O2 Industries - O2 Tactical - Tactical Respirator 1 - TR1 - Premium Respiratory Protection, Reusable Face Mask - 5 Pack of Filters Included

PROS:+ Shipped & received quickly+ TR-1 package actually shipped with 5 filters, vice 3 for other O2 masks+ Appears generally well-made+ Silicone seal soft and works well+ Comfortable (once adjusted) - ear hooks soft, but resilient enough to hold in place+ Appears to be effectively filtering small particles better than paper medical mask or cloth masks (I didn't try to verify testing, however).+ Blown fiber filter media appears far superior to pad-like "PM2.5" filters on other products commonly sold+ Easy to place filters in a rigid shell- don't bunch up, like a fabric pouch does+ Downward-directed exhale vents will probably mitigate droplet dispersion at least as well as most cloth masks (no sideward or upward leakage)+ Black "Tactical" shell looks less like an athletic supporter than white O2 mask+ Cool "tactical" belt pouch+/- Somewhat smallish, but does cover and seal my nose and mouth on my medium face (no leaks noted)CONS:- Finicky shell - wasn't easy to "snap" back in securely after filter placement (eventually got it, but was too finicky)- Cumbersome, difficult to adjust neck strap (too loose for my medium-sized head - straps ran out of adjustment)- In spite of snap closure on neck strap, not that easy to don or doff - ear hooks twist straps and need to be properly placed, preferably in a mirror (might get better with practice)- Strap material seems similar to high-quality disposable N95 and P95 construction respirators . May last dozens of cycles (as my now year-old respirators have), but not much longer.- May be more difficult to breathe through than a new N95 - cross section of holes in shell too small; noticeable inhale resistance, even though filter media is much thinner than N95.- Expensive - twice the price of what a much more effective and substantial P-100 industrial respirator was going for pre-pandemic.To be clear, I WANTED to like this mask, as I'm looking for something more effective than a cloth mask, since N95/P95 industrial respirators are still not generally available (and 3/4 of the KN95 masks seem to be bogus, although KN95 is actually a good Chinese standard). O2's high (non-returnable) price gave me pause. But, I like Canada, and Canadians, and they generally make good products. Since this O2 was designed and marketed before the pandemic, I had high hopes, and swallowed the very premium price for the promise of verified 95% of PM2.5 filtration performance (which isn't N95, but better than most). I also liked the idea of just replacing the filter media and cleaning the shell/frame.But, in the end, this O2 Canada PM2.5 mask is underwhelming. The filter media seems good - appears essentially the same as a thin 3M Filtrete (a complement), and easier to fit and stabilize in the shell, rather than a soft pocket. It's also MUCH easier to breathe through than the dense pad-like "PM-2.5" supplementary filters that seem to be ubiquitous now in many "performance" masks (almost all the air intake actually bypasses the filter media in most of these masks). Still, O2 should have made the shell with bigger holes for better airflow. The mask is smallish, but fits my medium-sized face. Silicone seal seems effective, but strap arrangement not that good - ear hooks somewhat cumbersome to adjust and neck straps are too long for me to adjust properly, and my head is not that small. Not that hard to breathe through, but any (non-PM2.5) cloth mask is easier on inhale. Maybe even a new N95/P95. O2 mask has downward-directed exhale ports on the bottom, which helps reduce breathing fatigue. While not filtered, the ports will mitigate droplet dispersion - probably at least as much as most cloth masks. (Aerosols, not so much - but we don't have new N95s generally available).While I really wanted to like it, in the end it's overpriced and tedious (and filter media is also too expensive for what it is). It may actually work reasonably well once on, but it's hard to fit and not easy to put on, so that may defeat much of its usefulness for those of use who have to take our masks on and off several times over the course of a day. I have an old replaceable cartridge-type painting respirator with N100 cartridges and headgear strapping that's actually easier to don and doff than this O2. It's also a lot more effective. It's overkill and looks ridiculous in most (non-healthcare, non-industrial) situations. But, I don't understand why a small, light, effective PM2.5 mask has to be harder to put on properly. Nice try, O2, but needs more work before I'll buy my family more. In the meantime, I'll probably use my investment in it for office use, just to save what useful life is left in my old N95/P95 for more challenging situations (like air travel).

I do not understand all the negative reviewsThis is the best mask I have ever purchased for my family and myself. There are several benefits buying the mask, as follows:1) Bag/ containerIt comes with it’s own bag/container which you can attached to your bag or belt for additional sanitation and safety;2) 5 replacement filtersIt comes with 5 free filters which are thicker than any cloth masks we have purchased. Believe me, I have purchased “numerous” and “various” face masks since the pandemic;3) Secured around your neck/napeThe mask can be attached to your ears and around the neck/nape which makes it easier to take it off for a few seconds without completely removing the mask;5) WashableThe mask is washable and you can spray it with disinfectant spray after every use;6) Safe and comfortableThis mask kept my love ones safe, and it’s comfortable enough for them to use!No more bickering and argument when we are out to keep their masks on.

The TR1 aka O2 Curve is okay wearing for short periods of time because it's a bit harder to breathe thru in comparison to an N95 or P100 respirator. I've work construction and have a lot of experience doing physical labor in respirators.O2 Curve is good for popping on if your going quickly into the bank or whatever. If you have to do light physical labor you'll find yourself struggling to get enough air. I'm in good shape and this mask gave me a headache while trying to help a friend move furniture. At one point I felt like I was trying to breathe thru a pillow.This mask is also really small. I'm 6 ft tall and it just barely fits me. If you are a larger person or need to do light to heavy labor I'd recommend the Envo Mask instead. it's an NIOSH certified N95 mask. A little bigger, more comfortable, easier to breathe thru. It's reusable with replaceable filters. It is also vented but you can pop a cheap medical mask over it in those situations where a vented mask isn't allowed or desirable. Made in the US and costs about the same as the O2 curveThe O2 Curve and the Envo Mask are both my go to respirators masks depending on the situation. O2 Curves independent testing shows result that are comparable to an N95 and has a solid build. The envo mask is also well built and is a certified N95. But overall the Envo Mask is superior.

I bought this for my husband to wear. The plastic body of the mask seems sturdy and it comes apart easily to change filters. The straps wrap around the head to ensure the mask fits snugly. That feature is great for my husband. who has a beard and has trouble getting a secure mask fit. This mask ain't cheap, but it can be reused over and over again with just a quick clean-up and change of filter. This mask is intelligently designed and is reasonably comfortable. Mask is made in Canada but it is no trouble ordering replacement filters from company's US distribution site. It is my husband's favorite mask. So after I bought this mask for him, I bought one for myself.

Purchased as a tactical mobile option that provides better than average filtration. In the event the virus mutates and becomes more lethal, I have this as an option to replace my cotton masks. It comes with a handy tactical case that can be mounted virtually anywhere. Works well with goggles and glasses. It could be larger to cover a bit more surface area. The only thing better is a P100 organic mask. The air flow could be better for use during intense physical use. Their upgraded model flows more air, but has a very high cost: you can get a CBRN mask for the same price. I would like to see a more cost effective version in production.