So why is the picture showing the rear view of a cycling helmet?

Alex Ball, London,

I've tried masks and ski gogles and scarves but not found anything that doesn't get messed up when I sneeze with hayfever - I wonder if this would do the trick? anywhere to try it?

carolyn, Epsm,

This thing is maybe also very useful for some other kind of pollution : teargas ! And thus maybe helping in a slightly different way to fight global warming during G8 and WTO summits !

Jean-Pierre, Montpellier, France

Of the hundreds of cyclists I've met over the years I've never met a single one who has complained of such a problem. Obviously a very inventive person but seems to be inventing a problem to find a solution. It does look like a very funny lid though.

Paul, York, UK

Actually maybe a very good idea. I am asthmatic and often find traffic fumes a real mouthful. But existing cycling masks are not really satisfactory - you end up rebreathing your own hot, stale breath; stifling in hot weather. I might just wear it, assuming that anybody is brave enough to make it!

Oliver de Peyer, London, U.K

Regarding the gentleman that thinks this is "inventing a problem to find a solution," I agree that it may seem funny and it likely won't make it past niche market status. However, after reading this: http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/07/12/news/air.php I would disagree that the problem was invented. Seeing as some of the triggers for asthma are pollutants, I'd say there's a very good reason for a helmet like this. All the same... will you catch me wearing one in heavily polluted Portland, OR? Probably not... it looks way too hot and stuffy for comfortable use.

Ben, Portland, Oregon, USA

Will I be required to take this off when I go into the bank/post office etc as I am with motorcycle helmets?
What will the view of the police be in light of the Public Order legislation banning the wearing of masks at some demonstrations. If I am merely cycling nearby, will I be required to remove my helmet, or perhaps just with 1 kilometer of Parliament?

Charles, London,