MeoAir is a mask company based in New Zealand that is approaching fine dust masks from a new angle. Rather than using synthetic materials, they rely on using wool Helix filters from Lanaco. These filters can currently only be found in a few masks, including the AusAir AirWeave Merino Mask.
These filters provide some unique breathing properties. Specifically, they provide significantly lower breathing resistance than other respirators and masks. This makes them more comfortable to wear and also means that the masks are likely to perform better for people who need to exercise with a mask on or those with respiratory conditions such as asthma.
The Helix filters that are used also mean that the filters biodegrade – something that is especially important in a time when masks are essential for many people.
I review a lot of masks, however, the approach taken by MeoAir is unique and an approach that I haven’t seen before. For that reason, these masks instantly caught my attention. I knew that I wanted to review them and to see if everything that they claimed is true. Today, I want to bring you my MeoAir mask review.
Before I begin, I also want to note that these masks are comparably cheaper than almost every other reusable respirator on the market. $30USD is normally the minimum for reusable masks that meet filtration standards. Often though, reusable masks will go to $50USD or more.
MeoAir is comparably very cheap. However, after writing this article I don’t think that this cheaper price means a lower quality product. The product is easily comparable to other masks such as Vogmask in terms of quality.
Looking for masks in New Zealand? Check out Bloo Masks, another great mask brand from New Zealand.
This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please refer to my affiliate disclaimer. I was sent a product for review, but the article is not sponsored. All opinions expressed in this post are my honest thoughts. I only recommend products that I genuinely believe in.
Information on this blog is for informational purposes only. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information herein with other sources. Furthermore, this information is not intended to replace medical advice from professionals. This website assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information, and information is subject to change without notice. Devices mentioned on this website are not medical devices and do not guarantee protection.
MeoAir Review
MeoAir’s biggest selling point is the use of a filter based on wool rather than a traditional filter that is based on synthetic materials. This provides a few benefits that are instantly apparent:
- Easy to breathe through
- Keeps the user warm in winter
- Stops bacterial growth
These are some of the benefits listed on Lanaco’s website. From experience, I can say that these masks are definitely easier to breathe through than others that I have tested (more on this in the following section).
They also have test results regarding the mask’s technology in preventing bacterial growth. However, this is something that I have been unable to test myself. It will also be interesting to see if this bacterial prevention is still consistent after the mask gets older. If I notice any changes, I will be sure to update this article.
Of course, the use of wool filters also means that they are far more environmentally friendly than the filters that the vast majority of other masks use.
With the unique benefits of the Helix wool filter out of the way, I would now like to cover the individual aspects of the mask in detail. If you don’t want the technical details, please feel free to skip ahead to the conclusion.
Learn more about mask standards such as N95, FFP2, KN95 and more.
Filtration
For a quick answer in regards to filtration: MeoAir meets the P2 filtration standard. The mask is capable of filtering more than 94% of particles, and has been tested to have ≥ 99.74% filtration against particles at 0.1μm. For more details, please keep reading.
It is always important to note that masks and respirators need professional fit testing to be completely effective. However, this training isn’t accessible to the majority of people. If this is the case, make sure to follow an official guide such as that offered by the CDC. Although the guide is aimed at N95 respirators, the same process should be followed.
The masks offered by MeoAir adhere to the AUS/NZ P2 filtration standard (AS/NZS1716). This means that the masks must filter ≥ 94% of particles. Further, the masks were also found to have ≥ 99.74% filtration against 0.1μm particles by Nelson Labs.
The Helix filter contained within MeoAir masks was also found to have >99.99% bacterial filtration efficacy. The test used a mean particle size of 3.1μm (which is the standard size for bacterial filtration tests) and was carried out by Nelson Labs.
Particulate Filtration
| Filtration Type | Particle (0.3μm) | Particle (0.1μm) |
| MeoAir | ≥ 96% | ≥ 99.74% |
| Cambridge Mask | ≥ 99.47% | NA |
| Vogmask | ≥ 95.38% | NA |
| Totobobo (F94) | NA | ≥ 99.7% |
Viral & Bacterial Filtration
| Filtration Type | Viral (3μm) | Bacterial(3μm) |
| MeoAir | NA | > 99.99% |
| Cambridge Mask | ≥ 99.3% | > 99.6% |
| Vogmask | > 99.9% | > 99.9% |
| Totobobo | > 99.9% | > 99.9% |
MeoAir compared to other reusable masks. NA indicates that lab results were not present.
