You could try getting one of these. They're reusable. You just need to clean them every time and change the filters (I'm not sure how often). The thing is that they seem to come in different sizes and the size has to fit, so if you can afford it and figure out your size may be a safer solution.
And this is the respirator- (perhaps you think I meant something else) 3M Reusable Respirator, Half Face Piece 7501, Use with Bayonet Cartridges/Filters (Not Included) for Gases, Vapors, Dust, Small Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008MCUS28/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_P3D2XY2WZQVTXZJTY66C?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I use these 3M half face respirators: 3M Reusable Respirator, Half Face Piece 7501, Use with Bayonet Cartridges/Filters (Not Included) for Gases, Vapors, Dust, Small Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008MCUS28/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_5W9T1FKMDXFX03MP0P3G
Hello all,
What type of respirator should I use and which type of filter? I may have done something stupid since I had used a medium respirator two weeks ago (https://www.amazon.com/3M-Respirator-7501-Respiratory-Protection/dp/B008MCUS28/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1503993009&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=respirator+mask&psc=1) and filter cartridges. However, the mask might have been a tiny bit too big for me as I smelled the fumes a bit a few times (about three times) when I moved my head around - I used Mr. hobby thinner and Mr. Surfacer. Other than that, it was secure.
I since have gotten a small size one, which fits my face better. However, what was stupid is that I have gotten light headed after an hour in. I may have continued for 10 minutes till it gotten worse and stopped. A major headache lasted till a day though a smaller headache and sharp pains lasted till maybe today (9 days in). Hopefully, whatever I damaged heals (I have my annual check up in mid-September), but I am scared.
The filters I used was organic vapor cartridges. I think next time I should use the particulate filters with plastic holders.
In case you cannot find a source for affordable, disposable N95s, here are some alternatives:
1) Envo Mask.
Pros: reusable, comfortable. Cons: price ($80 + shipping), exhalation valve (you need to wear a surgical mask on top of it to protect others from your breaths).
It's a good alternative if you cannot find more affordable disposable N95s that you can rotate to re-use - something like 7x, bag each up separately and label for each day of the week, re-use in 7 days. You can re-use the filters that come with the Envo mask similarly.
2) 3M respirator @ ~$28 with P100 cartridges @ ~$23
Pros: reusable, comfortable, better protection than N95 Cons: exhalation valve (very difficult to be covered), socially scary
This option protects you better since chances are high that you are in constant contact with covid positive individuals. But wearing it tends to scare people. There is the problem of not being able to protect others unless you can figure out a way to mitigate your exhales through the exhalation valve. Otherwise, if you get sick, all those who come in contact with you are now at extreme risk. Maybe tape a surgical on the outside of the exhalation opening.
Hope that helps.
Amazon is good for that right now. Look for N95, N100, or P100. The "P" means it also works for some oil-based particulates and also some organic vapors, whereas N is just 'normal' particles. 3M is a good brand.
3M's website has an awesome search interface for finding what product will work for you, disposable or otherwise, though since this is becoming a yearly thing, I just invested in a reusable mask:
$25 - 3M Half facepiece reusable respirator
$15 - 2-pack 3M NIOSH-approved P100 particulate and organic gas filter
(post-apocalyptic Winco trip incoming)
4800 doesn't have a small version. The other Moldex airwaves seem to be out of small.
If you are willing to consider an elastomeric, try the following as a combination
3M 2071: https://www.mcmaster.com/5834T63/
This is a size small elastomeric respirator and the associated P95 filters. The P100 filters are unnecessary for COVID and just add more breathing resistance. If you really want P100, you can get the 3M 2091: https://www.mcmaster.com/5834T68/
I just bought a half face respirator (link is small size) by 3M on amazon (with organic vapor cartridges sold separately) and it works well so far!
Thanks, just spent some time doing research on finding the best one.
I picked the same one you choose in a small with the Pink/olive filter.
Couldn't find a difference between the 7500 and the 6500 so I went with the newer series.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008MCUS28/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A1UMBRA5ZTBCX8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009POHLRC/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
Thanks Again!
If Amazon Logistics can get it to you fast enough, consider the 7501 instead.
Another option would be to order for pickup from your local Grainger branch, if you have one (many major cities have one) -- https://www.grainger.com/product/3M-Half-Mask-Respirator-Rugged-29WT68
There may be other major industrial suppliers in your area that could ship to you or offer local pickup. These sort of products are widely available from industrial supply vendors, not so much home improvement stores.
>3M P100 mask
Those half masks are the ones I wear all the time. The 7500, in particular. https://smile.amazon.com/3M-Respirator-7501-Respiratory-Protection/dp/B008MCUS28/ref=psdc_2257619011_t4_B083HMBHTJ
I was out working the other day in the smoke and was using a backhoe digging so there's dust everywhere. I'm always amazed how how much those pink discs will filter out. And while I should change them more frequently, I have a box of spare discs, I usually manage 6-12 months with maybe 50-100 hours of use in them.
I have the disposable n95s laying about, and while the half-face is much bigger, it's so much more comfortable, works better, doesn't fog your glasses, etc.
60?
Amazon has had the 3M available to the public for a while now all of them below $30, I recommend the 7500 series since they are made of silicone, way more comfortable that the usual line that's made of plastic.
As for filter in my household I bought these they where ~$80 for a pack of 6 pairs and we are all set for the duration of this thing.
Half face respirators, like this one, and a particulate filter like this one. The 3m filter models you want for smoke are model #s 2091, 2097, 2291, and 2297 [pdf source].
These protect you, but if you wear them in public then you need to cover the exhalation valve, otherwise it's like not wearing a mask.
Being outside helps. I was noticing even with the windows open around me, I would sometimes get a head ache after even doing small pieces so I bought a respirator. But I plan to play with resin more.