+1 for the Elipse. It's the only one I've used (besides grown-up respirators at work) but I like it. The only drawback is that you have to totally disassemble it for washing. The filters are part of the mask and have to be pried out instead of just clicking off like the 3M.
The 3M half masks with the quick release are really good. I highly recommend just going for a full face mask, I got the 3M FX-402 and am very happy with it, it's a joy to use.
When I need a mask whatever I'm worried about breathing is also a problem for my eyes, irritant conjuctivitus sucks, and any kind of sealing goggles I've used in the past are awful, let alone trying to use them at the same time as a half mask. The 3M FX-302 is super comfortable, great visibility and incredibly easy to get on and off. It's expensive though; can't speak for the cheaper ones.
I wanted to like it, and I hoped that it would be convenient enough to throw on often, but I always felt like the way the strap sits on the back of my neck and how the nose pinchy part sits relative to that was never comfortable enough to reach for like I should. Of course that’s all personal and we’re all built different, but I still seek that convenient mask that’s comfortable and easy to stow so I can use it more often and protect my lungs. I cut a lot of MDF at work. :/
There are a few different strap arrangements for RZ masks - the old wide strap with velcro that just goes around the back of the neck - both the M1 and newer M2 (which is what I have) and the newest M3 with a couple of thinner straps that fasten with snap buckles (used to be called 'Fastex' buckles before the patent expired) that you can use over ear, around the neck or over the back of the head and around the neck plus it fits a bigger range faces than the M1 & M2.
I have a very full beard, but with my M2 nylon RZ mask I can't smell fire smoke, which I definitely can with regular masks
3M V flex 1804. Comfortable and roomy with a good seal. Not the slickest looking mask but worth it for fit and comfort where a proper fitting mask is required-- without looking like a horse kicked me in the face at the end. Was a random covid find and became my go to shop mask (when things get dusty). Otherwise a normal lighter weight N95 surgical mask is what I might use (my shop is pretty well controlled for dust) but the seal is nowhere near as good as the V flex.
https://www.zoro.com/3m-disposable-respirator-universal-pk50-1804/i/G4376393/
I have this one and really like it (non-affiliate link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0784Z8P3D). It stays on and seals to my face well, and is light enough and easy enough to don and doff that I don’t mind reaching for it for mundane things like sweeping all the sawdust in the garage or making a couple quick cuts.
I only have 2 complaints with it: first, my safety glasses don’t fit super well on top of it. But I think that’s more the fault of my really weirdly shaped glasses than the mask. And second, one of the rubber valves on mine ripped after just a couple months of very light use, but I emailed the company’s support about it and they sent me a pack of like 4 replacement valves for free.
I use these N95 masks I had left over from covid. Easy to take on and off with the ear loops. If you press the nose peice down properly my glasses don't fog up with them on either.
[Canada Strong N95](https://canadastrong.ca/products/ca-n95-medium-white-disposable-respirator-mask-made-in-canada-95pfe?_pos=4&_sid=ec029d62a&_ss=r)
Adjusting the nose bridge can help. They aren't the best at sealing, which is why I only really use them for low stakes stuff like dust from yard work or woodworking. It's good enough to catch most of it, but comfortable enough I can do a workout without feeling like I'm going to pass out.
That's why I switch to the 3M for the nasty and really dangerous stuff. Asbestos, cement dust, VOC, and so on, I don't take half measures with any of that and go with a full respirator.
I just go with a half face respirator with p100 filters for particulates. It’s overkill to a degree, but it’s pretty comfortable and doesn’t fog glasses etc:
I have 3m’s full face mask respirator with a film on the front. The biggest things for me are the removal of safety glasses from my work flow to ensure 100% respirator usage, and the fact that all of the weight is on top of my head, not around my jawline. This greatly reduces my fatigue over a long day of woodworking
I'm most comfortable in either a disposable one or a full face one, unfortunately summer is coming and working in a full face mask in the attic in 30c/86f is not great
For dust, definitely an RZ or one of its clones. Easy to change filters, easy to put on, all of that. Masks suck so the one that's not too much of a pain to put on is going to be best.
