This year’s lineup focuses on masks that feel good against the skin and don’t have the weird odor associated with some other brands. PITTA masks have become pretty popular recently for their stylish and practical variations, and ever more are being developed. Loft is also putting focus on other hay fever related products, such as sprays and sticks.

In no particular order, here are the main masks Loft is highlighting this year:

The “Puff Fit Mask” comes in two colors: “White X Cream” and “Black X Dark Grey”. The white and black refer to the mask itself, and the cream and dark grey are for the bands that you put around your ears. If you want something a bit cooler than the usual, clinical white masks, you can quite easily color co-ordinate and go for a monochrome look with these bad boys. What’s great about these ones is that they have a “puff” fit, which feels good against the skin, and is easy to use.

The Fade+ mask claims to remove up to 90% of odors by using “syntethic enzymes” to chemically convert the scent. It also claims to cut down on dispersion of pollen and viruses by 99%. This is particularly effective against pollen particles at PM 2.5. The nonwoven material has these enzymes right in the fabric.

Although the visual appearance is pretty standard for most masks, the effect against pollen, odors, and viruses is surely enough to set it apart from the rest!

Despite being far more stylish and being available in a larger range of colors, the “Pitta Masks” are actually cheaper than either of the newer two mentioned above. You’re likely to see a number of people around Japan wearing this type, as they are super easy to adapt to almost any outfit. With a total of 13 types, including single color and three-color sets, these ones are perfect for when you want to look your best while beating that pollen. They even have special masks for kids!

However, these are pretty popular, and may not always be available.

This “Pollen Barrier Stick” is quite a novel idea, particularly for those who may not be in the habit of wearing a mask. The handy, small packaging is perfect to take with you wherever you go, and is actually a coating for your mask. The main ingredient comes from a type of tree often found in Hokkaido, called the Sakhalin Fir. This ingredient actually coats the pollen itself. Just apply it to your mask and you're good to go. And this stick should last for 45 days, assuming you apply it four times daily. Great value for money!

When your nose is constantly running or exposed to a lot of humidity, the skin can dry out pretty quickly. That’s where this moisturizer comes in. With six types of essential oils, your nose is guarded just like that. Sadly we don’t have a picture of this one, but the product is a simple 15ml bottle with an equally simplistic design of a nose on the front. This one is perfect for those who don’t want to rely on medications or masks. You simply apply the oil around the nostrils, and voila.

This one is a little more pricey, but it packs a punch. The ultra-compact and lightweight necklace is actually a mini air purifier that you can take anywhere with you. It removes PM2.5 pollen by 99.9% by generating negative ions. At only 20g, it’s hardly noticeable, but pretty incredible that you can take your own mini air purifier on the go.

This spray is meant for fabrics, not for yourself! It’s perfect to spray on things like carpets and curtains, and is meant as a countermeasure to pollen and mites. It also works for deodorizing and disinfecting whatever you choose to spray it on. It’s mainly meant for homes with pets, so you no longer need to worry if your dog licks something you wish he hadn’t!

This high-end air purifier works by detecting dust in the room with a special dust setting. According to what it has sensed, it automatically switches itself between “quiet”, “weak” and “strong” settings. It’s designed to work in a space that is about 10-11 tatami mats wide (for those of us who have no idea what that means, it’s 16 – 18 meters squared).

So, if you’re thinking “what mask should I buy?” or deciding how best to fight that pesky hay fever while in Japan, looks like you should head to Loft!

Based on: PR Times
*All prices include tax.
*Item availability will vary by store.

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