3M Respirator Selection

[John Hollaway]

As it's time to replace my older MSA spray finish respirator, I've been studying the 3M 7500 series on Amazon. However, I'm now confused by the seemingly dozens and dozens of 7500 series respirators there, with a wide variety of model numbers (ex. 7513, 7514, 7518) as well as various suffixs after the 75XX. And when you read the descriptions most say about the same thing - "organic vapors from spraying painting and dust particles", etc. So, would someone who knows help me figure which 7500 I want for spraying solvent based lacquers, varnishes and shellacs, as well as sanding dust particles. Thanks.

[Dimitrios Fradelakis]

The 75xx usually changes based on the size of the respirator. So for example 7501 is small while 7503 is medium and so on. Once you determine which size you are then you need to pick out the appropriate cartridge for your application. In your case you need the Organic Vapor cartridges:

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/PPESafetySolutions/PPESafety/Personal_Protective_Equipment/Product_Catalog/~/3M-Organic-Vapor-Cartridge-6001-Respiratory-Protection-60-Case?N=4294930086+5011378&Nr=AND%28hrcy_id%3AGSVQQP9VVVgs_P154H1LLD7_N2RL3FH WVK_GPD0K8BC31gv%29&rt=d

If you visit your local big box store you will see that they offer a 3M respirator (I think it's the 6500 series) with the cartridges I mentioned above along with pre-filters that are a must if you are spraying paint. The 7500 is MUCH better than the 6500 and is what I currently use. Here is a link to the proper set-up you will need if spraying paints, dust particles, vapors from thinners etc.

http://www.amazon.com/3M-R-7512ES-Professional-Half-Mask-Respirator/dp/B000XBFJP2/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1360469463&sr=8-12&keywords=3m+7500

Hope this helps.

[Jim Neeley]

As Dimitrios says, the 01, 02 and 03 are the sizes for the half-mask respirator, without cartridges or filters. There are other other numbers that include the 6001 organic vapor cartridge and the 2091 P-100 (best particle filter) cartridges. Other numbers are for the full-masks (eyes, mouth, nose) amd still others are for the masks with different combinations of cartridges.

For WW I recommend the 750x (x=1,2 or 3 based on size), the 6001's and 2091's. The 6001's lose efficiency the more they are exposed to the atmosphere so I store the organics in a ziploc'd bag when not in use. I keep a spare pair of fresh 6001's to swap out the first time I smell a chemical while wearing them.

That's just my preference, YMMV.. you can see many of the permutations at www.3m.com and shop and shop for the best set for you at the best overall price or just look for a fair deal and get 'em, depending upon your money/time tradeoff. Be careful though that you don't defer your finishing (or waste too much shop time) because you spent your time in analysis-paralysis. :)

Jim

[Paul F Franklin]

Any hints for picking the size? SWMBO says I have a fat head, but I'm not sure I trust her judgement.....
I wear glasses and always seem to have trouble with them either fogging or the respirator nose piece interferes with them resting on my nose.

[Jim Andrew]

Just picked up a new 7513 at Sherwin Williams this afternoon. It is a medium. They opened it up to let me try the face piece. The really cool thing they did was set me up a cash account so I get a discount on items I buy at SW. Instead of 57.-- the price was 49.20 The secret was going there during business hours on a workday. About 3:00pm. As I recall from an earlier life, SW salespeople are on commission.