Replacement elastic material for respirator

[mike93lx]

I have a few Elipse respirators, all of which need new elastics, but they are unobanium, so I want to buy a roll of material and make my own. It's 3/4" wide.

Any better suggestions than just googling "3/4" elastic band"?

 

[PCustoms]

Mine did the same thing, dead elastic. I haven't been welding much so haven't dealt with it.

My plan was to just grab a roll of good (maybe the silicone backed?) elastic of Amazon.

I think all the sewing/craft shops around have closed.

Edit: I think dritz was the one sold in fabric stores:

Dritz 3/4", 3-Yards Long, Black Non-Roll Elastic https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YNZAD46?tag=atomicindus08-20

I might try this:

Elastic Band for Sewing, 3/4 Inch x 12 Yard High Elasticity Sewing Elastic Bands for Waistbands Pants Clothes and Crafts DIY, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBYLZM5Q?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Hakeem]

No, I think that’s likely to be the least expensive option. Possibly consider rubber strapping over elastic fabric for ease of cleaning?

 

[mike93lx]

No, I think that’s likely to be the least expensive option. Possibly consider rubber strapping over elastic fabric for ease of cleaning?

Cost isn't the main driver....i really want something good and was hoping to get a specific recommendation on a product that has worked for someone

 

[PCustoms]

Cost isn't the main driver....i really want something good and was hoping to get a specific recommendation on a product that has worked for someone

Just get a supplied air hood, who wears respirators anymore?

 

[mike93lx]

Just get a supplied air hood, who wears respirators anymore?

Man I'd love to get a PAPR.

 

[Hakeem]

Cost isn't the main driver....i really want something good and was hoping to get a specific recommendation on a product that has worked for someone

Understood. I know a community of mask enthusiasts, I’ll see what they have to say.

 

[PCustoms]

Understood. I know a community of mask enthusiasts, I’ll see what they have to say.

@PelicanPines ?

 

[mike93lx]

I since I am super patient and do tons of research, I just ordered two types of dritz elastic on Amazon. One is non-roll and the other is braided. For $3 each, figured I might as well.

I'd love to hear any recommendations for stuff that has worked and I'll definitely share what I find with these two products.

I hate having safety equipment that isn't easy to use and uncomfortable. Hopefully this sorts that out

 

[RTM]

Following, I have a respirator and several headlamps that will need work soon.

 

[rlitman]

I since I am super patient and do tons of research, I just ordered two types of dritz elastic on Amazon. One is non-roll and the other is braided. For $3 each, figured I might as well.

I'd love to hear any recommendations for stuff that has worked and I'll definitely share what I find with these two products.

I hate having safety equipment that isn't easy to use and uncomfortable. Hopefully this sorts that out

That's not too bad a deal, but I find Dritz sewing supplies to be about as overpriced as McCormick spices. They have what you want, often in quantities that you want, but if you're going to be doing more than one thing, it's usually a better deal to buy in a real quantity. For comparison, in 2017, I bought 50 yards of black 1" knitted elastic band for $11. It's about half as thick as the band that came with my Milwaukee headlamp, but is comparable in thickness to the bands on my cheaper (and lighter weight) headlamps, and the 3/4" version of it should be fine for your mask (most of my face masks use 1/2" elastic, but it's the same idea).

Have you checked out any local fabric stores?

 

[mike93lx]

That's not too bad a deal, but I find Dritz sewing supplies to be about as overpriced as McCormick spices. They have what you want, often in quantities that you want, but if you're going to be doing more than one thing, it's usually a better deal to buy in a real quantity. For comparison, in 2017, I bought 50 yards of black 1" knitted elastic band for $11. It's about half as thick as the band that came with my Milwaukee headlamp, but is comparable in thickness to the bands on my cheaper (and lighter weight) headlamps, and the 3/4" version of it should be fine for your mask (most of my face masks use 1/2" elastic, but it's the same idea).

Have you checked out any local fabric stores?

For $3/yard, I'm not driving around checking stores until this doesn't work. 1 yard will do all three of my respirators with plenty to spare

 

[no704]

Wish you were closer. I’ve got a metric **** ton of 3/4” elastic band leftover from mass production of face shields during the pandemic.

 

[mike93lx]

Wish you were closer. I’ve got a metric **** ton of 3/4” elastic band leftover from mass production of face shields during the pandemic.

If the stuff I ordered doesn't work well, I might hit you up. The material for a few masks would fit in a bubble mailer

 

[no704]

If the stuff I ordered doesn't work well, I might hit you up. The material for a few masks would fit in a bubble mailer

It would, but it would still probably be $15-$20 to ship with the crazy rates today! Look for a local fabric or craft store.

 

[danielbuck]

I imagine any sewing/craft store would have something like this. you might even be able to buy it by the foot, instead of an entire roll.

 

[PCustoms]

Does anyone read?

 

[mike93lx]

Mine did the same thing, dead elastic. I haven't been welding much so haven't dealt with it.

My plan was to just grab a roll of good (maybe the silicone backed?) elastic of Amazon.

I think all the sewing/craft shops around have closed.

Edit: I think dritz was the one sold in fabric stores:

Dritz 3/4", 3-Yards Long, Black Non-Roll Elastic https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YNZAD46?tag=atomicindus08-20

I might try this:

Elastic Band for Sewing, 3/4 Inch x 12 Yard High Elasticity Sewing Elastic Bands for Waistbands Pants Clothes and Crafts DIY, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBYLZM5Q?tag=atomicindus08-20

Dritz 3/4", 3-Yards Long, Black Non-Roll Elastic https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YNZAD46?tag=atomicindus08-20

I just used this for one of my masks. Fits great, feels good. Hopefully it lasts.

The original bands are 24", but 20" in plenty. You can get two masks from one roll

 

[PCustoms]

Dritz 3/4", 3-Yards Long, Black Non-Roll Elastic https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YNZAD46?tag=atomicindus08-20

I just used this for one of my masks. Fits great, feels good. Hopefully it lasts.

The original bands are 24", but 20" in plenty. You can get two masks from one roll

For $3, I've added it to my cart and will give it a go.

I suspect it will degrade over time just like the original (ozone generated during welding?) but I'll put the other half away to re-string a few years down the road.

 

[mike93lx]

For $3, I've added it to my cart and will give it a go.

I suspect it will degrade over time just like the original (ozone generated during welding?) but I'll put the other half away to re-string a few years down the road.

For a buck and a half, I'll replace it every year if needed

 

[mike93lx]

Used it with the new straps for a few hours Sunday night. They worked great