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Recommendations on respirator mask

J

John Strand

Joined
Dec 12, 2023
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Location
Derby, CT
Hi all,

Looking for recommendations on respirator masks. Think I'd prefer half face unless you know of a full face which both accommodates glasses l and won't fog up.

I've never really worn a proper mask, but I need it for sanding. I've inhaled too much dust already. I'm looking for something which will be comfortable, so I'll actually wear it.

A couple of difficulties:
- I am a large man with just a massive noggin
- I have a substantial beard
- as mentioned, I wear glasses

If people say that a $20-$30 mask from Amazon is good, I'll give it a shot. But I'm willing to go up to maybe $100-$150 if I have to.

What do you all wear?

And thanks for any help.
 
I have a pretty good sized noggin myself, along with a full beard and I wear glasses. This works well for me. I won't promise it's comfortable but it is bearable. I use the pink particulate 2097 filters on it.
https://www.amazon.com/3M-Comfort-Facepiece-Reusable-Respirator/dp/B00IF7RCU6/ref=sr_1_1_pp?crid=1STKVYMAC7JGN&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EXPN2YzoCQyF-RneoJNJwtlybMhls71MkW7ySwIZ9mkK7zrjeO_Zu5HOTsGI3qAVEtf5R20qEJs8jq8vtXJ4Q_9rMejOruHgPdPSxp4n7QKCs96bZfGMbYtZrAfrHolhQw_K70WwIQ31BtpKUAo3r6Cb7r6ZEmyY2Kg81R7Syl_vfYHbbVbGWQNm-f0TBbD7xi4ScxfK-IiH9Bwvu9Z3GtYiaby5FYqbUVHtiBNMmKssKpY_9_aMKpduINhCAJWW4j1HYFriGM_Gw1DKdVcb9qmHK8FODZv2oL9uN8lljj8.MSSXeDvqo5OQJuRFst6pCIf5ZJOw8YDwQS7tI0LPJYU&dib_tag=se&keywords=3m%2Brespirator%2Bmask&qid=1744659771&sprefix=3m%2Bres%2Caps%2C151&sr=8-1&th=1https://www.amazon.com/3M-Comfort-Facepiece-Reusable-Respirator/dp/B00IF7RCU6/ref=sr_1_1_pp?crid=1STKVYMAC7JGN&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EXPN2YzoCQyF-RneoJNJwtlybMhls71MkW7ySwIZ9mkK7zrjeO_Zu5HOTsGI3qAVEtf5R20qEJs8jq8vtXJ4Q_9rMejOruHgPdPSxp4n7QKCs96bZfGMbYtZrAfrHolhQw_K70WwIQ31BtpKUAo3r6Cb7r6ZEmyY2Kg81R7Syl_vfYHbbVbGWQNm-f0TBbD7xi4ScxfK-IiH9Bwvu9Z3GtYiaby5FYqbUVHtiBNMmKssKpY_9_aMKpduINhCAJWW4j1HYFriGM_Gw1DKdVcb9qmHK8FODZv2oL9uN8lljj8.MSSXeDvqo5OQJuRFst6pCIf5ZJOw8YDwQS7tI0LPJYU&dib_tag=se&keywords=3m%2Brespirator%2Bmask&qid=1744659771&sprefix=3m%2Bres%2Caps%2C151&sr=8-1&th=1
 
I know you don't want to hear what I'm going to say but... If you want the kind of protection from dust from sanding you want a HEPA filter first of all. If the filters aren't HEPA, then the finest dust is not filtered and that's the most harmful ro you lungs. The suggestiong from Curt prior to my post may be HEPA or not. I didn't check.

Second, with a full beard I would guess that there isn't much out there that will give a complete seal except a complete helmet with a face mask. I'm not an expert and don't have a beard, so I can't be totally sure on that.

Third, you want something that you can wear for longer periods of time while sanding (or doing anything in the shop for that matter). I found over about 45 years of woodworking, 30 of those searching for better and better dust filtering, that the masks I tried weren't comfortable, didn't allow airflow, and therefore, were hot; not conducive to extended periods of wearing time.

