For spraying I just use disposable paper filters, cheap KN95 will do. Typically (at least the way I do it) I don't create a whole lot of aerosol. But sanding, that is where the real danger is, esp lead paint or suspected lead paint. for that I use the good old standby P100... been using those for almost 20 years I think, and when I did not have a lot of money I reused the same set of filters for months on end. meanwhile, the clever guys at work "saved" a whole lot of money... a whopping $10 for the filters and $20 for the mask... by simply going without. I got chuckled at a lot but now that we are all in our 40s ....
Which one to get covid uses? What about home improvement?
The 3M article regarding filters, masks, and COVID19 is linked in the OP.
In short, P100 > N95 in terms of filtration, and elastomeric masks are basically the best short of the really esoteric stuff like PAPR powered breathing units. While I am not a medical professional, I have many in my family who are, including pulmonologists - the ones who have the job of getting like 2 inches away from covid patients' mouths during intubation (which is part of the process of putting someone on a ventilator). during the bad months in NY, when gear was hard to get for everyone, he used an N95 with an ASTM3 surgical on top under an industrial ANSI face shield (which I had sent him from the equipment bin in my garage workshop). Other doctors used these elastomerics, and in fact the National Geographic issue during that time had a photo of a doctor wearing one[natgeofe.com] (that is a full mask instead of a half mask respirator, and the filters are also p100 but with spray shields which do not increase protection but help the filters last longer).
I would expect that a single elastomeric half mask and a single pair of filters will last the average person working the average job for many months with minimal care. they are designed to be really tough and durable (think asbestos mitigation construction workers).
If you're debating about whether you should buy a respirator right now, go ahead and do it. Respiratory protection is underrated.
The only bad thing with respirators is that they have an exhale valve.. if you have COVID and use a respirator then you spread the virus.. that's why respirators fell out of favor and can't be used in planes..
made the mistake of buying one off amazon the last time someone posted it on here, came without filter cartridges. bought some 7093 cartridges from a hardware store for $19.99 then i realized for my case use (i have dog allergies and i'm using this to wear in the house because i sweat a lot while working out etc and regular n95 masks get soaked and i breatheable, just recently learned about respirators) i only need the much lighter weight 2091's. hopefully i can return both and get the ebay one, or this one
For spraying I just use disposable paper filters, cheap KN95 will do. Typically (at least the way I do it) I don't create a whole lot of aerosol. But sanding, that is where the real danger is, esp lead paint or suspected lead paint. for that I use the good old standby P100... been using those for almost 20 years I think, and when I did not have a lot of money I reused the same set of filters for months on end. meanwhile, the clever guys at work "saved" a whole lot of money... a whopping $10 for the filters and $20 for the mask... by simply going without. I got chuckled at a lot but now that we are all in our 40s ....
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In short, P100 > N95 in terms of filtration, and elastomeric masks are basically the best short of the really esoteric stuff like PAPR powered breathing units. While I am not a medical professional, I have many in my family who are, including pulmonologists - the ones who have the job of getting like 2 inches away from covid patients' mouths during intubation (which is part of the process of putting someone on a ventilator). during the bad months in NY, when gear was hard to get for everyone, he used an N95 with an ASTM3 surgical on top under an industrial ANSI face shield (which I had sent him from the equipment bin in my garage workshop). Other doctors used these elastomerics, and in fact the National Geographic issue during that time had a photo of a doctor wearing one [natgeofe.com] (that is a full mask instead of a half mask respirator, and the filters are also p100 but with spray shields which do not increase protection but help the filters last longer).
I would expect that a single elastomeric half mask and a single pair of filters will last the average person working the average job for many months with minimal care. they are designed to be really tough and durable (think asbestos mitigation construction workers).
The only bad thing with respirators is that they have an exhale valve.. if you have COVID and use a respirator then you spread the virus.. that's why respirators fell out of favor and can't be used in planes..
https://www.ebay.com/itm/3M-6200-...632-2357-0
made the mistake of buying one off amazon the last time someone posted it on here, came without filter cartridges. bought some 7093 cartridges from a hardware store for $19.99 then i realized for my case use (i have dog allergies and i'm using this to wear in the house because i sweat a lot while working out etc and regular n95 masks get soaked and i breatheable, just recently learned about respirators) i only need the much lighter weight 2091's. hopefully i can return both and get the ebay one, or this one
What about for spraying automotive paint?