I think mattman183 talks about it in this thread:

http://www.thebeijinger.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=17447

take a look,
and i remember seeing another thread about masks,
maybe in the clothing section of this forum

BUMP

So anybody using one of these in Beijing?

Would they be particularly useful for a foreigner coming to work in Beijing for a couple of months from a country with near rain forest air quality compared to what I've heard Beijing is like?

Thanks

Walking around in a mask is ridiculous.

Only professional breathing apparatus (with oxygen tanks on your back) could possibly isolate you from the air.

I live and cycle in the thick of the city everyday and suffer no ill effects. Anybody that does, whether psychologically or for real, should just leave.

Don't worry about it.

I ran outside everyday around Yu Yuan Tan Park for and hour and I was fine.

No mask.

I did get alot of yeast infections.

But i don't think wearing a breathing mask is going to prevent those.

Your avatar is very disturbing, blue clean.

Is that the child of Satan?

Blue Clean you are precious.

I am so glad you are my big brother.

Yes, running is good for my healthy.

Do you enjoy running?

I've seen a variety of masks/respirators at B&Q (in the tools section), some of which looked quite serious and up to the task. But they don't look as nice as the Respro and probably aren't as comfortable in semi-permanent use, but it's a start.

I would suggest that it might not be the pollution causing your coughing. Do you still have it?

Some health conditions cause coughing - for example my brother-in-law has times when he is stressed and he has a persistent small irritating tickly cough. Some digestive disorders (or was it heart problems?) sometimes cause coughing I seem to remember too - something to do with a nerve reflex.

Maybe get checked out by your doc first?

all you pseudo "ooow, pollution is so bad blablabla, i need a mask, pills, a finger up my a$$"-people are really pissing me off.

you think its too polluted, why dont you leave.

Jesus... a lot of people have a real problem with people wearing masks. Why do you care? The air in Beijing IS incredibly polluted, you like breathing in the air, fine, do so but why get all upset by those who like to keep their lungs clean? Especially those who ride bikes around the city, riding in the traffic is terrible for your health, I think I'll buy one of those masks and use it just to spite the retards getting all bent out of shape...