{Media Invite} AIR+ Smart Masks and Why You Should Own Them

Remember the time when buildings not too far away are blurry?

Remember the days when we woke up and exclaimed, "Something's burning!"

Those days were not too long ago.  In fact, it was just last September and it lasted a month or so.

I fear of those days.  I wake up everyday, hoping that the weather is good, the air is fresh and taking deep breaths are not luxuries.

But, the truth is...  life isn't always a bed of roses.

Singapore periodically gets affected by severe smoke haze due to forest fires in the region.  Especially during the dry season.  Typically in the months of June to August.  With the ever-changing weather and whatever-you-call phenomenons, I seriously wonder if every other month is going to be a dry season now and in the near future.

I cannot stop the forest fires.  Neither can I change how the weather is going to be.  As much as I would like to simply fly off to another country when the haze hits, it is impossible.  The best I can do is to reduce the family's risk of exposure to air pollutants during the haze period.

My best bet last September.  It was so difficult to get my hands on these masks that are suitable for children as everyone rushed to get them when the haze hit us.  So this year, I am not taking any chances.  Slightly kiasu but yes, I have 2 boxes (i think) of each size sitting in my cupboard now.

Ahead of the possible haze period, we were invited to a informal sharing with the people behind the AIR+ Smart Mask at MINT Museum of Toys.

What's a better way to educate children?  Get them involved and let them understand the basics of it.  Now the boys know that once the haze is here, they need to put on their masks.  

I cannot emphasise enough about the use of the correct mask during the haze period.  I cannot remember how many people I have spoken to regarding the wrong use of surgical masks during the haze period.  In summary, a surgical mask is used to protect against micro-organisms, body fluids and large particles in the air.  Because it is designed only to cover the mouth and the nose loosely, one do not get the seal that is required to protect against airborne pollutants such as haze and that ridiculously harmful PM2.5 particles.

If you do not believe me, take a surgical mask, wear it and you will feel the gaps at the sides.

At the clinic, having a fever, sometime back.  Surgical mask provided by the clinic.

No one-size mask fits everyone.  There are also no masks available in the market that suit children.  Asians have a smaller face frame and that is why AIR+ Smart Masks are fit tested and trialed in Singapore, coming up with 3 different sizes to protect even children as young as 7 years old.

D trying out the 3D profiling used by the people behind AIR+ Smart Mask.  Through the profiles of hundreds of people, they came up with the 3 different sizes that are supposed to be able to fit most Asians comfortably.

About the AIR+ Smart Mask

The AIR+ Smart Mask is tested in accordance to the EN 149:2001+A1:2009 (European) and the N95 NIOSH-approved (American) standards.  Under both test standards, the Smart Mask achieved at least 95% filtration efficiency against non-oil based particles, including PM2.5.

This means every AIR+ Smart Mask, regardless of size, is a N95 mask.

In addition, there is the AIR+ Micro Ventilator that enhances breathability by expelling the moisture and carbon dioxide build-up within the mask rapidly as one exhales.  This reduces the heat and increased carbon dioxide levels for a cooler comfort.

Time for some fun now at MINT Museum of Toys:

MINT (Moment of Imagination and Nostalgia) Museum of Toys houses a world-class collection of vintage toys and collectable items in an international award-winning contemporary building on Seah Street.

Since its inauguration in 2007, the museum is house to over 8,000 exhibits out of its collection of 50,000 items.  Across 6 levels, one will find items from over 40 countries, ranging in dates from the 1840s to 1980s.  Wow wow wow.

Let us take a look at some of the toys you can find there.  All of them are older than us.  :P

The boys were so intrigued with Mickey Mouse.  One of their favourite characters never really seen before.  And how we adults were brought back to childhood days of toys of yesteryear.  Nostalgic.  

Disclosure:  We were invited to the AIR+ Smart Mask workshop.  No monetary compensation was received.  Terms and product information about the product were provided by them.  All photographs and opinions are true to my own.

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