I'm a 5'2" 150lb female and the size small fits great! I tried the medium size first and it pressed hard against my cheekbones and became leaky around my nose when I smiled, so I just got the size small in today and it fits perfectly! The clips are hard to work with to adjust the straps, but with a good fit I won't need to adjust them often (if ever, after the initial adjustment). It's also notable that the medium mask smelled fine when I got it, but the small mask has a funky smell (like a rubbery smell?) but hopefully it'll dissipate soon once it airs out a bit. This is especially important for me because I have chemical hypersensitivities. Otherwise, it's very comfortable to wear this mask for hours (I've worn it for 8 hours straight no problem). The valves work great so that it doesn't get too hot/humid and my face doesn't get oily. I did purchase some silicone pads and attached them to the plastic of the head strap when I used the size medium for better comfort with long hours of use, but I might not even need them for the size small since it doesn't need to be as tight to seal well on my face. For other people with chemical sensitivities and/or lung issues who need an effective and easy-to-breath-through filter, I suggest pairing this respirator with the 3M Advanced Particulate Filter 2297 P100's. Of course it depends on what exposures you'll be around, but they have very low resistance and are supposed to help filter out organic fumes. Again, just a suggestion - do your research first.
Medium vs Small don't look much different outwardly, but definitely fit differently. The medium is perfect for my 5'11" heavyset husband. The small is perfect for little 5'2" me.
Pictures:
Inside of the small respirator, medium respirator on (more grey, with my hair pulled back - you can see it pressing on my cheekbones), and small respirator on (more beige, with my hair down - much better fit! I can smile with it keeping a good seal! =D).
Pros:
Super affordable and good quality
Fits great if you get the right size
The valves work fantastically!!
Very comfortable for hours
Cons:
Clips for adjusting the straps are a bit annoying
Whistles when exhaling for some filters (like 3M 2297's)
Might smell weird at first, but not necessarily
Ratings based on expectation for this type of product:
Filtration: 9/10 (semi arbitrary based on smell alone)
seal when worn comfortably: 7/10
seal when worn uncomfortably: 10/10
Comfort of mask when worn properly: 5/10
comfort of mask when worn loosely: 6 or 7 / 10
Comfort to sleep in: 6/10 (Back is fine, sides are fine if a pillow is propped under your ear.. you can't sleep on your stomach.)
Size of mask: 4/10 -- The elastic bands on this mask are too short for me. I'm 5/10 , 280#, stout (I regularly engage in sports) It applies too much pressure across the back of my neck which is painful, and that in turn applies too much pressure to the bridge of my nose.
Test Conditions: Hawaii, less than 50 miles from the exploding Kiluea, and downwind of it. Climate has been fairly cool for the area; mid to high 70s.
Most uncomfortable aspect:
The pressure on the nose bridge is notable, and quickly leads to aching. Even when the mask is worn high enough the outer bridge is touching the top of my eyebrows (as high as I can get it and maintain a seal), the inner fold of the masks pushes forcefully on that upper portion of the nose bridge which is sensitive to prolonged pressure. I'm not sure we have the materials to do much better at the moment, but this was the major issue for me.
Most Amusing Aspect:
When you sing in this mask, the check valve for the air intake (where the filters attach) vibrates audibly. This creates a plastic resonance to whatever you say/sing which is somewhat amusing.
Most annoying Aspect:
Ignoring the pain, this is a rubber/silicone material which is in constant contact with your face, and it creates an unpleasant moist contact/environment. This is likely unavoidable, though the bottom of the skirt folding back up several inches with no drainage points makes me a tad concerned sweat will pool here quite easily. I will likely test this theory this afternoon.
Update: Can't smell a shred of spray paint, despite practically swimming in it, with this and the organic vapor cartridges.
✫I went for a small per the 5"2 female reviewers experience with both small and large. I'm 5'3, 140lb.
✫ It feels secure in every area but the nose. The bridge of my nose is flat and I have a round/wide face with prominent cheek bones so perhaps that's the issue.
✫ When I cover the two air holes with my hand and breathe, it suctions around my face and becomes really hard to breathe. Nonetheless, it ultimately let's in a little air which is how I know it's not *completely* air tight.
✫When I first saw the straps I thought, "this is going to be a complicated mess". The reality was that it was quite easy. Place the respirator over your face and the harness straps over your head. Then, grab both ends of the horizontal straps and snap them together around the base of your head. Basically, if you can secure your bra from behind, you can do this.
✫While my husband has the full face version of this, it doesn't work with my glasses. This version bumps my glasses up but I can still wear them.
✫I went with the vapor/gas cartridge found here: 3M Low-Maintenance Multi Gas/Vapor Cartridge, For 6000 and 7000 Series Air Purifying Respirator (Pack of 2) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AEFCP0E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_S8OuAbEZZJTNK
✫I'm using E3600 glue and spray paint often enough that I realized I should try to mitigate some of the damage the fumes cause.
Worked wonders. My mom's house flooded in a hurricane and I bought these for us for clean up. Recommended by a friend who does hazard cleaning. They masked the smell of a fridge full of nasty, highly recommend.
