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-dua...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-dua...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-dua...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?

[Jim Becker]

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

One strap.

[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-El.../dp/B013SIIBFQ

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

[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.

[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_n...+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.