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Hey, has anyone found a dust mask that works with glasses. Tried the double strap with the front port for exaust, still steams up my glasses. Not a problem unless I want to see! Thanks DanT
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Do you want a dust mask, or, a mask for hazardous fumes and the like ? If you just want a dust mask, then forget the crap they sell at the hardware stor and get real surgical mask (the disposible kind, not a cloth mask) that has either a formable metal strip around the bridge or an adhesive bridge (or both, the really good ones have both) and make sure you buy your size.
I have heard of guys with those plastic frames that have molded-in nose pads having some difficulties with them; however, if you have real glasses with floating nose pads, you will find the fit terrific.
PS, the 'safety clown' was around on friday and informs me that I have to upgrade my perscription safety glasses because the wings do not extend far enough down the lens (I have over-size lenses) even though they are industry standard wings, anyone else having this sort of "problem" ?
*I'm not sure it will work, but I just tought about that anti-fogger stuff they put on mirrors and auto glass. Do you think that might work?Ed. Williams
*Dan, maybe you just need to get ones that fit your face properly. I used to have the same problem when i bought dust masks off the shelf, but when i ordered 3M's 2700 series (the straps are much better than the 2300 series) in my size, small, they fit perfectly and i don't have any fogging. They even have a shape they call "alternate" for Asian faces. I order my masks (and all my other safety equipment) by the box very reasonably from TEK Supply, 1-800-835-7877. They cost about $2 each. Similar crush-proof ones in sized but without the exhale valve and fabric strap, about 75 cents.
*A trick I learned in scuba. Spit on the glasses (the glass, LOL) wipe it around, rinse off and then air dry. Works all the time under water. About half the time on dry land. It's worth a try.
*Never Fog is a good product. It cleans, polishes is an anti-fogger. The more you use it, the longer it last. I had to start wearing glasses most of the time about 4 years ago and had the same annoying problem. I tried a bunch of stuff including the anti-fog products in my dive bag.North American Oil Co. Atlanta, Georgia 30318
*Use to have the same problem 'till I started to pre-bend the metal bridge piece around my finger. That helps to makes a better seal around my nose, with less of the exhalation going directly up to my glasses.
*Fog is one problem. I also find that fine dust like drywall dust clings to the lenses. Sometimes moisture is the bond, sometimes static. Anybody have any tips?
*I must be the only one who doesn't buy disposable; I bought a 3M 5000 Series (I think that's the right number), which accepts different filters. Very easy to use, sort of like the ones we had in the Army. Inexpensive, at least to me ($20 for the facemask); seals well to the face; no fogging on glasses. 3M makes different filters for them; HEPA, painting, etc. I can't imagine using one of the disposable ones now; it seems to me if vapor is getting out to fog your glasses, then that crap is getting into the mask and into your lungs. And, they make different sizes, everything from large pumpkinhead down to little pencilhead, so finding the right size shouldn't be a problem. My advice; spend a few bucks on a GOOD dustmask/respirator, otherwise, you'll be 40 years old and dragging around an oxygen tank while on disability.
*I'm with Jason -I went with a full respirator after getting tired of breathing in my own "exhaust" within a regular paper mask.(Yes, I know there are paper masks with exhaust ports.)A good twin-cartridge respirator, besides a better fit, offers the one-way exhaust flap (usually facing forward) for when you breath out.This I believe is an important feature to consider and your glasses will not fog.Although they are bulkier, the benefits far outweigh that and I find them to be more comfortable for extended wear.Make sure you get the type that has a headband/overhead strap that goes over the top of the head - it helps stabilize the mask on your face and is much more comfortable.The next step up from that would be a full face mask with a battery powered fan/filter pack that positively charges the pressure within the mask.
*We too went with a twin-cartridge respirator that seals around the face. I think the respirator was around $30.00 and replacement filters (screw on) are around 15.00 for 2. We've definitely saved money though by not buying disposables and they are ALOT better on your lungs plus no fogging.Billy
*I have a twin-cartridge respirator as well. One problem - the exhaust valve can easily become blocked open by debris. I now check the valve each time before using the respirator.
*Use an anti-static dryer sheet (used for drying clothing) to wipe your glasses. It doesn't keep ALL the dust off, but it eliminates the stuff drawn by static charge, so you can go a little longer between wipings.
*Thanks, Jason! I've never seen replaceable-filter respirators in smaller sizes, but now that i know they exist, i'll find someone to order one for me.
*Go to http://www.mmm.com (3M's site), they have pictures, descriptions, and sizing information for all their respirators right there. I believe in most types, they have three sizes, but I thought they also had up to six in different models (more expensive models I'd guess). Oh and I always get pumpkinhead size model.
*Fog X. Its the sister to Rain X. Fog X is for the inside of your auto, Rain X goes outside. For use on glass. Works too.
*Rein, I use an anti-static lens cleaner (buy where they sell glasses) it repells dust, works great.
*Allyson,Aren't the twin cartridge types super hot in the summer?
*I find that the disposables are actually "hotter". I think because there is not as much fresh air getting in? I don't really think they are that hot, but when you take them off, you'll find the seal area where it touches your face is wet with sweat. But I don't really seem to notice that sweat until I take it off. And the rest of my face inside the mask is dry.Billy
*Thanks for the info guys! Think I will pass on the spit idea. Not too squeamish, just can't see through my spit now. And Jason, too late buddy, I'm already past 40, no oxegen yet though. Thanks all. DanT
*I have had the same problem, somebody hipped me to the Dustfoe mask, works great, no fogging, comfortable, easy to breathe. I think it was under thirty bucks. Woodcraft sells them. When I replace the disposable filters and see the crap collected on 'em, I'm glad I got it on. hope this helps.
