[TheLumberShop]

I am getting to the point that I am tired of using those $4 white masks with the 'cool vent' in the front from home depot.

I want to look into Respirator masks. But I don't know what's important aspects to look for in them. I saw some all purpose masks. Is that what I get? I didn't see anything for saw dust… are they out there? Do you recommend those masks? Or are they not worth it because of the filter replacements?

All thoughts are welcome

Adam

 

[mojapitt]

Welcome to Lumberjocks

I use N95 disposables and I guess they have worked for me.

 

[corelz125]

https://www.amazon.com/GVS-Elipse-SPR457-Respirator-Medium/dp/B013SIIBFQ i used this one before while welding and worked well filtering out smoke and fumes. it's light weight and comfortable compared to other half mask respirators

 

[TravisH]

I have been using the Eclipse 100 for some time and have no complaints but it is a particulate filter only. I

 

[SuperCubber]

I also use an Elipse (P100). There was a thread last month that had some good info on this topic:

http://lumberjocks.com/topics/192330

 

[Kirk650]

I use a 3M mask mostly. Works great. For tougher dust situations i use an enclosed hood that is fed filtered air to give a positive pressure in the hood. The air filter and battery powered blower are attached to a waist belt. Note: if you are prone to flatulance, do not hang the filter/blower at your lower back. Trust me on that.

 

[clin]

3M 7500 series. Available in small, medium, and large sizes. Accepts various snap-on filers. P100 filters are appropriate for woodworking dust.

 

[jeffski1]

I have been using 3M's 7500 series half mask.If you wear bifocals your glasses might ride high on your nose after putting it on-for me it took a while to get use to…

 

[DirtyMike]

3m 75000 all the way

 

[Spinzwood]

I watched a video by a woodworker who developed his own. I can't find the URL or YouTube any longer. He is both a diver and a woodworker. He developed this respirator using a divers mouthpiece and tubs that go over the shoulder and have filters on the back. Fits under a face shield well.

Help me find that so I can check further??

Thanks

 

[BlasterStumps]

I don't know anything about your age/health/respiratory history so I will just offer this as a simple suggestion… If you are planning to work with a "respirator" on, you might consider your age/health/respiratory history. If there is anything there to be concerned about with the use of a respirator, you might want to have your physician check your physical condition with the idea in mind that you will be wearing one while working. Fit testing, training and a medical evaluation would be required before using a "respirator" if you were working at a job covered under the General Industry Standard so, if at work you would go through those hoops, why not do it if you were going to wear one at home. Sorry, don't mean to lecture but I had to mention that as it is something I used to preach during my days working in occupational health and safety.
Mike

 

[Ripper70]

+1 for the Elipse (P100). Comfortable, fits snugly, easily adjustable and economical.

 

[Karda]

i have been using an old respirator I got in the 80s heavy rubber mask. I can get it to seal but it won't stay put. I have a short face, any suggestions. I don't want to shell out big busk just to find it won't work. I can't stand the styrofoam mask there hot and I don't like breathing my own waste

 

[Vindex]

The mask model is about fit and comfort. The filter cartridges are probably the most important thing to pay attention to. There are different cartridges for different applications: particulate filters for sawdust, organic vapor cartridges for finishing, etc. If you use the wrong cartridge, it won't protect you.

They make combination cartridges that protect against multiple hazards. Be aware, however, that the useful life of a cartridge varies considerably depending on its type. An organic vapor cartridge is good for something like 8-10 hours of use (not sure what the exact time is), but a particulate filter might be good for months (if you are a hobbyist like me). The combination cartridges will have different useful lifespans for different types of hazards-so don't think you can use a combo cartridge for finishing after you have used it for 30 hours to protect against sawdust.

 

[SignWave]

I give a thumbs up to the 3M 7500 series with either 2097 or 2297 filters. I like the 2297 a bit more because they have "P100, nuisance organic vapor relief particulate filter". For light exposure to finishes, the extra vapor protection is nice.

This combination works well with a face shield or welding helmet because it's low profile and the exhaust goes down instead of forward (this helps avoid fogging).

 

[TaySC]

It seems a lot of people are now going to the RZ masks.

https://rzmask.com/collections/m2-mask

 

[BGesq]

Spinzwood, I believe that would be the Resp-o-rator.

I find it very effective, but it certainly takes some getting used to.

 

[Gilley23]

Those RZ masks look neat but they are WAYYYY overpriced. The Eclipse is a better mask for a better price.

When it's all said and done, the best mask is the one that you'll actually wear. The most effective mask in the world doesn't do squat when it's sitting on the shelf.

 

[TaySC]

Those RZ masks look neat but they are WAYYYY overpriced. The Eclipse is a better mask for a better price.

When it s all said and done, the best mask is the one that you ll actually wear. The most effective mask in the world doesn t do squat when it s sitting on the shelf.

- Gilley23

I can't debate which is the "better mask" as I haven't seen any studies done or a side by side comparison to know for sure.

Your last sentence says it all, however. For a measly $10 more the RZ is a far more comfortable mask IMO, which means there is a far greater chance that I would wear it regularly.

 

[Gilley23]

.

Your last sentence says it all, however. For a measly $10 more the RZ is a far more comfortable mask IMO, which means there is a far greater chance that I would wear it regularly.

- TaySC

Can't debate that!