This is a terrific respirator, worth way more than it's cost!! Review details toward bottom: My husband Clark Kent, has been mysteriously immune to all illnesses and injuries for his entire life (except those caused by Kryptonite). Therefore, he has always shrugged off personal protective equipment. In fact, it has been almost the ONLY cause of marital fights for over 25 years. Last month he was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis of the lungs and hearts. This is a mysterious illness that causes calcified growths in any organ it strikes. There are few treatments other than steroids and hoping it decides to stop before an organ transplant is necessary. He must ruthlessly protect his lungs from now on. Home improvement enthusiasts everywhere: they don't know what causes Sarcoidosis, but repeated exposures to drywall dust, sawdusts, etc. seem to increase your chances. Don't wait until you are 50 to protect your lungs!! ANYWAY: Clark really likes this respirator! He says it is VERY COMFORTABLE, and he says he is willing to wear it for all dust producing jobs. At the moment, he is wearing a very short goatee and he is still able to get it tightened with a seal. Our two teen sons (both with different face shapes), also tried it on, and were able to get good seals. Clark has a very narrow nose, Son #2 has a wide nose. This tells me me that it is highly adjustable, even if you don't get your size perfect. Son #1 took it to his Gunsmithing class and let them all try it on to figure out their size and they all bought one of their own in either a Med. or Large. (I cleaned it with a disinfectant clothe after!!) Buy one, your lungs will thank you, so will your partner!!
Feature Product
- This series combines comfort and convenience
- Comfortable soft, lightweight facepiece with easy-to-adjust head straps
- NIOSH approved for negative pressure air purifying and supplied air dual airline applications
- Can be disassembled, cleaned and reused
- Replaceable cartridges and filters allow reuse of facepiece for cost savings
Description
This half facepiece reusable respirator offers reliable and convenient respiratory protection and is suitable for many situations, helping provide protection against particulates and a wide variety of gases and vapors according to NIOSH approvals. Compatible and convenient respiratory protection. Half facepiece reusable respirator. Offers reliable, convenient respiratory protection when combined with particulate filters or cartridges (such as organic vapor/acid gas cartridges) or dual airline system. Comes with reclosable storage bag. When properly fitted, helps provide respiratory protection from a variety of gases, vapors and particulate hazards at concentrations up to 10 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL). Not for use in environments that are immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH). Connection type: bayonet. Facepiece type: half facepiece reusable. Harness type: 4 point. Primary material: thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Product type: half facepiece. Recommended application: chemical clean-up, chemical handling, chipping, chiseling, furnace operations, grinding, laboratories, machining, masonary, painting, pouring/casting, sanding, sawing, welding. Recommended industry: agriculture, automotive, chemicals, construction, general manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, primary metals, transportation. Size: large.
Should have bought one sooner. For years, I used the disposable dust masks for spray paint or varnishes and using a table saw. Really, they did not offer much protection but were just cheap. This mask actually with the right cartridges actually filters harmful vapor and micro particles. I no longer get solvent headaches or see paint and dust when I blow my nose. If the goal is to protect your health, this is a far better choice than disposable dust masks.
I don't use this mask for any professional or industrial work. I bought it so that I could tolerate the putrid smell while cleaning the cat litter. This mask along with a 3M 2097 P100 Particulate Filter does the job of filtering out any unpleasant smell in the air. Without the mask I actually ended up vomiting once while scooping the poop out of the litter, that's how bad it is. So to make the process much easier I decided to shield myself from the horrible smell of cat feces and buy this respirator. It works perfectly for my purpose. That's all that I use it for currently. If I ever end up doing something else that requires a respirator I'll put it to use for that too.
Make sure that the mask is tight enough on your face so that no outside air is able to get in. It doesn't have to be overly tight, the respirator is actually comfortable to wear, at least for short intervals. I've probably never had it on for longer than 10 minutes.
I paid $10.50 for the respirator and $7.55 for the particulate filter, not sure how long it will last but I've had no problems yet.
At $10 this is a durable and easy to fit respirator for occasional shop, yard, or garage work, 5 stars.
The Small Size, however, was TOO small for me at 5'6 140lbs, the next step up at Medium worked well.
My only caveat with these and why I mentioned occasional use, is that if you're ever going to be having a conversation with someone, or even just to shout something out, you have to remove the strap over your head, each time, in order to do so. 3M sells a quick-latch version that alleviates this problem effectively.
3M 6502QL Rugged Comfort Quick Latch Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator, Medium
Remodelling some condo's recently and was getting bothered using disposable paper nose filters. My protective eyewear kept getting foggy and breathing was becoming a bother. Got this 3M Respirator and it's a welcome addtion to my tool bag.
The LARGE size fits me perfect and I would regard my head a medium. If your 6 Ft tall or have a large head look for Extra Large.
Sealing is excellent and provides normal breathing motion. Working with drywall dust the whole day using this 3M product is not a concern. The straps are designed with comfort and stay comfortably in place.
Proper filter (for dusty conditions) to purchase is the 3M 2091 P100 Particulate Filter.
This respirator is excellent. It fits a medium woman's head, a large woman's head, and a medium dude's head just fine. You'll want to make sure you have a good seal, just like any other respirator, but it's comfortable to use for long periods of time thanks to the weight distribution of the straps.
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