Best Dust Masks for Woodworking

Trend STEALTH/ML APF10 does not mess around. No, this mask guarantees that you'll be protected from dust (including silica dust), fumes, airborne particles, concrete, mist, welds, and plaster. To a large extent, the mask can do that owing to its twin HEPAC pleated filters that are housed behind the hinged grills, protecting the grills from moisture and different particles with an increased surface area (offering low breathing resistance).

Construction-wise, the only issue here is that, despite claiming that the filters are easily replaceable, we would say that removing and inserting them is not as hassle-free as you would expect from the claim. On the upside, there are no issues with the bottom-positioned exhalation valve, accommodating bespectacled users by ensuring that the spectacles will not be misting or fogging up. The last stop before wrapping the mask up is the integral sample port and plug that enable non-destructive face fitting.

All things considered (counting the fact that the model weighs ~7 ounces), the Trend STEALTH/ML APF10 will fit jobsites, workshops, and home use alike. Wearing this face mask for dust, you can work with wood knowing that you're 100% safe from harm (aside from the harm that's not airborne).

The NASUM 308 is almost as impressive as the mask above and, considering the package, is an even more attractive product, at least to some customers. To name a few, the customers without safety glasses and earplugs should find this package quite appealing cost-wise.

But, again, the mask is nothing to sneeze at as well, with the sealing edge made from a high-strength silicone mixture that hugs the face without squeezing it and remains comfortable without getting stuffy with time. As always, the adjustable headband will let you customize the fit so that the maks does not strangle you but also does not feel loose. There's a slight chemical smell to the mask initially but it will not last.

Still, the mask is alright, but the glasses are not bad either. The anti-fog treatment will prevent even the tiniest substances from getting inside. The lenses boast excellent anti-smudge properties. What's more, the scratch-resistant coating will be able to protect the lenses down the road.

Bottom line, the package fits sawing and demolishing work as much as grinding and renovation work. Using the 'plugs, safety glasses, and this dust mask, even the most dangerous applications and the most demanding workloads become a cakewalk.

The 3M 6300/07026 Reusable Respirator Mask protects from most particles and fumes, including lead dust.

Its most attractive quality though is the adjustable 4-way harness system, customizing the fit so that the mask grips the face without suffocating you. The second most attractive quality is the product's low-maintenance construction, so you can share the mask with multiple people without wasting precious time cleaning it up. The third standout feature is that the model weighs less than 5 ounces, which's quite impressive considering that most dust masks usually weigh around 15 ounces. As you can imagine, the reduced weight will let you work without experiencing noticeable fatigue due to the mask.

What we're not so crazy about though is that the package doesn't include cartridges with filters, an unfortunate oversight since most models usually come with them. But we're willing to forgive the oversight considering that the mask is made primarily from high-strength TPE, making the model soft, stretchable, almost immune to extreme temperature fluctuations, and more durable than most plastic analogs.

In short, when longevity is paramount, we would recommend choosing the 3M 6300/07026 Reusable Respirator Mask route.

The NASUM M101 is not necessarily that different from the NASUM 308, the mask that we have reviewed before. The biggest difference between the two products is that the 308 package also sends you safety glasses and earplugs, whereas this one does not. But, with a partially different construction, this mask makes replacing the filters a much less strenuous task. Also, replacement filters cost practically nothing.

On a less positive note, when worn with safety glasses, this model can cause the glasses to fog up, something that cannot be said about the NASUM 308. We believe that this mask is more attractive though but, needless to say, this is subjective.

What's not subjective is that the flow valve on this one is better at dissipating heat and moisture, so the mask does not start feeling stuffy during prolonged use. What's also not subjective is that the wearing angle can be adjusted 'till you feel comfortable, creating a tight seal.

To sum up, the NASUM M101 will prove suitable for people who work in cement and ceramics factories, certain power plants, shipyards, whose work involves sawdust, metal smelting, polishing, wood and stone processing, graffiti painting, powder processing, wall art, and more.

The NASUM M301 is a good dust mask when compared against most models on the market today but not quite as good as the two NASUM masks that we have added above. The biggest problem with this one is that the straps are not as durable as the company's straps usually are, so we would recommend exercising caution and not stretching them excessively.

Apart from that, the mask does not trail behind its relatives, including the food-grade silicone sealing that will not cause redness and irritations even when worn by people with sensitive skin. Of course, the mask will also not absorb smells. To add more, the ergonomic sealing will not be leaving marks on the nose bridge.

Moving on, besides the aforementioned silicone sealing, the model is made from soft plastic and polyester, with the former being easy on the skin and pleasant the touch, while the latter protects the mask from the elements. The exhalation valve on this mask is as good at heat and moisture dissipation, enabling comfortable long-term use.

In closing, as long as you avoid jerking around the straps, the NASUM M301 is a perfectly adequate dust mask for woodworking. Setting aside woodworking, the mask will also accommodate soldering, railway work, fabrication projects machining, you name the task.