Respirator Reccommendation

[Fender1325]

Used one of those 3m 3 pack white fiber/elastic band face masks while sanding down a bare metal body for paint today, all day.

When I got home, my lips had black on them. When I blew my nose it was black. Obviously the mask isn't cutting it. I have a short beard which probably isn't helping. Any suggestions?

 

[Al Borland]

Start with an actual respirator (NIOSH/MSHA approved)
Use particulate filters and SHAVE.
No such thing as a proper fitting face-seal with a beard.
Might as well just tie a bandanna over your face.

 

[Moto]

When buying a respirator, check on local availability of cartridges for it.

I bought a respirator only to find out it's been discontinued and cartridges not available.

 

[DHCrocks]

3M 7500 series half mask with P100 filters is pretty reasonable priced and very comfortable. can get a good seal with the silicone. don't know about beards but with a clean shave there is no leakage if adjusted properly.

these work so much better then the disposable type masks.

 

[notlob]

A couple inexpensive options in this post:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6950882&postcount=5468

 

[plinker]

3m 6000 series are very common and available.

 

[zeke markham]

Shave. Respirators, no matter how good or what type will not seal if you are not clean shaven. It's even an OSHA requirement in industry. Had to let a guy go because he refused to shave.

 

[Wamsutta]

North model 7700. There's your recommendation.

 

[Mikeske]

As the others stated you have to be clean shaven to use a respirator and one thing not mentioned. If you have ever had any thing to do with having any heart disease or heart procedure/operation you must clear it with your doctor before using any the half face/full face respirators. My former employer would not allow us to certify on respirators due the liability. Since this was the case I was not allowed into areas that required respirators.

 

[Wamsutta]

Had to let a guy go because he refused to shave.

I can't understand why beards are so popular now. They're hot and they're scratchy. There's nothing like the feeling of cool water being splashed on my baby smooth face during the summertime.

 

[jonshonda]

I would think adding some type of ventilation in your shop would be beneficial if possible. Otherwise a 3m half mask should help

 

[tarbellb]

3M 6000 series is excellent on the cheap.

Fits under hoods/mask, lots of cartridge options, durable.

 

[nes999]

As the others stated you have to be clean shaven to use a respirator and one thing not mentioned. If you have ever had any thing to do with having any heart disease or heart procedure/operation you must clear it with your doctor before using any the half face/full face respirators. My former employer would not allow us to certify on respirators due the liability. Since this was the case I was not allowed into areas that required respirators.

Vasoline or chapstick on the beard/stach. I have to do this when scuba diving.

I find the silicone half masks being more beard friendly.


My mask is a 3m 7503
Sent from my VS988 using Tapatalk

 

[Fender1325]

I can't understand why beards are so popular now. They're hot and they're scratchy. There's nothing like the feeling of cool water being splashed on my baby smooth face during the summertime.

Try working in a shop all day that has no heat.

 

[6PTsocket]

Another thing to consider is a disposible P95 respirator. They are a around 15 bucks which is the about the same or less than many replacement cartridges. HF carries a popular brand, not house branded junk. Use a coupon.

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[zeke markham]

I can't understand why beards are so popular now. They're hot and they're scratchy. There's nothing like the feeling of cool water being splashed on my baby smooth face during the summertime.

As soon as I could I grew mine back out. Not scratchy or hot for me and without my beard I look like I'm 12. Hard to take myself seriously without a beard.

 

[ItsNemo]

Another vote for 3m 7500's with the 2297 P100 filters. Don't bother with the 6000's they're not nearly as comfortable. You can get the 7500 mask with a couple different kinds of filters (one for dust, one for painting) for under $50 from amazon. Anything disposable is not worth the money.

With the 3m mask you can spend an entire day in the dustiest ****, grinding, sanding, whatever and when you're done you don't even notice any after effects (nose is clear, no coughing, etc). The 2097's and 2297's have a nuisance level odor filter on them so you generally don't smell any of the **** either.

 

[Fender1325]

As the others stated you have to be clean shaven to use a respirator and one thing not mentioned. If you have ever had any thing to do with having any heart disease or heart procedure/operation you must clear it with your doctor before using any the half face/full face respirators. My former employer would not allow us to certify on respirators due the liability. Since this was the case I was not allowed into areas that required respirators.

can you explain what you mean? I do have high blood pressure but I doubt thats an issue to wear a respirator?