As the world evolves, and we see rapid development in industrialization and technology, the rate of pollution in our environment is increasing drastically.
Today, both indoor and outdoor air is heavy with pollutants when compared to the air we breathed decades ago.
Pollution combined with pollen, allergens, and pathogens are the cause several respiratory diseases.
These respiratory diseases are common in both children and adults alike.
According to World Health Organization, around 6.5 million people have died in 2012 due to different respiratory problems.
The death rate has increased each year from then on.
“Hi I’m Tom from Aeon Reviews.com and here we will cover the best air pollution masks”
Statistics have shown that air pollution is increasing at an alarming rate due to rapid industrialization and machinery development.
Unfortunately, there are now more children dying from respiratory diseases than adults and it has become a major cause of infant mortality around the world.
Diseases like Asthma, respiratory infections, tuberculosis etc. are few of the many diseases responsible for deaths around the globe, and asthma specifically is the most common respiratory disease in the children.
Judging by the growing rate of air pollution, there is an intense need that you take necessary precautions to prevent any respiratory or breathing complications.
Not only against air pollution but seasonal air-borne allergies and pollen, which can cause several health problems.
The most common and convenient method to protect against air pollution is to use protective breathing masks.
These masks are easy to use and effective in most cases, though their efficiency depends mainly on the type and fit [1].
So here we will look at a range of air pollution masks, and their various applications.
What Type of Air Pollution/Dust Masks Are Available?
There are various masks available on the market today including electric and non-electric varieties.
The electric variety actually has the technology to blow fresh air on to your face.
Masks are available for both adults and children.
Also the type of application for the mask is usually stipulated by the manufacturer.
This can be either general use, cycling, or home improvement amongst others.
What Standards Do Air Pollution Masks Have [N95 and N99]?
Common terms used in such masks are N95 and N99.
This is used to describe the amount of airborne particles that are filtered, 95 per cent and 99 per cent respectively.
N95 masks can filter out all but 5% of harmful particles from the air.
This effectiveness is lesser for particles which are smaller than 0.3 microns.
N95 masks do not remove many of the harmful gases from the air, however they can be combined with additional features such as activated charcoal – which further helps in reducing exposure to gases.
The latter kind of pollution masks however are more expensive.
N99 respirator is a NIOSH-approved respirator that provides 99% protection from air pollutants found outdoors.
If you are in a particularly polluted environment, for example a city with particularly poor air quality, always go with the N99 variety.
Generally, the smaller the particle, the more difficult it is to filter.
However, an N99 mask can filter out PM 2.5 particles, which are considered the smallest and most dangerous of particles, due to how long they can stay in lungs.
What Can’t These Masks Filter?
As small particles are difficult to filter, some particles like cigaratte smoke can be difficult to filter due to the particle size.
Also these masks cannot filter out all viruses and diseases.
If that’s what you need in a mask, look for a device with a European PPE or US MDC classification.
What Are The Features Available In Air Pollution Masks?
A good air pollution mask should filter pollution up in the late 98%, and in some cases 99% of dust, chemicals, particulates, gas, pollen, smoke and fumes.
HEPA filters are common in these masks, so expect to have to replace these regularly.
You may also wish to check that the mask is adjustable to your fit. It is pointless wearing such masks if you have large gaps where pollution can leak in.
Finally check the mask itself is washable.
Fortunately we have found a selection of masks which tick all of these boxes. Continue reading to find out more.
4 Best Air Pollution Masks
1/ Be-easy Electric Air Mask Review
Pros
Excellent Filtration [N99]
Easy To Use Cons
Battery Length
Excellent Filtration [N99]
Easy To Use
Battery Length
Be-easy presents their Dusk Mask with an electric respirator.
This mask is unlike any other masks as it is washable and fit for outdoor activities.
It can filter particles as small as PM2.5 (one 400th of a millimetre), which includes engine fumes, dust, soot, ash and sea-spray).
This N99 mask is also easy and quick to charge via the included USB charging cable.