After trying a masks over the years, I first ended up with a 3M product - powered helmet/faceshield filtering mask which worked well, but wasn't HEPA. 3M quit making them awhile ago, so I went to Trend Airshield. It was better than the 3M product but still no HEPA filter. Finally I broke down and bought the 3M powered product in this Amazon link


It checks off all the boxes for me, HEPA filter, comfortable to wear for long periods (at least in part because it provides filtered air inside the helmet, and the replaceable parts, like filters, are easily available.

Problem is, it's hugely expensive and I completely understand any reluctance to sink as much money as this costs into dust filtering. However, it works, and is proven technology which is used in many industries where air filtration is a must.

So, a word of caution, whatever you decide ... Just make sure the product truly filters out the tiniest particle possible, which automatically means a HEPA filter. Also, make sure it seals around your face. If unfiltered air is let in the mask isn't going to do you much good. If this is the only method of air filtration/dust collection in your shop these things become even more important. It's important because you only have one set of lungs.
 
I have a fat head, beard and glasses. I use the same mask Curt suggested. I may not get 100% of the dust because of the seal at the beard, but I never smell any wood or dust and I am highly allergic to Cedar. I accept that as "good enough."
 
Regarding (passive) half mask respirator fit, a professional fitter I met once at an industrial supply store ran me through the straightforward test for mask fit: Put it on (with filters installed), adjust the straps, put your hand over the exhalation valve, then BLOW. A good solid puff of air, but nothing too dramatic. There should be no air blowing out around the mask edges and the mask (and especially P100 filters) should puff up. If there are air gaps, adjust the straps again to attempt to fix those while retaining a comfortable fit. Then test again.

If the test fails despite adjustments, then you may need to change mask sizes (they said the “medium” masks take care of >80% of wearers… with the other sizes there for everyone else), or else there’s another problem such as too much facial hair to get an adequate seal.
 
Randy Heinemann said:
Second, with a full beard I would guess that there isn't much out there that will give a complete seal except a complete helmet with a face mask. I'm not an expert and don't have a beard, so I can't be totally sure on that.
Click to expand...

When I had a day job we were required to have 1/2 masks on our person at all times on the factory floor. They had to be fit tested once a year, and no one with facial hair were allowed to use them. Those folks had to have "air hats", which were the positive pressure face shields with a battery powered fan that filtered the air. What Randy said is 100% correct, a 1/2 mask just isn't going to work with a full beard.
 
I agree with @Randy Heinemann for the most part. Versaflo is excellent--but i did mine for well under half the price of the kit he referenced by buying the TR-300N+ECK kit on the big auction site. "ECK" is Easy Clean Kit--soft hood--for healthcare workers, i see Buy it Now offerings this morning at $255-$444. To that, i then added a helmet (M-307). My total cost was right about $700 a few years ago, today could probably be done for around $800. Thanks to @Emiliano Achaval and @Bill Boehme for posting how they put together their Versaflo kits for a more managable cost.

Not only does the Versaflo do its job, but the airflow has a cooling effect on hot days without fogging. Even discounted it's still over your desired budget, but it will do the job the way i should have done it from the beginning. Good luck.
 
3M makes a great full face mask/respirator. I have used mine for years and have been very pleased with it. Because it has a second mouth/nose chamber, no expired air goes back to the face shield, so there is no fogging. It has a Z-87+ impact rated face shield. Although it does not have a fan, the dual filters make it very easy to breath in, and the filters are easily replaced with either N95 particle or combination N95/activated charcoal for VOCs. It works fine with my wire frame glasses, but your mileage may vary depending on your frame style. It comes in Medium and large. This is the large one - https://www.amazon.com/3M-Remediati...ask&qid=1741618561&sprefix=3m,aps,167&sr=8-17
 