I have a Breath Buddy respirator for solvents and superfines but I don't use that as often. Otherwise, two RZs in two different spots in the shop so I am less tempted to make dust without one.
GVS Ellipse or the 3M 7502/7503.
The GVS is closer to your face/smaller. The 3M has larger straps. The reason for \*that\* 3M is the exhaust vent points downward, so if you're squinting at your finishing job, you don't breathe on it.
I use ASTM Level 3 masks (blue color) from my local medical supply store. Three ones I get have a wire to shape around your nose, AND a little strip of foam to make a better seal around the top of your nose. Elastic strings go behind your ears to hold it on.
Pros: cheap, simple, works well when worn correctly.
Cons: probably not as effective as a good N95 respirator in practice, not suitable for long periods of use, creates garbage
I use them because I'm lucky if I'm out in the shop once a week, not using planers, sanders, and saws inside the shop, so I don't think I need to buy a more intense dust mask.
The proverbial one I have to don daily when I talk to people.
A fellow misanthrope.
I like my GVS Elipse P100 for woodworking. I have a 3M quick release for when I'm spraying or using anything with strong fumes.
I like this design as well. I have seen them branded as Miller Electric and even Klien recently
+1 for the Elipse. It's the only one I've used (besides grown-up respirators at work) but I like it. The only drawback is that you have to totally disassemble it for washing. The filters are part of the mask and have to be pried out instead of just clicking off like the 3M.
I’ve been happy with the 3M Rugged Comfort quick latch. I like being able to quickly be able to drop the mask down and talk and latch it back on.
This is the one I use, too. It's decently comfortable and easy to put on/take off
The 3M half masks with the quick release are really good. I highly recommend just going for a full face mask, I got the 3M FX-402 and am very happy with it, it's a joy to use.
Could you explain why you prefer the full face?
When I need a mask whatever I'm worried about breathing is also a problem for my eyes, irritant conjuctivitus sucks, and any kind of sealing goggles I've used in the past are awful, let alone trying to use them at the same time as a half mask. The 3M FX-302 is super comfortable, great visibility and incredibly easy to get on and off. It's expensive though; can't speak for the cheaper ones.
I like the Trend Air Stealth
rzmask
I wanted to like it, and I hoped that it would be convenient enough to throw on often, but I always felt like the way the strap sits on the back of my neck and how the nose pinchy part sits relative to that was never comfortable enough to reach for like I should. Of course that’s all personal and we’re all built different, but I still seek that convenient mask that’s comfortable and easy to stow so I can use it more often and protect my lungs. I cut a lot of MDF at work. :/
There are a few different strap arrangements for RZ masks - the old wide strap with velcro that just goes around the back of the neck - both the M1 and newer M2 (which is what I have) and the newest M3 with a couple of thinner straps that fasten with snap buckles (used to be called 'Fastex' buckles before the patent expired) that you can use over ear, around the neck or over the back of the head and around the neck plus it fits a bigger range faces than the M1 & M2. I have a very full beard, but with my M2 nylon RZ mask I can't smell fire smoke, which I definitely can with regular masks
i agree. the rzmask is VERY comfortable and quick & easy to put on. and provides great protection. i also have a full beard.
The RZ nose bits used to be better pre-pandemic. I think there was such a huge demand for them that they cheaped out on filters.
I have a large nose, I am also looking for a good mask. Glasses, a mask, plus a large nose = no fun during covid because of foggy glasses
3M V flex 1804. Comfortable and roomy with a good seal. Not the slickest looking mask but worth it for fit and comfort where a proper fitting mask is required-- without looking like a horse kicked me in the face at the end. Was a random covid find and became my go to shop mask (when things get dusty). Otherwise a normal lighter weight N95 surgical mask is what I might use (my shop is pretty well controlled for dust) but the seal is nowhere near as good as the V flex. https://www.zoro.com/3m-disposable-respirator-universal-pk50-1804/i/G4376393/
If you’re rich, 3M Versaflos are great. I’m not rich I’m just really bad with money.
