Allergy & Asthma Mask Buying Guide

Airborne allergens can trigger environmental allergies and asthma attacks. Indoors, you can keep your home free of allergens with environmental control products like air purifiers and HEPA vacuum cleaners. Outdoors, however, it's impossible to clean up all of the allergens, pollutants, and asthma triggers. Luckily, you can avoid exposure to these irritating outdoor particles with a well-fitting allergy relief mask. Masks also help allergy sufferers avoid indoor chemical fumes, particles, and dust (especially when cleaning) - and many asthmatics wear special cold weather masks to avoid exposure to cold air, which is a common asthma trigger.

Allergy Relief Masks - Protection from Airborne Particles

With autumn approaching, ragweed pollen and mold spores will soon be wafting through the air and collecting on fallen leaves. If you're allergic to ragweed or mold, you can reduce exposure by wearing an allergy relief mask while working or playing in the yard. A well-fitting mask will prevent you from inhaling allergens and getting sick.

AllergyZone N95 Filter Mask AllergyZone's N95 Filter Mask is also NIOSH-approved, and filters at least 95% of particles that are as small as 0.3 microns. This mask also features an exhalation valve that prevents the buildup of heat and moisture in the mask. It opens to release exhaled air, and closes to filter the air you inhale. The AllergyZone N95 Filter Mask is ideal for protection against pollen, mold spores, dust mites, pet dander, aerosol sprays, and bacteria - making it great for use during housework or yard work. One size fits all, and it comes in a three-pack.

The 3M 8210 Dust & Pollen Mask is our most basic and least expensive allergy relief mask. It's great for indoor and outdoor chores. While it's filtration capability is not quite on par with a true HEPA filter, it is an NIOSH-approved N95 mask. (NIOSH stands for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.) An N95 mask filters at least 95% of all particles that are 0.3 microns or larger, while true HEPA filters capture 99.97% of all particles this size. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends NIOSH-approved N95 masks for preventing the spread of the H5N1 bird flu virus. One size fits all, and it's a disposable mask that's designed for one or two uses.

Moving up a level, the 3M 8233 Mask features HEPA filtration and a cool ventilation valve to reduce moisture and heat build-up. This N100 mask exceeds the NIOSH N95 rating, and it's recommended by both the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) for healthcare workers who treat patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). One size fits all, and it's designed for 150 hours of use.

The 3M 6921 HEPA Mask is the most popular mask among allergy sufferers because it offers the best HEPA filtration system. A respirator allows warm exhaled air to escape, and it fits very snugly with two latex-free straps. With proper care, this durable mask will last a lifetime, and the HEPA filters can be washed and reused. When it becomes difficult to breathe through the mask, you should replace the two HEPA filters. With heavy use, filters will likely need to be replaced after about a year. This low-profile mask works well for people who wear glasses. (Note: After you receive your new 3M 6921 HEPA Mask, you may want to let it sit out for a few days before using it, as some people are sensitive to the new plastic smell.)

The Silk Comfort Mask is a favorite among our customers because it's lightweight, comfortable, and convenient. Block out dust, mold, pollen, and soot with this silky mask. It folds for easy storage, and it's very cool and breathable. The Silk Comfort Mask is perfect for outdoor activities like exercise and yard work, and it's great for cleaning in dusty environments, too. One size fits all, and it's hand-washable and reusable.

Masks for Chemicals, Fumes & Pollution

The Honeycomb Mask is like a Silk Comfort Mask for people who have chemical sensitivities. Its activated carbon filter traps pollutants like fragrances, smoke, soot, smog, dust, fumes, and chemicals such as formaldehyde. Many people also wear this mask on airplanes because it's easy to carry and store. It's also great for cleaning, as it filters out most household chemicals. The activated carbon filters are disposable and should be changed when they lose the ability to effectively block odors.

