Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Review: Air+ Smart Mask

With the haze condition seemingly getting no better, I bought another mask after reading about it on their website. Despite me already having a big box of 3M N95 mask, I still went ahead to purchase the Air+ Smart Mask for about S$37. I am asthmatic so I do invest a bit in ensuring I breathe in 'good' air.

The normal N95 masks are effective in blocking out most of the pollutants but they are uncomfortable to wear. In our weather conditions, prolonged wearing makes the enclosed area humid and stuffy. The Air+ Smart Mask aims to solve this problem by having a small ventilator attached to the mask. It's not going to be like an air-conditioner, but it will push out the carbon dioxide and ensure better air circulation without compromising on the air you breathe in. What I also like about this mask is that it is made in Singapore! It comes in two parts sold separately - 3 pc mask (~S$7) and a ventilator (~S$30), which I got it from Watsons.


The have different sizing for the mask which you can estimate your size based on the chart at the side of the mask packaging. I have a small face but I'm using M, so I guess S are really meant for small kids.


There are two ways in which you can use the Air+ Smart Mask.
1) Without the ventilator. There is a cap cover included which you can capped it on your mask.
2) With the ventilator. Just twist and attach the ventilator and switch it on.
The first way is ideal for a short trip outdoors or if you are conscious about how you will look with a ventilator attached to your mask.

Comes neatly packed with detailed instructions are available when you opened up the packaging. Very easy to understand! The masks are FFP1 / 2 European certified N95 mask and comes individually packed.




This is how it looks like what the ventilator is attached and put on! The wearer will be able to hear a light buzzing sound when the ventilator is switched on.


The ventilator comes with a USB charging cable. It is said to be able to last for 2 hours after a full charge. Haven't tried for that long though.


This is a really well-designed and thought out product. Even without the ventilator, it still feels comfy probably because the edges of the mask are well-lined and soft enough unlike some of the other masks. I also like the adjustable strap which makes it so much easier putting it on than the 3M N95 mask! My only small complaint is on the storage of the individual parts (mask, air pocket cap, ventilator and charging cable). There are just too many items and you need to find a pouch to keep all these. I almost misplaced the cap after putting on the ventilator.

Pros:
- comfortable even when used as a normal mask
- with the ventilator, it does makes the wearer feel more comfortable than wearing a normal mask
- the adjustable strap makes for easy wearing
- blocks out the burning smell effectively
- light-weight, very portable

Cons:
- slight buzzing sound from ventilator may be annoying to some
- could do with a pouch for the various parts of the mask