MattRoberts
Established Member
Hi guys, thought some of you may be interested in a quick review of the new Trend Air Stealth dust mask http://www.trend-uk.com/en/US/productli ... ealth.html
I run pretty hot, so I suffer a lot from steamy glasses! I'm a big proponent of wearing unobtrusive and comfortable PPE - my theory is that if it's so comfortable to wear, you won't need to take it off as much. I've got the glasses and the ear protection nailed, but the one thing I've really struggled with is the dust mask.
What attracted me to the trend were two things: it's supposed to be easier to breathe through than most dust masks, and the exhaust vent points downwards to avoid steaming up.
I'm happy to report that it's accurate on both counts. It's much easier to breathe through than other masks I've tried, both inhaling and exhaling. Previous masks have typically been difficult to breathe through my nose, so I end up breathing through my mouth which both dries my mouth and causes a lot of condensation to build up in the mask (eww). The Trend feels much clearer, and I can comfortably breathe through my nose for hours on end. After heavy use, there's still a small amount of condensation inside, but nothing that the air won't dry quickly.
The exhaust vent is located in the centre, but pointing down towards the floor, and my glasses haven't steamed up once. Filters are easily replaced by twisting the red bars to detach the front covers and slotting a new filter pad in place. They're a generous size filter too, with one on each side.
The seal is good, even over my scraggly stubble (poor man's beard), though I can't say how it will work for you gents with big burly beards - I imagine it will be on a par with most other masks (i.e. not great), and a full powered face mask will still be your best option.
The mask has one strap to fit over the top part of the back of your head, and then two red clips that easily hook behind your neck - easy to do blind and with gloves on.
I was initially worried that the red clips would dig into my neck as they don't sit particularly flush, but I'm pleased to say they don't, and I don't really notice them when in use. Glasses easily slip under the top strap and it's not so tight that it presses the arms against your head.
Overall, I'm very pleased with it, and am finding that I'm much less reluctant to reach for the mask, and don't feel the need to take it off so quickly after I've made a cut. I'll happily leave it on indefinitely whilst in the workshop.
I run pretty hot, so I suffer a lot from steamy glasses! I'm a big proponent of wearing unobtrusive and comfortable PPE - my theory is that if it's so comfortable to wear, you won't need to take it off as much. I've got the glasses and the ear protection nailed, but the one thing I've really struggled with is the dust mask.
What attracted me to the trend were two things: it's supposed to be easier to breathe through than most dust masks, and the exhaust vent points downwards to avoid steaming up.
I'm happy to report that it's accurate on both counts. It's much easier to breathe through than other masks I've tried, both inhaling and exhaling. Previous masks have typically been difficult to breathe through my nose, so I end up breathing through my mouth which both dries my mouth and causes a lot of condensation to build up in the mask (eww). The Trend feels much clearer, and I can comfortably breathe through my nose for hours on end. After heavy use, there's still a small amount of condensation inside, but nothing that the air won't dry quickly.
The exhaust vent is located in the centre, but pointing down towards the floor, and my glasses haven't steamed up once. Filters are easily replaced by twisting the red bars to detach the front covers and slotting a new filter pad in place. They're a generous size filter too, with one on each side.
The seal is good, even over my scraggly stubble (poor man's beard), though I can't say how it will work for you gents with big burly beards - I imagine it will be on a par with most other masks (i.e. not great), and a full powered face mask will still be your best option.
The mask has one strap to fit over the top part of the back of your head, and then two red clips that easily hook behind your neck - easy to do blind and with gloves on.
I was initially worried that the red clips would dig into my neck as they don't sit particularly flush, but I'm pleased to say they don't, and I don't really notice them when in use. Glasses easily slip under the top strap and it's not so tight that it presses the arms against your head.
Overall, I'm very pleased with it, and am finding that I'm much less reluctant to reach for the mask, and don't feel the need to take it off so quickly after I've made a cut. I'll happily leave it on indefinitely whilst in the workshop.
