Cambridge masks

[Wheezycat]

I have two Cambridge masks, one about three years old and one about 6 months. I have an increasing problem with indoor air pollution, from cooking fumes, wood burners, candles, air fresheners etc. I have found that my first one can really be a boon when I encounter these things and I can feel the warning signs from whatever PMs or VOCs are about. I don't use them for Covid, just for indoor air pollution issues.

My second one, however, which I used for the first time a few days ago seemed to cause me a mildish asthma attack (two lots of Ventolin and a lot of exhaustion) . There seemed at first to be some fleeting sweet smell from it as I opened the little blue box, like air freshener or fabric softener or some such, but as it was fleeting I forgot about it. However eventually it seemed at first to cause irritation that caused a cough, and later breathlessness and that familiar exhausted feeling. I am by now quite used to wearing masks so I don't think that was the issue.

Has anyone had similar issues with the Cambridge Mask specifically? Also, if I have to change brand, what other masks to manage pollution have any of you found? After that little episode I am a bit wary of spending money on something I don't have a recommendation for.

[Thomas45]

I had to look up what a Cambridge mask is. No I don't wear one but I don't have indoor pollutants either. I don't have artificial air fresheners but I do keep a window open except on the coldest days. I don't have candles or a wood burner. My food doesn't produce pollutants. Maybe you're in a house share and can't avoid the smells.I am slightly disabled ( foot drop) so can no longer drive, but it doesn't stop me getting fresh air.

Is there any way that you can reduce pollutants or get more fresh air?

[Wheezycat in reply to Thomas45]

Good for you! I just wonder how on earth you achieve that as you cannot fully avoid air pollutants indoors! I am not so tolerant with cold either so to have a window open all the time in the colder months could easily lead to problems. Intermittent airings is another matter.We have a gas cooker. Gas emits pollutants, and I think I am slightly affected by it. It affects me if someone toasts bread. Frying/browning things do. I like to cook Indian, but that mostly involves toasting or frying off some spices first, and that affects me. My worst is anything burning, whether from wood as in wood burners, cooking methods, baking, candles etc, etc, etc. Ditto some VOCs like air fresheners, but then I haven't used anthing like that for the last 30-40 years, and rarely before then. Also some cleaning materials affect me. Things that don't affect me (as far as I know), but still are polluting included modern building materials of all sorts. I am no expert, but it is immensely difficult to avoid these pollutants altogether.

[Bevvy]

I don’t have any experience with Cambridge masks. But I imagine is difficult to advise different masks because such an individual thing. In same way what medications work for one person are disaster for someone else.One thing I wondered is maybe give the company a phone call? They could advise you especially if materials of mask have changed…….

[Wheezycat in reply to Bevvy]

Yes, i agree about asking the company, and I have already taken steps. it is important to find out.

I also agree we can react so differently, but i just wondered if any brand stuck out one way or the other. If i need to replace it it would be good to know of others' experiences. I am only referring to N95 anti pollution masks, not Covid.

[Yatzy]

Cambridge masks are washable, maybe a rinse through would help?? I use one for shops etc, so easy just to hang round my neck when not in use. I find it a bit thick and heavy for indoor pollution though. Like you, I find it useful to wear masks indoors for same reasons, though I’m ok in my own home. I tend to use the standard blue disposable ones. Light and easy to breath through…..seem to do the trick for me.

[Wheezycat in reply to Yatzy]

Thanks! Unfortunately I have been known to react on my own cooking, so I need to be prepared. We have an extracting cooking hood, and this time of year many windows are always open, but occasionally it is not enough. I am also trying/ aiming to learn more how to steam cook a whole meal as steaming is fine for me! I am aiming for bao buns for our evening meal…..a first for me. I hadn’t considered the light blue ones, but I have some ( though sadly one use only) - I must try that.