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For this Airinum Mask review, I wore this mask almost every day for months. You can probably tell from the number of images in this Airinum Mask review. It goes well with almost everything from an all-black wardrobe.
Details
- Price $69 on Airinum
I'm reviewing the Alan Walker version which costs $20 more.
Use this link or enter code ALEXKWA during checkout for 10% off entire order. - Made in Sweden
Overview
Ever since I saw the 1995 movie, Hackers, I've always been interested in cyberpunk culture. Cyperpunk is defined by Wikipedia as a “combination of lowlife and high tech”. This lingering interest was recently reignited and manifested in the form of the techwear culture, an emerging style that blends form with function.
Just like GORETEX jackets and cargo pants, black masks have always been a mainstay of the techwear community. This made me even more excited to make it part of my outfits.
Whether to be considerate of others or just for fashion, surgical masks are a common sight among the Japanese. Living here makes me a little easier to wear one every day.
We often take clean air for granted, wherein some countries, pollution is a real problem. Yet, masks are often basic, often primitive in design and construction. Airinum was birthed out of the mission to let you breathe cleaner air, better.
I previously wrote about a badass mask, the R-PUR mask, so I was excited to write about something less dramatic. I also wear a black surgical mask that I got from Rakuten almost every day. This is obviously an upgrade so I was excited to be able to test it for this Airinum Mask review.
Style
The first thing that piqued my interest in these masks were, undoubtedly, the style. It looks so subtle and clean, which is the hallmark of the distinct Scandinavian design style.
The mask itself has a very techwear, military vibe. The style reminds me a little of the aesthetics of the 1999 anime, Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade. This is mainly due to the valves at the front of the mask.
At a glance, it looks like those cloth masks you see on your favorite Kpop star's airport fashion paparazzi photos. On closer look, the dual valves in the front are what gives that little edge.
In Japan, while white surgical masks are a common sight, black masks are less common. That changed since the pandemic with the uprise of mask-wearers. The uprise naturally led to more trendsetters experimenting with different colors. Still, a black cloth mask with dual valves is sure to draw some looks.
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But, because the black colorway and the branding are subtle enough, it's still not too hard to carry off. This is especially so when compared to more substantial-looking masks like the R-PUR Mask.
As expected, the mask comes with a nice zip pouch, in all black as well.
Branding
While they had a regular all-black version, I went for the Alan Walker special edition for this Airinum Mask review.
I usually go for the most generic versions of things, but I thought the design for this collaboration was subtle and understated enough for me to give it a go. I wanted to see how Airinum navigated around branding while keeping the minimalistic design intact.
The collaboration with Alan Walker was aimed to be the most sophisticated street-ready design. I'll admit, I've never heard of Alan Walker, a Norwegian DJ, until this review, but the design ain't half bad.
Apparently, Alan Walker is known for being in a hoodie and face mask when performing on stage. This signature look naturally led to this collaboration.
When asked in an interview why he uses a mask, he stated that “It is to keep a low profile while maintaining the mental image they have given me.” Well, staying low profile is something I can definitely get behind.
The design is basically exactly the same as the all-black Airinum, except for a few spots of branding. The most striking spot being the reflective “AW” logo on the front. The logo was designed by Alan in 2013, bearing the initials of his name (no shit, Sherlock).
I designed a thing.
I found a 100 year old company that would create these heirloom quality canisters for me. They are handmade and will keep your tea leaves, coffee beans or anything that you need dry for years to come.
or read review
Apart from the mark, there are also the words “Walkers Join” on the left side of the mark. There is also a flashy metal dog tag that's thankfully detachable.
While the dog tag looks pretty cool on its own, you shouldn't wear the mask with it attached. It's not a good look.
Fit
While I'm interested in breathing clean air, I wear masks largely for style and privacy. So, a good fit is important for me to want to keep them on throughout the day. The worst fit for face masks is when it's too small such that your face is exposed on the sides.
Following the size chart, I got a large size based on my weight, which was 85kg. According to the chart, large was for anyone over 75kg, so it was a no-brainer for me.
They also recommended that you measure the distance between your eyes and your chin for further accuracy using the two values. I'll admit that I didn't do this since I felt large was too obvious of a choice.
It fitted perfectly. The Airinum does a great job at providing a snug fit that covers most of my face. It has a memory foam (similar to the one the R-PUR Mask has) on the nose area for a personalized fit. Like most surgical masks, the nose clip is also adjustable, as in you can bend it to whichever angle that fits the shape of your nose best.
