Powered Air Purifying Respirators

[Tom Dixon]

So I'm about done with using my GVS Elipse P100 Half Mask Respirator. I don't think it is nearly as effective as it should be, is not that comfortable and consequently I don't wear it as often as I should. I'm considering moving to an Powered Air Purifying Respirator but the choices are not as prolific as I's hoped. What I've come up with after quite a bit of searching are the follows:

Trend Airshield Pro (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002Q0Y5IU/?coliid=I17XTTUMHDZ7MW&colid=2DFEJ9AQBUJR4&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it) - $395 - This seems to be one of the more popular with woodworkers. What I don't like is that the battery and filters are integrated into the headpiece which increases the overall weight to 2.1 lbs. I also don't like that it uses bag filters that are not hepa filters and the whole unit is not NIOSH rated. But it is overall one of the less expensive options. The battery life is 8 hours but it uses a Ni-MH battery instead of Lithium ion, also a minus.


JSP Powercap Active IP (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JVV4744/?coliid=I19HLO0JA3P3PA&colid=2DFEJ9AQBUJR4&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it) - $479.99 This appears to be the UK manufactured Axminster APF 10 Evolution (https://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-apf-10-evolution-powered-respirator-101809) re-marketed under a different name in the US. What I don't like is similar to the Trend. Batteries, motor and filtration integrated into into the headpiece. Although it is more of a traditional type of filters they do face where you are working and generating sawdust so they will clog faster much like a half mask. One plus is it weighs 1.51 lbs so it is a half pound lighter than the Trend. It uses Lithium ion batteries - 8 hour use.

3M Versaflow - Pricing ranging from ~$1,200 to $1,600+
There are a couple options here. 3M used to market a Light Industry Kit, (3M™ Versaflo™ Light Industry PAPR Kit TR-300-LIK), with the 1.4 lb lighter weight M-206 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GP6DZXL/?coliid=I2DMTCURCQCYGT&colid=2DFEJ9AQBUJR4&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it) headpiece, TR-307N Versaflo PAPR Assembly (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ODP5LJS/?coliid=I4AHTKSLB51HZ&colid=2DFEJ9AQBUJR4&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it) and the big plus was it also included ear protection with the M-985 Peltor Earmuff Assembly (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0069U34B2/?coliid=IECNGB2UREXI5&colid=2DFEJ9AQBUJR4&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it). The only Kit that now seems to be available is the 3M Versaflo Heavy Industry PAPR Kit TR-300-HIK (https://www.amazon.com/3M-Versaflo-Heavy-Industry-TR-300-HIK/dp/B007PB4C38/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2C0L5SFSODHWU&keywords=tr-300-hik&qid=1553952916&s=industrial&sprefix=tr-300%2Cindustrial%2C180&sr=1-1) which is a more expensive version with a hard had headpiece at 1.9 lbs. The ear protection is an option but it is not included in the kit. Fortunately I have found a vendor that sells all of the individual parts of the Light Industry Kit at a good bit lower than the Amazon pricing for the individual parts or the Heavy Industry Kit.

What I like about the Versafow it]s it is NIOSH approved and hepa filtration with the battery and filtration unit separate unit worn on a belt or harness which is behind the user so it is not facing the work area generating sawdust. The cost is much higher but I've learned that with quality tools you do get what you pay for so cost it is less of a concern if it is both more effective and more comfortable to wear.

What I don't know is if there are any other options that I should be considering. I can't seem to find again a unit that popped up in my early searches that seemed similar to the Versaflow in both design and weight that was of European manufacture. Has anyone here seen or used something else that is both lightweight and has the equal features/performance as the Versaflow?

If you have a Versaflow how do you like it? do you wear it often, all the time, or do you find it equally as cumbersome as a half mask?

If you have a Trend Airshield or JSP Powercap/Axminster AFP 10 same question?

[Bill Dufour]

Check ebay for Racal they make both face and belt pumps and battery packs. 3M bought them out and changed the name. Interesting that the power cord has to be air sealed to maintain HEPA. My belt version uses regular D batteries easy to repalce when they no longer hold a charge.
Bill D.

