Thread by @ToshiAkima

1. A full review of the Flo Mask Pro respirator @flo_mask. Fully *independent* verdict: it's a winner. A discreet elastomeric you can wear and forget about. It “disappears”, even when worn for extended periods

2. Elastomerics fit a much higher proportion of the population on fit tests. If you don't have access to fit testing, then you have an up to 98% chance of passing in an elastomeric. But traditional elastomerics tend to be bulky or look like gas masks …ccess.s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/AustralianAnae…

3. The @flo_mask is a more discrete alternative to elastomerics like the excellent NIOSH approved @DraegerNews X-plore 2100, being lighter, less bulky and aesthetically more acceptable. We don't call it the Peppa Pig for nothing, as it has a fine snout!

https://twitter.com/ToshiAkima/status/1487446404851445760?s=20

4. Yet the filtration efficacy of the @flo_mask Pro Filter as measured independently by Nelsons Lab is almost as good as the Dräger's 99.97% efficacy P100 filter. The Flo Mask does this without the bulk or protruding snout of the Dräger

5. The 99% efficacy of the @flo_mask Pro Filter has been corroborated by CDC/NIOSH (it will take years before it gets NIOSH approval). If you prefer a filter with 95% efficacy with much less breathing resistance, you can also choose the Everyday Filter

https://twitter.com/flo_mask/status/1523941899005952000?s=20

6. A situation in which you might choose a more breathable filter might be during exercise. I wore it cycling and found it comfortable, but with head forwards on a road bike, condensation forms *on top of* the filter (less of a problem if cycling upright) after an hour

7. Because of condensation wetting the filter, I won't be regularly cycling in my Flo Mask (I only ride road bikes). I will be sticking to the 3M Aura with expiration valve (or the Dräger X-plore 1930 V FFP3 if I can get hold of them)

https://twitter.com/ToshiAkima/status/1517848802459533312?s=20

8. Even the 99% efficacy Pro Filter is remarkably breathable, so unless you are exercising, I would recommend this one. When an elastomeric with 99% efficacy can be made as breathable as this, there is little justification left to wear disposable N95 masks

9. The best thing about elastomerics is that their superior fit eliminates eyeglass fogging. Yet the @flo_mask has none of the problems with the glasses being forced to sit too high up. There are even grooves to accommodate your lenses

10. Even on the excellent 3M Aura N95, I cannot fully eliminate lens fogging. With the GVS Segre Folded, I can almost eliminate it, except on coughing or heavy breathing (eg stairs). On the Flo Mask, lens fogging (a pet peeve of mine) is simply eliminated!

https://twitter.com/ToshiAkima/status/1517512472227631105?s=20

11. As long as you get your nose bridge size correct with the @flo_mask you should get no leaks here. Elastomerics don't need to have their nose wires shaped to fit the wearer's nose—failure to do so can cause a “well-fitting” mask to fail a fit test

https://twitter.com/amandalhu/status/1523404873617666048?s=20

12. You can see that even oversized frames or goggles can be worn without being forced upwards by the Flo Mask. Here it is worn with a pair of Ultrasonic goggles from @uvexsafetygroup (to seal the eyes from aerosols). uvex-safety.com.au/en/products/sa…

13. The one caveat with the @flo_mask is that it is a bit unforgiving in demanding to be worn in exactly the right position. It has to be worn with the bottom just below the lower lip, leaving much of the chin exposed. Otherwise, I get big leaks with the head turned to the side

14. Bulkier elastomerics like the Dräger are more forgiving in how they are worn. I was able to smile plus open my mouth wider on the Dräger without producing leaks than on the Flo Mask. No elastomeric is designed to be worn with the mouth wide open singing “vincero!”

15. I was able to sing at a modest mezzo forte (without mouth wide open) and not get leaks. Whether this is enough for you as a teacher shouting at kids or during choir practice will depend on personal needs. The Airgami or 3M VFlex *might* be better in this role (?)

16. Vocal clarity. A big positive with the @flo_mask is superb vocal clarity. I could measure little reduction in dB output using an app compared to no mask. People could understand my spoken voice with ease. This is often a problem with elastomerics

https://twitter.com/LazarusLong13/status/1530677736007536640?s=20

17. When you get your @flo_mask, please do a home fit test. Start with a negative pressure test. Cover the filter with both hands and breath in. Repeat with head up/down/left/right. Check for air leaks each time. Do a negative pressure test each time you don your mask (from 3M)

18. Next, follow with a positive pressure test. Cough sharply while wearing glasses (eg sunglasses). Repeat with head up/down/left/right. Repeat with lenses held to the side and bottom edges. Lens fogging means failure. I pass on all tests

19. When I noted leaks from the @flo_mask being worn too low, I was a bit put off. This can be easily overcome by doing a negative pressure test each time after finding the optimum position on the face. This concern has largely disappeared from my mind but please be aware of it

20. Once I got used to wearing it in the correct position, I found I simply liked wearing my Flo Mask. It is just easy to wear, being whisper-light. You soon forget it was there as it has none of the weight or bulk of many other elastomerics

21. Unless work OH&S demands NIOSH certification for a mask to be worn, there is no reason to wear an elastomeric like the Dräger X-plore 2100. Yes, it's a tiny fraction more efficacious and more flexibly fits different faces but it's a lot less comfy just by virtue of its bulk

22. You can get elastomerics that perform measurably “better” than the Flo Mask. But it is diminishing returns. They are a tiny bit better, often for a lot more expense, weight, bulk, reduced vocal clarity, or discomfort. And they ain't exactly pretty

23. Shipping was via DHL from San Jose, California to Australia and to family in New Zealand. It took less than a week to reach both destinations. I recommend getting the condensation insert and Halo strap

24. Conclusion. The @flo_mask is downright impressive in that it delivers most of what the best elastomerics can achieve in a discreet package that is both easy to wear and socially acceptable. Highly recommended