Whenever I write about Haze, it reminds me of the year 2013 when I was pregnant with my second child and it was difficult to breathe with psi shoots up to the hazardous level. Singapore has been affected by severe smoke haze due to forest fires in the region periodically, which increases in effect as the dry season approaches, typically in the month of June – August. Last year in 2015, Singapore endured an unhealthy PSI reading of over 150 that lasted over a month. While we are unable to avoid the haze, we are certainly able to reduce our risk of exposure to air pollutants as such. It was the time when we have used AIR+ N95 Smart Mask for the first time.
Recently, we got an opportunity to attend a workshop by AIR+ Smart Mask team at the Mint Museum to educate both parents and kids how to use and wear these masks properly for the maximum benefits. 
The short-term effects of haze includes:
- Irritation or inflammation to eyes, nose and throat.
- Headache and dizziness.
- Decreased lung function, depressed respiratory immune defenses, chest pain.
The severity of these symptoms ranges according to the individual’s health, severity of haze, and duration of exposure. However, in susceptible individuals such as the children and elderly, their condition may be worsened by haze. They are more likely to experience more severe haze-related effects than healthy adults, especially when exposed harmful PM2.5 particles, a fine particulate matter present in haze occurrences.
When inhaled, it is small enough to enter your lungs and bloodstream, thus developing respiratory problems and aggravating existing conditions such as asthma, lung problems and even heart attacks.
About AIR+ Smart Mask
The Smart Mask is ergonomically designed with three mask sizes (Small, Medium, Large), nose cushions, and adjustable head straps to achieve a close facial fit for well-sealed protection and maximized comfort. Tested on Asian facial profiles, the Smart Mask can also fit the smaller faces of children as young as 7 years old.
Additionally, our Smart Valve is fitted on the inside of the Smart Mask. The exhalation jets directly open the valve, keeping it open for a longer period than normal valves, for maximum exhalation relief.
The AIR⁺ Smart Mask is tested in accordance to the EN 149:2001+A1:2009 (European) and the N95 NIOSH-approved (American) standards. Under both test standards, the Smart Mask achieved at least 95% filtration efficiency against non-oil based particles, including PM2.5.
This means every AIR⁺ Smart Mask you buy, regardless of size, is a N95 mask.
Quiz time for all the kids!
Aayan got the right answer and so happy to get his prize.
Some of the key points while choosing the right mask for your family.
If you remember, I wrote a post on our first-hand experience using AIR+ Smart Mask with micro ventilator. You can read here.
How to use the AIR+ Micro Ventilator
Remove Micro Ventilator from packaging, and the valve cap of Smart Mask. Match the back of the Micro Ventilator to the valve opening of Smart Mask. Once fitted into the grooves, turn right to secure the Micro Ventilator. Press the metal button at the side to switch on the Micro Ventilator. Press the metal button again to switch off the Micro Ventilator.
Clean the Micro Ventilator frequently for better hygiene, by wiping the outer surface with disinfectant wet wipes. To clean the fan, pray some surgical spirit onto the fan with an atomizer. Then, switch on the Micro Ventilator to evaporate the disinfectant liquid. Repeat the above actions one more time for thorough cleansing.
When not in use, store in a clean ziplock bag or container to keep it clean.
Since this event was structured for both parents and kids so after this educational session, we all went to visit Mint Museum. If you have not yet been there, a little brief about the place.
MINT (Moment of Imagination and Nostalgia) Museum of Toys houses a world-class collection of vintage toys and collectable items in an international award-winning contemporary building on Seah Street. Its mission is to provide a journey of personal, cultural and historical rediscovery through moments of imagination and nostalgia with toys.
COLLECTION
Made up of items hailing from over 40 countries, and ranging in date from the 1840s to 1980s, the museum’s collection illustrates not only a diverse range of man-made wonders from past centuries, but also regional and international differences in design, culture and types of toys that children played with in the past. Highly sought after toy items and valuable rare pieces also make up part of the collection, such as the Distler Mickey Mouse Hurdy Gurdy (Germany, 1930s) and Alice Doll by Alpha Farnell (UK, 1860s)
Since its inauguration in 2007, the museum has expanded its collection, amassing over 50, 000 items, 8, 000 of which are exhibited across six levels of the museum:
It was wonderful to see how they have displayed these priceless pieces and surely not an easy job to keep them so beautifully. Do make sure you have enough space in your camera as you will feel like clicking everything there.
After visiting all the levels from Outerspace, characters, Childhood favourites, Collectables. We head to their cafe at the basement which is another beautiful place to sit down and enjoy. Loved these enamel painted boards and felt like bringing one home for my kitchen.
Aayan & Kaira made a furry cat from this set and good enough to engage them for a craft which they can bring back home. 
With my fellow parent bloggers!
AIR+ mask review
AIR+ Smart Mask Website| Facebook page
Mint Museum Website | Facebook page
Irregardless of how well a mask works, all I want is a mask thats comfy enough so the kids won’t yank it off. I’ve tried the AIR+ Masks, I like it, but my kids are having none of it 🙁
Heard and read about the good reviews on Air +N95 mask. Would give this a try when the haze hits… of course it would be best if we don’t experience one.
The quiz was hilarious!! I would have chosen Spiderman. I’ve got a stash of N95 masks sitting in my storeroom for hazy days.
Air+ N95 masks suits my girls best during hazy days. Easy to put it on is a plus factor especially if they are in school.
It is really an effective product! Especially they fit our young ones. An informative post.