A Better Respirator...please advise

[NYC Tiny Shop]

As of today, I have just about had it with my respirator. It's the half-mask 3M 6000. It fogs up my glasses immediately and just makes me plain too hot and sweaty. Consequently, I make excuses to leave it off like, "I have the Jet air filtration unit on, so that must be good enough. Right?" But, last night and this morning my sinuses are clogged with dust, and that's not good.  [unsure]

3M says that the full face shield works 5x better than a half mask.

After some research, I am ready to purchase the full face shield 3M 6900.

http://www.amazon.com/Respirator-Full-Clear-Reusable-Large/dp/B006NY08M2/ref=lh_ni_t?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2G5S4SDVEREB7#productDetails

Do any of you have experience with this?
Is this one a good idea? (I have a hat size of 7- 3/8)
Do you use the P100 cartridges with this?
Will it work with eye glasses on?
Is there any other accessory that I need to go with this, to make it better?
What respirator are you using?

Thank you very much for any advice.

 

[tiralie]

I have a 3M 7503 half mask with P95 filters, mostly for spraying...
Unless I start wood turning I won't get a full face mask.
Tim

 

[RC]

Our own Peter Parfitt made a favorable review of the 3M Versaflow full-mask system - maybe that would be worth looking up as well?

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Thanks, Tim and Reiska.
Peter certainly makes a convincing case for the Versaflow.  Perhaps, a good play may be to combine your replies and use a 7503 until the funds are available for a Versaflow?

 

[Danny]

I use a 3M 7500 series respirator. 

I have glasses and wearing this respirators gives me no issues.  When I was installing drywall in my basement, I would wear it all day and would forget I was even wearing it. 

Very comfortable.  Available at amazon, among others.

 

[rljatl]

Off topic, but I wish Festool would add a bayonet system to their vac hoses and machines similar to the one used on the respirator in Peter's video.

 

[woodie]

Off topic, but I wish Festool would add a bayonet system to their vac hoses and machines similar to the one used on the respirator in Peter's video.

Even the locking system like they currently use on the Planex would be a nice.

 

[woodie]

+1 on the 7500. It's really quite comfortable to wear and super easy to clean.

The Versaflow looks pretty cool, but it also looks like it would take you 5 minutes just to get everything connected and on, plus trying to remember if you charged the battery or not...  I think it would be one of those things you use less and less just because of the added hassle.

 

[tiralie]

Perhaps, a good play may be to combine your replies and use a 7503 until the funds are available for a Versaflow?

That's totally up to you (obviously) your long term health is important. I just really hate those full face things...

I have used the 7503 sparingly, but I am starting to use it more as I have noticed some congestion  after wearing the 3M 8511, N95 disposable respirators for spraying water bourne finishes.
I really like the low profile of the 7503 and if you are a welder they fit under the mask.

... "I have the Jet air filtration unit on, so that must be good enough. Right?" But, last night and this morning my sinuses are clogged with dust, and that's not good.  [unsure]

Based on the above  comment, I am more concerned that your air filtration is not filtering out enough air borne dust etc.
If you can, try to put that air filter up higher so it can circulate the air and filter it more effectively. If you are waking up with sinuses clogged with dust, your loved ones are getting exposed to the same and they likely don't have the luxury of wearing a mask.

I know you spent a lot of time on building a beautiful cabinet to "hide" your air filter but it sounds like it's not working too well or you are not leaving it on long enough after you have finished whatever is causing the problem.
Tim

 

[Slappy]

are you running a fan in the room as well ?
one of those  20"ers  on full blast works best . blowing across the full room .
The idea is to keep the air stirred up as much as possible so the air cleaner can do it's best work .

AND .  .  .  .  .  .
a clean shaved face will make that 3M work better & not fog your glasses  [wink]
"I'm Just Sayin"

 

[dicktill]

Our own Peter Parfitt made a favorable review of the 3M Versaflow full-mask system - maybe that would be worth looking up as well?

