Found a great respirator

[EmptyNester]

I've tried a number of different masks/respirators trying to find a good one that is reasonably priced and up until now found them lacking. (I've seen the old threads about this, but didn't find this mask mentioned.)

I just spent the day welding with a new one and it blows all the others out of the water and doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

Its a 3m 7500 half mask respirator. It comes in different sizes, so you can get a decent fit (I got the Large). Its a low profile mask and fit under my hood with room to spare. It has different filters available so that you can get one appropriate for what you're doing. They have a number that are recommended for use with welding.

Its a soft silicone mask so it seals well and is comfortable. The biggest plus for me is that the exhaust valve is at the bottom of the mask. I've always had problems fogging my glasses and my hood. With the exhaust going out the bottom, the hood stayed clear.

I couldn't smell a thing when welding and grinding. (I used the 2097 organic vapor relief filter.)

I got it on Amazon and it was $24 for the mask and $8 for a set of filters. So, I thought the price was great for a high performance respirator. I don't yet know how long the filter will last.

Just wanted to post my experience so that others looking for a respirator know this one works well.

[NRM]

We use those at work (remediation) all the time and they are great. Comfort is key.

[EmptyNester]

The comfort was great. But I was most excited about my nose not being filled with black stuff after welding all day. And, in how weather I hadn't been able to weld for more than a couple minutes before I fogged over.

Its always amazing what the right tools will do to make a job go better.

[Trip59]

Next filter change, check out the organic vapor/acid gas combo cartridge.

I'm stuck, looking for an alternative (long beard) I was thinking about trying to rig up a quality snorkel with an adapter to one of those cartridges. It would be awkward, but I don't have the cash for a positive pressure hood. Figure it would relocate it to over my shoulder, cut shorter than a full length. I know I'd get a positive seal that way but the extra resistance may cause a problem...

[zoama]

Next filter change, check out the organic vapor/acid gas combo cartridge.

I'm stuck, looking for an alternative (long beard) I was thinking about trying to rig up a quality snorkel with an adapter to one of those cartridges. It would be awkward, but I don't have the cash for a positive pressure hood. Figure it would relocate it to over my shoulder, cut shorter than a full length. I know I'd get a positive seal that way but the extra resistance may cause a problem...

we can solve that problem

[Trip59]

we can solve that problem

Ironically, I have a few high end straights I use regularly... as well as some Mach 3 to shave my head. Shaved enough when I was in the Navy, gave it up for good when I got out. Trimmed it short a few times, don't care for how it looks.

I had to shave once after the Navy, when I ran the marina (GS7 position) for my resp. qualification, never again after that.

[redbeard]

we can solve that problem

I've heard that this also works:

I think the aftermath would really suck though.