Is there a better respirator that takes a 3M filter?

[Malcolm Schweizer]

I love my 3M mask, and it's easy to get filters for locally, but I hate the cheap elastic strap and cheap plastic fittings. The strap soon stretches out to a thin string, and/or one of the plastic tabs that holds it breaks. Everything else is just fine, but you can't just replace the strap- it is somehow fused to the mask- it doesn't just tie on or clip on.

Who makes preferably a mask that takes the 3M filters, or if not that, who makes a mask in the $50 range that doesn't have a cheap strap? I'm not looking for a Trend Airshield here- just a dust mask that covers the mouth and nose and has dual filters, with interchangeable filters and options for types of filter. Filters have to be very readily available if they aren't 3M.

[Gary Ragatz]

I have read good things about the RZ Mask. I don't have one yet, but it's on my wish list:

https://rzmask.com/products/m2-5-dual-strap-mesh-reusable-dust-pollution-mask

Replacement filters run ~ $2.50 - $4.50, depending on what specs you want.

[Mitchell Garnett]

I have read good things about the RZ Mask. I don't have one yet, but it's on my wish list:

https://rzmask.com/products/m2-5-dual-strap-mesh-reusable-dust-pollution-mask

Replacement filters run ~ $2.50 - $4.50, depending on what specs you want.

I've been looking at RZ masks since seeing them on a woodworking website. Do you recommend the M2.5 (two straps for those who aren't familiar) or the M2 (with one strap)? The one strap looks more comfortable but the M2.5 might stay on better.

[Malcolm Schweizer]

I have read good things about the RZ Mask. I don't have one yet, but it's on my wish list:

https://rzmask.com/products/m2-5-dual-strap-mesh-reusable-dust-pollution-mask

Replacement filters run ~ $2.50 - $4.50, depending on what specs you want.

Wow, that looks comfortable. I may just spring for that and order a few extra filters. So I guess with active carbon it would be OK to use for solvents and epoxy, which is important for me.

[Jim Becker]

I recently bought the RZ mask as I'm doing a lot more hand-sanding right now with things like small boxes and ornaments coming off my CNC machine, many made from tropical hardwoods that I KNOW are going to be an issue for me. So far, I really like it.

[Dan Friedrichs]

Jim, did you get the 1-strap or 2-strap version?

[Malcolm Schweizer]

I recently bought the RZ mask as I'm doing a lot more hand-sanding right now with things like small boxes and ornaments coming off my CNC machine, many made from tropical hardwoods that I KNOW are going to be an issue for me. So far, I really like it.

I'm taking another look at this thing- so it seems this doesn't really have an air-tight seal. I guess this is really just for particulates and not fumes? I believe I'm still sold on it as a comfortable mask for sawdust, but I also want something for epoxy resins and solvents. For that I want something that seals to the face.

[Kyle Iwamoto]

Which 3M respirator do you have? I've bought the replacement elastic "spider" thing for mine. I use their half face respirator, although I can't recall the model number. The elastic thing just pops off of mine. I think it's comfortable. Well, not really. No mask is "comfortable", but I can use mine for hours without issues.

[Dan Friedrichs]

I tried an "Elipse" respirator:
https://www.amazon.com/GVS-SPR457-Elipse-Respirator-Medium/dp/B013SIIBFQ

but was disappointed with the poor face seal. Went back to the 3M one...

[Clint Baxter]

I've used the MSA half mask respirators since i got fitted for them when doing HAZMAT response actions. Reasonably priced and there is a full range of filters available to whatever you wish to protect yourself from.

Clint

[John K Jordan]

I love my 3M mask, and it's easy to get filters for locally, but I hate the cheap elastic strap and cheap plastic fittings. The strap soon stretches out to a thin string, and/or one of the plastic tabs that holds it breaks. Everything else is just fine, but you can't just replace the strap- it is somehow fused to the mask- it doesn't just tie on or clip on.


What model of 3M mask?

I find the 7000 series far more comfortable than the 6000 which I used to buy. The connector is still plastic but the straps are better - unlike the 6000 masks no stretching so far even with a lot of use. Also the silicone rubber seals better than the other models. Not expensive, for example:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008MCUT86
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008MCUS28

I keep these in various sizes for shop visitors and woodturning students, and separate respirators for dusty farm tasks such as cleaning out poultry pens. (Repeat students and farm helpers get their own.)

