Winter riding: review of BreathXchange
So I just received a BreathXchange mask which is purported to retain warmth and moisture in your breath by using some sort of exchanger built into a fleece mask.
http://allergyzone.com/xchange.php
Model ordered: half-mask
First impressions: in general it works as described, fit is less than great, not as efficient as it feels (more on that).
Down sides: expensive, expect to pay $50+ with shipping, also, production has ended for the year and they're sold out at a lot of places, but you may be able to find them someplace.
Back story: In the winter I frequently get an irritated brochia resulting in massive coughing, etc. for months. It's an asthmatic-like reaction, but not really asthma.
Fit: I expected a tube-type 1/2 mask, but instead it wraps around and velcros in the back. I had a hard time getting it to cover my mouth, nose and ears (as it's supposed to do) comfortably. This morning I wore a balaclava over it, which helped keep it in place.
Breathing device: the air that I was breathing in was definitely warm and moist - a really nice change from breathing in the outside air. A lot less moisture build up and more free-flowing than breathing through a fleece balaclava/scarf, etc.
I did find myself breathing a lot more heavily than normal, I'm guessing that more of your breath gets caught in it than it feels like (remember though that you use only a small portion of the oxygen you breath in anyway).
Final recommendations: I would definitely recommend this for anyone who gets respiratory problems in the winter, or you have the cash for it. I would probably not bother if it's just for comfort and you're fine breathing the cold air, or if you don't bike when it's below 30d. or so anyway.
http://allergyzone.com/xchange.php
Model ordered: half-mask
First impressions: in general it works as described, fit is less than great, not as efficient as it feels (more on that).
Down sides: expensive, expect to pay $50+ with shipping, also, production has ended for the year and they're sold out at a lot of places, but you may be able to find them someplace.
Back story: In the winter I frequently get an irritated brochia resulting in massive coughing, etc. for months. It's an asthmatic-like reaction, but not really asthma.
Fit: I expected a tube-type 1/2 mask, but instead it wraps around and velcros in the back. I had a hard time getting it to cover my mouth, nose and ears (as it's supposed to do) comfortably. This morning I wore a balaclava over it, which helped keep it in place.
Breathing device: the air that I was breathing in was definitely warm and moist - a really nice change from breathing in the outside air. A lot less moisture build up and more free-flowing than breathing through a fleece balaclava/scarf, etc.
I did find myself breathing a lot more heavily than normal, I'm guessing that more of your breath gets caught in it than it feels like (remember though that you use only a small portion of the oxygen you breath in anyway).
Final recommendations: I would definitely recommend this for anyone who gets respiratory problems in the winter, or you have the cash for it. I would probably not bother if it's just for comfort and you're fine breathing the cold air, or if you don't bike when it's below 30d. or so anyway.
Views: 423
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by buddaa38 on
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Hey Brian; How's the return policy. Did you ride last winter? I bought 1 from R.E.I. balaclava, it's wind & waterproof. I do have trouble breathing while being active. My mask didn't give me any trouble. What's the difference just that thingie exchange thing. I'd like to check yours out, if you don't mind. Hit me on an e-mail. Thanks be-safe O' B one :-)
Brian Kennedy said:I just received mine today but I got the full "Sport" mask. I'm looking forward to giving it a try. It is comfortably snug, which was a relief. It's so frustrating to order a balaclava that ends-up being too big.
The condensation on the cold winter rides is something tough to manage and I hope this alleviates it. As far as I'm concerned, the $50 is worth it because that would be equal to my monthly insurance payment if I had a car. I'll gladly trade one month's car insurance payment for a winter's worth of condensation-free riding. I'll bump this post back up after I give it a few tries.
I was torn between the Sport mask and the "Pro" mask. It looks like the only difference is perhaps the fabric covering the head. I decided on the sport because it shows a cyclist wearing it and if the fabric is too thin, I can always wear my helmet cover over it.
Plus, now I can't wait to break out my Darth Vader impression on my coworkers: "Luke, I am your father!"
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Permalink Reply by Joe Studer 8.0 mi on
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Brian Kennedy said:I just received mine today but I got the full "Sport" mask. I'm looking forward to giving it a try.
... I'll bump this post back up after I give it a few tries.
Brian... have you used this at all this winter? There were a couple of days last week where I was close to wanting a full face cover, and I was reminded of this thread.
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Permalink Reply by Glenn on
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Thanks :-)
I have chronic bronchitis / asthma which usually kicks in around late winter/spring. Maybe something like this could help me prevent that for once. Nothings worse then spending a month each spring sick :(
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Permalink Reply by Arrak Thumrs on
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Maybe I don't follow...
But does this also work for alleviating fog on eyeglasses? Balaclava's single downfall IME
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