comfortable dust mask- is there one?

mon'n all ...

does anyone here use a dust mask that is actually comfortable to wear for a long period of time...

i was using the higher end disposables, but they get to hot, even the valve ones, i just got a proper trwin cartridge model and that is really not nice to wear, the problem i find is the masks put preasure on my nose and cheakbone are, and give me a headache...


i was thinking of getting a mouth piece for scuba diving and attaching a cartridge to that, it would be simple to wear as you just hold it in your mouth like in diving, and a gogle that seals the nose and eyes...

just a thought...:U

Something like a 3M full face might suit you better, don't have to worry about eye protection then either.

i went to there site...

you mean one of these...

The Triton is good value. Some like them, others don't.

yeh they look to big and clumsy, really need something light and easy to wear, there may not be such a device, might call for a some new inventing...

I am happy with my respirator, a silicone Sundstrom single cartridge and I clip in different filters for different uses such as when I'm spraying or playing with epoxy.

I lashed out and bought the silicone one (blue) after years of suffering as you do, with a cheap black rubber one, and haven't had a problem since. It even seems cooler to wear on a hot day, don't ask me how or why, but I'll swear it doesn't cause as much sweat as as the rubber one.

I have avoided powered ones, because I just can't see myself staying still enough for long enough for them not to be a problem! :wink:

Cheers,

P

+1 vote for the Sundstrom blue silicone single filter mask. Had one for many years. Most comfortable mask I've ever found. I change the filters from organic vapour to particulate depending on what I'm doing.

Glenn

hey Bitingmidge, how yah going !!!


...so where do i get these silicon ones from, the one i have now is black hard sort of rubber and to hard of a material for a comfy fit, and does'nt seem to seal that well either, i take it the silicon ones are very soft and mold to the face easily...

I'm just trucking! :D

You can get them at any specialised safety mob, try Protector Alsafe (the first I found on the web)
http://www2.protectoralsafe.com.au/L...aspx?State=NSW

cheers,

P

Quote:

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Originally Posted by la Huerta

i went to there site...

you mean one of these...

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Yeah, more like one of these. I used to wear a Sunstrom but the filters that we use at work made the nose pressure thing worse (after a while you develop a handy indentation:D ). With the 3M the filters are mounted on the side closer to your face which is better. With a full face mask though there's no problem because there's a lot more surface area and a better harness (no neck strap chafing).

bitingmidge

is this the one?

that 3m one looks pretty good too Dan...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by la Huerta

i went to there site...

you mean one of these...

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I got a quote for one of these only just yesterday and it was just as well that I was sitting down at the time. I knew it would be costly but not this costly :o COST - $1425.50 plus G.S.T :C

small price to pay for clean lungs...if i was rich i'd get one, but then if i was rich i would'nt be doing woodworking for a living...

something around the $50 mark i think is affordable for every woodworker...

Think bitingmidge is talking about this one

looks pretty good...i'll check it out...thanks

I use a 3M 7502 face mask with 2128 filters.

Been using the 3M Respirators for many years and find them comfortable. The filters keep a low profile to fit under helmets and face sheilds unlike the single filter units. the one on the left is an older style with the newer ones exhausting down to minimize fogging of glasses/helmets.

They are a silicone type mask which comes in 3 sizes s, m & l try them for fit as this makes a big difference to comfort and sealing. Many types of filters are available, the ones in the picture are charcoal activated for welding, canisters smaller than the sundstrom ones are available for painting as well as supplied air fittings, the dust filters look the same as the ones in the photo.

These filters are available from hardware, safety and welding suppliers and are "3M 7500 Half Facepiece Respirator".


Attachment 44868

Cliff,

Anything to get in first:((.

Did you delete my post 10m ago, so I had to type it again and attach photo:rolleyes:.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Stringy

Cliff,

Anything to get in first:((.......

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Sorry..... not.... :D

Good aren't they. :2tsup:

with both ear muffs and respirators you get what you pay for.

without question peltor are the go for muffs

I have a sundstrom mask I use for spraying & it fine for that... but I wouldn't want to wear it for only dust...... I have worn it all day a couple of times & its not too uncomfortable... aparantly the silicon ones are better.
I cant comment on the 3M item.

with all of them getting them adjusted right is a fiddle but important.

cheers

There not really such a thing as a comfortable respirator. I've been wearing one for about 24 years. Used to wear it 8 hours a day with some jobs for days on end. In the beginning it was real uncomfortable and would give me a rash on the face. After about a month the rash left and has never returned, even if I go long spells without wearing it. It's something you have to set in your mind you'll get used to. After a while you learn to tune out the feeling of having it on. Even in the heat of Australia I don't find it a problem. It was actually worse in the cold winters of Canada. Condensation would form real quick and I was always draing it. It's kind of comforting in a weird sort of way having it on when the dust is real thick - makes me feel almost invincible. I could have an inch of dust on my head and I know not one particle is entering my lungs.

I've been loyal to the North black silicone masks for about 22 years - I think I have about four if I put all the pieces I've collected over the years together. For me the large size fits the best and the straps are pretty good. I have one that I had to make new straps for and find it even more comfortable because I used a wide elastic instead of the plastic head pieces they sell as a replacement.

There is no mask that fits well with glasses.

Doug the slugs Avitar I reckon

could wear it allll day :p

Wouldn't they be great on a cold day:U

they'd be great any day...!!!

As ear muffs I mean hope, you didnt take any sexual conatations from my remark:o

Quote:

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Originally Posted by coastie

As ear muffs I mean hope, you didnt take any sexual conatations from my remark:o

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yep, i did...! :U

Moving right along .. :roll:

Beards are another story.

Pressure-fit masks won't cut it although you could try plastering the hairy mug with vaseline (no, let's not go there). Seems to me the only option is the Triton or Trend when dust rather than fumes are the problem.

So you save all that dough not shaving; now you get to spend it all on safety gear :doh:

Cannot comment on the Triton, but have been using the Trend AirShield over two years now, and like it a lot. It is only good for dust, and it works great for that (including tool grinding dust).

I recall a webpost some years ago from a guy who made his own 'Triton'. Involved the same kind of helmet setup but he rigged up a hose from outside for clean air and pumped it into the helmet with a hair dryer adapted for the purpose, if memory serves. Hose was routed overhead.

I did that in my shed in Cairns.
I used a ducted exhaust fan kit, a face shield & an old (clean) T shirt. :2tsup:

And the missus locked the shed door to avoid frightening the kiddies?

You reckon that Al in a foil hat was weird.... :rolleyes:
I had a foil elephant trunk going from my head to the little plastic jet engine hanging from the roof. :D

Lol!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cliff Rogers

You reckon that Al in a foil hat was weird.... :rolleyes:
I had a foil elephant trunk going from my head to the little plastic jet engine hanging from the roof. :D

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Cliff is not an animal (In my best elephant man voice)

Stay on topic, please.

...dust masks, well the one i have been using is headed for the bin soon, to uncomfortable, it puts preasure on my nose and sheek bones and is giving me headaches, i looked at a mates mask and it was the same twin cartridge but better qualitly and softer material, silicon maybe, so less likey to pinch the face pressure points...