
As for the measures against pollen allergy and exhaust gas, the mouth alone is not enough. Whether your eyes are swollen or itchy, you want to take care of the area around your eyes as much as you do around your mouth. It's very dangerous when you're riding a motorcycle and the vision is cloudy! You should wear proper eyewear.
RIDEZ protective eyewear protects your eyes stylishly.
STD series frames and lenses are available in a variety of combinations!
There are also polarized sunglasses!
The protective eyewear sold by RIDEZ that has a urethane pad that comes into close contact with the face is standard equipment. It will protect your eyes from pollen, dust, and wind. The urethane pad is also removable, so it can be used even in summer!
The width of the frame opening is widely correspond to eyeglasses.
As I mentioned earlier, I found that PRESTO and POi DESIGNS design tour masks are a good match for jet helmets. The 100% goggles "ACCURI" can be used with eyeglasses because the width of the frame that contacts the face is made wider.
*This product may not be able to used together depending on the design of your eyeglasses. You should definitely check this out if you're suffering from pollen allergy and love to wear eyeglasses!
10. Pollen on the motorcycle can be wiped off without water
When going out for touring during pollen season, the exterior and helmet shield is covered with pollen while riding...Have you ever had this experience? You may always want to keep your beloved motorcycle and helmet clean, but why not carry a disposable wet cloth with you? You can always secure a clear view since you can wipe the helmet with a wet cloth.
11. Pollen countermeasures are also effective against PM2.5 and exhaust gas for the riders!
The pollen countermeasure products for riders that we have introduced so far are also useful outside the pollen season. In recent years, PM2.5 has become a problem that comes from mainland China on the westerly winds. PM2.5 is a mixture of carbon, nitrates, sulfates, ammonium salts, metals, and other components with a diameter of 2.5μm or less that floats in the air. The World Health Organization (WHO) professional organization classified the risk of carcinogenesis from PM2.5 as the highest level of risk in 2013.
A motorcycle is a vehicle that exposes the body, and riders should pay attention to that particular point. PM2.5 is even smaller than pollen (30μm to 40μm), but the filters of RESPRO and Tour Mask will also prevent PM2.5. Pay attention to your health in order to continue riding your motorcycle as long as you want!
DACC filter
Aerosol allergy filter
Sports filter
