Q&A

How to wear
Excellent breathability
How to wash

よくあるご質問

What type of material is polyurethane?

It is a soft elastic material widely used for things like cosmetics powder puffs.

Why did you decide to make your masks out of polyurethane?

The data shows that about 80% of people with allergies feel that masks are an ineffective countermeasure against pollen. Our efforts to develop a mask that could fit any shape of face without leaving gaps led us to settle on polyurethane as a material.

How effective is it at keeping out pollen?

It is capable of filtering out 99% of pollen.
However, no matter how high the degree of filter a product offers, if it doesn't fit you face pollen will get in through gaps between the mask and your face. Make sure to choose the right size when selecting a mask.

Doesn't such a tight seal make it hard to breathe?

The material has excellent air permeability, so doesn't interfere with breathing.* The porous filter technology employed by PITTA MASK delivers overwhelming air permeability unmatched by other polyurethane materials. * Feel may vary for individual users.

Doesn't it make your ears hurt?

Because it's made completely of polyurethane, the entire mask expands evenly so that your ears don't hurt*. Plus, the part that hooks over your ears has been made wider to keep ears from hurting. * Feel may vary for individual users.

Which way is up?

The pointed part shown in the illustration should be on top. See the back of the package for details. Please note that there may be a gap around the bridge of your nose if you wear the mask upside down. Any gaps around the face will allow pollen to get in. So please be careful to wear correctly.

I can't tell which is the outer surface and which is the inner surface.

The glued areas of the mask are on the outer surface. But the mask will function just as well if worn inside-out. Wear it whichever way you prefer.

How do you wash it? Won't it get stretched out?

Wash by hand, then dry away from direct sunlight. Can be washed and reused repeatedly, with filter performance unaffected, even after 5 washes (blocks 99%* of pollen).
Also, it will not get stretched out even when washed. Please wash daily after use.
* KAKEN TEST CENTER General Incorporated Foundation

Can I use detergent?

It's okay if you use a neutral detergent that is neither acidic nor alkaline. After washing, be sure to rinse thoroughly before you use it again.

What types of masks are available? (Size, Color)

We offer a variety of colors and sizes. The regular size comes in 6 types and 8 colors, the small size in 4 types and 9 colors, and the KIDS size in 3 types and 7 colors. Check package contents to make sure you get the product that you want.

Size Product name Color
Regular PITTA MASK REGULAR WHITE WHITE
PITTA MASK REGULAR GRAY GRAY
PITTA MASK REGULAR LIGHT GRAY LIGHT GRAY
PITTA MASK REGULAR NAVY NAVY
PITTA MASK REGULAR KHAKI KHAKI
PITTA MASK REGULAR PASTEL SALMON PINK LAVENDER BABY PINK
Small PITTA MASK SMALL WHITE WHITE
PITTA MASK SMALL PASTEL SALMON PINK LAVENDER BABY PINK
PITTA MASK SMALL CHIC LIGHT GRAY WHITE SOFT BEIGE
PITTA MASK SMALL MODE KHAKI GRAY NAVY
Kids PITTA MASK KIDS WHITE WHITE
PITTA MASK KIDS COOL BLUE GRAY YELLOW GREEN
PITTA MASK KIDS SWEET PINK YELLOW SAXE BLUE

Regular

PITTA MASK REGULAR WHITE WHITE
PITTA MASK REGULAR GRAY GRAY
PITTA MASK REGULAR LIGHT GRAY LIGHT GRAY
PITTA MASK REGULAR NAVY NAVY
PITTA MASK REGULAR KHAKI KHAKI
PITTA MASK REGULAR PASTEL SALMON PINK LAVENDER BABY PINK

Small

PITTA MASK SMALL WHITE WHITE
PITTA MASK SMALL PASTEL SALMON PINK LAVENDER BABY PINK
PITTA MASK SMALL CHIC LIGHT GRAY WHITE SOFT BEIGE
PITTA MASK SMALL MODE KHAKI GRAY NAVY

Kids

PITTA MASK KIDS WHITE WHITE
PITTA MASK KIDS COOL BLUE GRAY YELLOW GREEN
PITTA MASK KIDS SWEET PINK YELLOW SAXE BLUE

What are the differences in size between the regular, small and KIDS?

Can men use the small size?

The small size is tailored to those with smaller faces, and can be used by either men or women. Please choose the mask that best fits your face.

Does the degree of UV protection differ by mask color?

The effective UV blockage rate varies by color. See the color list for details.

