Filter lifespan:
A Hepa-Type filter (Cinqro™ Sports Filter, Allergy™ Particle Filter, Sports filter) is replaced based on discolouration. The particulates that are retained will increase the inhalation resistance. If the inhalation resistance is not bothering you then no need to replace the filter but to maintain the hygiene practice to keep the filter hygienically clean.
A Combination filter (Cinqro™ Urban Filter, Techno™ Filter, Allergy™ Chemical Particle Filter) is replaced based on the characteristics of the active urban cyclist. If you are using the mask for another activity it still applies, but your breathing rate and activity would put the lifespan of the filter at a proportionally shorter or longer time. If your breathing rate is say half that of a cyclist, then the effectiveness of the filter would be twice as long. For cycle commuting on a daily basis we recommend that the filter should be replaced every month or every 69 hours, whichever is sooner.
Please see the following video tutorial on how to replace a filter in your Respro® Mask. The filters are replaced and not added to the fitted filter. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2XIXeCVmVw.
Hygiene:
One aspect that does need consideration if you are using the mask regularly for a long period of time is the hygiene aspect.
Quick Cleaning process: We now have added a water based Sanitiser to our range, it is non Toxic, kills 99.9% of all common germs and bacteria and is hand sized. It is an excellent travel product for everyday use.
http://respro.com/store/product/respro-sanitiser – It is best used on a daily basis.
Please visit the following link to see the how to clean a mask using the Respro® Sanitiser spray: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-AkTgn0OB4
Standard cleaning process: To ensure good hygiene/care measures, we suggest that you place the filter and valves in a pan of freshly boiled water (remove pan from heat source before putting filter in) and let it cool down. Remove the filter unit from the water and allow to stand dry.
This procedure will remove facial oils that may build up over a period of continuous use and will also remove some of the particulates and organic vapour that will be present within the Charcoal structure of the filter or tissue salt build in the valves.
Washing the filter:
Washing the mask shell:
If the mask cover requires washing this should be done by carefully removing the filter assembly and then washing the outer casing in warm soapy water and then left to dry naturally.
Storage:
What you need to avoid, is the exposure of the filter to anything that it can adsorb. So retaining it in its packaging or in a sealable bag will do the trick. “No Air Flow” will maintain the filter ability to work. An arid storage environment would be better than a damp environment; this will inhibit the growth of any plant life that may arise from seeds/spores or other potential growth material that you may have inadvertently trapped in the filter.
