I asked a few weeks ago for input on full face repirators and got alot of valuable feedback. Now my question is where can i buy one for a reasonable cost, (he says tongue in cheek)
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full face respirators
- Thread starter allen jay
- Start date
Max Taylor
In Memoriam
If ou have a pair of 30.00 lungs, you can go to almost any hardware or tool store and buy a full face shield and a 1.50 dust mask. If your lungs are more valuable,only the best will do, and they arent cheap Depends what your plans are for your health. My opinion and sticking to it. Max
thank you but at this point i am willing to pay for good eye and lung protection
Full face shield
Ok, I think the best way to answer your question is this; are you really serious about the protection? If the answer is yes, then find out which system is best for you, using what ever means you can Internet, friends and colleges. I did a bunch of research for myself and decided on the 3M Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR). I was motivated by the fact my wonderful wife brought me back a piece of wood from a mission trip to South America and I had a really bad reaction. I mean I spent 45 min. outside trying to catch my breath and waiting for the welts to go down. I then spent 3 month watching e%@& for a good deal. I spent about $300 total on a $1300 powered air flow system with OV/HEPA cartridges. If you know what you need you can buy the parts to put it together. The chunk of wood is still sitting over in the corner where it was thrown, smiling at me. I remember to wear the mask even during the summer. Your health is important; I'm not sure what it's worth, but for me $300. Domestic woods don't bother me, at least what I can see, but that doesn't mean they aren't damaging your lungs with the fine dust. I know people that have smoked for 40 years and are still kicking; I'm just not willing to take the chance.
Ok, I think the best way to answer your question is this; are you really serious about the protection? If the answer is yes, then find out which system is best for you, using what ever means you can Internet, friends and colleges. I did a bunch of research for myself and decided on the 3M Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR). I was motivated by the fact my wonderful wife brought me back a piece of wood from a mission trip to South America and I had a really bad reaction. I mean I spent 45 min. outside trying to catch my breath and waiting for the welts to go down. I then spent 3 month watching e%@& for a good deal. I spent about $300 total on a $1300 powered air flow system with OV/HEPA cartridges. If you know what you need you can buy the parts to put it together. The chunk of wood is still sitting over in the corner where it was thrown, smiling at me. I remember to wear the mask even during the summer. Your health is important; I'm not sure what it's worth, but for me $300. Domestic woods don't bother me, at least what I can see, but that doesn't mean they aren't damaging your lungs with the fine dust. I know people that have smoked for 40 years and are still kicking; I'm just not willing to take the chance.
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Which one are you looking for?
I presume that you are asking about where to find a a particular helmet type PAPR system since full-face respirator implies a CPAP system, at least to me.
full-face respirator implies a CPAP system, at least to me.
Why?
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) vs Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)
I've used both and the PAPR system is OSHA approved for Welding, Fumes, Sandblasting and Painting. I don't think sawdust is worse than any of those.
Why?
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) vs Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)
I've used both and the PAPR system is OSHA approved for Welding, Fumes, Sandblasting and Painting. I don't think sawdust is worse than any of those.
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Not all PAPR systems are rated for handling certain fumes like those from welding. I use a 3M Airstream AS400 which only has one filter option, a HEPA filter for particulates and a small assortment of fumes. The 3M BreatheEasy with its waist mounted blower assembly can take an assortment of filter packs which enable it to handle welding fumes, certain pesticides, and VOC's used in spray paints.
As I said, my interpretation of full face mask is just that, my personal interpretation. Being an OSA patient, I have known the joys of wearing a full face mask for almost ten years. So, it is not one vs. the other. For me, it is both.
Respirators
Allen, I'm not biased one way or another I use the 3M BreathEasy system it's a pain in that it requires you to wear the belt with the blower and filter. The battery life is about 6.5 - 8 hours per 3M. I get a full day because I can't run it 8 hours straight. I use high quailty work suspenders so the weight is not a problem. I like the full helmet and faceshield combo that is part of the system. There are a bunch of ways to configure the system so it can meet your specific needs. I further like it because I use it when I'm welding my turning tools (different helmet) and when I'm sandblasting old cast iron. I restore woodworking tools and some of the vises and old lathes are easier to clean with a sandblaster. I don't paint yet, except the house when my wife makes me, but it will do that as well. It has three filters that will take several different levels of filters. I've gotten most of it off of auction sites and the filters are available here in Orlando. It's kind of like being asked, "does this dress make me look fat", someone is not going to like your answer, but if you don't give one, that's an answer too!:cool2:
Allen, I'm not biased one way or another I use the 3M BreathEasy system it's a pain in that it requires you to wear the belt with the blower and filter. The battery life is about 6.5 - 8 hours per 3M. I get a full day because I can't run it 8 hours straight. I use high quailty work suspenders so the weight is not a problem. I like the full helmet and faceshield combo that is part of the system. There are a bunch of ways to configure the system so it can meet your specific needs. I further like it because I use it when I'm welding my turning tools (different helmet) and when I'm sandblasting old cast iron. I restore woodworking tools and some of the vises and old lathes are easier to clean with a sandblaster. I don't paint yet, except the house when my wife makes me, but it will do that as well. It has three filters that will take several different levels of filters. I've gotten most of it off of auction sites and the filters are available here in Orlando. It's kind of like being asked, "does this dress make me look fat", someone is not going to like your answer, but if you don't give one, that's an answer too!:cool2:
thank you eveyone
any thoughts on the trend system??
any thoughts on the trend system??
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One of my friends (Dustpan, on this forum) bought the Trend Pro a few months ago and he really likes it. His only complaint is that his neck gets a bit stiff after a few hours of wearing it because of the weight. It might be worth considering modifying it to move the batteries to a belt pack and remove some of the weight from the helmet.
