Disclaimer: I received an ultra-light face mask helix by BodyHelix with 6 disposable filters and 4 nasal bridge wire strips to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!
When we leave home these days, we’re frequently looking for a solid, reliable mask to bring to protect us, our families, and those we encounter. After all, masks are required at many places for entry indoors. We have mask mandates here in Lincoln and in Omaha, all over the country actually and overseas as well.
So many hazards and germs are around us surrounding us: bacteria, viruses, COVID-19, smoke (e.g. from wildfires for many unfortunately), pollen (still in ragweed season here now), mold, etc. We have to take steps to minimize our risks and prevent illness before it happens. Air quality is an enormous concern not only for me as an asthmatic but by everyone who breathes and desires to breathe the cleanest air possible.
The difficulty with many masks is: too thick fabric or material (isn’t two layers enough usually?), fogs up glasses, doesn’t secure behind the ears, or even slipping off the nose. I’ve tested some competing products where the disposable filter slides out and doesn’t stay in place because it isn’t adhesive.
I know there is some skepticism and criticism of masks in general and I’m asking you to set that aside and hear me out with an open mind for 5-10 minutes. Let’s keep everyone healthy, safe, and well and look at comfortable easy ways of doing that with this mask.
Fortunately, the BodyHelix mask is thin (0.5 mm), lightweight, has disposable 100% polyester filters that lock in place with adhesive, and an optional flexible nasal bridge to keep the mask where it belongs. For people like me with larger noses, it is very helpful to have the nose secured to that extent. It fits well and stays in place, doesn’t move around unless we move it ourselves. Tiny adjustments are easy to make.
What about water and precipitation? The closed-cell fabric design keeps it out. Same with viruses and germs.
I tested it in heat, humidity, and in cooler conditions, it seems to be all-weather and exceeded my expectations.
Is it breathable? Yes, and this is really important. Adjusting to a new mask, there’s the tendency to try to breathe too much (to hyperventilate almost) but not with this one. Within minutes after a few walks, it’s easy to learn how to breathe effectively and efficiently while keeping the mask in place.
What about hydration or if you need to remove the mask for a moment? Very easy to do. Just unlock one ear strap keeping the other one in place. Have a drink and replace it.
On runs, sometimes I found that I needed to check to make sure the disposable filter was still covering all the breathing holes (there are 5 holes on each side shaped like a W, well designed).
I was very happy the mask I tested was blue, my favorite color. Blue sky and Caribbean blue….that’s my color definitely! My favorite hue.
Also, I found that the glasses did not seem to fog up with the BodyHelix mask. Optimally, I found that the mask worked best with my Ray-ban shades that have anti-fog integrated within them.
I love that the mask is washable, just throw it in the laundry with your other masks (we tend to wash them as the last load of the day). I do wash it in a zipper laundry bag just to keep it secure. Then add the new filter and stick it in place amidst the breathing holes on the inside. Add and switch the nasal bridge when needed, it affixes by adhesive too.
If you tend to feel warmer and need a thinner mask for your climate/body temperature, this is definitely the mask for you.
By the way, if you run/walk with your dog, yes it is easy to give the dog commands and for your dog to hear you with the mask. Also, if someone asks you for directions on the trail (this happens to be a lot), yes they can understand you speaking clearly through the mask from a safe distance.
Over time, using the mask more frequently on runs/walks, I found that my breathing capacity (VO2 max) has increased as measured by my Apple watch. While I cannot prove that the increase is entirely from wearing the mask, I think at least a little of that increase may be attributable to wearing this particular mask. (Increases on days I wore this particular mask seem to be a signal.) It did give me more confidence and peace of mind, especially encountering others on the streets/trails to have it with me. As an asthmatic, it is wonderful to have a reliable, safe and secure product like this that is easy to use and clean. THANK YOU for the opportunity to test it! I enjoyed it very much!
Are you ready and willing to try the mask soon? Please use this discount at checkout: BR15 to to save 15% off of orders of $40 or more, good until October 31, 2020. You can visit their website here: BodyHelix.com
Thank you for listening. Please contact me if you have any questions about the mask and let me know what you think of it too. Mask up and breathe easily. It’s simple.
Stay safe, healthy, well and strong! Bring BodyHelix mask along!
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