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Dave Mueller said:
3M makes a great full face mask/respirator. I have used mine for years and have been very pleased with it. Because it has a second mouth/nose chamber, no expired air goes back to the face shield, so there is no fogging. It has a Z-87+ impact rated face shield. Although it does not have a fan, the dual filters make it very easy to breath in, and the filters are easily replaced with either N95 particle or combination N95/activated charcoal for VOCs. It works fine with my wire frame glasses, but your mileage may vary depending on your frame style. It comes in Medium and large. This is the large one - https://www.amazon.com/3M-Remediation-Respirator-69097-Respiratory/dp/B009KULLT0/ref=sr_1_17?crid=3LWNIPZGQZVDO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.zApQA72Yi-w_8BsBHL7LvPRK3i8P6oMLKvnnniuzwQx6MCTEfjqHzLh9d78gKPKXV6yU_HIV40pCcjPas_WQXLyGmlrFI7QU3a2qkmnB08RkRRlODpelTdSnHUe-dg8Bxj9fjyWHioYxmUu2CVc5gKowMYBkT4XmvF905G7D0fDjaD_2SQXB6EGvCZBsgPcS-oQqIuZ6pJ-9MLcL9r9tHtqRFCdAbuQxzi28OUOqS3gM8P71D5Jp3c2YLXPc-0zyQfUuGFkBvLd6NBUL36B0yYkkA1miFUx2rEQaQO9fErsDIF75oKgyG1QJ7onlvXhjf5vMsnaSroy56qEoLWpITuuOFEold1J4Sxu6WCDPXsn1TitspsIEghgKq8zrBNEZRtEEircOCOFBe_A1bH9ppReUoCzZFl6_NLsE4vBCuq7APw55tFS4bSIAlxtyyd3O.oj7TJr4mAjclv_VpvcTPHktFdZRQSan4aiKV-c0nNi4&dib_tag=se&keywords=3m+respirator+mask&qid=1741618561&sprefix=3m,aps,167&sr=8-17
Click to expand...
This looks like a nice option. I normally wear a half mask with P100 cartridges, but sometimes wish I had dust protection for my eyes too like this 3M full face provides.

Two questions:
  1. How often do you have to replace the filters?
  2. How well does it work with earmuffs, like the 3M/Peltor style?
1744899752524.png​
 
John Strand said:
Hi all,

Looking for recommendations on respirator masks. Think I'd prefer half face unless you know of a full face which both accommodates glasses l and won't fog up.

I've never really worn a proper mask, but I need it for sanding. I've inhaled too much dust already. I'm looking for something which will be comfortable, so I'll actually wear it.

A couple of difficulties:
- I am a large man with just a massive noggin
- I have a substantial beard
- as mentioned, I wear glasses

If people say that a $20-$30 mask from Amazon is good, I'll give it a shot. But I'm willing to go up to maybe $100-$150 if I have to.

What do you all wear?

And thanks for any help.
Click to expand...
My background is in the chemical process industry. You cannot get a seal with a beard. The standard is anything more than 2 days growth is unacceptable. Recommend one of the helmets designed for this which blow filtered air down across your face. So no fogging of the facemask or your glasses. Newer models are lighter weight than a few years ago. You also get some impact protection. Check any of the reputable turning suppliers for offerings
 
 
Btw, has anyone made a DIY forced airflow respirator? At $1600+ for the retail product I have to imagine some turners have figured out how to force filtered air into a facemask.
 
As noted, passive systems, whether half face or full face rely on having a good seal and that's just not possible with a full beard.

I have recently changed to a Peke system positive pressure system from a 3M Airflow/airmate type set up and the Peke works well, with a wide range of adjustment in sizes, and at the lowest setting almost blows too much air. There should be no fogging of glasses. The cost for a unit equivalent to the 3M Versaflo is just over half the retail list price of the Versaflo and a little less than the auction site put-it-together-yourself set up.

It's well more than your stated price range, but the cumulative effect of inhaling dust is COPD, which is a really crappy way to spend your last years. If you can't afford a positive airflow system, would you rather have a beard or lungs?
 
Dean Center said:
If you can't afford a positive airflow system, would you rather have a beard or lungs?
Click to expand...
A beard.

Seriously, though, I take your point but I feel like there are more choices than that.

I'm leaning towards PAPR system. I'm going to go with this for the headgear: https://a.co/d/3ElkwIF

It should be able to accommodate my beard and glasses, and the price is reasonable. Now the question is what to do for the filter/pump. That search continues.
 
John Strand said:
A beard.

Seriously, though, I take your point but I feel like there are more choices than that.