*I agree wholeheartedly with Jason. As an occupational medicine doctor and my own observations on worksites, I would say that a lot of the dust (surgical type masks) are poorly fitted to the user's face and see visible dust coming down from the nasal bridge to the nares. Most of the lung diseases (pneumoconioses) that one gets from dusts and particulates do have a long latent period before symptoms are apparent to the worker.Ed Aenlle, MD
*As a testimonial from a eyeglass wearer, I want to relate my experience with a twin cartridge/front exhaust port mask and goggles worn over my glasses.Last summer I had to cut out a 3' x 3' section of concrete sidewalk that butted up against the side of my house.At the deepest part it was about 8" thick.I lost all visibility due to the dust kicked up during the cutting.Total pea soup - and this is with a fan positioned next to me to help clear the dust.Took off my mask afterwards to inspect the seal around the mouth area - zero dust penetration.No fogged glasses either but my eyes could feel some of the dust that made it through the goggles.Same story with crawling around a fiberglass filled attic.Perspiration is more of a problem up there then glasses fogging.I wear a damp terrycloth hat and this makes a world of difference.My eyeglasses saved me more then a few times from serious injury so contact lenses are out of the question.
*Where I use the 3M masks instead of resperators I found that a piece of duct tape across the bridge helps keep it from fogging. Ain't perfect but definately helps.
*Here's another thing to help clear the air... I bought a 14 inch attic exhaust fan and a 20x20 furnace filter (the good kind that catches stuff down to .3 micron size) Put it in a plywood box and plug it in near where I'm working. It clears air at about 1500 CFM. With this thing running, I can take the dust mask off my face sooner or more often.
*That's a great idea....I have six window fans for general use around the house and they measure slightly under 20x20.(The kind you can buy for less then $10/each.)Maybe not for heavy duty use but they should move enough air at medium setting, especially if I have a couple of them positioned strategically for occasional preventive dust maintenance around the house.
*I also use a respirator exclusively. I have severe sinus problems, and the dust is a real killer for me. The respirator has worked very well for me. I get into all kinds of dusts from drywall, to sawdust, to insulation dust, to old crap in old walls type of stuff. I also do not have a problem with safety glasses fogging up, mainly because I no longer wear them. I switched to a full face shield, and have never went back. The face shield lets you get air to the shield, and keeps debris off of your face as well as out of your eyes. It also allows you to see better (all around you instead of blocked periferal vision from the edge of the safety goggles or glasses). If you wear eye glasses, this shield will allow you to keep wearing them, while offering full protection. Just my way....James
*I just purchased a single canister type from Sears Hardware for about $18, I think it was. I put it on, then put on my glasses. It has 2 rubber straps and it does not leak around the nose and does not fog up my glasses. Being a single canister it is a little harder to breath through but it is useable. Replacement filter pads cost about $1.00 each and are supposed to be good for dust and spray paint particles (but not the vapor).
*Go to Grainger. Look for an MSA "Comfo Classic." Double canister. Buy a box of 10 HEPA, now called P100, ctgs for some nominal sum. Wife & I wear them, both wear glasses. We wear them for hours at a time, etching glass. Glasses fog up no worse than w/o the mask. Reason your glassses fog up is that small qty of exhaled air leaks out along top of mask, condensing on rear face of lenses. MSA has a different design on top flange of mask. Top edge turns down so outer surface of mask seals against skin; makes a MUCH better seal. Started an all day glass etching job two weeks ago, and didn't realize for about 15 minutes that I had my glasses on, when they started fogging. Replaced a pair of some schlock company's offerings. Could really tell the difference in quality of filtered air. Costs about $26 for the mask. Filters are a separate item. Masks come in at least 3 sizes. They have 2 piece plastic piece that goes over the top & rear of head, plus the normal elastic band around the back of the neck. Most of these masks only have the elastic band over the rear of head - grease from hair & skin makes it turn gunky and stretch out to worthlessness. The head piece on the MSA keeps the elastic off the hair & skin. Tried to find a mask w/ rubber straps like an Army protective mask. Could find none anywhere. Talked to MSA folks, who make Army masks - their sales weenies claim no one makes such a device for the civilian market.Good luck.Don Reinhard
*As I found out some years ago when I worked in a saw mill, I am allergic to sawdust. About a decade ago, I invested in a full face wilson respirator. I think I paid about $150 for it and I just saw a nearly identical one at the safety supply store the last time I went there for $186. I have had trouble with it fogging up even with anti fogging liquids and just got a nose piece to separate the lower area so my breath doesn't blow up around my eyes. I hope to save my pennies and get a power blower and battery to hang on my belt, but that is a couple of hundred more bucks. It does make me look a little like I am from outer space when I am ready to do some serious wood butchering, however.My problem with the half face masks is that the sawdust bothers my eyes as much as my nose and none of the half masks (I have at least half a dozen of the $25+ models) allow me get a good seal for a set of goggles or even allow safety glasses to sit correctly on my face.
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Hey, has anyone found a dust mask that works with glasses. Tried the double strap with the front port for exaust, still steams up my glasses. Not a problem unless I want to see! Thanks DanT