Pros
There are several features that make this dusk mask one of the best masks on the market.
4- Stage Suction Filter
The mask is equipped with ventilation that sucks in air and filters it thoroughly to make fresh air available to the user at all times.
Comfortable & Easy to Use
This dusk mask is made up of comfortable, lightweight and soft textured fabrics that make it breathable.
The mask also uses high quality adhesive composite sponge that makes it irritation free.
The material adjusts accordingly to your face.
Washable & Convenient
This dusk mask is easy to use and its filter is replaceable as well.
The electric respirator doesn’t get affected by water, so you can wash it and use it daily without worrying about any damage.
Anti-Allergen and Pollutant Free
The mask uses powerful filtration and a respirator that cleans the air thoroughly.
This gets rid of 98% of all kinds of pollutants and allergens.
It uses a HEPA filter system that ensures clean, germ-free and breathable air as well as PM2.5 for outdoor physical activities.
Cons
Though the mask is one of the best you can find on the market there are still some areas which may deter you from buying it such as:
Battery Life
The product has a built-in 400mA Lithium battery that takes about 30 minutes to charge. However this charge only gives 3-4 hours of use.
Weight
Due to this mask having a built in filter, it is somewhat heavy compared to a normal non-electric mask.
Although this is not particularly noticeable unless you plan to wear the mask for hours on end.
Replacement Filters
It is not always mentioned in great detail the fact of replacing the filters for these masks, or how often.
As this mask relies on HEPA filters, it is recommended they are changed monthly. So there is a financial upkeep aspect of owning one of these masks. However the need to change filters is a need with any good air pollution mask.
Conclusion
If you are tired of breathing in stale polluted air then the Be-Easy mask is the product for you.
Take the feel of a fresh breeze of cool clean air with you wherever you go.
2/ Airinum Urban Air Mask 1.0 Review
Pros
Great Design
Comfortable
Cons
Regular Filter Replacements
Great Design
Comfortable
Regular Filter Replacements
Airinum have introduced the Swedish designed Urban Air Mask 1.0.
This is a N95 mask that is not only great looking and reusable, but also effective against a range of germs, pollutants and several allergens.
Pros
The Airinum Urban Air Mask has several features that make it stand out amongst its peers.
These features are discussed below:
KN95 Certification (aka N95)
This certification means that the mask provides 95% protection against particles with a mass median of 0.3 micrometers.
This certification is similar to the American N95 and European FFP2 certifications.
This means this mask is effective against PM10 and PM2.5 and sometimes even smaller particles.
To summarise, the Airinum mask provides outstanding protection against air pollutants, pollen, animal allergens, and can even reduce harmful particles and chemicals in smog.
Filtration
It has advanced electrostatic microfiber filtration technology that cleans the air up to 95% and makes it breathable.
It can filter particles up to 0.3 micrometers in size and most pollens particles range from 10 to 1000 micrometers in size whereas allergen particles are about 5 to 10 micrometers. It also turns dust particles into smog as a defense mechanism.
Comfortable & Easy to Wear
The product comes in 4 different sizes and you can be adjusted according to your face’s size thanks to the extra head strap.
Another nice touch is the 3D memory foam on the nose padding. This is for that perfect fit and avoiding air leakage.
Bacteria & Other Microorganisms
This product reduces your exposure to microorganisms and provides protection against bacteria and viruses.
Cons
The filters in this product last around 100 hours. However the manufacturer recommends they are changed every second week.
This might feel like a high turnover when it comes to replacement filters.
Conclusion
The Airinum mask provides almost unrivalled protection against a range of contaminants.
This does come at the cost of frequent filter changing. However for a mask that both looks great, and provides such a high level of protection, you may decide this is a worthwhile pay off.
3/ Debrief Me Anti Dust Mask Review
Pros
Powerful Filtration (N95)
Adjustable Size Cons
Material Durability
Powerful Filtration (N95)
Adjustable Size
Material Durability
Debrief Me’s Anti-Dust Respirator Mask is dust proof and provides protection against bacteria and other microorganisms.