Hi Peter,

(If you're out there ...)  How do you rate this 3M helmet vs. the Trend one that you did an earlier video () on?

Thanks, Dick

 

[wow]

I have had the 3M Air-Mate forever - probably 20 years now. I don't wear it very often, but when I need it I am really happy that I have it.

The thing that sold me on this system was that I have a beard, and most masks don't work that well if you have whiskers. This one does.

My one complaint is that the ear protection that is built into mine is only so-so. The muffs are fine, but the arms that hold the earpieces to the hard hat break WAAAAY too easy.

I haven't shopped for anything like this since I bought mine so I don't know what's out there, but I know that this is still sold and parts (shields, batteries, etc.) are readily available - even from Amazon.

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Perhaps, a good play may be to combine your replies and use a 7503 until the funds are available for a Versaflow?

That's totally up to you (obviously) your long term health is important. I just really hate those full face things...

I have used the 7503 sparingly, but I am starting to use it more as I have noticed some congestion  after wearing the 3M 8511, N95 disposable respirators for spraying water bourne finishes.
I really like the low profile of the 7503 and if you are a welder they fit under the mask.

... "I have the Jet air filtration unit on, so that must be good enough. Right?" But, last night and this morning my sinuses are clogged with dust, and that's not good.   [unsure]

Based on the above  comment, I am more concerned that your air filtration is not filtering out enough air borne dust etc.
If you can, try to put that air filter up higher so it can circulate the air and filter it more effectively. If you are waking up with sinuses clogged with dust, your loved ones are getting exposed to the same and they likely don't have the luxury of wearing a mask.

I know you spent a lot of time on building a beautiful cabinet to "hide" your air filter but it sounds like it's not working too well or you are not leaving it on long enough after you have finished whatever is causing the problem.
Tim

Tim,
I deleted my first response because it didn't answer your question.  While I agree that the Jet AFU would definitely work better if it was higher up, it's not an option. The main problem, with the unit that day, was that I didn't turn it on until 3/4 into my work session.  By the time my wife and daughter returned, the air quality was good. Also, I had been working with the window open, eventhough it was in the teens Fahrenheit.  The dust that I had inhaled was all from the initial outburts from the tools...and a large part of that was due to normal usage and a few mistakes - like sawing with the vac 1/2 turned up and also, not realizing that a vac hose had become disconnected.
I did pick up a 7503, later today. The one problem, that I have with it, is that because the silicon goes over the bridge of my nose, it pushes my progressives up so that I am in reading glass mode only. Today,  I will try another prescription that I have for the computer, to see if this is better.  Fortunately, the way most of these power tools are set up, one doesn't really need to see a line to cut straight.
In reading some reviews on full face masks, I see that some say that they can't use their glasses with them, while others say they can.  This is confusing.
Eventhough those full face masks look hideous, who cares if it keeps you from having physical problems down the road. I remember Mickey Mantle saying, just before he died, that he wished that he didn't drink so much. No one wants regrets.

 

[Stone Message]

Thanks Reiska for reminding everyone about the 3M Versaflow. It is not cheap but boy is it good. I did a typo and used the 'Shift' key when I hit the '3' and on my keyboard that puts a '£' (pound money) sign up - quite appropriate.

Dick asked me to compare the 3M with the Trend Airshield Pro. I did not test them together and do not do full comparisons because one needs to go into shed loads of detail to be fair to both machines but...

The Trend is a fantastic powered respirator in the sub £300 (UK Pounds) bracket. It is easy to use and easy to maintain. The battery technology is NiCad and the outfit only comes with one battery which is slow to recharge but if you plug it in at the end of the day it will be good to go in the morning. The battery will last for up to 8 hours. If you buy a second battery then you also need to buy a separate charger as the kit as delivered requires the battery to be connected to the helmet to be charged. Some people complain of it being noisy and rather heavy. I did not find the noise an issue but I am half deaf. I mention in the video the cost of consumables which I do not have to hand - better to check this out in your own country anyway. Overall, it is a well made and reliable. I do not know whether it is classed as a full respirator in the US.

