Dust masks

Re: Dust masks

Sam Force

RZ masks work well for me

Re: Dust masks

John in NM

I don't know if my head is fatter than yours or not, but I've always gotten good results from the n95 3m masks I buy at the local home center. I can't remember breaking the elastic or pulling it out of the staple like with cheap masks. I get the ones with the breather valve, which keeps them from fogging up my glasses (thanks to Jim Shaver for recommending those to me several years ago here on WC).

I've heard good things about RZ too - if I were still at this full time, I would give one of those a try. As a part time woodworker now, I have a part time memory to match, and I keep forgetting to order a mask to try out.

Re: Dust masks

Dick Coers

On the cheap masks, take a new one and pre stretch the bands before wearing it. Pinch it with both hands at the center between the mounting points, and stretch it out. Then start moving to the sides. It limbers up the material without pulling on the attachment points. Might give it a little longer life, but invest a little more for the good masks. I've saved a few by putting in one staple, straddling the strap, into the mask. Fold over the end of the strap and put two or three more staples in.

Re: Dust masks

Thomas T Dunlap

There are some deep discounts on the RZ masks now

Re: Dust masks

Jack Guzman from Maine

Surgical style masks have a rubber band on each end that hooks on the ears. I also have a big head.

Re: Dust masks

Rum

3M Large Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator 7503 (large for the bigger head) plus 3M 2097 P100 Particulate Filter pack.

I haven't tried the EZ masks, but the 3m with silicone is super comfortable, fits under my Uvex face sheild, doesn't interfere with my glasss (down breather outlet == no fogging), reasonably (in relative terms) priced, and has held up for quite a few years of use so far.

Re: RZ Masks

Yonak

I don't know about deep discounts. One mask is on clearance for more than 16% off, but it only comes in Medium size, which is too small for most people. You can get a one-time 10% discount if you sign up for their mailing list.

Unfortunately for me, I was signed up for their mailing list when I bought a mask from them and I'm now getting spam from them every day.

Re: Dust masks

Lee Schierer in McKean, PA

I prefer the 3M 6192 half face respirator. It works far better than the paper type masks and stays in place better.

Lee

Re: Dust masks

McKay

I have never been impressed with any of the masks that have been on the market. For dust masks I use neck gaiters. They are washable and keep out at least as much dust as any of the paper masks. I have an obsession with the polaris rzrs and so I have a number of gaiters. They can be moistened to cool you as well as to keep the dust out.

Re: Dust masks

GolfSteve in Calgary

Lee Valley's comfort-fit respirator has very long straps and feels like a paper mask when wearing it.

Re: Dust masks

Rum

Try one of the 7500 series next time you need a replacement. They're a couple bucks more but the silicon interface sat better on my face and imho was a bit more comfortable.