Best respirator for.........

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Dixieblade57

Joined
Jun 20, 2007
Messages
1,361
What is the best repirator for a man with a beard?

Somthing that doesn't fog, as I have a big problems with enclosed glasses or hoods fogging on me!

You see I am tired of getting sinus infections everytime I do a lot of grinding and this time I was working on parts for my 2x72 grinder, not even a blade. I even thought being outside would help but no go there either.

Anyone got a heads up on the type of respitator I am looking for? :confused:
 
I know this isn't proper, but for now at least maybe wear a hankerchief over your nose and mouth, tied to the back of the neck and tucked into your shirt. That might help somewhat...but you might look like a bank robber:D. Oh well. That is until you can find something with certified safety protection like a 3M mask. Check out one of the local industrial distributors in your area (we have Acklands-Grainger and Gregg Distributors here in Canada) they should have a wide assortment of styles to hopefully suit your needs.

Oh yeah, and if you dampen the hankerchief a bit before you put it on, the moisture in it holds the dust rather than it passing through the fabric. I learned this from working at a flour mill. Although the hanckerchief I find does work quite well, this is by no means a replacement for a good quality respirator, so find one as soon as you can. It is the micro-sized particles you can't see that will get into your lungs and sinuses.
 
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The Health and Safety coordinator at my plant said they actually did a study once on people who worked in coal mines. They found that those who had the biggest beards and most facial hair actually had better breathing function and their lungs were cleaner as compared to those who were clean shaven. I guess they figured the facial hair actually helped to act like a sort of dust filter. I thought it really weird when she told us that.:p
 
If you have facial hair you will need to get a forced air respirator. If you are getting any sort of mask that seals it will not seal with your beard.

The masks come with instructions on testing them for function, see if you can cover the cartridges, suck in all of the air and keep a vacuum on it with a beard, try the same pushing out. Some people with light facial hair can "pass" these tests, though they most likely aren't getting full protection.
 
LOL I just made a post didnt see this one. I bought the 6700 its the 6000 series 3m fullface mask you will have trouble with a beard. Youll probably need forced air the 7000 series has that option. The 6700 means small 6800 medium and 6900 large. Im a small person and needed the small it just fits. I have some facial hair but not a full beard kinda like a goattee , its really well made and is nice. kellyw
 
I have used many types. I have a beard now, and can say that the Aircap2 is the best thing I have ever used. It works with glasses, beards, big noses, etc.
Stacy
 
I looked for an AirCap retailer and had trouble finding one. I ended up spending some more money on ebay and getting a BreatheEasy system from 3M. I love it! Definitely go for a forced air option. They don't fog up nearly as easily, they are more comfortable with a cool and very subtle breeze over your face, and they are superior in lung protection.

The first time I used my BreatheEasy, I was grinding on Micarta. I had always smelled the micarta, even through my particulate/organic/multi purpose filters on my half mask. With the new system, I never caught a single whiff. It was also refreshing to work in as the air comes over your head and across your face.

Anyway, they're expensive, but how much are your lungs worth? If you're not using some lung protection, you're asking for trouble. You NEED SOMETHING. A quality full or half mask with proper filters will go a long way, though fit with facial hair can be a problem. The small particulates that are put off, especially by powered equipment, will work deep into your lungs and can cause bronchitis and scarring that over time can develop into COPD. I've watched people die from and live with COPD, and it's not fun. Not only that, but many woods can cause sensitization over time and can lead to allergic reactions and/or infections. Protect your lungs.

--nathan
 
Thanks to everyone that responded to this thread! I am not sure with myself that sealing a mask,is going to be as big of issue, (although I do want a good seal to protect my lungs).
My biggest problem is fogging I can put on a pair of saftey glasses that wrap around the face tight, or try and weld with my glasses (which I require for closeup work anymore), or even a full face shield for grinding and before I can complete a couple of minutes of grinding I literaly can't see what the heck I am doing. :eek:
This to me is more of a danger than grinding without one. The particles might one day may kill me but losing a hand or finger becasue I am grinding blind seems tottaly absurd! :rolleyes:
Basically when I grind anymore I have one pair of glasses that are just regular glasses that I use specifically for that purpose. The lenses are pitted but they work. They aren't saftey glasses which I know is bad news but the mostly protect my eyes, (meaning occaasionaly something does get around them).:grumpy:
I tried bifocal saftey glasses but can't get the hang of them and they fog too easily. So as you can tell fogging up has becomce the real issue with me! Maybe the drops as someone suggested would help that problem I don't know. :confused:
 
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Well I tried to email 3M with this same questions. My mail was returned undeliverable because of policy. So guess its not there policy to make recomendations for individuals! :eek: :confused: Go figure!
 
hellgap said:
LOL I just made a post didnt see this one. I bought the 6700 its the 6000 series 3m fullface mask you will have trouble with a beard. Youll probably need forced air the 7000 series has that option. The 6700 means small 6800 medium and 6900 large. Im a small person and needed the small it just fits. I have some facial hair but not a full beard kinda like a goattee , its really well made and is nice. kellyw
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Hi,
I've been looking at the 3M respirators for some time and have continually put off spending the money because I didn't know how they work with eye glasses. Any experience here?

Thanks
Steve
 
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I can t tell you cuzz I just got mine and only tried it on and just put on the filters. I were reading glasses while i work on steel so ill tell you but not for 2 weeks . I just had neck surgery and cant do anything. Im sure some one will let you know. I paid 70 dollars with the filters shop around but know your size first.
 
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