This what I have. paid about the same with no charger.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/RACAL-Health-and-Safety-AirMate-3-Helmet/173842141312?hash=item2879cc9080:g:gb8AAOSwK2JckH4 u

[Jeff Heath]

I have the 3M Versaflo 600 series filtration unit with hard helmet. It is excellent. I needed more than just HEPA filtration, and they have filters available for zero exposure to finishes, cutting oil (I do a lot of metalworking), and other bad airborne elements.

Highly recommend spending the extra money.

[Tom M King]

I have owned the older version of the Trend, and found the weight tiring. I made up my own supplied air system, and just bring clean air in from outside. The Tyvek hood weighs nothing, and in hot weather, I use a little 120v air conditioner as the air pump. The Mylar face shield is completely clear, and distortion free. When the face shields get scratched up, mostly from being handled when not used, the hood is replaceable for about 25 bucks.

[Mark Carlson]

I use a 3M airstream 400 helmet. Battery sits on your belt. I found the battery heavy and the cord annoying so I replaced it with an external 5v/2amp usb battery which slips into the helmet. Really nice system but expensive. In the summer its nice to wear because the fan is cooling. I wear isotunes for ear protection.

[Ronald Blue]

I have the Trend Airshield Pro and really like it. Even though it's not Hepa I still feel it works well. As for regular non powered respirators most are a joke. IF you need a respirator for lung protection they need to be the right size and fit checked to make sure they seal properly. I'm required in my work to be fit tested annually to be in compliance with OSHA regulations. This involves being connected to a computerized monitor that monitors whether the seal is effective while both talking and various head turning, shaking, bending over etc. They do make a powder that can be used as well. It will make you cough if the respirator leaks but you will know if your respirator works.

[Tom Dixon]

Thanks for the responses. 2 votes for the Versaflo, 1 for the Trend, 1 for the Racal and 1 for a homebuilt with a tyvek hood. I'm a little wary of the Racal based on that ebay link. Ill have to research it further. The tyvek hood seems to be a lot of hassle but way cheap. I was hoping to hear from someone that has the JSP Powercap. I'm still leaning towards a Versaflow. I wish it wasn't so darned expensive. I think I'll continue to do some more research though before pulling the trigger on anything.

[Bill Dufour]

the racal is a top end unit now owned by 3m under a new name. The reason for the name change is obvious from a ebay search. There were at least 3 or 4 racal companies making different products. One made computer power supplies. one made stuff with capacitors. One made computer routers.
And one made supplied air masks with power supplies and chargers that could be used when running a router or computerized cnc machine. I think they also made units for fire fighting with an air tank.
Bill D

[Randy Heinemann]

The Airshield works well. To me, it doesn't feel heavy when worn for a few hours at a time. I really don't notice it when I'm in the midst of working in my shop and concentrating on other things. Plus, when turning, the face shield offers protection also.

I have never felt that a mask is the main line of dust filtration in the shop. It is only one part of a multi-facet system to filter out dust. A HEPA dust collector (HEPA vac for smaller tools like sanders), an air filtration unit (in my case mounted on the ceiling), and then the Airshield.

[Mike Cutler]

In the end you'll make your own decision. Here is some food for thought.

The Trend and the Tyvek hood that Tom is wearing, in that photo, are used radiologically contaminated, airborne, environments. We have dozens and dozens of the Trends at work, and probably a couple hundred,at any given time, of the air fed type hood Tom is wearing.
The Tyvek hood is sued in asbestos removal,but there is a suit that accompanies the hood.

I'm not familiar with the others,but the two I referred to, I can absolutely vouch for. You will never abuse, or use, one the way we do in a nuclear power plant in your garage. We do some nasty, nasty, work in them.

[Jeff Leimberger]

another vote for the 3M airstream 400.I picked up money used for $500. I don't use it a lot but it seems to do the job. The filters are not cheap. HEPA filters are available.