This N95 mask is a great anti dust and pollution mask for children.
Pros
Debrief Me’s Anti-Dust Face Mouth Cover Mask Respirator is specifically designed for children and is tailored exactly according to their body’s needs.
Adjustable Size & Fitting
Though the product is for children, it can be used by anyone as it has adjustable strand to fit on different mouth sizes.
However, this mask is generally recommended for children aged 4 and above.
There is also an M-shaped noseclip that makes sure that the mask fits your face perfectly and works efficiently.
Powerful Filters
The mask includes 4 different types of filters that can be used during several outdoor physical activities such as hiking, travelling, and even during animal grooming.
Protection Against Pathogens and Microorganisms
The filter membranes in this mask provide 99.997% level of protection against airborne pathogens that include viruses and bacteria responsible for several respiratory diseases.
This membrane blocks pollutants, pollens, allergens and provides maximum protection as well as reduces airborne contamination in air down to 0.1 micron.
Washable & Reusable
Most people opt for cheap masks that they throw out after using them once but Debrief Me’s Anti-Dust Baby Face Mask is reusable and can be washed after removing the filters.
Ventilation
The mask also reduces moisture loss by 88% and provides sufficient ventilation for your face and skin.
Price
This is definitely one of the more cost effective masks we have looked at in this article. Use the button below for the latest price.
Cons
The limitations for this product are as follows.
Mask Material
The product uses cotton material that could get worn out easier after multiple washes compared to other materials.
However cotton is one of the best materials for comfortable breathing and skin care.
Industry Standards
Although this product uses a N95 respirator, there is little mention in the literature for the product as to what standards it meets (NOISH certification for example).
Conclusion
A great little air pollution mask for children.
Filters a wide range of containments, looks great, and at a great price point too.
4/ Kingbike’s Dust Mask Review
Pros
Comfort & Warmth
Great Filtration (N99)
Cons
Snug Fit
Comfort & Warmth
Great Filtration (N99)
Snug Fit
Kingbike’s Dust Mask is a popular air pollution mask amongst bikers and home improvement enthusiasts alike.
Pros
Kingbike has squeezed everything in this dust mask and aims to make it compatible for everyone.
Be it for a biker or hiker, you will find few dust masks better than this.
Suitable for Cold Weather
This dust mask can be used during winter as it comes with earmuffs that have fleece lining and are also windproof.
Powerful Filtration
This dust mask uses powerful carbon filtration that separates 99% of the dust particles, pollutants and allergens from the air and makes it breathable and fresh.
It can filter out particles as minute as PM2.5 by using N95 and N99 filters.
Adjustable Size
The earmuffs can be removed and the dust mask can be adjusted according to your head size as well as face.
The mask normally covers your face, ears and some of your head.
Comfortable Breathing
Since the mask is advertised as a winter accessory, there might be reservations that you won’t be able to breathe properly while using this.
However the Kingbike mask uses fleece and windproof material which does not labor your breathing in any way.
Cons
The adjustable nose bridge is slightly on the snug side. This does have the advantage however of stopping excess pollutants leaking in.
Also, although this is a product promoted for active users, some may find that the air flow through that mask is not sufficient if you are engaged in a high intensity activity such as cycling or running.
Conclusion
A great pollution and dust mask for use in the cold and outdoors.
Great for biking or home improvement, perhaps look elsewhere if you are doing a high intensity exercise activity.
Summary
So that concludes our article on the 4 best air pollution masks. We hope you will find a mask that meets your needs.
Ensure you go for a mask with at least N95 filtration, but ideally N99 filtration.
Also consider in what environment and for what task you will be using the mask.
If you are looking for air purifiers for the home then check out our review of the Go-Clair BF2025 air purifier.
Did you like this article? Please check out our other reviews like this.
Masks are pretty much a must these days, and not just for pollution.