The 3M Versaflow is the 'Rolls Royce' of respirators but is in a completely different league to the Trend. It is beautifully made, designed for industrial use and will take the knocks and abuse in a busy workshop. It uses LiIon batteries which recharge faster than NiCads. I have mine setup all the time (everything connected up and ready to go) and so it takes just 2 or 3 seconds to put it on. I do not test the air flow every time I use it and so I am up and running within 15 seconds. It is light and does not mist up - even when it is cold in the workshop. I have worn it a couple of times for a complete day and I was perfectly happy with it. This is the certainly the respirator to buy if you can afford it or aspire to buy when funds allow. If Festool did a powered respirator I am sure that this would be it.

I appreciate that some people are very sensitive to dust in the workshop - I too have sinus problems and so I am aware of the issues. However, since moving to mainly Festool kit I have found that dust levels in my workshop have reduced dramatically. I did a dust study using some very clever monitoring kit that I managed to borrow from a specialist company and discovered the amazing low levels of dust whilst using Festool tools. Hand sanding was about the worst thing that happens in my workshop. I do not have an overhead filter (I had a Jet for many years) as I do not think I need one any more. When I do loads of MDF cutting or need face protection then I put on the Versaflo. I clean up regularly wearing the respirator.

I now how several thousands of dollars worth of kit associated with filming and photographing what I do. It stays set up in the workshop all day every day and often 7 days a week. I am very fussy about my cameras yet I can keep the dust levels down most of the time.

I hope that this helps.

Peter

 

[tiralie]

Tim,
I deleted my first response because it didn't answer your question.  While I agree that the Jet AFU would definitely work better if it was higher up, it's not an option. The main problem, with the unit that day, was that I didn't turn it on until 3/4 into my work session.  By the time my wife and daughter returned, the air quality was good.

No worries.

Also, I had been working with the window open, even though it was in the teens Fahrenheit. 

First you guys get Tanaka and now you tell me it's warmer there than here...jeesh. It's been around Zero Fahrenheit (-15 C) here for the last couple weeks...

The dust that I had inhaled was all from the initial out burts from the tools...and a large part of that was due to normal usage and a few mistakes - like sawing with the vac 1/2 turned up and also, not realizing that a vac hose had become disconnected.

Ya, I have done the same. Makes you really appreciate the Festool system when you see how much crap the vaccum is really collecting.

I did pick up a 7503, later today. The one problem, that I have with it, is that because the silicon goes over the bridge of my nose, it pushes my progressives up so that I am in reading glass mode only. Today,  I will try another prescription that I have for the computer, to see if this is better.  Fortunately, the way most of these power tools are set up, one doesn't really need to see a line to cut straight.

Ya, I forgot to mention that. My safety glasses work better than my regular glasses. Both have progressives in them.

Event hough those full face masks look hideous, who cares if it keeps you from having physical problems down the road. I remember Mickey Mantle saying, just before he died, that he wished that he didn't drink so much. No one wants regrets.

I don't care what I look like, but there really is only so much crap I want to wear on my face. I feel/felt sorry for Mickey Mantle and his family after reading about  his liver transplant and it's eventual failure. Despite his fame, it is reported that he suffered from depression and anxiety.

Tim

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Tim,
I deleted my first response because it didn't answer your question.  While I agree that the Jet AFU would definitely work better if it was higher up, it's not an option. The main problem, with the unit that day, was that I didn't turn it on until 3/4 into my work session.  By the time my wife and daughter returned, the air quality was good.

No worries.

Also, I had been working with the window open, even though it was in the teens Fahrenheit. 

First you guys get Tanaka and now you tell me it's warmer there than here...jeesh. It's been around Zero Fahrenheit (-15 C) here for the last couple weeks...