[Wade Lippman]

Anyone try this?
https://www.amazon.com/Electric-Constant-Respirator-Powered-Quality/dp/B07D9FN7T3/ref=pd_sbs_469_7?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07D9FN7T3&pd_rd_r=11b271ba-541e-11e9-8836-b3396bafd0bf&pd_rd_w=Sw0I9&pd_rd_wg=KqAfe&pf_rd_p=588939de-d3f8-42f1-a3d8-d556eae5797d&pf_rd_r=36GR1TDKQDB1A9TBTT10&psc=1&refRID=36GR1TDKQDB1A9TBTT10

[Bill Dufour]

The racal I have was called the 3m airmate now versaflow.
Bill D

[Tom Dixon]

Anyone try this?
https://www.amazon.com/Electric-Constant-Respirator-Powered-Quality/dp/B07D9FN7T3/ref=pd_sbs_469_7?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07D9FN7T3&pd_rd_r=11b271ba-541e-11e9-8836-b3396bafd0bf&pd_rd_w=Sw0I9&pd_rd_wg=KqAfe&pf_rd_p=588939de-d3f8-42f1-a3d8-d556eae5797d&pf_rd_r=36GR1TDKQDB1A9TBTT10&psc=1&refRID=36GR1TDKQDB1A9TBTT10

For me this would have the similar issues as I have with my Elipse. It covers the mouth and nose closely and it doesn't cover the head. It also puts the breathing tube in the front so you will be likely to have it interfere with your work. However for the price in comparison to the other 3 it sure is attractive as an alternative.

[Jeff Bartley]

I'm not familiar with many of these units either but I saw this one the other day:
http://www.ashleyharwood.com/item/sundstrom-papr-respirator
Has anyone here used one of these?

[Tom Dixon]

I'm not familiar with many of these units either but I saw this one the other day:
http://www.ashleyharwood.com/item/sundstrom-papr-respirator
Has anyone here used one of these?

Hmmmmmmmm.... interesting. Same class as the Versaflow and similar price point. They also have several other hoods some of which look a lot lighter, (one of which is soft with no hard hat that looks really interesting https://www.srsafety.com/us/sr-520-s-m-h06-0321.html). I'm sure as with the others the air supply is the expensive part. This is worth investigating further though.

[Richard Mellor]

I have the 3m Versaflow and really didn't like it. My main issue's with it aside from its cost, was the weight of the belt and it really wasn't convenient to use it for short periods of time.I just found the unit was uncomfortable for me to wear, so typically I didn't.

When I started to read this thread I decided to give it another go, only to find the battery wouldn't hold a charge, the cost of a new battery $250.The filter needed to be replaced which would be another $50.
I looked at the units mentioned earlier and decided to get the JSP Powercap Active IP. Amazon doesn't sell it anymore, Pekesafety sells it for $510 shipped, Toolpost in the UK sells it for $300 shipped.I mention it in this post in the turners forum.

https://sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?273614-US-Suppliers-for-JSP-Powercap-Active-IP

I have only used it a few times but I really like it. Because its a self contained unit its really easy to put on, and in my case this means I will put it on for the small jobs. Its light weight, and more comfortable than the 3m unit. The only negative I found with this unit compared to the 3m was the sound of the fan. Its not loud but since its right by your head you are going to hear it more compared to a belt mounted fan.

Over all I'm very happy with this unit.

Richard.

[Allan Speers]

Check ebay for Racal they make both face and belt pumps and battery packs. 3M bought them out and changed the name. Interesting that the power cord has to be air sealed to maintain HEPA. My belt version uses regular D batteries easy to repalce when they no longer hold a charge.
Bill D.

This what I have. paid about the same with no charger.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/RACAL-Health-and-Safety-AirMate-3-Helmet/173842141312?hash=item2879cc9080:g:gb8AAOSwK2JckH4 u

I have the 3M / Racal system.

I think it's a great unit, and I would HIGHLY recommend it for something like turning, were you want a face shield, or spraying, where you need different filters. However, I do find it a bit cumbersome to take on & off, to the point that I mostly just grab a little half-mask.

