Brian Barton
Face masks are widely available in Beijing, from local pharmacies to convenience stores. However, many of these masks are only designed to provide basic protection from dust and the cold, and may not be suitable for long-term use or heavy pollution days. If you're looking for a more reliable mask, there are several options available for purchase in Beijing, including the N95 masks, Totobobo masks, and Respro masks. These masks offer better protection against air pollution and can be found at international medical centres, specific stores like Torana Clean Air Stores, or online through websites like Amazon.cn or Taobao. It is recommended by some to purchase masks before arriving in Beijing, as prices for genuine masks can be high and availability may be limited.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of masks | N95, Respro, neoprene masks |
| Places to buy | Local Chinese pharmacies, 7-11, Amazon.cn, Beijing United Family Hospital, Torana Clean Air Stores, Gowilds on Taobao, Natooke, myhealthbeijing.com, worldhealthstore.com.cn |
| Price | RMB 76.49 for a pack of five N95 masks, RMB 369 for Respro Techno masks, RMB 200 for Totobobo masks, RMB 120 for a pack of five Totobobo replacement filters |
| Effectiveness | N95 masks filter out 95% of airborne particulates, Totobobo masks filter out 99.97% of particles greater than 0.3 micrometres, Respro masks with HEPA filters are good for extensive outdoor activities |
| Other considerations | Basic masks available at convenience stores may only provide protection from dust and cold, Chinese surgical masks are usually worn to prevent spreading illness |
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What You'll Learn
Buy before you arrive in Beijing
If you're planning a trip to Beijing, it's worth buying a pollution mask before you arrive. The local masks may not be as effective as those designed for travellers, and it can be difficult to find genuine masks in Beijing.
There are a variety of masks available, but not all are created equal. When choosing a mask, look for one that is N95-certified, as these masks are cheap and effective, filtering out 95% of airborne particulates. You can buy a pack of five 3M N95 masks on Amazon.cn for 76.49 RMB, or shop around for the best deal.
If you're looking for something more stylish, UK-based Respro offers a range of neoprene pollution masks designed for cyclists. The Techno mask combines a HEPA-type particulate filter with an activated carbon cloth filter that absorbs gas and vapour pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide. At 369 RMB, it's one of the pricier options, but it offers free shipping to global destinations, including China.
Another option is the Totobobo Anti-pollution Mask, which has become a favourite among long-term Beijing residents. The HEPA-standard filters remove 99.97% of all particles greater than 0.3 micrometres, making them ideal for smoggy days. The masks are made of soft plastic that can be easily cut to size, and they cost 200 RMB from Torana Clean Air Stores in Beijing.
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Local pharmacies and 7-11s
If you're looking for convenience, local pharmacies and 7-11s are a good bet for purchasing pollution masks in Beijing. While the masks available at these stores may only offer basic protection from dust and cold, they are widely available and can be found at almost every street corner.
For example, Beijing United Family Hospital in the Chaoyang District stocks N95-certified masks, which are approved to filter out 95% of airborne particulates. A pack of five 3M 9010 N95 masks can be purchased on Amazon.cn for 76.49 RMB, although it is worth shopping around for the best deal.
If you're looking for a mask with a longer-lasting filter, the Respro Techno Mask combines a HEPA-type particulate filter with an activated carbon cloth filter, which absorbs gas and vapour pollutants such as Sulphur Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide. The filter provides protection for approximately 60 hours, and replacement filters can be purchased in-store or online. This mask is one of the pricier options, retailing at around 369 RMB, but it is a good choice if you plan to do a lot of cycling in the city. Respro offers free shipping to global destinations, including China, through its website.
Another option for a long-term stay in Beijing is the Totobobo Anti-pollution Mask, which has become a favourite among long-term Beijing residents. The Totobobo mask is fitted with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, which filters out 99.97% of all particles greater than 0.3 micrometres, making it ideal for heavily polluted days. The masks are made of soft plastic that can be easily cut to size, and they can be purchased in Beijing from Torana Clean Air Stores for 200 RMB. A pack of five replacement filters costs 120 RMB.
