Respirators and Filters.....

What respirators do you guys use and how often do you change the filters?

I'm using the standard 3M model from home depot (http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100653900/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=respirator&storeId=10051), but after spraying this weekend, my lungs feel like they're lined with concrete this morning.

Just trying to figure out if its the mask, or if I just need to change the filters more frequently.

They way I feel right now, I'm ready to buy the most expensive respirator available or just start changing the filters before nearly every use.

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm308/coltwknight/Leon%20Grizzard/102_4169.jpg

I bought one from harbor frieght the other day with my 20% coupon for nothing & when i used it the other day I smelled nothing at all coming thru it!

I bought one from harbor frieght the other day with my 20% coupon for nothing & when i used it the other day I smelled nothing at all coming thru it!

Ive used those HF respirators before. They work well, but they don't last that long.


I like to wear my respirator when I mix my lacquer and fill my spray gun. If I can smell anything during that phase, I replace my cartridges or respirator.

Generally, if you can smell the solvent, the cartridge is not working. You also need to do tests when you first put it on before each use--cover the intake(s) (usually you can use the palm(s) of your hand(s)) and breathe in, the mask should suck into your face and not let you pull any air in. Same for the exhalation valve--cover the output and breathe out--it should lift the mask from points on your face to exhaust the air. If you can cap the cartridges with something between uses it can help preserve their life, but typically, I don't let them go beyond 6 months once opened.

The feeling you have in your lungs may just be from the added resistance to normal breathing that respirators cause. Some people can't stand the feeling, and begin to panic, others get "lung fatigue" (which may be what you're feeling) from the extra effort, others don't notice a thing. The key is to notice right at first when wearing the resp. and exposed to solvent, if you can smell solvent. Your olafactory system loads up pretty quickly, and becomes accustomed to the solvent smell, and you don't notice it any more.

For everyone with a respirator with carbon filters: get one of these and always use it! :grin: The filters will sit there filtering every single thing in the room when you're not using them and wear out unless you store it in an airtight container. The bags are a pain!

The carbon can only capture so much organic solvents - once it's full, your lungs are capturing the solvents and sending them straight to your brain.

http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz334/nickjdo/IMG_3290.jpg

It's easy to tell with the cartridges off (blocking the holes with your hands) if you have a bad fit, but check out 3M's method (what you'd do if you were being paid to wreck your lungs!).

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Great info here. Thanks guys!

Just wanted to mention that it's important to have your face free of facial hair in order to get a really good seal with your respirator. Unfortunately, I've never had the pleasure of wearing a respirator for doing something I really WANTED to do. I've only used one when working with asbestos, so a very good seal is critical. I doubt if the vapors/particles you encounter working on or building guitars are as dangerous as asbestos, but a good seal will obviously protect you more. Have fun and be safe!