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Thread: Respirator suggestions?

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    Respirator suggestions?

    I have developed lung problems and now need to start wearing a respirator when woodworking. A dust mask just isn't enough protection any more. I've looked online and found models from simple to complex. I really don't want a space helmet! Rockler has a powered respirator that has good reviews and looks minimalist. Has anyone had any experience with it or with anything else? I wear glasses so whatever I get has to work with glasses.

    Thanks.

  2. #2
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    Ellen,

    This is a case where I just would not mess around. If you don't have your health, you don't have much... and woodworking drops pretty low on your priority list.

    Maybe this is easy for me to say from my position... But I would go with the space helmet with positive pressure and a good HEPA filter. And to reduce the time it takes to clog your mask filter, you're still going to need some decent dust collection and air filtration in your shop.

    This probably isn't what you want to hear, but if you take a step back, breathing is one of the most important functions for human life, so it's worth a meaningful investment of money and effort to protect your lungs.

  3. #3
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    Like you, I did not pay enough attention to dust collection early on. The gift that keeps on giving means I am now on daily medication and have a heightened, although belated respect for fine dust.

    Since it is not an option for me I am always on the prowl for the "best" respirator. For me the "best" is a blend of one I can wear without killing my peripheral vision and causing all the dangers that creates, doesn't interfere with my prescription safety glasses and doesn't get all tangled up in my ear muffs as they come on and off throughout my shop time.

    My very favorite was discontinued by 3M when they bought up AO Safety (thanks guys). My second one that still gets used off an on is this. My current favorite is this. These are nuisance masks and not for protection from vapors. I have the larger bothersome dual-snouted monsters for that.
    Last edited by glenn bradley; 05-08-2015 at 1:18 PM.
    "A hen is only an egg's way of making another egg".


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  4. #4
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    I hate the things, but +1 to be very careful if you are showing signs of sensitisation/allergic responses. It's very easy for it to flare in to a major and potentially career changing problem if the immune system gets properly sensitised.

    There's probably lots of options in the US, but 3M while a bit pricey is one of the few available here that seem to be well specified/in compliance with whatever standard. They have quite a lot of selection information on their various websites too.

    Bear in mind that there's usually a fundamental difference between the filters that work for solvent vapours, and those that work for very fine dust. Some of the 3M masks will accept a range of different cartridge types for use in different applciations. My instinct would be to steer clear of the many that are not specifically compliant with the high enough relevant standard.

    Regulatory requirements/standards and your work scenario may determine whether or not a powered respirator is advisable - if you're genuinely sensitised/even low level exposure is an issue it may be that one is...
    Last edited by Dennis Peacock; 12-12-2016 at 12:56 AM.

  5. #5
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    I have a powered helmet but I generally use these:

    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JZ1N00
    3M Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator 6200/07025(AAD), Respiratory Protection, Medium

    I use with these filters:
    3M 2097 P100 Particulate Filter with Organic Vapor Relief, 1 Pair

    This respirator is extremely comfortable and fits to my face better than others I've tried. It goes on and off in about 3 seconds so I never hesitate to put it on. Works well with glasses. With the dual valves and filters I can detect no restriction in airflow.

    These are the same respirators used in many industrial applications. There are many types of filters available good for finishes, volatiles, etc. I use a full-face version of this respirator with special filters when spraying hazardous chemicals in the air (e.g. for fruit trees) to keep the stuff out of my eyes - I can't even smell the chemicals.

    I have four of these around the shop. I also use one when blowing dust from llamas and alpacas before shearing, a job which creates clouds of super-fine dust I think is worse than what I ever have in the shop (and no dust collector there!). I am happy with these.

    (The one referenced above is a size Med which seems to fit most people.)

    JKJ

  6. #6
    Ellen,

    I would suggest starting with your Pulmonologist Physician and get a referral to a Registered Respiratory therapist, Another approach, depending upon where you live, is to find a Pulmonary Rehab program at a local hospital. Either approach will lead you to someone who can tell you what will work for you. The Trend Air Shield is NOT NIOSH approved. This may or may not be importantin your situation

    You don't say where your shop is located (free standing or part of your house) or whether you have done all that you can to remove both large and small particles from its sources in your workshop. Frankly, that is where I would start. You certainly do not want the wood dust infiltrating you house where you will not be wearing your mask.

    I also have severe lung issues. Here is what I have done: Dust collection at every machine hooked to a central cyclone, Jig saws, sanders, others all have dust collection hooked to a hepa vacuum. Ceiling mounted air filter and a Dylos meter to keep me honest and informed. I use a NIOSH 95 non powered respirator when the Dylos tells me that the number of fines in the shop are too high.

