Allergy Masks FAQ

People with allergies wear masks for all different types of indoor and outdoor activities. A very sensitive person may even have to wear a mask at all times. Some of the activities that an allergy mask can help you with are gardening, mowing the yard, vacuuming, raking leaves, sweeping hardwood floors, taking walks in park, jogging, bicycling, riding a motorcycle, commuting to work, working in an environment with pollution or fumes, other cleaning jobs, and anytime someone might be exposed to mold, mold spores or other allergens.

How do masks help with allergies?

Masks work in the same way that air purifiers work. Masks filter out airborne particles and allergens. Depending on the type of mask, the filter can protect against irritants like cleaning agents, perfumes, soaps, paint, varnish, hydrocarbon pollution, arsenic, odors, and chemical air fresheners. An allergy mask will be able to provide protection against common allergens like pollen, plant spores, pet dander, mold, cigarette smoke, house dust, and dust mites. Allergy sufferers know the breathing benefits of masks, but here are several other scenarios where a mask may help improve your breathing or provide protection:

• You should always wear a mask if you have to clean up mold, garbage, or anything that may seem toxic. Many people use bleach, and you should wear a mask when cleaning with bleach.

• City commuters on trains, airplanes, subways, bicycles, and walking surface streets, should consider wearing a mask to protect the lungs against urban air pollution and fumes.

• If you are sick but you cannot stay home, a face mask may help prevent you from spreading an infection or illness to others.

• If you have asthma and enjoy being outside in colder temperatures, the Cold Weather Mask by I Can Breathe, Inc. is designed for winter and outdoor uses. It can help prevent the cold air from causing shortness of breath or a cold weather induced asthma attack.

What different types of allergy masks are available?

There are so many types of masks in the market place that a decision about which mask to purchase can be overwhelming. As when purchasing any allergy product, it's helpful to learn how a mask works and what's involved in the differences between them.

When researching any mask it is important to note what type of filtration that the mask provides. We have masks with HEPA filtration, charcoal cloth filtration, carbon filters, and some with no filters. The 3M 6291 HEPA mask provides HEPA level filtration for any outdoor work or activity. The respirator itself will last a long time because the filters are replaceable. This respirator also offers some of the best filtration on the market. With NIOSH P100 rated filters, this 3M respirator will capture at least 99.7% of particles 0.3 microns or smaller and also works well in filtering oil based contaminants. We also have the Respro Techno Mask which combines an activated charcoal cloth filter with a HEPA like filter. The filters for this mask meet the European of the N95 rating, which also makes it effective in protecting against the spread of H1N1, Avian and other strains of the influenza virus.

What is the best mask for an urban commuter?

The best masks for city commuters have HEPA filters, HEPA like or filters that provide protection against fumes and oil-based air particles. The masks we carry from Respro work very well for commuting. The Respro Aero mask and the Respro Bandit scarf provide great air filtration. Each mask is a little different in materials and style so check out our Compare Masks page for more information.

What is the best mask for outdoors or athletic activities?

The best mask in our offering for more active outdoor activities is the Respro Techno mask. It stays put even during moderate to rigorous activity, offers excellent filtration and isn't as bulky as a traditional respirator.

How do I know what size mask is right for me?

We are asked this question almost every day. Because each mask is made differently, there really is no easy answer to this question. Some masks have adjustable straps, while some attach behind the head with Velcro. Others still have elastic straps that will stretch to fit most people. Getting the correct mask for your face size and your allergy needs is important not only because a snug fit is essential for the best filtration but also because masks are personal items which cannot be returned. Deciding which model and size is best for you will depend on several factors. You need to ask yourself several questions before purchasing:

• Is my face structure small, medium, or large?
• How often am I going to use this mask?
• What level of air filtration do I need?
• How much do I want to spend on an allergy mask?
• Am I allergic to the materials used to make the mask?

When do I replace my respirator, mask or filters?

The filters in an allergy mask over time will become less effective. Some masks, like the 3M 8233 Respirator or the AllergyZone N95 Respirator are disposable, meant for only a few uses at most. These you can simply toss out and replace. For those with replaceable filters, we have a Mask Replacement Filters page to make finding the correct replacement filter very easy for you.
In general, we recommend you replace your filters or mask when you notice a decrease in filtration performance or smell solvents. This is referred to as "breakthrough." This means your filters have essentially captured as much particulate and toxic matter as they can and are now failing and allowing solvents to pass through. You should also replace your mask when breathing through the mask becomes more difficult, when the mask or filter is damaged, or when the face piece becomes unhygienic. Filter and mask life will depend greatly upon several factors including, concentration of contaminants, humidity, temperature, ventilation and even breathing rates. All of these can work to decrease effective use time. Lastly, for respirator filters or masks with carbon, maximum use time is approximately 6 months since carbon can and will absorb contaminants from the general environment even when you are not wearing the mask or using the filter. As with all of our products, should you have a problem with a mask you purchased from us, contact customer service at 1-800-339-7123.

Should I buy several different masks depending on my situation and environment?

Yes, you can match up several masks depending on the level of your sensitivity. The founder of the mask company I Can Breathe has severe chemical sensitivities and breathing problems. She often wears a Silk Comfort Mask for everyday use, but she also keeps a Honeycomb mask with her at all times. The Honeycomb mask has better filtration because of the carbon filters. So unlike many other masks or respirators, these help filter out odors and smoke. If she feels her breathing change based on environment changes, like someone smoking, she will change masks to help avoid the allergen and maintain her breathing. In short, your needs will vary and often certain tasks or jobs will require more or less filtration than others, so it is not a bad idea to have a couple different types of respirators or face masks on hand.

How do I maintain and clean my allergy mask?

Disposable masks are not meant to be cleaned, but with more expensive mask that use replaceable filters, cleaning the mask is very important. Each mask has cleaning and maintenance instructions on the packaging or in the directions. Follow these instructions very closely. The packaging of these masks also is important for sizing and fitting instructions.

What about mask shipping?

Due to their light weight, most of our masks ship via USPS Priority Mail, and arrive withing 2-4 days depending on your location. However, as with all of our products, expedited shipping is available and orders placed for over $150 get free ground shipping.

How do I store my mask or respirator?

You should store your mask or respirator in a clean, dry area. A respirator does you little good if you get the inside dirty or contaminated with allergens. Speaking from experience, I have three different kinds of respirators that I use for various projects at work and around the house. I store each in separate sealed plastic bags in the closet of my garage. There I don't have to worry about direct sunlight possibly breaking down the filter media or water, dirt or allergens contaminating my mask or filters. They are clean, dry, and ready to use whenever I need them.

Am I forgetting anything about your allergy masks?

If you have any questions about masks, allergy masks, asthma masks, humidity, allergies, prices, or our policies, please call our customer service department at 1-800-339-7123.

Compare Masks or shop for one of our Allergy Masks.