Okay … I would REALLY like to wear a dust mask when working in an enclosed space. The problem is that I can’t seem to find one that is compatible with my glasses. And if I have to choose between breathing filtered air and seeing what I’m doing, I’ll choose the latter.
I don’t wear “safety” glases. I just wear my regular (bifocal) glasses (they’re impact-resistant; I wear them when I’m shooting too). They have the flexible plastic (and replaceable) nose pads, and so they fit quite closely against the face. So this isn’t a situation where you’re wearing safety glasses and can afford to have their nosepads resting on top of a face mask. If I do that, the focus is way off.
On the masks I’ve tried, I get one of two bad effects.
First, if I put the mask on and then put the glasses on “over” it so that the pads rest on the portion of the mask the covers the bridge of the nose, then I can’t see worth crap.
Second, if I manage to get the nosepads of the glasses to seat under that portion of the mask, then I get air leakage — and often fogging.
I think what I really need is a mask where it doesn’t seat quite so high on the nose — to leave room for the nosepads of my glasses.
I’ve also tried the cheap throwaway masks. Actually these are the most comfortable, but they can’t be made to fit quite right and result in fogging.
This is complicated by the problem that it’s hard to find a variety of masks in stores, and if you order over the web, then if it doesn’t work you end up spending a lot of money in shippiing to return stuff (frequently about half the cost of the mask!).
Maybe I should just use a wet bandanna.
Any insight will be appreciated.
Replies
Yep, you've laid out the problem pretty nicely. The only suggestion I have is to keep looking. There are lots of different shapes of respirator out there. Perhaps one of them will fit your face. Me, I got lucky. I ran into a vendor at a wood show who had a half-dozen of them at his stand, so I could try them all out. For my face, the winner is the 3M 6000 series. 3M makes them in three different sizes, so that might help you find one that fits you. The facepiece is about $10 at http://www.wwhardware.com .
Have you considered a full-face respirator?
Here's a link to some possibilities:
http://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/category/powered-air-respirators-papr.html
-Steve
I've resisted going the Darth Vader (full-face respirator) route. It seems just too much. It would be reasonable if the scenario were that I put it on, leave it on for an hour or two, etc. But typically, I do some things that require a mask, then need to do some other things (outside the shop) that don't, then go back into the shop, etc.
Also, the full-face stuff puts yet another layer of plastic between you and the world -- reducing clarity again to some degree.
(Note: I don't have a problem with wearing something like this. Every night I wear a full-face mask for sleep apnea. But I don't have to put it on and off a bunch of times during the night. I could use my spare CPAP machine, but I can't wear glassed with that mask either!)
I don't know. It may come to that.
I've resisted going the Darth Vader (full-face respirator) route. It seems just too much.
Well, only if you get the matching light saber.
-Steve
I would also give a nod to 3M masks. I have had good experience with the 8511 mask. It has an adjustable nose band to keep it tight to your face, which helps to keep your glasses from fogging. They also feature an exhalation valve to keep the heat and humidity in the mask down to maintain comfort so you are more likely to keep it on. Add to this an N95 rating and a unit price of about $2 and for me this mask is a winner.
-pjw
From what I can see, the 3M masks offer the best hope -- if I can figure out the sizing. Guess I'll call one of the vendors and see if I can get a clue in that direction.
If I have to go the full-face route, it turns out that one of the people who work for me used to be a Star Wars freak, and I think she's got a light sabre she would would sell me.
As far as I know the 8511 comes in one size fits all. The shop I worked in bought these by the case and they were used by everybody, from petite women to large men, and nobody seemed to have any trouble with the fit.
-pjw
These pleated masks from Lee Valley have worked well for me, I can get the metal stay to form to the bridge of my nose, and haven't had a problem with fogging. The come in two sizes.
I agree with philjohnwilliams on the 3M N95 mask with an exhalation port to keep the fogging out. As an aside, you say you have 'impact resistant' glasses but i would highly recommend that you go to Z87.1 rated polycarbonate. They are heavier than 'normal' plastic glasses but in the shop they are worthwhile. Power tools can really throw an impact that might overcome your glasses.
Take a look at Moldex EZ-ON N95 Respirator With Exhalation Valve. Easy breathing. Exhalation valve points downward to avoid clouding. EZ on and off. Fits face easily. Comfortable for extended period. Pack of 10 cost 29.95 at Gempler's.
The most important point is the N95........you will be able to immediately know this mask filters out the super fine dust that easily penetrates the common facemask and goes into your lungs and then into your bloodstream unimpeded. I have had sinus problems for years using cheap dustmasks. Read an article recently in FWW and got the N95 described above. Clean, dust free air was the result. Bingo, sinus problem from dust ended. Note, I have a dust collection system that filters down to 1 micron, but it still spits out the superfine dust.
Hope this helps.
Thanks for the advice on the N95. I will definitely look at that.