If I were to get another powered system, I'd want one that has the motor & battery attached to the helmet. That extra weight would easily be offset by the convenience factor.

I've been thinking about getting a Resp-o-rator:
http://duxterity.com/resp-o-rator/

It looks goofy, but it's really quite ingenious. Of course, it's only good for wood dust & the like, so you still need something else for spraying & such.

[Allan Speers]

I have the 3m Versaflow and really didn't like it. My main issue's with it aside from its cost, was the weight of the belt and it really wasn't convenient to use it for short periods of time.I just found the unit was uncomfortable for me to wear, so typically I didn't.

When I started to read this thread I decided to give it another go, only to find the battery wouldn't hold a charge, the cost of a new battery $250.The filter needed to be replaced which would be another $50. .

Same here, Richard. I have three batteries for my 3M, which I haven't worn in about a year.
I just checked, and all three (which were nearly new last year) are completely dead & won't take a charge. :mad:

Well, new systems use Li-ion, and the batteries are much smaller & lighter, anyway.
I'm going to see if I can rig my own power system using them, attached to my current blower and helmet.

[Grant Wilkinson]

I have a predecessor to the Versaflow - read "old" - and replaced the brick-heavy ni-cad battery pack with a very small lightweight lith-ion USB rechargeable battery. I use velcro the attach the battery to the motor unit and works very well for a full turning day.

[Allan Speers]

Grant, can you tell us specifically what you used?

That's exactly what I want to do

[Grant Wilkinson]

@Allan: I have two of the battery packs. One is from Jockery and the other from Aukey. This is the Jockery one that I have:
https://www.amazon.com/Jackery-Portable-Pocket-sized-Emergency-Flashlight/dp/B00DTXA578/ref=sxin_1_ac_d_pm?keywords=jockery&pd_rd_i=B00DTXA578&pd_rd_r=4a3ed778-3f10-4e25-be2d-559f1fbd9bfb&pd_rd_w=l5vk1&pd_rd_wg=fMXLl&pf_rd_p=6034bbf7-e1cb-46a0-92a7-12ce26e57be9&pf_rd_r=RS9R6RS2HQMH1FZY4XP1&qid=1556222351&s=gateway
The Aukey one is bigger and gives me more run time.
If you look on Amazon for "portable cell phone chargers", you will find dozens of them.
Here is a link to a Youtube video that got me started on this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0m9n9Iog7w
My unit is a bit different from either of Alan's, but get you get the idea. I mount the battery with velcro to the blower unit on my belt. I don't notice the weight at all and I can turn all day on it. The battery pack that Alan uses is no longer available and the direct new model will not work, because it will not take the amperage draw of our blower motors.
The key to choosing a battery pack is to make sure that the usb output port will take a draw of at least 2 amps. Many of them are rated to 1.2 amps and they will not power our motors. The internal "breaker" will trip and it will not put out any power.
Many of the available units have 2 or more output usb ports. As long as one of them will accept a draw of 2 amps, you're good to go.

[Sam Blasco]

I've had my Airstream by 3M for 14-15 years. Very happy with it. I tried the Trend back then. It broke when I tested it in the Woodcraft, just lifting the face mask. It could have been an anomaly, but the Airstream was clearly higher quality components and I paid the extra dough. Never looked back. I can't speak to either companies new offerings. The Airstream works so well when I use it I have never thought to replace it. Batteries are expensive, but I have only needed three so far, in all that time, and I found a simple hack for a USB LI DYI kit when this latest one dies.

[Tom Dixon]

All this is great input guys! I still haven't pulled the trigger on anything yet. I just took possession of a new Grizzly G0442 cyclone DC and I'm probably going to spend the better part of the summer building a small outbuilding connected to my shop and running duct-work so there will be a bit of a hiatus on on making hardwood sawdust while I focus on that project. I hope to be able to try on all three options if I can find some local suppliers. My heart and mind still lean towards the Versaflo but my wallet is pushing back at their emotion and logic.

[Allan Speers]

Grant,

thanks for that info. :cool: