Dust mask question

[Lee Koepke]

Pending my dust collector purchase / installation, I want to get a decent dust mask. My other experiences with masks have not been comfortable. Thus the problem with alot of safety equipment. Lack of comfort. That comfort is a major driving force to that equipments usage.

Are there decent ( somewhat affordable ) masks out there. The ones I have worn get warm inside and sometimes it feels laborious to breathe.

I have read several threads here that talk about WHAT these things do, none so far about how these things FEEL.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Mark Valsi]

I get mine at Home Depot, and now I'm so used to it, I don't even think of it when I have it on. I use it 99% of the time I'm in the shop, and I also use it most of the time I work in yard or garden.

I don't care if it doesn't look cool ! I want to have clean lungs !!!

GET ONE AND USE IT ! AND GET A GOOD ONE !!!

[jason lambert]

I have the same situation Home depot and others sell the MSI with the low profile filters, I like this one it is small and light and you can also get organic filters if you spray paint or anything elst with fumes. the standard dust filter replacments are about $9 mask is about $30

I also have a 3m but it is bigger and heaver but also fits better. The filters are dust and organic and about $35 for a set. I think for dust though the MSI is nicer and my saftey goggles fit better with it. I don't know if they have just a dust filter.

I just ordered the AO Safety Woodworker's Respirator #95190
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000BYE9Q
This is the best value people seem to like it, filters are about $1 and the mask is about $14 can't beat the price so I figured I would try it.

[Jim Becker]

When I want to wear a dust mask, I use the Dust-B-Gone. It's washable and quite comfortable. (I also have a respirator for when I'm spraying water borne or shellac, but it's way too uncomfortable for wearing "just for dust"--it's a "pick your battles" decision on my part)

[Ellen Benkin]

Check with your dentist. I have some light weight masks that I get from a dental supply house.

[Alan Tolchinsky]

Check with your dentist. I have some light weight masks that I get from a dental supply house.

These type masks are not right for wood dust as they are usually rated only for "nusiance dust" whatever that means. You should look for a mask with an "N95" rating. Home Depot/Lowes has these and they are very comfortable disposable masks. In my use they last a long time and keep a lot of the dust out of your lungs.

[Jason Roehl]

These type masks are not right for wood dust as they are usually rated only for "nusiance dust" whatever that means. You should look for a mask with an "N95" rating. Home Depot/Lowes has these and they are very comfortable disposable masks. In my use they last a long time and keep a lot of the dust out of your lungs.

The problem with N95 masks is that they only filter out the larger particles that naturally don't make it deep into you lungs and cause damage like the small particles do--the small particles that go straight through an N95 mask. If you're going to wear a mask, it may as well be an N100... The large particles that do get filtered by an N95 are a "nuisance" in that they may irritate your nose and throat, but will generally be removed by coughing, sneezing, swallowing, etc.

[John Thompson]

After going through several mask over the years, I finally found one that fits my face and is very comfortable even with glassed I wear working.

The North CFR-1 for $16.99 from Highland Woodworking. All are medium size so if you have a large face... maybe not a good choice. Additional filters are sold in a Qty. 20 box. I change them from one project to another. www.highlandwoodworking.com (http://www.highlandwoodworking.com)

I have heard that the Dust-be-Gone is good also, but have not used that one after I found the one that works best for me.

Sarge..

[RickT Harding]

I've gotten pretty happy/comfortable with this respirator.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000BYE9Q

It seems to do a good job and it's about as comfortable as I've been with any other type of mask. The regular paper type masks always gave me fog issues on my safety glasses and this helps me with that.

[Michael Stanley]

I've started using 3m 1820 surgical/medical masks rated at .5 micron. They're pleated and attach via ear loops and are quite comfy. They seam to conform to face better then cone or preformed masks. You can find them at a medical supply store or online for $13 to $20 per box of 50.

[Danny Thompson]

Another vote for the AO Safety Woodworkers Respirator, the pig-snout mask.

[jason lambert]

Just did some more reasearch, "the Dust-B-Gone does NOT meet NIOSH/OSHA standards and is only good to 3 microns ( www.dustbeegone.com/dustmask.html. (http://www.dustbeegone.com/dustmask.html.) - then click on dust masks)

Dust-B-Gone will not filter the dust in the 1 micron range, which is the real danger to your lungs. "


I like the resprator type I can ware them longer since moisture doesn't build up in them as much. Also the paper masks I tend to get leaks and stuff through the sides and seem to be more labored in breating also I just can't get them to fit well or stay put. I have never felt labored in breathing in a resporator type mask in the regular paper ones yes. If it is hard to breeth blow out the filters or replace them.

For EMS we need to be fitted for n95 masks and they are all the paper type. YOu out the mask and they put you into a hood where they spray a sweet mist in if you can taste it the mask is not working. I could never find a paper mask when I start talking or moving that would not have leaks.

It is going to be a tryal process. For fitting you should put it on and cover the intake hole and suck in there should be no leaks. If there is it doesn't work.

[Dave Watkins]

Ahh hahah haha, pig snout mask, I like that. That's the one I just started using. Didn't realize it was so small when I ordered it, not too cumbersome. Only used it a few times but seems good and didn't fog up my safety glass so I guess it seals well.

[Chuck Lenz]

And another vote for the AO Safety Woodworkers Respirator, the pig-snout mask.

[Al Lupone]

Do any of you have both a small face & wear glasses. I have never been able to find ANY mask, respirator, etc that does not severely fog up my glasses. Not being able to see while using sharp implements of destruction is an immediate danger compared to some dust that may cause damage 30 years in the future.
Thanks
Al

[Jim Becker]

The Dust-B-Gone has a little metal "nose pinch" that can help with this. There is also the Resp-o-rator (kinda a woodworker's snorkel...) which isn't something that I'd personally like to use, but definitely doesn't have the fogging problem.