At the time of writing this article, the mask and filter do not have viral filtration results. However, with > 99.7% filtration of particles at 0.1μm, it is likely that the mask does offer some viral filtration. There are currently no lab results to confirm this though.
Finally, it’s important to note that these filtration results apply to the filter itself – not the mask. The filter on MeoAir masks can be replaced easily, and it is important to ensure it is correctly fitted every time. If the filter isn’t fitted properly, you will not get the full capabilities of the mask.
These filtration results place the MeoAir in what I would consider to be the top tier of reusable respirators. It provides similar or better filtration when compared to masks such as Cambridge Mask, Re-Mask and Totobobo Mask.
Purchase MeoAir Lite & Kids masks.
Breathing Resistance
One of the primary marketing points of MeoAir is the decreased breathing resistance that is offers compared to other respirators. I looked into this claim and was surprised with the results – the breathing resistance offered from MeoAir (and the Helix filters) is not only lower than comparable masks but it is significantly lower.
For the New Zealand & Australian P2 standard, an inhalation resistance of less than 70pa at 30L/min is required. At 95L/min an inhalation resistance of less than 250pa is required. The Helix filter showed an average resistance of 10.67pa at 30L/min and 34.17pa at 95L/min. (Source – Lanaco)
These inhalation resistances are far lower than the P2 standard requires. Compared to other standards (such as the NIOSH N95 standard), these breathing resistances are also very low.
| Filter Standard | N95 | FFP2 | KN95 |
| Flow Rate | 85L/min | 95L/min | 85L/min |
| Inhalation Resistance | ≤ 343pa | ≤ 240pa | ≤ 350 Pa |
Source – 3M
In short, MeoAir and the Helix filters that the masks use have very low breathing resistance compared to both the P2 standard requirements and the comparable standards from other countries. I also tested Earth Filter in my MeoAir mask and found the Helix filter to have significantly less breathing resistance.
From these results, it’s easy to see that the MeoAir mask is a great choice for anyone that finds other masks difficult to breathe through. Even if you haven’t experienced this before, you will quickly find that the MeoAir mask is one of the most comfortable masks in regards to breathing resistance.
Learn more about mask filtration and how it is tested.
Filters
One of the biggest benefits of the MeoAir masks are that they allow the user to manually replace the filter. Although this may not seem like an important factor at first, it quickly comes in useful as it is not only cheaper in the long run, but also more user-friendly.
Since the filters are replaceable, they are NOT washable. Although the mask itself is washable, make sure to remove the filter before washing the cover. MeoAir recommends hand washing the cover in warm water with gentle soap.
Lite/Kids filters last for around 10 days at an AQI of 100-150. In other words, these filters should last around 50 hours of use in a moderate AQI. If you want to learn more about AQI, please refer to my post on understanding AQI.
On the other hand, the Meo Replaceable filter lasts approximately double this time. These filters are of a slightly higher quality and allow for more use before replacement.
However, both filters types are relatively cheap and come out more budget-friendly in the long run. For a mathematical example, I wanted to compare MeoAir’s longterm cost vs Cambridge Mask. Cambridge Mask does not offer replaceable filters, and once the filter loses efficiency the mask must be replaced. Cost assumes an AQI of 125 (between 100 and 150).
Cambridge Mask = $31 (mask cost). Mask lifespan at 125 AQI is 340 hours. 31/340 = $0.09 per hour or 9 cents.
Meo Lite = $11. Comes with 2 filters, of which each lasts 50 hours. 3 filters cost $10. Therefore, 8 filters can be purchased for $31 – 400 hours of filtration. That comes out to $0.075 or 7.5 cents per hour.
Of course, it’s important to note that once you purchase the Meo Lite mask you do not need to repurchase it. This means that over time the MeoAir mask will become even cheaper than the Cambridge Mask.
Another point worth mentioning is that the Meo Lite Filters and MeoAir Reusable Filters don’t only need to be used in MeoAir masks. if you have other masks around the same size, these filters can also work in them. Gill mask is a great example – once the filters have been cut down, they can create a good fit.
Best apps to monitor AQI. Everything that you need to know!
Models & Sizes
There are two different models of reusable masks provided by MeoAir currently. While they do offer other masks on their website, they are intended to be used as disposable masks.
