Respro Cinqro Mask Black - XL

I'm a Totobobo user but bought this mask and some spare filters as a back-up as supply is somewhat constrained.The mask arrived well packaged with minimal waste and a single filter. Frankly it would be more reasonable to put two filters in, but that aside... I found it easy to get a good fit with this mask but it will take some time to really get used to it as it is so different to my usual mask.The design does restrict breathing a little, but this should only really be an issue if you are pushing hard. The strap design is smart. Each side of the mask has a velcro loop strap, and there's an independent piece with Velcro hooks on it, so you have quite a big adjustment range.The strap sits at the top of the neck and again I'm still getting used to it, but it works well, keeping the mask secure and in position.Cycling masks are difficult to buy without being able to at least try a dummy on for comfort and fit. I bought this blind but I don't regret it. It won't be my first choice because I'm so used to a very different style, but I will be using it in wet weather - the Totobobo achilles heel.

Poor fit, very uncomfortable and completely ineffective. The strap around the back of the head slipped all the way down to the bottom of my neck. This had the effect of pulling the nose part tight over my nose, blocking it. It also opens a large gap under the jaw which defeats the whole purpose of the mask. I checked my size correctly on the Respro website but this just seems like a bad design, it needs something to keep the strap in place.

If you are seriously allergic/sensitive to pollution, a regular certified half-face cartridge-based gas mask is cheaper, more effective (odors, particles), fits better, and lasts longer. I note the 'certified' part above: the Respro themselves admit on their web site that their masks are no longer -- since 2001, I believe -- certified, and, thus, Respro is not responsible if a mask mailfunctions (poor seal, poor filter seams, etc).Re performance: the Respro Cinqro mask works for about 45 min of intense exercise (running, cycling, nordic skiing), but the filter gets soggy in about 30 min, and in 45 min one can barely breathe through it. This never happens with a professional cartridge respirator. Ditto about rain: the Respro gets soggy, the cartridge respirator keeps working. Thus, if your activity lasts longer than 45 min, or if it's snowing/raining, you need to replace the filter on the run (fiddly), or put on a fresh mask (thus doubling the price of an already overpriced product). Since the filter get soggy so easily, it needs washing each time. Thus, the filter does not last as long as a proper respirator cartridge filter (in which the humidity, spit, sweat etc from the user do not reach the filter.Finally, for a proper face seal. one needs their silicon adapter (two adapters if you have two masks -- see above). Thus, if one is serious about exercise (>45 min, cold weather, raining etc) one needs >150 worth of Respro stuff (which costs easily 10-fold less to manufacture).The advantages of the Respro mask is that it's lighter, packs smaller, does not look as odd, and lets in more air.