Dust Mask Recommendations

[Beltzington]

If you've got questions, fire away. I do this for a living for 25+ years...

I believe I have decided to go with a 3M 7500 series mask that uses replaceable bayoneted filters. After way to much research I still cannot find a method to determine what size to buy, I wear a 7 7/8" hat size and have always considered myself to have a large head (required for all the brain matter) but many rating comments seem to say the medium fits tighter than large? Any suggestions? Trying one on is not an option.

 

[dstig1]

Something like 65-75% pf the population wears a Med facemask, and most of the remainder will be in a Large (very few smalls out there). Worst case, you try it and decide you want to try a Large if the Med seems not quite right for you. Me, I find I fit better in a Large typically, even though I am not a big guy, so the size of the person doesn't always indicate the mask size you should wear. I still fit in a Med, but the Large fits better and is more comfortable to me. No good way to know other than trying one on...

 

[TractorGuy]

Anyone find a lightweight dust mask they would recommend? I'm not talking toxic fumes, just grinding dust, attic dust, etc. I have never liked and therefore don't use the paper disposable ones, I would need to wear safety glasses at the same time.

Medical type masks are designed to keep you from getting others sick. Not to protect your lungs. They dont seal against your face well. They catch spit, particulate matter & stuff containing bacteria while letting air go on through. They work well for their intended purpose, but it's not the one most of us are looking for.

My suggestion was based on the title and request made by the OP. He requested a suggestion for a lightweight dust mask, not a respirator. The earloop masks are not the hard formed paper type. They are more cloth like and recommended for dust protection as well as infection control. My experience is they keep as much out as they keep in. They are well suited for dust control and I even find them helpful when painting with aerosol cans.

"Equate Earloop Disposable Mask is made of a 3-ply construction to help filter up to 99% bacteria exhaled by the wearer. The lightweight mask is designed to provide comfort and easy breathing. It is meant for general purpose infection control, and helps prevent the spread of airborne illness. With no strings to tie, it is very easy to take on and off, making it ideal for home healthcare use. It can also protect against dust and some other allergens when you are busy in construction, painting or gardening. The quality and design will ensure that you can comfortably wear for a long time and keep yourself shielded from most bacteria. With a wide range of health and beauty products, Equate provides their customers with a healthy and effective way to improve the quality of their daily lives. At Equate, we believe that taking care of your family doesn& 8217;t have to come at a high price. Every product we make is the result of innovation, rigorous standards and high quality ingredients, and that has helped us become one of the most trusted brands across the country. Directions Place mask over nose and mouth, blue side out, and place an earloop around each ear. Pull bottom of mask under chin and mold the nosepiece around the nose. The mask should cover face from the nose to underneath the chin. Discard mask after use, do not reuse masks. Equate earloop disposable mask, 20 Ct"

 

[hawkeye08]

This is what I went to for outside work in dust and pollens (GVS SPR457 Elipse P100 Half Mask Respirator, Medium and Large)

 

[dalola]

For what it's worth, I have an RZ neoprene mask that I like, use it mostly for mowing & leaf chopping when it's dry conditions. It's comfortable, and I never seem to have "black booger" syndrome after any task while wearing it. You can usually find them on sale on-line for around $15 if you aren't picky on color.

 

[dragoneggs]

I believe I have decided to go with a 3M 7500 series mask that uses replaceable bayoneted filters. After way to much research I still cannot find a method to determine what size to buy, I wear a 7 7/8" hat size and have always considered myself to have a large head (required for all the brain matter) but many rating comments seem to say the medium fits tighter than large? Any suggestions? Trying one on is not an option.

My son turned me on to this one. Miller LPR-100 Half Mask Respirator (S/M) ML00894
He uses one under his welding helmet, and for all other shop uses. It's compact, comfortable, and has replaceable filters.

I have been using a 7500 series with pink filters for a long time and I think they are quality and a good choice but they are bulky/heavy. I really do want something to use under my welding helmet. Gonna try the Miller ones suggested by Ford850.

 

[Ford850]

I have been using a 7500 series with pink filters for a long time and I think they are quality and a good choice but they are bulky/heavy. I really do want something to use under my welding helmet. Gonna try the Miller ones suggested by Ford850.

I've always had the bulky ones, and because of that I opted not to wear it sometimes because it got in the way. I like the compact design of the Miller/GVS Elipse and find I use it more often.

 

[Beltzington]

I ended up buying the GVS Ellipse P100 Half-Mask respirator (M/L) because I couldn't find many negative reviews and seems they are popular with you folks as well. My observations, including using them while grinding tile thin-set off the plywood floor in a small room. If you have ever done this you know you cannot create a more dusty environment.

- The first impression when I took them out of the box, was they had sent me the wrong size, these things are incredibly compact and light.
- The two straps fit great and don't move or twist and they hold the mask where you put it, they are comfortable even with safety glasses and a hat.
- Breath freely, you know you have a mask on but they don't leave you feeling like you need more air.
- Filter very well, I have a full beard and I did get a minor amount of dust leaking from the around the chin area but that was not the masks failure
- Easy to forget you are wearing them, I tried to drink a beer with them on, may have been the three beers I had already had but they are comfortable
- Safety glasses did fog up, oops, my bad I put the mask on upside down, again see beer reference
- Lastly, but certainly important, I emailed customer service with a filter question and they replied within 2-hours

:thumbsup:Very happy with the mask, thanks for the input!

 

[Ford850]

That pretty much sums up how I feel about them too, especially the first part about them being incredibly compact and light. When my son first showed them to me, I couldn't believe how much smaller they were compared to what I've used for decades. And I doubted their performance due to that size, so I researched and was pleasantly surprised to see them rated so well for a wide range of dust and fumes for welders too. :thumbsup:

 

[dragoneggs]

That pretty much sums up how I feel about them too, especially the first part about them being incredibly compact and light. When my son first showed them to me, I couldn't believe how much smaller they were compared to what I've used for decades. And I doubted their performance due to that size, so I researched and was pleasantly surprised to see them rated so well for a wide range of dust and fumes for welders too. :thumbsup:

Okay, just ordered on Amazon. $29.95 plus tax. Hoping it will fit under my Miller hood.