The two models are offered are the Meo Lite and the Meo Kids. As the name implies, the kid’s version is intended for children while the Lite mask is the adult’s version of the mask. The children’s mask is offered in one size, whereas the Lite variant has a medium and large size.
Other than the size and look of the mask, these two models are identical. Both masks offer replaceable filters and both filters have the same filtration rating. However, the filters are of different sizes. Therefore, the Lite mask needs Lite filters and the Meo Kids mask needs Meo Kids filters.
Something that I noticed instantly was that the kids mask is very small. The sizing guide states that this mask is intended for children of 4-12 years old. This is a statement that I would generally agree with. If you are looking for a mask for anyone over 11 or 12 years old, it’s better to get the Lite model.
Craft Cadence Nanofiber Mask review.
Fit
Both the children’s mask and the adult’s version are very similar except for the obvious size difference. Everything that I say in this section applies to both masks, as they are identical other than size and style.
The masks offered by Meo are lighter from my testing than other comparable masks. This is most likely due to the lack of a valve for less breathing resistance. However, as mentioned above, the lack of a valve on the Meoair Mask is not something that I have missed at all.
Not only is the breathing resistance low enough already, but valves are designed to protect the wearer. This comes in useful when it comes to fine dust or air pollution, however, it’s useless when air needs to be filtered both ways (inhaled and exhaled air). If you are looking for a virus mask, then valves should be avoided.
The mask allows for adjustability on the ear straps. Each strap has a plastic band that can be moved along the loop to create an adequate fit. While this seems like a very simple addition, many masks lack such adjustability on the straps and I appreciated this inclusion.
From my personal experience, I found that the mask was tight-fitting. I only needed to adjust the nose wire slightly to achieve a good fit, and once I had adjusted the nose strap I could tell that the mask was sealed as I performed a seal check.
The wire nose-piece seemed to be easier to adjust than other reusable respirators that I have experience with and this was beneficial in allowing me to achieve a fit. It was easy to mould to my nose and provided minimal leakage.
I do wish that a headband was included, however. Either as an optional accessory or as something included. Many other reusable masks offer headband accessories that can be attached to the ear-straps to create a headband. This helps alleviate some of the pain that can occur behind the ears after long periods of usage.
Air pollution and how it impacts studying & exams.
Design
MeoAir makes one of the more fashionable masks on the market. With a variety of different designs for children and adults alike, you are sure to be able to find a design that you like.
All of the Lite mask designs are solid colours or patterns and this is something that I appreciate. I have said before that I prefer masks that don’t stand out too much, and Meo has created a good balance between a fashionable mask and one that blends in. The Kid’s mask designs are more vibrant and have a variety of different patterns on them.
Both versions of the mask have a red branded tag on the outside. However, this tag is the only branding on the mask and I found that it wasn’t too obtrusive.
Another aspect that I quickly noticed was the different exterior layer. Whereas many other masks have a fabric outer layer, the MeoAir mask appears to have one that feels more like plastic. This appears to be to add more water resistance and durability to the mask.
With that being said, I would appreciate a more water-resistant outer layer. Some masks, such as the Re-Mask Sports, feature a coating that is water repellent for low levels of water. This not only keeps the wearer dry but allows the filter to stay dry for longer and retain efficiency.
Koolmask review – mask capable of in-taking 150 litres of air per minute with two fans.
Conclusion – How Do MeoAir Masks Compare?
After doing the research to create this article I came back pleasantly surprised. Sometimes mask companies are not very transparent about their test results and when it comes to explaining technicalities behind the masks.
However, the team at MeoAir got back to me very quickly to answer all of my questions. They were more than happy to provide me with the specific details behind the filter, and even to provide test results.
The masks themselves offer filtration that is comparable or better than other reputable reusable respirators on the market. However, while providing similar filtration, they also offer significantly more ease of breathing. MeoAir masks are aimed at the general consumer – someone who needs a mask but doesn’t want the difficulties that come with them.
With these aforementioned factors the MeoAir mask is an easy recommendation. But there is one more aspect that makes me feel sure of my recommendation – that is the price. MeoAir masks are not only significantly cheaper than most other reusable masks, but they come in at less than half of the price of many.
If you are in New Zealand and looking for a great pollution mask then MeoAir is a great choice. If you are living elsewhere in the world, it’s still a great choice! After using this mask for only a few days, it has become my daily mask.
If you have any further questions or comments please don’t hesitate to let me know. I always value other opinions, and if you have tried Meoair feel free to let me know your thoughts by commenting on this post!