  7. #7
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    I hated respirators until I acquired a powered air purifying respirator. Mine has a hard hat (which saved my skull more than once while turning or doing demolition) and I've outfitted it with a HEPA filter cartridge. Breathing is easy with it, the breeze of cool air across your face is actually pretty pleasant. My glasses never fog, unlike with most others. The fan/battery pack is on a belt, so you're not carrying all that weight on your head. It is so much nicer to use than non-powered respirators there is just no comparison. Whenever I have to use a mask with organic filters, for example, I just hate it. Also I don't have to be concerned with getting a good seal with a beard. You can also use it with a hood rather than a hard hat, but I've found the hard hat useful more than once. They don't make my model (the Racal AirMate with the yellow helmet) any more, but there are other similar ones from 3M--the Versaflow looks to be a replacement product.

    The battery on mine still lasts a solid six hours after 5-6 years of use, it was probably 10 when it was new. The only downside is that you don't want to eat a whole lot of beans and then wear the fanny pack.

    So yeah, it looks like a space suit, but you may find it much more comfortable than the alternative.

  8. #8
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    Ellen:

    I too wear glasses and find the helmets (I bought a used 3M Bumpcap PAPR with the waist belt) with air blowing over the face works great. The battery lasts through easily a ten hour or longer stretch (yes I've worn it that long). Mine has nicad but I think they've upgraded with lithium batteries. The replacement components; face-shield, suspension, filters .. are readily available. You might try to borrow one to see if it maybe works for you. I will say, that having the components (battery, filter, blower) on the belt is a tradeoff for weight on the helmet. With Lithium batteries it might tilt the equation the other way.

    When you mentioned "space helmet" all I could think was that the retail prices on this stuff is unworldly!

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bill Adamsen View Post
    Ellen:

    I too wear glasses and find the helmets (I bought a used 3M Bumpcap PAPR with the waist belt) with air blowing over the face works great. The battery lasts through easily a ten hour or longer stretch (yes I've worn it that long). Mine has nicad but I think they've upgraded with lithium batteries. The replacement components; face-shield, suspension, filters .. are readily available. You might try to borrow one to see if it maybe works for you. I will say, that having the components (battery, filter, blower) on the belt is a tradeoff for weight on the helmet. With Lithium batteries it might tilt the equation the other way.

    When you mentioned "space helmet" all I could think was that the retail prices on this stuff is unworldly!
    This is the same system I have. Ordered by my pulmonologist if I wanted his permission to continue woodworking (along with the cyclone he made me install). It is relatively comfortable for a space helmet, more so than the Trend as the weight is on your waist not your neck. I have a full beard and none of the partial face masks would seal tightly enough to really protect me. As others have said, I have had 3 pieces of wood thrown at me that bounced off the full face shield and I was glad I was wearing it. I have the long lasting lithium battery which I normally use and the Ni-Cad if I am spraying potentially explosive vapors (and I switch filter cartridges also). All in all a very versatile system, only downside was the initial expense, but it sort of got lost in the change since I bought it at the same time as the cyclone and the ducting and the upgrading of dust ports on my machines.

  10. #10
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    Scott Vroom

    I started with absolutely nothing. Now, thanks to years of hard work, careful planning, and perseverance, I find I still have most of it left.

  11. #11
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    Tom King posted about a home-made set-up last year. I haven't tried it, but it looks pretty slick. The price is right.

    http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthre...at-works-great

  12. #12
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    Like others, I suggest you visit a pulmonologist or an occupational medicine physician prior to reaching a decision on what type of respiratory protection is appropriate for your exposures and your lung disorder. Some pulmonary disorders might be inconsistent with wearing air purifying (filter) respirators. If an air supply respirator is needed, the specialist can specify which would provide adequate protection while also allowing you to wear glasses. In whatever case, please ensure that the device is NIOSH certified. If you want detailed information on respiratory protection, please go to http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/respirators/. Best wishes!

  13. #13
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    That 3M half-face respirator is pretty darn good. It also comes in three sizes, so you can choose one which fits your face. Buy one of each size and throw out the ones that don't work; they're not expensive. I found a size which seals around the bridge of my nose, and which doesn't interfere with my glasses.

    Here's a page with all three sizes on one page. Probably Amazon has all three sizes too, but I didn't have to patience to fish around for them.

  14. #14
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    I agree with Paul. Lungs are nothing to mess around with and if you can you should make sure you consult the experts.

    I have the 3M 7500 and am very happy with it. When I use the organic filters for spray painting or spraying for mosquitoes (natural oil based that smell very strong, but good at least), I can't smell a thing. I got the adapter to use the organic filters along with the pink P100 dust filters which is great.

    For reference and fitting (it's sold in S, M, L) I'm 6'-1" and have a normal sized head for a guy, and I got the Medium and it fits great. There is essentially no change in breathing with it on, no restriction and good air flow.

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