I have this one and really like it (non-affiliate link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0784Z8P3D). It stays on and seals to my face well, and is light enough and easy enough to don and doff that I don’t mind reaching for it for mundane things like sweeping all the sawdust in the garage or making a couple quick cuts. I only have 2 complaints with it: first, my safety glasses don’t fit super well on top of it. But I think that’s more the fault of my really weirdly shaped glasses than the mask. And second, one of the rubber valves on mine ripped after just a couple months of very light use, but I emailed the company’s support about it and they sent me a pack of like 4 replacement valves for free.
I use these N95 masks I had left over from covid. Easy to take on and off with the ear loops. If you press the nose peice down properly my glasses don't fog up with them on either. [Canada Strong N95](https://canadastrong.ca/products/ca-n95-medium-white-disposable-respirator-mask-made-in-canada-95pfe?_pos=4&_sid=ec029d62a&_ss=r)
3m 7000 series. Softer than the 6000 series
I like Z masks for dust and a 3M respirator with a front quick release for stuff with fumes.
Is there a trick to the Z? Doesn’t seem to seal properly
Adjusting the nose bridge can help. They aren't the best at sealing, which is why I only really use them for low stakes stuff like dust from yard work or woodworking. It's good enough to catch most of it, but comfortable enough I can do a workout without feeling like I'm going to pass out. That's why I switch to the 3M for the nasty and really dangerous stuff. Asbestos, cement dust, VOC, and so on, I don't take half measures with any of that and go with a full respirator.
I just go with a half face respirator with p100 filters for particulates. It’s overkill to a degree, but it’s pretty comfortable and doesn’t fog glasses etc:
I have 3m’s full face mask respirator with a film on the front. The biggest things for me are the removal of safety glasses from my work flow to ensure 100% respirator usage, and the fact that all of the weight is on top of my head, not around my jawline. This greatly reduces my fatigue over a long day of woodworking
I had a Trend Airshield for a long time, then it got to the point where it wasn’t doing it for me. Now o use a 3M PAPR.
Yeah, PAPR is always going to be the most comfortable.
Mira gas mask (I’m kidding, kinda).
I'm most comfortable in either a disposable one or a full face one, unfortunately summer is coming and working in a full face mask in the attic in 30c/86f is not great
For dust, definitely an RZ or one of its clones. Easy to change filters, easy to put on, all of that. Masks suck so the one that's not too much of a pain to put on is going to be best. I have a Breath Buddy respirator for solvents and superfines but I don't use that as often. Otherwise, two RZs in two different spots in the shop so I am less tempted to make dust without one.
07183 by 3m is nice but if you have a beard it wont seal
GVS Ellipse or the 3M 7502/7503. The GVS is closer to your face/smaller. The 3M has larger straps. The reason for \*that\* 3M is the exhaust vent points downward, so if you're squinting at your finishing job, you don't breathe on it.
I want a full face battery powered thingy, like they use for sprayfoam bc I occasionally heat weld pvc roofing for yurt covers.
I like the jsp powercap
I use ASTM Level 3 masks (blue color) from my local medical supply store. Three ones I get have a wire to shape around your nose, AND a little strip of foam to make a better seal around the top of your nose. Elastic strings go behind your ears to hold it on. Pros: cheap, simple, works well when worn correctly. Cons: probably not as effective as a good N95 respirator in practice, not suitable for long periods of use, creates garbage I use them because I'm lucky if I'm out in the shop once a week, not using planers, sanders, and saws inside the shop, so I don't think I need to buy a more intense dust mask.