Re the glasses: I will probably end up getting one or two "spare" pairs from web vendors -- since they're so cheap nowadays -- and one of those could be real safety glasses. The lenses I have are, of course, poly; but not the real 3mm. stuff of genuine safety glasses. In general my feeling is that for most of the stuff I do, my normal glasses should work just fine (and in the one instance when I needed that some years ago when a .308 primer ruptured and sprayed hot brass back into my face, they did). However, when I have ANY real concern (like I'm doing things at close to eye level, or with a grinder, or there's heavy chipping) I use a faceshield because in fact glasses just don't protect enough area and it's better to have two layers of protection than one.
I use the 3M 8293 disposable just to squeeze those extra few percents of filtration in. I wear glasses and do not find fogging to be any problem at all. Of course we all have different shapes to our head so one size does not always fit all.
Most reputable safety supply companies can provide you with a respirator fit test. You might want to seek out an independent who has only your interests at heart. Possibly your respiratory therapist can give you some leads. Most of the industries in this area stopped trying to standardize respirators. Every employee who requires one for this job is fit tested then supplied with the correct mask.
If this does not work, you may be forced to compromise. Either a full head hood like Triton's or disposables and 2 pair of mono focal glasses which you change as required.
Sometimes you can buy the solution and sometimes you can't.
Don
I've had the same problems. Unlike the others here, I never found a disposable that fit me well. The exhale valves help, but the fit around the bridge of my nose has been the problem. So far, the one that I have found to work the best & be most comfortable is the North from Highland Hardware.
http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=5094
Yeah, that's pretty much the problem I've had with the disposables as well. But in general, disposable or not, the primary problem seems to be that the mask wants to seat exactly where my nosepads on the glasses want to seat. And again, if I seat the mask and then let the nosepads rest on it I get bad focus; but if I seat the glasses and somehow get the mask to seat over the nosepads, I get leaks.
But now I've got some good suggestions to at least try.
I wear large Rx safety glasses all day in the shop. My favorite AO Safety is no longer made since 3M bought them out. Glad I have a lot of filters still left.
My modern favorite is a welder's mask that seems to have become mainstream(???). Who knew?
https://www.weldersupply.com/P/736/MILLERLPR-100HALFMASKRES
The low profile filters don't mess with your peripheral vision and last quite awhile. They were quite reasonably priced at Welding Supply houses but, now I see them at Woodworking Specialty stores for double what I paid. Still not a bad price.
Another thread from the distant past, this is 11 years ago!
Good luck finding ANY mask with what's going on right now.
Eclipse p100 work great with glasses!
ZOMBIE THREAD
Funny how self-quarantine leads to zombie-thread-resurrections.
Better late than never...? Try the low profile one at LV below. You can achieve a complete seal,with the main rubber frame like a respirator style. The N95s have a good filter but I’m never convinced about the actual seal to the skin.
https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/apparel-and-safety-gear/respirators-and-dust-masks/62066-low-profile-dust-respirator
The seal to the face is verified with a fit test, not something commonly available at home. The instructions that come with the N95 suggest a method. Baseline is have the right size and no beard.
N95 masks only seal well if you use them properly. Fortunately, you will notice the dust so it is not a massive issue to correct - you only need a fit test if practicing for pandemics.
Personal choice is 3M disposable N95s - one lasts me about 1 week of fairly intensive shop work (say about 14 hours in the shop, though only 2-3 hours of wearing the mask) - much longer if I can be bothered to put in a ziploc bag to keep clean - I throw more out due to dust on the inside....
I recently did some demolition work and one mask lasted easily 8 hours of very heavy dust use.
You do need to buy the correct size - most males will need a large, females a medium. If you are of noticeably below average size, go one size smaller. Usual price is about USD3 or less each. I buy in boxes of 20.
These masks are very good for use with glasses as the seal around the nose is excellent. Duckbill type masks are a more comfortable option, but harder to get a good seal - I find adequate for woodwork though.
Right now of course, please leave the N95s for healthcare workers - practice sharpening....
I've been using a respirator by SAFETYWORKS. It doesn't seem to get hot or fog up the safety prescription glasses that I wear. I like it better than the 3M. It seems to be a bit lighter and a bit softer around the face. I'd recommend it. The research that I've done indicates that the filters I've been using, the niosh P100 are also help for out viruses, if i'm reading the technical jargon correctly.However, they may be a little hard to find these days
I agree with adam_h. The GVS elipse P100 works great with glasses. But, as others have mentioned, they are sold out until October.
Check out the TREND Half Mask. It is like a mini respirator. It is more comfortable and the exhalation goes through valves in the face. It is not available now of course might be the fix when it is
I have bought a full face mask and hood it has a fan that is battery operating and blows air over my glasses. I have a beard so this is the only way to get a seal. They sell clear film protectors over the face shield so you don’t scratch the face shield. The filters are replaceable but are not meant to act as a respirator for poison gases. I have used it for years and am very happy, no fogging up my glasses and clear enough visibility !
OMG user-3174177 you're such a tease! please tell us the brand name of your fine respirator and where you purchased it. thanks!
Have you ever tried the anti fog wipes fore glasses they work pretty good!
Still enjoy using my Resp-O-Rator. No leaks, no foggy glasses and I can grow a beard when it's cold with no impact.
This works for me:
https://www.newsweek.com/how-keep-glasses-fogging-wearing-face-mask-coronavirus-covid-19-1498933
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