Not getting a good fit? “ReShape” your Totobobo mask to get the perfect fit!

Heat moulded Totobobo mask

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Some users feedback that it would be nice to add a nose clip to Totobobo mask, especially for people with prominent nose feature. These users experienced a small gap next to their nose bridge. Many disposable masks comes with an integrated metal nose clip. You can use it to force the mask to “clip” your nose, this is useful to eliminate the small gaps next to the nose bridge. However metal nose clip is not a reliable long term solution for a reusable mask. Our tests have shown that after a limited times of bending, the metal clip will become fatigued and easily broken.

The following video shows how to use  hot water (70°C max.) to mould a Totobobo mask, then use another bowl of cold water to freeze the new shape. This process can be repeated many times and therefore is a better long term solution than a metal nose clip.

The heat treatment can be applied to any parts of the mask (e.g. the chin). The possibilities are limitless. You may need to try moulding the mask several times to achieve the best fit.

“moulding” feature helps to improve protection and wearing comfort.

Better face fit = fewer gaps = better protection
PM2.5, the very fine airborne particles smaller than 2.5 microns that can be inhaled and travel deep into the lungs and enter the blood stream, causes micro inflammation and hardens the blood vessels. Recent studies discovered PM2.5 not only triggers lung and other diseases along the respiratory track, but also triggers cardiovascular diseases and strokes. Common surgical masks or even a poor fitting N95 mask won’t be much help, because airborne viruses or fine particles like PM2.5 can easily bypass the filter through the air gaps. Ensuring face fit is the first fundamental step towards respiratory protection.

Totobobo masks provides three key features to help you to obtain the optimal face fit and protection:

1) Sizing: Totobobo mask is the first and only mask that allows the user to cut to size. You don’t have to risk over cutting your mask. Download this template and test the size with a paper dummy first, before cutting the real mask!

2) Fine tuning with heat moulding: The heat moulding process makes it possible for you to fine tune the face-fitting of the mask. A small gap around the nose bridge or below the chin? No problem, just re-mould the mask and you can eliminate or at least minimize the gaps. You can re-mould the mask as many times as you want. Remember don’t treat the mask with boiling water or you may destroy the mask! Use hot water around 80C instead.

Another point to note, a small gap occurs during exhaling does not affect the effectiveness of protection, and the leak can be beneficial because it helps to release the exhaust air. What you need to check is whether the seal is closed when you inhale, due to the negative pressure while inhaling. Ideally you would adjust the straps so that there are small gaps to speed up the exhaling due to the pressure.

3) Visual seal check: through the unique transparent mask you can check if the mask is touching the chin below and forming a good seal. If the seal is not optimal, you can fine tune the cut, the moulding or simply adjust the position and tension of the strap to get a better fit.

Wearing comfort

If a mask is not comfortable to wear, it won’t get used much and it won’t get much chance to function either.

The heat moulding process can make the mask follow your face profile closely. Therefore you can reduce the tension of the straps while still getting a good fit. Ideally you can adjust the tension to a minimum level to keep the mask on your face. When you exhale, the internal pressure pushes the mask outwards a bit and breaks the seal around the face, quickly releasing the exhaust. When you inhale the mask “sucks” to your face due to the negative pressure and the elastic strap, closing up the gaps and letting the air in only through the filters. The entire mask functions like a one-way valve, but without a physical valve. Some users describe this state as “The mask is breathing with me.”

Got a question? leave a comment or send your question to totobobomask(at)gmail.com

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任何口罩的舒适和保护性，在很大程度上取决于口罩的设计是否能够密切遵循你的脸型。
该视频演示了如何使用一碗热水从新塑造Totobobo口罩，然后用另一碗冷水把口罩定型。
这个过程可以重复许多次，一般金属鼻夹，这往往经过几次弯曲而导致疲劳断裂。
热塑处理适用于口罩任何部分（例如下巴），不仅在鼻梁区域。
您可能需要尝试热塑处理口罩几次，以达到最佳的贴脸效果。
“热塑处理”功能有助于提高Totobobo口罩整体的贴脸密封性（保护性）和舒适性。

Related:

Advanced features of Totobobo mask

Totobobo simulator (free download)