Reusable Respirators

[ShootsFruitsAndLeaves]

Anyone bought one?

Essentially masks don't protect you. Respirators do.

I had a look at the 3M 6500QL. 2 * P100 cartridges, they last indefinitely (they get clogged with cack and then you have to change them.)

Drawbacks?

It's half-face, and eyes are an infection route but apparently a minor one.

E.g., for flights, and other situations when trapped with people likely to be infectious for a long period of time.

attached photo (with goggles, which are ideal but I'm not sure)

Drawbask:

1. Not all masks fit all faces. You would need to be fit tested for it to confirm it worked for you.
2. It would be significantly more uncomfortable than a standard facecovering.

The fit they have three sizes, small/medium/large. They say small is for children and the smallest 5% of adults, large is for the top 15% of adults, and you can probably go one size either way.

I was curious how uncomfortable it actually is. It does have an exhalation valve downwards so won't fog up glasses.

I got some fp2 masks. I think there would be a problem with the resperator. It's not just size, it's face shape and any tiny gap would render it useless.

rcni.com/nursing-standard/opinion/comment/ppe-one-size-fits-all-design-a-fallacy-thats-putting-female-health-staff-risk-160536

They say small is for children and the smallest 5% of adults, large is for the top 15% of adults, and you can probably go one size either way

This just isn't true. These types of mask need to be properly fit tested, and there's no guarantee you would pass a fit test.

We've been having 20-30% of our teams fail fit testing on any particular mask.

They work by sealing tight onto the face, and are hot and uncomfortable, particularly for protracted wear like on a flight.

I'd add one issue with the exhalation valve is that it's not filtering expired air. So, whilst it would protect you (subject to fit), it would not protect anyone else from your bugs.

Seriously, I would rather never leave the house again than wear one of those!

@Motorina

I'd add one issue with the exhalation valve is that it's not filtering expired air. So, whilst it would protect you (subject to fit), it would not protect anyone else from your bugs.

So you might not be allowed to wear it on flights etc ?

I've got something like this for dusty DIY/carpentry jobs. Really does the business in that sense, you can be swimming in fine dust and not even smell it. I've got P3 filters, even better than P2/N95 equivalent. It does get wet with sweat when you are working (but keeps working fine)
Second what someone said about exhaust valves, just lets out your bugs out if you have any.
Although any mask with an exhalation valve will do that (and a lot of n95 masks have) does the same. They do make breathing a lot easier and stop glasses fogging etc.
If you were primarily concerned with protecting yourself in unavoidable situations with strangers it might be worth your while.