Are you sure the straps aren't replaceable? Maybe it varies by model - I don't remember the strap fused to the respirator on mine. I'll have to check. Amazon lists some, searched for replacement strap for 3m respirator.
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dindustrial&field-keywords=replacement+strap+for+3m+respirator


JKJ

[John Ziebron]

I also recently bought the RZ mask (single strap) and love it. There were times before that with a quick job I didn't bother with my old dual cartridge rubber mask because it was a pain to put on (not to mention replacing the elastic every couple of years. Even with my beard the RZ mask is comfortable and doesn't impair using safety glasses. And the velcro strap makes it quick to put on and take off.

[Ted Baxter]

Everone loves the RZ mask I bought it and had to quit using it. What am I doing wrong it fogs my glasses and push's them up where I can't see through them. I don't have a beard and my glasses don't have large lens but I just cannot get the RZ to work for me. Would aprecaite any advice to help make it work.

[Malcolm Schweizer]

What model of 3M mask?

I find the 7000 series far more comfortable than the 6000 which I used to buy. The connector is still plastic but the straps are better - unlike the 6000 masks no stretching so far even with a lot of use. Also the silicone rubber seals better than the other models. Not expensive, for example:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008MCUT86
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008MCUS28

I keep these in various sizes for shop visitors and woodturning students, and separate respirators for dusty farm tasks such as cleaning out poultry pens. (Repeat students and farm helpers get their own.)

Are you sure the straps aren't replaceable? Maybe it varies by model - I don't remember the strap fused to the respirator on mine. I'll have to check. Amazon lists some, searched for replacement strap for 3m respirator.
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dindustrial&field-keywords=replacement+strap+for+3m+respirator


JKJ

That link looks better than what I have, but still has some of the elastic- although not as much. I'm not sure my model. It was the best HD had that day. I paid a lot more than the one in your link.


I tried an "Elipse" respirator:
https://www.amazon.com/GVS-SPR457-Elipse-Respirator-Medium/dp/B013SIIBFQ

but was disappointed with the poor face seal. Went back to the 3M one...

If I could find filters locally, maybe.


I've used the MSA half mask respirators since i got fitted for them when doing HAZMAT response actions. Reasonably priced and there is a full range of filters available to whatever you wish to protect yourself from.

Clint

Small world. I am spill cleanup certified. I hated the mask fit with the yucky stuff they fume at you.

[John K Jordan]

That link looks better than what I have, but still has some of the elastic- although not as much. I'm not sure my model. It was the best HD had that day. I paid a lot more than the one in your link.


I checked the straps on some of mine, a 6000 series and a couple of the 7500s. All have replaceable elastic. Also, as I mentioned, the elastic on the 7000 series looks like better quality than the 6000 models. Perhaps try the 7502 - it's a Medium, whatever that is, and fits me perfectly. The 7501 is a Small and fits a couple of female students.

When shopping for these I looked at one in Home Depot and looked like a cheaper model with a higher price. It also came with cartridge filters for volitales which I didn't want - maybe that was one reason for the higher price. I use the pink P100 particle filters.

399063

When I spray chemicals I have a couple 3M full face respirator, also comfortable and feels strong. I don't use it at the lathe but maybe the impact rating is high enough - I didn't check. The half-face and full-face respirators will take the same filters. They are more expensive.
https://www.amazon.com/3M-Remediation-Respirator-68097-Respiratory/dp/B00AR63SQA

It looks like this but I use the cartridge filters for volatles instead of the pink particulate filters.
399062
As a bonus, when cutting a firebreak in the woods with my tractor a few years ago I discovered this was excellent for keeping smoke out of my eyes.

JKJ

[Kris Cook]

I used to have to wear a respirator for work occasionally, as well. Most of the ones we used were MSA. The one I use in the shop now is a North. Takes the standard P100 cartridges. Looks like you can get the half-face on Amazon for about $22.

[Jim Becker]

Jim, did you get the 1-strap or 2-strap version?

