1/2 face dust mask survey

The problem I encountered was that the half-mask respirators I found did not fit under a standard face shield, and those that did had bulky straps and attachments that made them uncomfortable for more than an hour or two.

I ended up using a fairly new product from AOSafety called a CoolMax mask- similar to the el-cheapo disposables, but better- the fit, even with beard is perfect and it is NIOSH approved N95. Lots more surface area, easier to breath, lasts lots longer than the filter carts in my

1/2-masks, and in my case and against mfg suggestions can be cut and re- fitted to provide filtration for my tracheotomy tube which allowed me to get back into the shop.

While it will NOT be as effective as any of the full-face powered respirators, the comfort level is better, the cost is more in line with what most hobbyists can afford, and it does work as promised.

You can check their website at:

in Chicagoland No, I'm NOT a shill for the company- they just have the BEST product that suits a specific need and application.

Hi, Carlo. This is the one I use and love. Moderately expensive, but worth it. I note that some are being sold on EBay also.

Lief you forgot to put in the reference to the one you love:>) I waiting with bated breath for the source....

Get one with filters rated "P100", not "P95". When buying a system, pay attention to what the filters are going to cost you over time - sometimes a mask that will cost a bit more has filters that cost a bit less, and the filters add up. If it's just for dust, you only need P100 filtration, but the oddities of the market are that sometimes P100 combo cartridges (which also have carbon filters for fumes) are cheaper than straight P100 cartridges.

Best to buy from someplace that will let you send it back if the fit to your face is poor - they come in several sizes, and you want one that fits your face.

I use a Moldex puchased from MSC

At the time I bought it that one had the best life-cycle cost - things may have changed since then, so check the current costs before you buy.

You may draw a breath now. Generally when I make a posting people start hyperventilating, not "bating" their breath. Here is that jewel I referred to. Please note it also filters LDD molecules, too! *G*

I use a Trend half mask which I would think would be available in the US. I had a problem with masks as I wear specs and they were always misting up. The mask looks like you have half a tire round your face but IT WORKS and it ISN'T EXPENSIVE. I could not recommend it more.

You can see the specification at

Hope it helps

Paul

Moderately expensive? Yikes! You know what that works out to when converted to the Canadian Peso?

Ah well, something I've grown accustomed to in the Great White North, eh.

Thanks,

Carlo.

Hi everyone,

Thanks for the great information. It gives me much to go on now.

Thanks again,

Carlo.

I use the Dustfoe 88 I got from WoodCraft. It fits under a faceshield easily, fits well with or without beard, and is approved by NIOSH and the Mining Industry. I like the fit and it is light and easy to adjust, replacement filters are cheap and easy to change out. Its easy to use and comfortable so I use it pretty much all the time. Be safe and have fun, Guy

The model for this product has a beard. This negates a good seal against the face and makes dust filtering a job done by the beard, not the face shield as advertised unless the shield provides enough air flow to provide positive pressure even as the model inhales.

They should know better, Wm. G.

Well, after all your advice and after having taken a Dust Control seminar at Lee Valley last night. I bought the following mask. It seems to have a good seal, apparently cuts dust down to about 1 micron, fits under my face mask OK and was well within my budget. Since I was in Lee Valley anyway, I figured I'd pick it up and give it a try. I can't argue with $37 CDN including 5 replacement filters.

Carlo.

Will this mask fit under a face shield?

Stuart Johnson Red Oak, Texas

I have that question, too, Stuart. Also, I have one of those masks that Carlo bought and I wear it only when I am using dangerous vapors. (No, that doesn't apply to LDD! *G*). The main drawback is it is bulky, won't fit under my full face shield and it steams up my glasses -- very irksome. I don't have that problem. To answer brother william's beard problem, the air stream from the 3M faceshield and positive pressure system is sufficient to bring dust to a standstill in a heavy beard or keep it from getting in a light beard. The hazard for bearded turners (beyond getting it caught in the lathe) is when they are through turning and take the mask off and brush the dust from their beards leaving tiny particles floating around them. Brushing out your beards should take place in front of a whole shop filter system intake or outside with at least a Force 5 wind blowing (Of course, the same principle applies as in spitting upwind!) *1/2 G*

Leif

Has anyone seen or tries this air filtration product? Juergen

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