The Respro Bandit Scarf is ideal for biking, hiking, and traveling in dusty rural regions, or for traveling in polluted urban areas. The dynamic Activated Charcoal Cloth, originally developed for protection against chemical and biological warfare attacks, is laminated between two layers of 100% cotton material, and it filters out smog and other urban pollution. Firemen who fight forest fires often use this mask because it filters out particulates as well as fumes, and it also provides protection against gasoline fumes, diesel fumes, ozone, acid gases, lead oxide, and irritant dusts. Many people find this bandit style scarf more stylish and comfortable than conventional masks. It wraps around the neck for additional protection and works well as a wind-breaker. The Respro Band Scarf is washable, and the dynamic Activated Charcoal Cloth filter remains effective for at least six months (assuming that the mask is used everyday for six months).

Designed for the hypersensitive individual, the Respro Aero Mask filters particulates as well as chemicals in the air, depending on the filters you select. The chemical filters trap irritants like cleaning agents, perfumes, paint, varnish, air fresheners, and other common chemicals, while the particle filters block particulates like pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and dust mite allergen. Made from inert materials like polyester, polypropylene and medical-grade silicon rubber, the mask itself is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. It's ultra-light, breathable, sporty, washable, and reusable. The Respro Aero Mask is available in two sizes: Medium & Large. We generally recommend the medium size for women and adolescents and the large size for men.

The Respro Techno Mask combines chemical and particle filters in the same mask. An Activated Charcoal Cloth filters chemicals like hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxides, lead oxide, and smoke, while an electrostatic filter blocks particles like pollen, dust, mold, and other irritants. The Velcro fasteners allow you to adjust the mask for a perfect fit, and it offers superior performance for all types of athletic activities. The seal is very tight, and it's easy to breathe while wearing the Respro Techno Mask, thanks to the rapid airflow valve system. The Respro Techno Mask is popular among hypersensitives as well as motorcycle enthusiasts. The Respro Techno Mask is available in two sizes: Medium & Large. We generally recommend the medium size for women and adolescents and the large size for men.

Asthma Relief Masks - Cold Weather Masks

According to BBC, a medical study found that cold air and exercise are key triggers for asthma attacks in 70% of asthma patients. Cold air, then, is just as dangerous as the dust mite when it comes to triggering asthma attacks - and that's why we offer special Cold Weather Asthma Relief Masks.

The basic Cold Weather Mask is made of polar fleece with a silk inner lining. It will keep the cold winter air away from your nose and mouth, and out of your lungs. The Cold Weather Mask warms and humidifies frigid air before it enters your lungs. Its patented design is tested to remain effective down to -40 degrees. One size fits all, and the mask is hand washable.

The BreathXchange Face Shield by AllergyZone is ideal for outdoor sporting activities. Patented Heat Exchange Technology filters out the cold air that could cause an asthma attack. Customers report that this small mask helps keep their hands and feet warmer, too. Comfortable elastic straps fit around the back of the head and neck. One size fits most, and it's hand washable.

The BreathXchange Half Mask, also from AllergyZone, features Advanced Heat Exchange Technology to retain your body heat. The mask protects the lower half of your face, capturing your own heat and moisture to warm and humidify the air that travels to your lungs. Ideal for all cold weather activities, this mask works well in extremely cold climates, and it's popular among motorcyclists. The BreathXchange Half Mask is available in two sizes: S/M & L/XL. We generally recommend the S/M size for women and adolescents and the L/XL size for men. The mask is hand washable or machine washable on delicate.

AllergyZone's BreathXchange Half Mask Light is made of lightweight Polartec fleece, inside and out, and covers the face, neck, and ears. Like the BreathXchange Half Mask, the Half Mask Light features a thermal conversion module that maintains your body heat and moisture even in cold weather. Great for strenuous cold weather activities. Comes in S/M and L/XL. Machine (on delicate setting) or hand washable. Line dry.

The BreathXchange Full Mask uses the same Advanced Heat Exchange Technology to warm and humidify incoming air. The full mask covers the entire head, so it's ideal for prolonged exposure to cold weather. One size fits most, and it's hand washable or machine washable on delicate.

Asthma Treatment Mask for Children

For small children who must wear a mask to receive their nebulizer treatments, we offer the Bubbles Fun Fish Nebulizer Mask. The unique design minimizes aerosol loss, and the mask makes treatment time fun.