Learn more about air pollution and its dangers.
FAQ
What Filtration Do MeoAir Masks Provide?
MeoAir has been tested by third-party laboratories such as Nelson Labs. Filtration meets the AU/NZ P2 standard, filtering ≥ 94% of particles, and the masks have been found to have ≥ 99.74% filtration against particles at 0.1μm.
What are the Benefits of MeoAir Mask?
Due to the wool filter technology, MeoAir provides the benefit of being exceptionally easy to breathe through. On top of this, the MeoAir mask is lighter than much of the competition and also cheaper. Finally, MeoAir masks have changeable filters.
Is MeoAir Better Than Vogmask/Cambridge Mask?
The MeoAir mask provides excellent filtration of fine particulate matter and bacterial particles. It performs comparably to other brands such as Vogmask, but provides similar filtration with far less breathing resistance.
Do MeoAir Masks Hold an Official Rating?
No, MeoAir masks do not hold an official rating. However, the filters used in the masks adhere to the NZ/Australian P2 standard and have been proven to have > 99% particle filtration.
Can MeoAir Masks be Used to Protect Against Pollution?
Yes. In fact, that is the main aim of the MeoAir mask. These masks provide > 99% filtration for particles at 0.1μm and > 96% filtration at 0.3μm.
Have Questions or Comments?
Join the discussion on the BreatheSafeAir Community Forum. Ask any questions you have about air quality or adjacent topics and get quick answers!
I got virtually suckered into buying the MetaMask, which the local store I bought it from claimed to be from NZ but it turns out only the filter is while the mask itself is assembled in Bali. I paid a whopping USD $40 for it which I have since discovered was WAAAAY too much!! If you look carefully for unbiased reviews they are few and far between and often not so good. In my case the MetaMask seems to have stopped filtering properly after just a couple days judging by it letting perfume and smoke through despite supposedly being an anti-pollution mask with a charcoal filter.
I mention this because I can’t help but wonder if the store I bought it from thought they were getting this MeoAir mask instead. I don’t know but hopefully anyone reading this and considering a META mask will steer clear.
Hello Mike,
I am sorry to hear that! $40 is definitely incredible high. I have seen MetaMask but I haven’t yet had the chance to try one myself. If it stopped working after a couple of days that is really bad, especially considering the price that you paid. I wonder if this applies to all MetaMasks or if those may have been counterfeit/unofficial in some way (since they weren’t from the original store). If I can manage to get my hands on one I will definitely check the points that you mentioned and make a review about it.
Hi, are these masks N95 or N99 standard? Can they be washed at 60 degrees? As we are told by the government to wash masks at 60 degrees in the washing machine to kill any virus and bacteria, each time after use. Therefore do we remove the filter each time after use to wash the mask? How do we know the filter isn’t contaminated? Is it safe handling it every time, or can airborne particles be released into the air or back into the mask again and potentially breathed in again? I think for pollution its fine to keep the mask and filter inside for 50 hours unwashed, but how about for the Coronavirus?
Hello Lee,
Firstly, thank you for your comment, I will do my best to provide the answers that you are looking for. However, please keep in mind that I am not an expert. I do know some people in the field of viruses though, and I will see if I can contact them to give you a full reply. In the meantime though:
These masks are neither N95 nor N99. However, they do provide filtration that is comparable to N95 ( > 96% filtration of particles at 0.3μm. > 99% filtration of particles at 0.1μm). They also fit within the resistance and flow rate requirements of the NIOSH standards. However, no reusable FFR (filtering facepiece respirator – in other words, the masks where the whole surface area acts as a filter) is currently NIOSH rated to my knowledge. Only disposable industrial/medical FFR devices currently hold these ratings rather than consumer-focused masks. The filter does hold the P2 NZ/Australian rating though, which is the official rating system for New Zealand and Australia.
They can be washed once the filter has been removed. In regards to the virus, I am unsure of the best steps to take to reduce exposure. Personally, I would purchase a few filter packs (enough to have at least 10 filters) and alternate through these, leaving them to sit for at least a week between uses. Last time I checked, the virus was found to be able to live on surfaces for a week, so time-based disinfection should work if you have around 10 filters you can alternate between.