In fact, apart from just feeling comfortable, the fit is actually one of the key factors in ensuring the mask works as described. Apart from the four sizes they provide, the mask comes with adjustable ear loops. Additionally, to take pressure off the ears, it also comes with an adjustable head strap.
One nice detail about the straps is that there's a rubber-like patch on it that makes sure the straps don't come loose easily.
So, follow the size chart closely, and you'll probably be able to get a perfect fit.
Material and Technology
What makes the mask work well isn't too much to do with the materials, but more to do with the filter. I'm very sensitive when it comes to dust and would start sneezing non-stop in a dusty environment. So, it not only has to look good, it has to do its job well.
The replaceable filter has five layers of protection before any air reaches your lungs. These multi-layer filter consists of the following layers:
Outside PP Layer – Outside filter wrapping in a durable finish
Active Carbon Layer – Filters gases and reduces odor
1st Electro Charged Layer – Filters larger PM10, pollen and other allergens
2nd Electro Charged Layer – Filters smaller PM2.5, dust and bacteria
Inside PP Layer – Inside filter with ultra-smooth and skin-friendly finish
It was tested in a world-class Swedish laboratory (RISE) with results equivalent to the N95. N95 is the American standard that requires filtration of at least 95% of airborne particles. N95 filters give your nose a break from nasty stuff like dust, pollen, bacteria, and cigarette smoke.
The filter is attached to the cloth mask or the skin as they call it, and is designed to last. It's washable and reusable. It has also been treated with an anti-bacterial treatment, Polygiene.
The treatment allows you to use the mask for a longer amount of time before washing, thus increasing the lifespan of the mask. It does this by inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria at the source by using low concentrations of silver salt (silver chloride), which has antimicrobial properties.
I've been using this mask every day for about a week now and have not felt the need to wash it. Like with all my clothes, I would determine the need to wash it by the smell or visible stains.
Your mask won't usually get stained unless you are a circus clown getting pies thrown at your face. And I wasn't able to detect any smell so far but will update this article if or when I do.
Usage
The package came with two replaceable filters. Putting it on was the easiest thing ever. Just stick it onto the velcros on the insides of the skin and clip on the valve plates and you are set.
Putting it onto your face is also as easy, especially once you've made the fit adjustments. Because of the head loop, you'll have to put it over your head. Even with a man bun, it wasn't hard at all for me to get it on.
It's not a big deal, but you'll likely see some condensation on the insides of the valve after some use. This is especially so for those through their mouth a lot.
As expected, because of the valves, I sometimes have reservations wearing the mask, especially to work. But, if you want to wear it out to somewhere fashionable like Harajuku or Omotesando, no one will notice.
Airinum Mask Review: 4-Month Update
After much more use, I've noticed that the cushioning that comes in contact with your nose comes off rather easily. They are put on using some sort of double-sided tape. I tried to paste it back on, but it wouldn't really stay on.
This isn't really a deal-breaker but it is a little irritating having to adjust it each time.
Airinum Mask Review: 6-Month Update
After more uses, I felt that the mask and the filter are too thick for prolonged use in hotter climates. As you are blowing out hot air from your mouth, it quickly causes a sweaty philtrum (the area between your nose and lips. Yeah, I googled). The sweat will naturally get onto your mask, making it a breeding ground for germs.
I brought it to Danang, Vietnam, and Taichung, Taiwan recently, and they were a lifesaver, to say the least. You'll come across alleys with stenches that you'll be thankful you have a mask for. The crazy number of motorcyclists also means that air quality leaves much to be desired.
In Vietnam where GrabBike was my main form of transportation, the Airinum Mask really saved my complexion. On the road, highly unstable molecules referred to as free radicals, damage the skin's natural protective barrier. This leaves the complexion more susceptible to irritation, rashes, eczema, and breakouts. In fact, the majority of the Vietnamese riders use masks themselves because they know what's best for them.
For Taiwan, I just have two words for you, “stinky tofu”!
Airinum Mask Review: COVID-19 Update
Since this review, COVID-19 has made Airinum Mask possibly the most in-demand mask out there. It's often sold out and I couldn't get filter refills. I realized that you can't wear it without a filter since the valves attach to the filters. This rendered them useless and forced me to move on the cloth masks like the GORUCK Face Mask and TOM BIHN Face Mask.
Conclusion
If you are sick of getting new throwaway masks, this is probably the best one that you can use for a long time.
If it seems too expensive to you, you want to note that they still have the version 1.0 of the mask up for sale at $28 cheaper at the time of this article. The difference between the two versions is that the original has a different valve design and no Polygiene treatment.
For those techwear ninjas out there, you don't even need to think twice. This is simply the best-looking and most advanced one out there.
Additional Images
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