Size Color UV protection UPF
Regular WHITE 82% 15
GRAY 98% 50+
LIGHT GRAY 89% 20
NAVY 97% 50
KHAKI 98% 50+
SALMON PINK 87% 20
LAVENDER 85% 20
BABY PINK 83% 20
Small SALMON PINK 87% 20
LAVENDER 85% 20
BABY PINK 83% 20
LIGHT GRAY 89% 20
WHITE 82% 15
SOFT BEIGE 87% 20
KHAKI 98% 50+
GRAY 98% 50+
NAVY 97% 50
Kids WHITE 82% 15
BLUE 93% 35
GRAY 98% 50+
YELLOW GREEN 92% 25
PINK 82% 15
YELLOW 86% 15
SAXE BLUE 88% 20

Regular

Color UV protection UPF
WHITE 82% 15
GRAY 98% 50+
LIGHT GRAY 89% 20
NAVY 97% 50
KHAKI 98% 50+
SALMON PINK 87% 20
LAVENDER 85% 20
BABY PINK 83% 20

Small

Color UV protection UPF
SALMON PINK 87% 20
LAVENDER 85% 20
BABY PINK 83% 20
LIGHT GRAY 89% 20
WHITE 82% 15
SOFT BEIGE 87% 20
KHAKI 98% 50+
GRAY 98% 50+
NAVY 97% 50

Kids

Color UV protection UPF
WHITE 82% 15
BLUE 93% 35
GRAY 98% 50+
YELLOW GREEN 92% 25
PINK 82% 15
YELLOW 86% 15
SAXE BLUE 88% 20

How many are included and in which colors? What kind of sets are available?

Each pack contains 3 masks. The regular PASTEL, S series (PASTEL, CHIC, MODE) and KIDS series (COOL, SWEET) come in 3 mask, 3 color sets. See the color list for details.

Size Product name Color
Regular PITTA MASK REGULAR WHITE WHITE
PITTA MASK REGULAR GRAY GRAY
PITTA MASK REGULAR LIGHT GRAY LIGHT GRAY
PITTA MASK REGULAR NAVY NAVY
PITTA MASK REGULAR KHAKI KHAKI
PITTA MASK REGULAR PASTEL SALMON PINK LAVENDER BABY PINK
Small PITTA MASK SMALL WHITE WHITE
PITTA MASK SMALL PASTEL SALMON PINK LAVENDER BABY PINK
PITTA MASK SMALL CHIC LIGHT GRAY WHITE SOFT BEIGE
PITTA MASK SMALL MODE KHAKI GRAY NAVY
Kids PITTA MASK KIDS WHITE WHITE
PITTA MASK KIDS COOL BLUE GRAY YELLOW GREEN
PITTA MASK KIDS SWEET PINK YELLOW SAXE BLUE

Regular

PITTA MASK REGULAR WHITE WHITE
PITTA MASK REGULAR GRAY GRAY
PITTA MASK REGULAR LIGHT GRAY LIGHT GRAY
PITTA MASK REGULAR NAVY NAVY
PITTA MASK REGULAR KHAKI KHAKI
PITTA MASK REGULAR PASTEL SALMON PINK LAVENDER BABY PINK

Small

PITTA MASK SMALL WHITE WHITE
PITTA MASK SMALL PASTEL SALMON PINK LAVENDER BABY PINK
PITTA MASK SMALL CHIC LIGHT GRAY WHITE SOFT BEIGE
PITTA MASK SMALL MODE KHAKI GRAY NAVY

Kids

PITTA MASK KIDS WHITE WHITE
PITTA MASK KIDS COOL BLUE GRAY YELLOW GREEN
PITTA MASK KIDS SWEET PINK YELLOW SAXE BLUE

The mask has an unusual odor.

You may notice the odor of the polyurethane material just after unsealing the package. Stop using immediately if the smell causes you to feel unwell.
If the odor bothers you, simply shake the mask lightly a few times after unsealing. Or, you can wash it by hand with your favorite detergent, etc. before use.

Why does the color change during use? Does color change indicate a change in effectiveness?

A yellowing of the surface does not mean the mask is dirty. This is a peculiar characteristic of polyurethane whose cause has not been determined. This yellowing does not affect product quality, so please continue to use as-is. If it bothers you, simply switch to a newer mask.

Does the mask block viruses or fine particulate matter (PM 2.5)?

We've developed the PITTA MASK2.5a for those who want protection from viruses or fine particulate matter (PM 2.5).

Where can I buy one?

You can find them at drug stores, convenience stores and variety shops in Japan, as well as from various online retailers. Just ask your favorite store if they have any in stock.

Does the antibacterial finish prevent all kinds of bacteria?

Antibacterial finish inhibits bacterial growth on mask surface but may not be effective against all bacteria.

I am allergic to some metals. Should I not use this mask?

We do not recommend that those with metal allergies use the mask as they may experience symptoms such as itchiness or rash.