I'm leaning towards PAPR system. I'm going to go with this for the headgear: https://a.co/d/3ElkwIF

It should be able to accommodate my beard and glasses, and the price is reasonable. Now the question is what to do for the filter/pump. That search continues.
Click to expand...
A PAPR is a good solution, but the headset is the 'simple' part. It's the motor and filter that should be the starting point. Take a look at Peke Safety's offerings. They're not the only game, but offer the most bang per buck, IMHO
 
John Strand said:
I'm leaning towards PAPR system. I'm going to go with this for the headgear: https://a.co/d/3ElkwIF
Click to expand...
A PAPR is a great option; that’s what I eventually migrated to. That said, that doesn’t look like an impact rated PAPR helmet; it’s explicitly stated as soft-sided. Industrial PAPR product lines come with a large array of options based on the intended work environment, and some of the head gear are not suited to woodturning use.

For example, in the Dräger line, this page shows the two style options “headpieces” versus “helmets”. You want the latter style from whatever maker you decide on.

(and like Dean said above, the Peke Safety units have a lot of satisfied users here, and are an all-in-one integrated PAPR solution)
 
I understand that you're looking to save money. But, perhaps, you would like to consider the reasoning I used in choosing a powered respirator. That is, "So, what is the going price for replacement lungs on the open market, now?" I started out with a Trend, and used it for a number of years. But it was poorly balanced, heavy, and you could only charge the battery IN the helmet unless you bought a separate charging cradle for $50. I'm sure that the charging cradle didn't cost more than $0.50 for them to make! And the battery was NIMH, not the better Lithium Ion. (Perhaps they have changed that since then.) Ultimately, I sold it and bought a Peke Safety Power Cap. It's just under $600, but it is light, well balanced, and the filters are very easy to vacuum off or change. I have a beard and glasses, and am somewhat claustrophobic. I find it to be very comfortable, and my glasses don't fog up. I'm constantly amazed, when I take it off and look at what's on the filters. Without the power cap, guess where all that dust would wind up? Oh, and BTW, the power cap is hard so, on a couple of occasions where I wasn't paying enough attention and banged my noggin on the edge of my hanging dust filter, there was no blood letting. Highly recommended! https://pekesafety.com/collections/...ctive-particulate-papr?variant=31337357738062
 
I should have clarified… I like the Sundstrom and have no issues with it. It was costly, and the Peke is a good value and good protection at a lower price point.
I want to have a second PAPR available for when I have visitors or grandchildren here turning.
 
microclimate.com

Air3 Kit

Air3 Respirator plus accessory kit. Package includes: Base, filters, visor, headgear, shroud, wall mount and screws, tear-off shield, carrying case, microfiber cloth, USB-c charger, cable, port plug, blower plug, user Instructions and NIOSH approval label.
microclimate.com

I assume this is everything for $650?
 
Not to sound like a broken record but if you truly want to protect your lungs and keep your beard you would need to go with a Powered Air Purifier Respirator (PAPR). Unfortunately with a beard you would not meet OSHA respiratory protection standards to even attempt a FIT test to assess effectiveness of any other type of respirator. OSHA standards are based on extensive science to protect employees from occupational exposures including wood dust. So if you value your health, spend bucks on a PAPR or shave your beard or limit you facial hair per https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/pdfs/facialhairwmask11282017-508.pdf
 
John Strand said:
Hi all,

Looking for recommendations on respirator masks. Think I'd prefer half face unless you know of a full face which both accommodates glasses l and won't fog up.

I've never really worn a proper mask, but I need it for sanding. I've inhaled too much dust already. I'm looking for something which will be comfortable, so I'll actually wear it.

A couple of difficulties:
- I am a large man with just a massive noggin
- I have a substantial beard
- as mentioned, I wear glasses

If people say that a $20-$30 mask from Amazon is good, I'll give it a shot. But I'm willing to go up to maybe $100-$150 if I have to.

What do you all wear?

And thanks for any help.
Click to expand...

Are you looking for a full face mask, or a half face mask?

Half face masks are pretty cheap, and you don't have to spend a lot of money on them. Mine is a 3M that was $18. I still use it, I've had it almost 5 years. Where you end up spending the money is filters...if you really want to protect your nose and lungs from everything, you want the pink and mustard filters, which will filter out particulate plus organic vapors, including formaldehyde and some of the other off gasses from CA glue, which can cause some pretty severe respiratory issues (in my case, its like anaphylactic shock, and can last for days or weeks depending on exposure.) The filters are a lot more expensive than the mask, and have to be replaced fairly regularly. You should plan to keep the filters in a sealed container, so that the reactive chemicals in them (the stuff that bonds chemically with the organic vapors they filter out) doesn't get consumed just while they sit around.