One strap.

[Jim Becker]

I'm taking another look at this thing- so it seems this doesn't really have an air-tight seal. I guess this is really just for particulates and not fumes? I believe I'm still sold on it as a comfortable mask for sawdust, but I also want something for epoxy resins and solvents. For that I want something that seals to the face.

Yes, particulate. When I'm spraying, I use a different mask; one that's designed to filter VOC, etc. The one I have for that came from Lee Valley and replaced an old AO unit I had for many years but could no longer get cartridges for.

[Jon Nuckles]

I find the 7000 series far more comfortable than the 6000 which I used to buy.


JKJ

John, Can you tell me what you found uncomfortable using the 6000 series? That’s what I have and I get a headache and an ache on the bridge of my nose when I wear it for long periods. It is still in good shape, but I’d gladly pay to replace it if the 7000 series would make the pain go away. Thanks! Jon

[Jamie Buxton]

Some time ago I built my own dust mask, which I wear every day. It uses standard 3M filters, like Malcolm wants. My motivation was to have a dust mask that works with a beard. I posted about it at https://sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?270236-Dust-mask-which-works-with-beards . Although Malcolm's concern about 3M's straps was not part of my design requirements, as it happens my design does not use straps. The mask is held in place by my teeth.

[marty fretheim]

Some time ago I built my own dust mask, which I wear every day. It uses standard 3M filters, like Malcolm wants. My motivation was to have a dust mask that works with a beard. I posted about it at https://sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?270236-Dust-mask-which-works-with-beards . Although Malcolm's concern about 3M's straps was not part of my design requirements, as it happens my design does not use straps. The mask is held in place by my teeth.

What kind of chemicals are you using in your shop? If you're that concerned about a little dust getting past some facial hair then you must be concerned enough to wear that mask all day, everyday in a dusty shop. Why not just shave? Does that thing cover your nose too?

Marty

[Jamie Buxton]

What kind of chemicals are you using in your shop? If you're that concerned about a little dust getting past some facial hair then you must be concerned enough to wear that mask all day, everyday in a dusty shop. Why not just shave? Does that thing cover your nose too?

Marty

I'm mostly concerned about dust. I do have a cyclone hooked to the stationary machines, and a vacuum hooked to the handheld power tools, but there are often things that I do which throw dust in the air. A dust mask that works is a good thing.

Shave? I don't think so. I've worn a beard for nearly fifty years, and I'm not likely to give it up. A good dust mask, which I now have, is an easy fix.

No, the mask does not cover my nose. Do you swim? You breathe in through your mouth, and out through your nose. Same thing for this mask.

[John K Jordan]

John, Can you tell me what you found uncomfortable using the 6000 series? That’s what I have and I get a headache and an ache on the bridge of my nose when I wear it for long periods. It is still in good shape, but I’d gladly pay to replace it if the 7000 series would make the pain go away. Thanks! Jon

I can't promise it will fix the headaches but I can say the 7000s feel a lot better to me. They are made from a silicone that is softer and more pliable against the skin; the 6000s I have are made of a harder and stiffer material. I think the shape is different too. They claim an "advanced silicone material for increased comfort and greater durability" so I suspect they've had complaints that forced a change.

If you look through the views on the left of this page you might be able to see how it differs from yours.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008MCUS28
Or maybe compare that to this one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FTEDMM

If it's putting too much pressure on the bridge your nose I wonder if the upper straps need to be adjusted to pull it up a little more. I don't remember feeling any pressure there, at least not enough to bother me. I've worn it for an hour or two at a time before removing it for a bit.

Also, could the size of yours be too small? One thing you might do is get fitted before getting a new one - the safety department where I used to work did that but there also was a good industrial safety supplier here with people who seemed knew what they were doing. Or if you buy from Amazon you could get several sizes and just keep what fits the best.

If you are overly sensitive to pressure on the bridge, have you ever tried a powered filtered mask like the Trend? I have an older one that is very light weight and is supported only by a head band. Thing is, I don't think it filters as well as the 3M masks but I have no data to back that up.

Yikes, I just checked my Amazon orders list and I've bought nine of these half-mask respirators over the years! I use them in the shop and around the far for things like shearing llamas and alpacas and cleaning out the peacock house.

