Travel Product of the Week: Tutem Masks

I’ve always admired the Japanese for wearing surgical masks in public when they aren’t feeling well. Whenever I visit someone in the hospital I always grab an extra mask to put in my carry-on bag to use in case my seatmate is sick and not wearing one (don’t you hate that?).

So when Tutem sent me a box of their new masks, I was really excited. No longer did I have to have some plain-looking hospital mask; now, I could have one with a fun design. Tutem has five different looks to fit your mood and style, and I chose their Business Class option that has planes on it. Last week, in San Francisco, I came down with a nasty upper respiratory infection and was feeling really ill. I had to attend a few meetings at a conference and, not wanting to get anyone else sick, I decided to put one on. I felt really foolish at first but I knew it was the thing to do—and then I felt like a hero when friends came up to me and thanked me for having the courage and courtesy to wear a mask and not spread my germs. If everyone wore one of these while they were sick, there would be a lot fewer sick people in this world.

What I like about Tutem’s masks besides their fun designs is that their masks are designed to conform to your face, creating a cool, breathable chamber away from your mouth and nose. The masks don’t cling while you wear them so there’s no risk of the dreaded “breathing into a paper bag” effect. They’re also designed to perform to healthcare specifications and are individually packaged for easy carrying in your bag, purse or pocket. Masks are latex-free, come with a natural, triclosan-free CleanWell™ wipe to clean your hands and their ear loops are discrete—so there are no hair dents or pulling. They cost $8 for a two-pack or $24.99 for a 10-pack.

Their tagline says it all: “Spread love not germs.”