I have the Trend Airshield Pro, like it alot. Yes, my neck does get tired at the end of the day, but I don't wear it constantly either...only when turning or sanding, or scorching wood. I also use the accessory ear muffs, as I want to protect what hearing I have left after most of my life not protecting it. As a former registered respiratory therapist, I want to weigh-in on the protecting your lungs issue. I wouldn't use CPAP for breathing protection, as CPAP is forcing air into your airway to splint it open so that you can breathe while sleeping...would you want to force that dust into your lungs? CPAP units also have very small filters, meant more to keep out dust associated with your bedroom, not a woodturning studio. Units like the Trend blow a curtain of Hepa filtered air down over your face, not into your lungs. Yes, you will breathe what flows past your nose/mouth, but it is filtered first. Whatever system you use, the bottom line is to keep dust out of your lungs, where it can settle into the smaller airways and block the flow, which is called a restrictive disease, blocking the flow of oxygen into the lungs. This is not to be confused with COPD, which is an obstructive disease, which blocks the flow of carbon dioxide back out of your lungs, which is usually associated with smoking. I bought mine online via a search on www.dogpile.com a metasearch engine which searches other search engines.
Hope this helps,
Rick
Hope this helps,
Rick
well based on all the good info you so willingly shared i just purchased a trend airshield
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I don't think that anyone actually implied using a CPAP for breathing protection. I have OSA and have used a CPAP for many years in order to be able to get a full night's uninterrupted rest. I am also assuming that DOCworks uses his CPAP for OSA since he did not say anything about using one for dust protection.
Further, it would not be possible to wear both a face mask and then don a protective face shield since all of the FFM's that I have seen extend about two inches or more in front of the face. Then there is the issue of the darn hose that dangles like an elephant's trunk.
FWIW, I am still using a very old CPAP which actually has an HEPA filter (I have allergy problems too). I suppose that, theoretically, it could be used for dust protection, but that would not be a good idea. I was told that most of the new ones have essentially no filtering besides a small piece of reticulated plastic foam. I have converted my new CPAP machine into a "dust collector".
(it is sitting on a closet shelf collecting dust because it is noisy and has poor pressure regulation.)
CPAP doesn't really force air into your airways since it is not a respirator. The positive pressure is very small (for example, a typical CPAP setting of 10 cm of water is approximately equivalent to the difference between MSL atmospheric pressure and 250 feet ASL -- about 0.5 in-Hg). And, as you stated, it is to splint the airway at the back of the throat which can sometimes relax shut during sleep. The very slight positive pressure is sufficient to keep the airway open during inhaling. The CPAP must be capable of providing a high air flow rate during inhalation and still precisely maintain the pressure differential while not over pressurizing during exhalation. That is a tall order which is the main reason that CPAP devices are expensive and it is also the reason that my new one is a "dust collector".
Further, it would not be possible to wear both a face mask and then don a protective face shield since all of the FFM's that I have seen extend about two inches or more in front of the face. Then there is the issue of the darn hose that dangles like an elephant's trunk.
FWIW, I am still using a very old CPAP which actually has an HEPA filter (I have allergy problems too). I suppose that, theoretically, it could be used for dust protection, but that would not be a good idea. I was told that most of the new ones have essentially no filtering besides a small piece of reticulated plastic foam. I have converted my new CPAP machine into a "dust collector".
(it is sitting on a closet shelf collecting dust because it is noisy and has poor pressure regulation.)CPAP doesn't really force air into your airways since it is not a respirator. The positive pressure is very small (for example, a typical CPAP setting of 10 cm of water is approximately equivalent to the difference between MSL atmospheric pressure and 250 feet ASL -- about 0.5 in-Hg). And, as you stated, it is to splint the airway at the back of the throat which can sometimes relax shut during sleep. The very slight positive pressure is sufficient to keep the airway open during inhaling. The CPAP must be capable of providing a high air flow rate during inhalation and still precisely maintain the pressure differential while not over pressurizing during exhalation. That is a tall order which is the main reason that CPAP devices are expensive and it is also the reason that my new one is a "dust collector".
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I can recommend Airware America as a great place to get a Trend Pro. I do not know how their prices compare, but they are extremely helpful and can provide any replacement parts and filters that you need s well as help with any problems that you are having. Sometimes just going for the lowest price is not the best deal if they only sell stuff and then leave you high and dry if there are any problems. I bought my Airstream there about four years ago and enjoy doing business with them. I also found that some online dealers who advertise low prices sometimes are not selling a full system and then you find out that there are "extras" that you need like batteries, chargers, or filters.
Depending on your particular needs, you might also consider the Airstream AS-400LBC for roughly $300 more including charger. Two advantages of the Airstream are lighter weight (battery is worn on the belt) and a HEPA filter if you need extra protection because of allergies or sensitivity to wood dust.
EDIT: I just noticed that you have already made a purchase, but for anyone considering any of the various PAPR units or negative pressure masks, I think that Airware America is a good source.
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Bill I ordered a 3M Airstream AS-400. I had the Trend (not the Pro) and keep getting sinus infections and bronchial infections. I can smell the wood while using the Trend and was told if you can smell the wood you are breathing dust. With the 3M I don't smell the wood anymore. Hopefully that is the last of my problems.
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I wound up with the as400 in any case I think the main thing is the trend filters to 3 micron the 3m is hepa and filters to 1 micron.
I've been using the Trend Pro for about a year now. It is heavy and a bit noisy. I don't notice either one now and like the idea of face, head, and lung protection.