Another possibility is to use other disinfection methods. Dry heat at 70 degrees celsius for 30 minutes seems to be a widely agreed-upon method of disinfection and one that can be repeated multiple times without degrading the filtration qualities of the filter too much. This would allow you to disinfect the mask without removing the filter. These masks have a unique filter with the wool design, but wool is naturally fire-resistant, so I would imagine that heat would be okay for the filter.
I hope this helps!
The Meo website says “Please store the mask away from moisture, heat, and sunlight, in a cool and dry place.” So, the dry heat idea might not be viable, though perhaps Meo are just talking about longer periods. It would be great if they gave some more guidance, though I realise that the product was originally intended for pollution filtering, so the issue has only recently arisen.
I believe this is in regards to the filter, the mask itself should be fine. If the filter is removed, the mask should be okay. Provided of course that it is dried thoroughly/quickly and that it doesn’t spend extended periods in high heat.
For longer periods of time, it is definitely recommended to keep the mask away from heat and moisture.
My comment was only in relation to the dry heat disinfection method. You may or may not be right that when they say the mask should be stored away from heat this is because it would damage the filter, rather than the cover, but as we want to disinfect both it would still be useful to have confirmation from Meo that 75C for 30 minutes will not impair either of them.
Could you use UV sanitiser to clean the filters each day?
Thank you for your reply.
MeoAir recommends hand washing the mask in just warm water with gentle soap. So not sure if it will survive a washing machine wash at 60 degrees celsius to kill viruses and bacteria?
If Time Based Disinfection works, then why don’t hospitals re-use the N95 masks after a week or more if they are safe?
Hello Lee,
I believe the mask would be fine, but I will contact the company. If I get a reply, I will make sure to reply here.
Hospitals don’t use it for a few reasons. Firstly, it is definitely a less reliable method of disinfection. Many environmental variables can influence the lifespan of the virus. This BBC article has more information: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200317-covid-19-how-long-does-the-coronavirus-last-on-surfaces. Of most interest ‘They found they could not obtain infectious viral particles from cotton clothing after four days and that no virus could be obtained from paper surface after five days.’
Further, using time-based disinfection requires far more resources. Every individual would require a bare minimum of seven masks (one per day). In a time of extreme demand and low supply, this just doesn’t make sense.
Finally, hospitals have more efficient methods of disinfection. Ultraviolet disinfection among other kinds is often used at hospitals as they have specialised and very precise equipment. These processes are far more effective at killing the virus and as such, they are going to be used where possible.
Hi,
Perhaps steaming/ironing the mask would kill the virus.
I tried ironing one of my Meo (not Meo Lite) filters. It smelled terrible and the outer coating seemed to melt. I guess it’s not pure wool.
I’m sorry to hear that. I checked Lanaco’s website (the company that designs the Helix Filter), and found this:
‘Helix™ Filter Technology is used in all of Lanaco’s filter formulations. Whilst a 100% organic material is our objective, synthetic additives are currently used to create hybrid formulations that obtain the best performance possible’ (https://www.lanaco.co.nz/index.cfm/products/lanaco-mask-faq/). I guess this must be the reason why it burnt.
Thanks for your great reviews, I enjoy reading your posts.
One question …. Do you know if Meo Air is *officially* certified as P2 by Australia/New Zealand or if the company is just saying that they meet those requirements? Do they have an agency similar to NIOSH in the U.S. that officially okays things as P2?
I’ve been using Meo Air masks for a few weeks and I agree with you 100% on the breathability. They are much more comfortable to wear than my 2 valve Vogmask, 3m disposable N95, my fabric masks lined with Filti and other random masks I’ve tried. They are so easy to breath through it actually made me doubt that they are comparable to N95s. I’ve re-read the test results, and they do seem legit, but, to be honest, there’s still a niggling doubt in the back of mind that they seem too good to be true.
My one issue with them is the sizing. The adult mask size is too small for me, but I know have a big face. So I use the Meo filters with a different mask I own and it works really well.
Thanks again for your great site 🙂
Hello Sue,
Firstly, thank you for your kind words. Comments like yours encourage me a lot!
I don’t believe that the MeoAir filter (Helix Filter) holds an official P2 rating. Similar to how most reusable masks are certified, it doesn’t hold the official rating but rather only meets the criteria. You can view the test results for the filter here – https://www.lanaco.co.nz/index.cfm/technology/external-test-reports/.
I need to do a bit more research into the matter, but I believe that the P ratings may not be obtainable by consumer-focused reusable masks. This is the case with NIOSH ratings too, and that is why you don’t see any reusable (filtering facepiece respirators) with official NIOSH ratings. These ratings are usually reserved for disposable respirators or full-face models that use cartridge filters.