The dust that I had inhaled was all from the initial out burts from the tools...and a large part of that was due to normal usage and a few mistakes - like sawing with the vac 1/2 turned up and also, not realizing that a vac hose had become disconnected.

Ya, I have done the same. Makes you really appreciate the Festool system when you see how much crap the vaccum is really collecting.

I did pick up a 7503, later today. The one problem, that I have with it, is that because the silicon goes over the bridge of my nose, it pushes my progressives up so that I am in reading glass mode only. Today,  I will try another prescription that I have for the computer, to see if this is better.  Fortunately, the way most of these power tools are set up, one doesn't really need to see a line to cut straight.

Ya, I forgot to mention that. My safety glasses work better than my regular glasses. Both have progressives in them.

Event hough those full face masks look hideous, who cares if it keeps you from having physical problems down the road. I remember Mickey Mantle saying, just before he died, that he wished that he didn't drink so much. No one wants regrets.

I don't care what I look like, but there really is only so much crap I want to wear on my face. I feel/felt sorry for Mickey Mantle and his family after reading about  his liver transplant and it's eventual failure. Despite his fame, it is reported that he suffered from depression and anxiety.

Tim

Yes, you Canadiens are amazing. Years ago, I was up in Quebec in August and it was about 50 degrees in the morning and everyone was wearing Tee shirts and shorts.
Yes, I was thrilled that we got Tanaka. Last year was tough to watch.
If it wasn't for Festool, I wouldn't be able to do woodworking here.
Where did you get your safety prescription glasses from. If they work with that respirator, then that's a hell of a lot less to shell out. I wore the 7503 while planing for an hour...the Jet was on high...it was a grand time!  I'm not stuffed up! Love the Wixey gauge for the DeWalt! Got all boards to 35.6mm exactly!
Yes, Mickey last year was tough on all fans. It was sad to see him so distraught at the end.  He and Roberto Clemente were maybe the two best athletes to ever play baseball.
I would be open to trying the Versa-flow to see if I like it.  Man, that's a chunk of change!  But, if it makes the difference that Peter claims that it does, then it must be seriously considered. In the meantime, thanks for the tip on the 7503. Apologies, for the off-topic stuff.  There was some biz in-between the lines. Jim

 

[Slappy]

as which frames for glasses that will fit ,
Take the respirator to the optometrists office , then test each frame that's what i did  [tongue]
I have one set of glasses that are shop exclusive use , the close progression is deeper field of view so that I can see close without having to go  extremely tilting my head to see things . the far view is thin at the top of the lens

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

as which frames for glasses that will fit ,
Take the respirator to the optometrists office , then test each frame that's what i did  [tongue]
I have one set of glasses that are shop exclusive use , the close progression is deeper field of view so that I can see close without having to go  extremely tilting my head to see things . the far view is thin at the top of the lens

Slappy, good idea, but I only buy my eyeglasses online...Zenni or Zip Optical...leaves me with more money to buy woodworking stuff.

 

[Slappy]

do what I do @ BestBuy go in figure out what I want & then buy on line L O L
Go to Costco their prices are as good as online

 

[tiralie]

Where did you get your safety prescription glasses from. If they work with that respirator, then that's a heck of a lot less to shell out.

You might not like the price.  [big grin] I have 2 pair one with progressives and one without. The Adiddas Terrex Fast with performance inserts  (with progressives) and some older  Adidas evil-eye-halfrim-pros with the performance inserts. \i like the inserts because because if my Prescription changes it's cheaper to adapt and I can switch the front lens to sunglasses if I am working outside. Because of the size of the lens, I couldn't get progressives in the evil-eye's.

I wore the 7503 while planing for an hour...the Jet was on high...it was a grand time!  I'm not stuffed up! Love the Wixey gauge for the DeWalt! Got all boards to 35.6mm exactly!

Good to hear.
Tim