Respro make a number of masks. I bought the Techno because it has the highest filtration.
As for filtration, a N95/P2 mask is recommended for smoke. The mask is not certified at N95 but Respro says that it is effectively the same. Their website says this:
Basically we place this disclaimer on the product to ensure that people do not start using them in workplace environments. The mask has been tested to EN149 FFP1 status which is the equivalent of N95.
N99/ 97/95 is a certification process for disposable respirators for dust for use in Industrial applications. The testing process is carried out by Niosh Accredited testing houses which provide certificates of approval.
We have masks that have equivalent European ratings, The EV range are rated P1 (N95) P2 (N97) P3 (N99).
Our Neoprene products are primarily used in non-industrial sectors; motorcycle, cycle markets. However we feel that it is important for our products to conform to industrial standards as a measure of effectiveness when marketing to the general public.
EN149 is a homologated European standard applicable for the use of face masks in the workplace for the filtration of dusts and water soluble aqueous mists. The test protocol used is primarily based on the masks ability to filter a given percentage of particulate material by means of seal and filter media.
Our Sportsta™ and Techno™, Allergy™ and FB-1™ masks are manufactured within the technical specification for EN149FFP1 for solid and liquid aerosols (i.e. mists).
I found that the filtration seemed to work pretty well - I didn't notice the smoke at all riding, and then immediately noticed the smell when I took the mask off. After yesterday's commute (with less smoke) I felt like I'd smoked half a pack of cigarettes, but today my lungs feel fine.
Also, I found I could breathe ok in it. I was worried I'd be gasping and puffed, but it was fine. You need to actively breathe, but I pushed up the one hill on my commute and wasn't lost for air. Probably don't want to ride up Baw Baw on it, but again, that's not the purpose.
Three things with the fit -
1. The straps sit quite low, sort of on the upper neck, which I think is to help get a helmet on. Feels odd at first, but the seal seems to be good.
2. Because the straps cover the upper neck, when riding I found it forced my head down a bit and I couldn't move my head as freely. Might create neck/shoulder pain on a long ride. But then this is just for commuting and I figure I'll get used to it.
3. It fits tightly over the nose to create a good seal, but the effect is clamping on the nose bridge forcing mouth breathing – again, that might not good on a long ride because it might lead to a build up of condensation. I didn't notice any condensation on my commute.
Ultimately pretty happy.
This is the view from my office today:
