The human body consumes about 4 to 6 litres of food and water in a day. Did you know that our bodies, on average, consume 12000 litres of air a day? It is not surprising that we have to be more mindful and careful about the air that we are breathing daily- Jai Dhar Gupta, Founder and CEO of Nirvana Being

While everyone sleeps, young mothers wake up earlier than usual to check the AQI to see if they can send their children to school. Since October, the air has been pretty bad and experts say that it is going to be this way until March next year. On the 14th of November, a day that is celebrated as Children’s Day nationwide, thousands of kids were told to stay at home and those that went to school were not allowed to play outside due to the unfavourable+ dangerous air quality conditions. It is important to note that this is not just a problem that Delhi is facing but Rajasthan, UP, Haryana, as well as some parts of the North-East are affected as well.

I hate to make it all sound grim but Air Pollution is the leading cause of death in India according to a study published in The Lancet Planetary Health Journal. In fact, The Atlantic also posted an article in November that talked about the repercussions of the deteriorating air quality in the capital.

Since we cannot ignore this air emergency, it is in our best interest to stay abreast of updates and to wear a mask particularly when we step out of our homes. Furthermore, if you can make lead by example and encourage people to wear a mask and teach them how to fit it correctly, it will be very helpful. Whenever possible, try and hand out masks to those around you waiting at metro stations, people delivering food, those hailing autos and buses for work every morning. We have to do everything we can do to minimise exposure and encourage others to do the same.

Jai Dhar Gupta, Founder of Nirvana Being has set up a group on Facebook called #AirMergency where he posts about the AQI and shares tips to minimise exposure so we can plan our days accordingly.

While I have to admit that I stopped working out outdoors since the air started to deteriorate around early October, I’m trying to move as often as possible at home or at a studio. When I heard about the new respirator #02curve, I knew it was a respirator that I needed to try out.

The O2 Curve Mask is a sleek and stylish mask that is particularly useful for those of us that lead an active life. The respirator has 3 reusable and replaceable N95 filters for use both indoors and outdoors. The front shell is designed to optimize protection and airflow and is available in a variety of different colours. It is comfortable, easy to wear and has ultra-soft ear loops with a magnetic clip to minimise any hair disruption during removal. This mask is fully washable and is surprisingly easy to clean. Each box comes with 3 filters so you can enjoy the mask on a long term basis. The flexible silicone seal ensures that you can wear the mask even if you have glasses on and the suction allows for a snug and comfortable fit. The mask comes with a nice pouch so you can look after it and carry it with you on your travels. To learn more, you can check out the video here.

The mask is extremely versatile and can be used during:

• Commuting
• Exercising
• Competitive Sports
• At Airports or on the plane
• During flu or Virus outbreaks
• Indoors when you are working

Verdict: I am of the belief that we should be wearing a mask regularly particularly in the months from October to February when the AQI is particularly bad. However, when I first tried on the #02curve, I was a bit apprehensive since it feels + looks different from the other masks in the market. I am happy to report that it took a little getting used to but once I fit it properly, it was very comfortable. I wear it in the car on my commute and I’m thrilled that it doesn’t mess with my hair and face so I can go straight into my meeting without having to worry. The Japanese medical-grade silicon shell ensures a snug fit and I have worn it for festivals outside while playing with the dogs in the park and in public spaces like metro stations and airports. Quite a few people have come up to ask me more about the respirator and I hope this will convince and remind others to put their masks on as well. At Rs 5290, The O2 curve is a premium, pricier alternative to other masks in the market but it is worth it particularly because it comes with two filters: the commuter and the competitor filter (for sports and outdoor use). Lastly, it is easy to clean and maintain.

To learn more or to buy your respirator today, head over to Nirvana Being.

P.S – since the holidays are around the corner, this mask might be a kind+ thoughtful gifting option. I hope you will think about it!