My Trend Airshield has no fogging issue, but it's not a NIOSH approved device, either.

[John Thompson]

Do any of you have both a small face & wear glasses. I have never been able to find ANY mask, respirator, etc that does not severely fog up my glasses. Not being able to see while using sharp implements of destruction is an immediate danger compared to some dust that may cause damage 30 years in the future.
Thanks
Al

Yep... www.highlandwoodworking.com (http://www.highlandwoodworking.com) and the North mask I mentioned in the earlier post. The most comfortable I have found once on.. getting on and off with glasses.. and no fog up which is the first one I've ever tried that didn't.

Sarge..

[Michael Stanley]

Do any of you have both a small face & wear glasses. I have never been able to find ANY mask, respirator, etc that does not severely fog up my glasses. Not being able to see while using sharp implements of destruction is an immediate danger compared to some dust that may cause damage 30 years in the future.
Thanks
Al

I've had tne best luck with the pleated style medical masks and the AO Safety pig snout. The medical masks are far more comfortable to were for long periods of time. They also allow my glasses to sit where ther're supposed to.

[Mike Golka]

This is what I use and it is also worn as an industry standard in my area. (heavy industrial construction and maintanance)
Mask: http://www.labsafety.com/search/half+mask/30981/
Flter: http://masksnmore.stores.yahoo.net/3m20pafip11.html

This combination is used for asbestos abatement as well. It gives good protection from dust and organic vapours. If you do get one of these make sure you get a proper fit.

[Mike Monroe]

I use a 3M 7500 series dust mask. Very comfortable and it has a P100 rating.

[Jamie Buxton]

Do any of you have both a small face & wear glasses. I have never been able to find ANY mask, respirator, etc that does not severely fog up my glasses. Not being able to see while using sharp implements of destruction is an immediate danger compared to some dust that may cause damage 30 years in the future.
Thanks
Al

Look into the 3M series 3M6000 respirators. They are a half-face respirator. They can be equipped with various filters -- some just for dust, and others for things like organic vapors. I find mine comfortable, and I wear safety glasses it. They come in three different sizes, so you ought to be able to find a size that fits your face. They're quite affordable, especially considering what they're protecting. Many online safety places sell them. And I think wwhardware.com sells them too.

[Danny Thompson]

Al Lupone, have you tried the pigsnout mask?

[Jason Roehl]

I use a 3M 7500 series dust mask. Very comfortable and it has a P100 rating.

Most definitely. I switched to these a couple years ago when they came out. Much more comfortable than the 6000 series. They last longer when they don't fall out of your hands to under your foot as you're taking a step, though. :rolleyes:

[Dale Johnson]

having a beard rules out a dust mask so i use a positive air flow system. hard hat, face shield, and fresh air. downside is the cost. right around $1,000. man it was great working for a company where money meant nothing. when they laid me off they told me to take all my personal protective equipment when i left. it is a breatheasy by 3m. this company sells all kinds of personal air filtering equipment.

http://www.airwareamerica.com/index.asp

[Bill Reed]

I use disposable masks with an N99 NIOSH rating. They are comfortable and don't fog my glasses. They cost about $2 each. I get them here:
http://www.sharpesafety.com/catalog/product-display.php3?ID=466

Bill

[glenn bradley]

I also have the AO 95190 and find it quite comfortable. My concern was visibility over/around the cartridges; no problems. Prefer it over the $45 3M dual cartridge which was overkill for wood dust.

[Al Lupone]

Al Lupone, have you tried the pigsnout mask?

I've got a 3M mask. I can only wear it without my glasses. Can't wear the dust masks either. Have never tried a "pigsnout". Like I said, I have a small face. Heck, decades ago when I was in the Army, they couldn't find a helmet that fit me either.

Al

[Doug Hobkirk]

I know nothin... but Bill Pentz sure seems to... and his advice is:

"3M 7500 dual cartridge mask fit to your size face. If you are a turner, have a thick beard, or have sensitivities the Trend Airshield seems to be the best powered respirator available for its price. "
I bought my mask at a garage sale. The first site I checked sells the 7500 for $16 and I feel like a dope!

[Rob Blaustein]

The problem with N95 masks is that they only filter out the larger particles that naturally don't make it deep into you lungs and cause damage like the small particles do--the small particles that go straight through an N95 mask. If you're going to wear a mask, it may as well be an N100... The large particles that do get filtered by an N95 are a "nuisance" in that they may irritate your nose and throat, but will generally be removed by coughing, sneezing, swallowing, etc.

Jason--I'm not sure that's accurate. It's hard to get all the info from the NIOSH website, but searching around other places suggests that particles smaller than 0.3 microns can actually be easier to filter, for reasons explained here (http://autometa.com/glocals/sars/archive/9/Mar/2003/slate.cohen/sars.mask/#claim1). I can't vouch for the accuracy of this site, but it appears well referenced. This page also has excerpts from NIOSH documents that says (and I've seen this elsewhere) that the efficiency rating is measured using one particle size--0.3 microns. I'm guessing that's because of medical relevance (size of worrisome airborne microorganisms) and the fact that NIOSH is part of the CDC (Center for Disease Control). But that's just a guess--I don't know the historical details of NIOSH or the CDC and which interests came first, occupational exposure in non-medical environments (like shops), or exposure of health care workers to communicable diseases.

Here (http://medical.smis.doi.gov/alerts/respfact.html) is a page that describes the N95, N99, and N100 standards (this is a link from the above-mentioned site).

--Rob