Dust respirator filter question.

[JJ1]

Could anyone give me a rough idea please on how long the 3M particulate filters ( the ones for 6000, 7000 series masks) last before needing to be replaced?

The reason I ask is, I dug around on 3M's website and they mention 30 days. But is that 30 days from when the particulate filters are unwrapped, or is it roughly 30 days of use? At times I might do some woodworking most days, but other times I might not do any for several weeks. Obviously if the filters expire 30 days (or thereabouts) after being fitted and they haven't had much use then it could be quite a waste and somewhat expensive.

Any advice on the above would be much appreciated, thanks.

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

I met with the 3M rep on their stand at a show last year and had exactly that conversation. He said they say 30 days because that's about how much rime at normal professional working rates the filter will clog. I said....you mean you just want people to buy more filters....he laughed nervously and said the bottom line is if you find it more difficult to breathe then its clogged enough to change. In other words if you have to suck a bit too hard to get the air through the filter then its sufficiently blocking the airflow for it to be changed. He said that was the best test. I bought a pack of 10 for my 7500 a while back and I'm just about to change my first one. About 4 months in and I'm a hobby user (but do a lot of wood working)

 

[JJ1]

Thanks for your help Bob.

I was concerned I would be replacing them every month but 4 months use sounds a lot more promising and economical.

Are you pleased with your 7500 and would you recommend it? Also what particulate filters do you use? There seems to be a couple of different types and I wasn't quite sure what the difference was between them, other than the use in wet conditions, for example; THIS PAIR and THIS PAIR

 

[carlb40]

I have the 7500 and it's the best mask I've ever worn. It's very comfortable, you can actually breathe with it on unlike those disposable ones. You can wear glasses/ goggles without them steaming up due to a covered downward facing vent.

I use the ones in your first link and i'm still on the first set i bought about this time last year.

 

[JJ1]

Thanks for your help Carl. What size mask do you use?

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Thanks for your help Bob.

I was concerned I would be replacing them every month but 4 months use sounds a lot more promising and economical.

Are you pleased with your 7500 and would you recommend it? Also what particulate filters do you use? There seems to be a couple of different types and I wasn't quite sure what the difference was between them, other than the use in wet conditions, for example;

I've been very impressed with the 7500. Its light, easy to apply and take off and so comfortable in use that sometimes I forget I'm wearing it. I used to use the trend airshield pro and do still if I want full face protection but for sanding on the lathe which is a very dust hazardous environment you cant beat extraction coupled with the 7500. I reckon its only as "little" as 4 months because I do a lot of powersanding of bowls on the lathe and that creates a veritable cloud of dust so my filters have been working hard.

The filter you want is the round ones not those contained in the plastic add on little basket thing. That is unless you want to protect against chemical/gaseous hazards like spray painting. For me its just fine wood dust I'm concerned with and those white round jobs are great because they're also the lightest solution you can get. Don't hesitate, get it....you won't regret it

 

[JJ1]

Thanks again Bob. I shall get one ordered along with the round filters.

 

[rafezetter]

I have a vitrex version similar to that and I use prefilters over the main organic filters, that catches most of the woodworking dust, then the organic catches the final voc nasties when I'm spraying etc, the prefilters last ages and all they are is a thick mat of wadding like you get in el cheapo pillows. Take em out wash em a bit, pop them back in to prolong the life of the more expensive filters.

Doing it this way I've only changed my voc filter once in 2 years, when I caught the faintest wiff of thinners smell, but obviously ymmv dependent on useage.

http://www.axminster.co.uk/3m-7500-series-reusable-half-respirator

the same method as picture 5.

Even with 2 filters I've never had to "suck" the air in to breath, and I'm an ex smoker so not exactly top performing lungs - you might want to consider having VOC filters with prefilters anyway as MDF still has formaldehyde in it, and oil based finishes also give off VOC's - if you're going to be around either of them for a while, every tiny bit you'll not breath in will reduce any cumulative effect they might have.

But you'll really have to fight the urge to occasionally mutter "Luke... I am your father..."

 

[carlb40]

Thanks for your help Carl. What size mask do you use?

The large i think, i still have the box in my workshop and will double check tomorrow. For sizing i went by the woodwhisperers guide.
http://www.thewoodwhisperer.com/videos/ ... ame=safety

 

[JJ1]

Even with 2 filters I've never had to "suck" the air in to breath, and I'm an ex smoker so not exactly top performing lungs - you might want to consider having VOC filters with prefilters anyway as MDF still has formaldehyde in it, and oil based finishes also give off VOC's - if you're going to be around either of them for a while, every tiny bit you'll not breath in will reduce any cumulative effect they might have

That's a good point and I use MDF a lot which s the main reason for wanting to get a mask ASAP.

But you'll really have to fight the urge to occasionally mutter "Luke... I am your father..."

LOL :lol:

The large i think, i still have the box in my workshop and will double check tomorrow. For sizing i went by the woodwhisperers guide.
http://www.thewoodwhisperer.com/videos/ ... ame=safety

Thanks Carl. I've watched that particular video before. I reckon my face is probably quite a similar size to Marc's but I've also seen it written somewhere that the medium size is likely the best one to go for unless you've had a proper 'fitting' and have been found to need another size.

 

[carlb40]

Cool on the fitting. Also i'm not sure if read it wrong and no doubt i won't find it again. But i think i read on the 3m site that those filters i use can be washed and re used?

 

[JJ1]

But i think i read on the 3m site that those filters i use can be washed and re used?

That's a bonus I'm just about to order the mask and filters.