Are powered respirators more comfortable to wear?

[Tetsuaiga]

I've been thinking about getting one as sometimes i've been reluctant to put my half face mask on.

I wear glasses quite a lot of the time and it's quite a fuss with the elastic strap squishing against my head and ear protection is a pain too.

So I am thinking if a powered respirator like Airshield Pro is more comfortable and convenient i'll be more likely to put it on for quick tasks.

So are they infact more comfortable/ convenient?

Thanks

 

[Frank S]

I wear specs all the time and I use the Airshield .I don`t have any bother with it, in fact, I sometimes forget I am wearing it as it is so comfortable. When I wear ear defenders with it, the noise of the motor can be a bit irritating, but I just put up with it. Anyway, it`s something else to listen to apart from my tinnitus !!
Frank.

 

[Glynne]

I wear glasses and find the Trend Airace works well provided you put the mask on first and then the glasses - albeit you do look like Darth Vader.
I do have a Trend Airshield as well (inherited) and only tend to use this if I'm doing prolonged work with dusty stock ( i.e. turning) as I find it takes longer to put on and get comfortable.

 

[sawdust maker]

Looks like all us glasses wearers use Airshields or the like. I find if I use a normal face mask my breath comes up from the mask and fogs my glasses or I have to have it so tight on my face it's uncomfortable. :-/

 

[Tetsuaiga]

I've previously been using the Airace and I do think it's quite a good mask. Never had any kind of steam issue.

I imagine just putting on a helmet is easier than fiddling about with two straps that dig into your head and make you have to take the glasses off and back on, then same again when you take the mask off. I know these sound like very minor things but for me its become quite irritating especially if you plan to use a machine for just a minute or two.

I don't think noise of the motor would bother me as I will generally be using loud machinery (router/bandsaw/planer) which are louder than the motor inside the helmet is.

 

[Stu_2]

I've been using the Trend Airshield for a few months now. You definitely know you're wearing it, but it's not too bad

I would recommend it to anyone.

 

[david123]

+1 for the airshield

 

[gregmcateer]

I've got a 3M equivalent and it is excellent. Even use it when sanding (decorating), and knocking out old plaster, walls, etc.
Occasionally bump it into something as I forget it's bigger than me 'ed, but the claen air is wonderful.

 

[dickm]

Racal Airsh*te or Record Turbovisor for anything dusty. Only problem is forgetting it's there and trying to scratch itchy nose/face

 

[Tetsuaiga]

I have gone ahead and bought the airshield pro. There was one on ebay but they only seem to sell about 40-50 cheaper than new and they'll have old filters, possibly been dropped, battery may have weakened so it isn't so attractive.

The respirator is very comfortable, it's also more convenient than an elasticated mask. The only time it can be uncomfortable is if you are tilting your head forward, then the weight strains your neck a bit, however I primarily use it for routing, bandsaw, sanding and planer/thicknesser work so it's mostly sitting straight on top of the head.

I have found the air sometimes leaks out of the area just in front of my ears but with adjustment I can fix that.

I'm considering the ear defender attachment but at £30 I might stick with ear plugs for now.

 

[Stu_2]

I've heard the ear defenders that go with the Airshield are rubbish, so I'd do a bit research first. I use normal ear plugs.