I can understand your doubt about the breathing resistance. I actually couldn’t agree more with what you’ve said. For some reason, I always feel more comfortable with masks that are more difficult to breathe through because I get the impression that the filter is really working. However, as you said, the test results do seem authentic and they have been tested by two different independent labs. That reassures me as most masks are only tested by one (Nelson Labs).
Did you get the larger adult size? There are medium and large sizes on their website. If you are using them in another mask make sure that they fit well, otherwise air can easily pass through the areas with less resistance causing you to breathe unfiltered air.
I hope this helps! I wish I could provide more concrete answers, but it’s hard in an industry that is rapidly changing and that is still relatively new. Especially when many of the standards are very hard to find information on (and many manufacturers make false or misleading claims).
I totally missed that they have been reviewed by two labs, that’s great news. Thanks for pointing me towards the Lanaco website, I hadn’t discovered that in my prior research. I do have the large adult size. I always need to order larger hats and glasses so I think I really do just have a big head. I did find another mask that fits my face really well (the m2.5 model from RZMask.com). Unfortunately their filters have only been tested for BFE and PFE, so I don’t use them. But I’ve been attaching the Meo Air filters with double stick tape. The filter seems to form a good seal with my face. I’d prefer not to jerry rig something but the search for the *perfect* mask is starting to feel like a fools errand.
It is so hard to find good information. I’ve seen so many mask companies either implying they are of comparable N95 quality (or outright saying it) and only postIng test result for BFE, PFE or even PM2.5. Hopefully more people find sites like yours so they don’t fall into the trap of buying these masks thinking they’re N95 quality.
Thanks again for the great reviews 🙂
Hi, just wanted to thank you for this review, as it brought my attention to the potential benefits of this mask in this pandemic.
The key thing, for me, is the high level of filtering and the fact that it applies on the inhale and the exhale. Face coverings are being encouraged mainly on the grounds that they reduce the risk of the wearer infecting others. It is said that there is much less evidence that the mask protects the wearer. Given that so many people in the UK aren’t willing to extend me the courtesy of wearing a mask anywhere they think they can get away with not doing so, I wanted to get one that maximises my own protection. It seems to me that the Meo mask should give much better protection to the wearer than most other face coverings. It would be great if they actually got a test of virus filtering, but the tests for filtering 0.1 micron particles give every reason to think they will be very effective on SARS CoV2 (which I believe is about 0.12 microns).
I tried a Totobobo, but for me it does not fit snugly enough (no matter how much heat-moulding I do). I was going to go for the Cambridge Mask, but then realised that it has an exhaust valve, so it would not prevent me infecting others.
My Meo order arrived in the UK from New Zealand in about 4 weeks.
My tip would be that postage is free if your order is more than NZD400. If your order is anywhere close to that amount, you might be better adding products to take your order into free shipping, as the saving in shipping might pay for the extra product or at least mean that the incremental cost is low.
I would caution that I think their sizing guide is a bit on the small side. They say the Medium Meo Lite fits faces up to 350mm, ear to ear. I am about 290mm (measured based on the parts of the ear closest to each other, as their diagram seems to show) and I would say I am about the maximum for a Medium. I kind of wonder if a Large would have been better for me.
Hello Gareth,
Thank you for saying so. I think it is still a relatively unknown mask, so I am happy to inform more people about it – especially considering that it is one of the better masks out there.
I definitely agree with your comment on the sizing. The masks seem to be around one size smaller than what you would typically wear with other mask brands.
Gareth,
I am interested to know , if you please, does your Medium sized Meo Lite mask still work well for you though ? (Even if you wonder if a Large sized mask might not suit you better.) My ear to ear measurements are same as yours and i am in the process of buying and therefore choosing a mask size ( M or L) that is right for me .
Thanks
Hi,
I have been wearing an Aeopec mask but thought maybe the Meo would be worth a try and should, in theory, offer a better level of protection. However, with the Meo Lite I have never felt so hot and suffocated in a mask before (and I have tried a few). I just could not get any air to flow through the filter and ended up dizzy after a few minutes. The mask itself was a very reasonable price – but the shipping cost was actually twice the price of one mask (just to Australia, and we are next door). I ordered an L, thinking it would be too large for me, but hoping my husband could wear it. I have a very average-sized female face and if it had been even a sizzle smaller it would have been too small for my face. So what is going on? Is it me, or the mask? The mask without the filter felt a little padded and was breathable. But not using the filter would be daft. Help!!