As far as full face masks. I have one of those as well...I was trying to protect my eyes from CA fumes. IMO, not even worth it for a moment. The problem with a full face mask is the shield, pretty much instantly fogs up as you breathe. I spent a fair amount of time trying to resolve that issue, but nothing I tried worked (except trying to force air onto the shield from the inside...which then lead me to what I'll actually recommend. A full face mask is also quite uncomfortable, and I hated using it every minute I did. This was actually my first mask, before I bought the half-face respirator.

If you want a full face mask, then, you want a PAPR. Positive (or Powered) Air Pressure Respirator. These are powered masks that force air into the mask from the outside, after drawing it through a filter (or series of filters). They usually blow air in from holes along the bottom edge of the shield, which PREVENTS the fogging issue with a normal full face mask respirator. The airflow keeps the moisture in your exhaust breath from condensing on the shield. Additionally, you don't ever have to feel like you are forcibly "sucking in air" which is usually the case with any non-powered respirator. The positive air flow makes it easy to breathe, and you get plenty of oxygen (oxygenation is lower with non-powered respirators.)

Thing is, a PAPR is pretty expensive, probably won't find one less than $700. Mine, a Sundstrom, was $1300 (at the time, I was suffering severely due to CA glue fumes....something I did not realize until I'd been suffering for months and had a specific incident that made me realize it wasn't wood dust, but CA glue fumes and particlate, that was causing my problems!) The sundstrom is wonderful, and for bigger projects I prefer using it (when there is a lot more dust, especially from sanding, than say pens), and having all that clean air with plenty of oxygen lets me stay in the shop for as long as I want. The only downside, is the strap that holds it to your head....well, I guess I have a bit of a big head as well. That part has never quite fit well, and sometimes gives me a headache. I figure if I spent some time and modded it to fit better, that issue could be resolved though.

In any case, PAPRs aren't cheap, but, they are the best way to protect yourself from dust and fumes IMO. Otherwise I'd just settle for a half face mask, and don't even bother with the full face masks.
 
Randy Heinemann said:
I know you don't want to hear what I'm going to say but... If you want the kind of protection from dust from sanding you want a HEPA filter first of all. If the filters aren't HEPA, then the finest dust is not filtered and that's the most harmful ro you lungs. The suggestiong from Curt prior to my post may be HEPA or not. I didn't check.

Second, with a full beard I would guess that there isn't much out there that will give a complete seal except a complete helmet with a face mask. I'm not an expert and don't have a beard, so I can't be totally sure on that.

Third, you want something that you can wear for longer periods of time while sanding (or doing anything in the shop for that matter). I found over about 45 years of woodworking, 30 of those searching for better and better dust filtering, that the masks I tried weren't comfortable, didn't allow airflow, and therefore, were hot; not conducive to extended periods of wearing time.

After trying a masks over the years, I first ended up with a 3M product - powered helmet/faceshield filtering mask which worked well, but wasn't HEPA. 3M quit making them awhile ago, so I went to Trend Airshield. It was better than the 3M product but still no HEPA filter. Finally I broke down and bought the 3M powered product in this Amazon link


It checks off all the boxes for me, HEPA filter, comfortable to wear for long periods (at least in part because it provides filtered air inside the helmet, and the replaceable parts, like filters, are easily available.

Problem is, it's hugely expensive and I completely understand any reluctance to sink as much money as this costs into dust filtering. However, it works, and is proven technology which is used in many industries where air filtration is a must.

So, a word of caution, whatever you decide ... Just make sure the product truly filters out the tiniest particle possible, which automatically means a HEPA filter. Also, make sure it seals around your face. If unfiltered air is let in the mask isn't going to do you much good. If this is the only method of air filtration/dust collection in your shop these things become even more important. It's important because you only have one set of lungs.
Click to expand...
Honeywell still makes their PAPR for medical and industrial use. I bought mine years ago from Industrial Safety Products. Give them a call and they will set up you. Many type of helmats, filters, ... If you see a miller used one , they brand the Honeywell with miller for welders https://www.industrialsafetyproduct...-sjm9_nZPyw04xGEsOzr3UIoHtqCHJFoaAuFSEALw_wcB
 
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