Face mask recommendation

[ab12]

Can you please provide any recommendations for face mask when working in very  dusty atmospheres e.g. when taking down old plaster or generally working in old houses doing clean ups etc

 

Ideally looking for something which allows for ventilation at the same time e.g. with some sort of respirator.

 

Looking for something that's going to last and doesn't need replacing every few days.

 

Much appreciated

https://www.powertoolsdirect.com/dewalt-respiration-p3-half-mask-respirator-large-dxir1hmlp3?_gl=1*146yk5b*_up*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqLvp1-HCjAMVR49QBh0J2iLmEAQYAyABEgKB4fD_BwE
Is this any good? 

Will this be needing filter replacement often?

[nod]

  On 06/04/2025 at 07:47, ab12 said:

Can you please provide any recommendations for face mask when working in very  dusty atmospheres e.g. when taking down old plaster or generally working in old houses doing clean ups etc

 

Ideally looking for something which allows for ventilation at the same time e.g. with some sort of respirator.

 

Looking for something that's going to last and doesn't need replacing every few days.

 

Much appreciated

https://www.powertoolsdirect.com/dewalt-respiration-p3-half-mask-respirator-large-dxir1hmlp3?_gl=1*146yk5b*_up*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqLvp1-HCjAMVR49QBh0J2iLmEAQYAyABEgKB4fD_BwE
Is this any good? 

Will this be needing filter replacement often?

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Most of the sites insist on us using these for cutting and mixing plaster 

Rechargeable Charge lasts for months 

Pick them up for about £150

[Beau]

I either use the 3M Aura with valve or the Mouldex ones which are more pricey but hold their shape better. What matters most is that whatever you buy fits you. We all have different shaped faces so no point having the best filter system only to have all the air get in around the side. Been taking down lath and plaster ceilings recently and both these masks were up to job for me 

Edited April 6 by Beau

[G and J]

Crumbs, I’m v poor in comparison.  I just use the disposable FFP3 ones with the little valve in, plus goggles.  After a while I start to forget I’ve got one on. 

[Mike]

I've used the 3M 6200 half mask for years - not sure if this is my 2nd or 3rd (the others wore out) - similar to the Dewalt one. I used a couple of other brands in the past, but ended up throwing them because their proprietary filters became unavailable. That's not been a problem with 3M.

 

For dust, I use the 2135 filters; a pack of 10 pairs will last me for months or longer, depending on the dust levels.

 

Edited April 6 by Mike

[nod]

  On 06/04/2025 at 12:29, Mike said:

I've used the 3M 6200 half mask for years - not sure if this is my 2nd or 3rd (the others wore out) - similar to the Dewalt one. I used a couple of other brands in the past, but ended up throwing them because their proprietary filters became unavailable. That's not been a problem with 3M.

 

For dust, I use the 2135 filters; a pack of 10 pairs will last me for months or longer, depending on the dust levels.

 

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Clean shaven for 3M according to HSE 

Though my lad has a spray shop and that’s all he uses 

[G and J]

Stubble undermines the seal on the disposable ones too.

[Tony L]

  On 06/04/2025 at 09:27, nod said:

Pick them up for about £150

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Are you sure?  I've just had a quick look & other than second hand, they're all more than £300.

[nod]

  On 06/04/2025 at 17:21, Tony L said:

 

Are you sure?  I've just had a quick look & other than second hand, they're all more than £300.

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Yeah

I bought a handful off a guy on eBay 

West Midlands 

[BadgerBodger]

For most, if you’re clean shaven or even if you're not but your chosen style sits entirely within the skin to mask contact area without fouling the seal you’d pass a face fit test. 
 

If you were doing a face fit test you’d likely find that different disposable masks have vastly different fits and qualities which would result in a pass/fail which changes for individuals based on their face shape etc. 

 

My experience is that a rubber half mask see far fewer failures in testing and in practice is easier to use, getting a good seal. 
 

I really like the force 8 press to check system as it’s great for checking each time you put it on that you’ve got a good seal. Essentially you squeeze/close the filters and breath in to check if a vacuum is created, any air sucking in around the nose or chin means you can adjust the mask position, tightness etc. and then recheck. When I was doing fit testing I never had one fail after showing the user how to fit and put it on correctly. 
 

If you’re working in a really dusty environment another indicator is after use, if you have any specific lines of grime within the mask area, it’s not working properly. 
 

Next step up is forced air. On site we never really use them unless we’re looking at someone who can’t shave or we’re starting to look at confined spaces which is a whole different ball game. 
 

Ultimately you have to ask, is this a token gesture or do you want it to actually work. If the latter get a rubber half mask and if possible, find some way  of checking the fit or a the very least, be observant. 

[Beau]

  On 06/04/2025 at 19:21, BadgerBodger said:

 

If you’re working in a really dusty environment another indicator is after use, if you have any specific lines of grime within the mask area, it’s not working properly. 

 

 

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This is how I've narrowed down the disposable masks to use. I make charcoal as well and charcoal dust creeping inside a mask is very easy to spot

Edited April 7 by Beau