JKJ

[Jon Nuckles]

I can't promise it will fix the headaches but I can say the 7000s feel a lot better to me. They are made from a silicone that is softer and more pliable against the skin; the 6000s I have are made of a harder and stiffer material. I think the shape is different too. They claim an "advanced silicone material for increased comfort and greater durability" so I suspect they've had complaints that forced a change.

If you look through the views on the left of this page you might be able to see how it differs from yours.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008MCUS28
Or maybe compare that to this one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FTEDMM

If it's putting too much pressure on the bridge your nose I wonder if the upper straps need to be adjusted to pull it up a little more. I don't remember feeling any pressure there, at least not enough to bother me. I've worn it for an hour or two at a time before removing it for a bit.

Also, could the size of yours be too small? One thing you might do is get fitted before getting a new one - the safety department where I used to work did that but there also was a good industrial safety supplier here with people who seemed knew what they were doing. Or if you buy from Amazon you could get several sizes and just keep what fits the best.

If you are overly sensitive to pressure on the bridge, have you ever tried a powered filtered mask like the Trend? I have an older one that is very light weight and is supported only by a head band. Thing is, I don't think it filters as well as the 3M masks but I have no data to back that up.

Yikes, I just checked my Amazon orders list and I've bought nine of these half-mask respirators over the years! I use them in the shop and around the far for things like shearing llamas and alpacas and cleaning out the peacock house.

JKJ

Thanks for the info, John. If the Amazon pictures of the 6000 series are accurate, I have the large. I'll check when I go to the shop today, and maybe try to pull the top strap a little tighter. Maybe I'll look for someplace local that can help me with fitting. I'm in the Chicago area, so there must be someplace around here. I've looked at the PAPR units, but was concerned about the weight and lack of certification on the Trend, and about the cost of the 3M unit. Cheaper than damaged lungs, I know. I'll try the 3M 7000 series half mask first. If yours works for cleaning out the peacock house, it certainly ought to handle my wood dust needs!

[Bob Andre]

Thanks for the info, John. If the Amazon pictures of the 6000 series are accurate, I have the large. I'll check when I go to the shop today, and maybe try to pull the top strap a little tighter. Maybe I'll look for someplace local that can help me with fitting. I'm in the Chicago area, so there must be someplace around here. I've looked at the PAPR units, but was concerned about the weight and lack of certification on the Trend, and about the cost of the 3M unit. Cheaper than damaged lungs, I know. I'll try the 3M 7000 series half mask first. If yours works for cleaning out the peacock house, it certainly ought to handle my wood dust needs!

I've had the 3M 7502 mask for several years now and the head bands are not stretched out. The mask fits my face fine. Only complaint is the poor connection with particulate filters over my organic filters. The adapter between the two is not very secure. Using just one filter is very secure.

[David Bassett]

... If the Amazon pictures of the 6000 series are accurate, I have the large. ...

If you got it from a store stocked like my local Home Depot, you have a 6000 series medium. (All their different "models" are different filters on the same mask for different prices at my store.)

Like John, I find the 7503 mask much more comfortable, but can't say specifically why. It is softer and does seal better and large fits my face better than medium, which all help. Can't positively say it'll help your issues though. (Or that you'd need a large for best fit.) The one quantifiable feature the 7000-series has is the exhaust port aims down, not forward, and is significantly less likely to fog my safety glasses or a face shield than the 6000-series I once had.

[Ellen Benkin]

I like the Elipse and so does my pulmonologist (I have COPD). I wear glasses and have no problems with it.

[Lee Schierer]

My new 3M™ Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator 6200/07025(AAD) has replaceable parts where the elastic straps connect.
399094

[Jon Nuckles]

I think my lungs are ok so far, but my memory is clearly failing. I got to my shop and checked my dust mask and found that I have the 7503. When I looked at the pictures on Amazon that John linked to, I could have sworn it was the 6000 series. I do wear it a lot, but I guess I don’t pay much attention to it. I’ve worn it for about 4 hours today and have had a headache for the last two despite adjusting the straps. Do you think it’s too late to put a 3M Airstream on my Christmas list?