While these masks can be purchased once you arrive in Beijing, some travellers recommend buying masks before your trip, as it can be challenging to find genuine, imported masks in Beijing, and the prices may be higher.
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Beijing United Family Hospital
BJU offers a comprehensive range of medical services, including orthopaedics, paediatric orthopaedics, urology, surgery, gynaecology, paediatrics, neurological rehabilitation, family medicine, and more. The hospital also has a 24-hour service centre and an emergency hotline.
In addition to medical services, Beijing United Family Hospital also offers international-standard healthcare services. The hospital's WeChat store provides patients with easy access to information about their services and prices, and they can even purchase discount healthcare packages. The hospital's gift shop sells 3M N95 anti-pollution masks, which are certified to filter out 95% of airborne particulates. These masks are cheap and effective, making them a popular choice for protection against Beijing's air pollution.
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Totobobo Anti-pollution Masks
The Totobobo Anti-Pollution Masks are renowned worldwide for their quality and customer recommendations. The masks are available in two sizes: large, which is generally suitable for men, and medium/small, which is designed for women. The same mask can be trimmed to a smaller size for children. The mask is lightweight and thin, allowing it to closely follow the nose profile without interfering with spectacles. It is also reusable and can be wiped clean with soap and water or alcohol wipes. The recommended duration for Totobobo filters varies based on their application. For air pollution, it is advised to change filters every two weeks or when the filter changes colour from white to mid-grey.
The Totobobo mask incorporates Silver ion, an antiviral agent that prevents the growth of bacteria and viruses on its surface. The mask is also available in a bicycle mask variant, which is flexible, comfortable, and super lightweight at only 20 grams. The transparent respirator ensures a perfect fit for your face, and the superelastic strap does not aggravate the skin and face as it contains no rubber.
The Totobobo mask has received positive reviews, with users reporting that it is comfortable, does not restrict breathing or performance, and is stylish. Artist Brenda Boylan described it as the "most efficient and comfortable, least expensive dust mask" she had ever used. The mask's popularity spread worldwide after the Thai Police tested and gave a positive review.
Totobobo masks can be purchased from the Torana Clean Air Center in Beijing, China.
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Respro Techno Masks
The Respro Techno Mask is an active-style air filtration mask that combines the Sportsta mask's Hepa-Type filtration for sub-micron pollutants with the City mask's Dynamic ACC (Activated Charcoal Cloth) filter. This combination provides increased filtration ability, covering a broader spectrum of pollutants than either filter alone. The mask also features two techno valves specifically designed to improve airflow performance on exhalation, reducing heat around the face and allowing moisture to escape.
The Techno mask filters out a wide range of pollutants, including hydrocarbons (such as benzene and pyrene), nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides, lead oxide, black smoke, pollen dust, irritant dusts, and clay dust. It is suitable for use in various environments, including urban, rural, and work settings, and can be used during outdoor activities, household chores, and city living. The mask is made from durable and breathable neoprene, ensuring a comfortable fit, and features a Velcro fastening for adjustability.
The Respro Techno Mask is highly recommended for individuals with allergies, hay fever, MCS, rhinitis, or asthma. It provides superior particle filtration, ensuring clean air inhalation and protecting against harmful pollutants. The mask is a premium choice for those seeking effective protection from air pollution in Beijing and other highly polluted areas.
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Frequently asked questions
Face masks are widely available in Beijing, from local Chinese pharmacies to 7-11. However, many of these masks are only designed to provide basic protection from dust and the cold. You can find N95-certified masks at Beijing United Family Hospital and on Amazon.cn.
Totobobo Anti-pollution Masks, which are fitted with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, are available at Torana Clean Air Stores for 200 RMB. Respro Techno Masks, which combine a HEPA-type particulate filter with an activated carbon cloth filter, are available at Gowilds on Taobao and Natooke for 369 RMB.
It is recommended to buy N95 masks before arriving in Beijing as they can be expensive and hard to find in the city due to being imported. Basic masks can be purchased from most convenience stores, but these may not provide adequate protection from pollution.
Some people prefer activated carbon masks, which can be purchased from www.worldhealthstore.com.cn, as all their products are imported.