Hello Carol,
I am sorry to hear about your experiences with the Meo Lite mask. That’s really odd! I have personally found the mask exceptionally easy to breathe through, and it sounds like a lot of other people have had the same experience.
You mention that you have worn other masks before – which masks have you tried? I just ask this because masks such as the Aropec one are designed with different intentions (MeoAir is a mask with far higher filtration), so the MeoAir masks are naturally significantly more difficult to breathe through. However, the MeoAir masks (I have found) are easier to breathe through than other high-filtration masks such as Cambridge Mask, Vogmask, etc.
I am very surprised to hear about your difficulties breathing through the mask though… Have you tried other filters? I doubt it, but perhaps the filter is faulty? Also, it’s confusing but MeoAir actually offers two filters – the Lite Filter and the Replaceable Filter. I would assume that you are using the Lite Filter since they are the ones that come with the Lite mask (and the Replaceable Filters are not designed for the Lite mask). I would guess that you are using the right filters, but it’s worth checking.
Otherwise, as long as the filter is fitted properly I am unsure what the issue could be. You mentioned that you can’t even get proper airflow so it’s unlikely to be allergies or an issue on your end.
I would be interested to hear what other masks you have tried and found easier to breathe through. Also, I would recommend trying another filter to see if it’s a filter issue. Please let me know what you discover, I want to do my best to keep this article updated with not only my own experiences but also with experiences from other people such as yourself.
About the size – yes, the MeoAir masks seem to be at least a whole size smaller than other masks on the market. The different sizing can be very confusing!
Thank you for your comment, I hope your issue gets sorted. If not, perhaps it would be worth contacting the company? The general opinions I have heard about the masks are very positive, so this issue seems quite unique.
I’ve been discussing the sizing with Meo, as I wanted to work out whether the L size Meo Lite mask would fit my son and me better than the M.
The main reason the Lite mask does not fit my son is the distance from top to bottom. The size M is 14 cm top to bottom and Meo have told me that the L mask is 14cm, so this is the same as the M. The size guide on their website says nothing about the fit from nose bridge to chin, but I suggest that before anyone buys the MeoLite mask they measure 14 cm from the bridge of their nose, down over the tip of their nose to their chin. That will tell you where the mask will end. If 14 cm does not reach below the edge of your chin, I’d suggest that neither the M or L MeoLite are going to fit you well. My son is 15 cm, which is why it does not fit.
Thank you this is a very handy tip, I was looking for this information.
I got my meolite facemasks today. Sooo happy. After so many other masks these will be my go to mask. I have ordered more to allow for swapping masks while the others are being washed and dried. I would also suggest only buying the size Large. I reordered today and found the price has gone up around $5AU per mask. They are almost always out of stock but if you check their site each week you’ll soon work out when new stock has arrived. I’m so glad to read this article to verify the testing.
Hello Michelle,
I am glad to hear that you have finally received the masks. They are usually my go-to masks as well, as they provide a good balance of comfort, ease of breathing, and fit. Thank you for pointing out that the price has increased, I will make note of that! Although it is sad to see that the price has gone up, they are still relatively cheap compared to the majority of other masks on the market.
In regards to the size – yes! I recommend that everyone purchases a size bigger than they believe they will need. Gareth made a very useful comment in regards to sizing.
I hope you enjoy the masks as much as I have!
There is a lot of info about filtration of particles, but nothing that I could find about gases. Vehicles emit lots of very poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrous oxides, which are usually only captured by a carbon filter. Any thoughts about this ?
Hello Justin,
Typical particle filters (such as those used in the MeoAir masks) do not filter gases – only particles. As you mentioned, for gases (and only organic compounds) a carbon filter would be needed. If you are looking for proper gas protection, you would need to go to a half-face respirator or above.
I ordered a Meolite plus filters here in Australia on July 30. Still haven’t received the product. Getting quite concerned at this point.
Hello Scott,
I am sorry to hear that… That is a long time to wait for such a short shipping distance. I would recommend reaching out to the company to see if you can figure out what is going on. I know that they are having some shipping difficulties at the moment due to the demand and shipping delays.
How does the MEO Med disposable mask compare?
Are they a good brand for disposables?