Wearing one use respirator makes my glasses steam up . . .

[Tractorman46]

I have looked through some of the old posts on respirators but can find nothing on this little problem I have when using the one time respirators. I've tried a few different makes but have the same problem with them all. I use a respirator when strimming - long grass - small brush - and when spraying our olive trees and using sanders etc. Can anyone tell me whether the permanent masks where you just change the filters are any better in this regard? I've looked for example at the 3M 6502QL and others like it. I have no idea how good these would be. As you can see from the use I make of a mask, apart from spraying the olives, the mask is just to keep dust and pollen out.
Any advice would be appreciated - I'm not worried about the cost so much as the comfort and convenience - and most of all being able to see what I'm doing!

 

[RNeumann]

The steam is a bad seal around your nose. Their is no magic mask that fits everyone. OSHA requires “fit testing” for folks who use respirators at work. With that, the good brands have different sizes.

It sounds like you are trying good brands like 3M. Stepping up to a half face respirator should help if the fit is good. Without a full on fit test I’d try taking the cartridges off and plugging them with your palms. Then try and breathe in and out to test the seal. Again, find a brand with sizes. As an example, my full face SCBA mask is a medium mask with a large nose and mouth cone.

Wearing a sweat band on your forehead may help keep that moisture from migrating behind your glasses.

Also make sure your glasses aren’t too tight to your face. Fitting your shop glasses slightly lower on your nose has helped me in the past.

I’ve found the disposable 3M medical/TB rated masks with the red rubber-band straps to fit me well.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

I like the dusk masks with the flapper, I think k 3m makes them. If you exhale harder than normal and down, it opens the flap and you don't get all the glasses fogging. It certainly isn't perfect but it helps when you have to wear a mask and glasses.

 

[Oldoak]

I like the dusk masks with the flapper, I think k 3m makes them. If you exhale harder than normal and down, it opens the flap and you don't get all the glasses fogging. It certainly isn't perfect but it helps when you have to wear a mask and glasses.

Yep, that's just what I use. And like you say, it isn't perfect, but sure helps eliminate most of the glasses fogging issue.

 

[RNeumann]

I like the dusk masks with the flapper, I think k 3m makes them. If you exhale harder than normal and down, it opens the flap and you don't get all the glasses fogging. It certainly isn't perfect but it helps when you have to wear a mask and glasses.

Exhalation valve- good point! That may be all the OP needs.

 

[DMW]

For extended use the half face mask is a lot more comfortable. Correct sizing ensures a tight seal, breathing is more comfortable. I wore a North half mask for years at work, never had an issue, just washed with soapy water after every use (cartridges removed). If you have a beard it won't seal, but I found it was more comfortable to wear with a bit of stubble, less sliding around when sweating. Using disposable pre-filters greatly extends the life of the cartridges, you may not have to change the cartridges until after months of use. The particulate filter would be the best/cheapest for your described uses.

 

[ArlyA]

We use anti-fog wipes on our glasses. Not a perfect cure, but doing this does help.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

When i tried safety googles while running a trimmer, i get so much water inside i cant see a thing..

 

[rgr33]

I used to have a problem with safety glasses fogging up, but bought some coronation cleaner/anti fog wiping cloths from Amazon. No further problem after that.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

I used to have a problem with safety glasses fogging up, but bought some coronation cleaner/anti fog wiping cloths from Amazon. No further problem after that.

Will try them, thanks