Best Respirators

Review & Comparison, Last Update August 31, 2024
If you do a lot of painting projects, plaster and polish different surfaces on a regular basis, wearing a respirator is a must. These ...Read more
PROS
The respirator is designed with heavy-duty adjustable straps that won't stretch or wear out over time.
CONS
A bit heavy.
OUR VERDICT
The full face mask guarantees 100% protection when worn even in some severe conditions, so it will protect your eyes and lungs in a wide range of projects, for sure.
detailed parameters
TYPE
Full face
SIZE
Medium/Large
BEST FOR
Spray painting
CLASSIFICATION
P95
SHIELD COVER
Yes
WARRANTY
Amazon's 30-day return policy
PROS
The patented flexible facepiece guarantees tighter fit and ensures both great protection and comfortable wearing.
CONS
Plastic clasps seem to be not reliable.
OUR VERDICT
The best choice for people who are looking for a respirator that will provide maximal protection while working with different sprays.
detailed parameters
TYPE
Half mask
SIZE
Adjustable
BEST FOR
Different sprays
CLASSIFICATION
P100
SHIELD COVER
No
WARRANTY
1 year
PROS
GVS Elipse respirator is designed with a one-way valve that reduces breathing resistance and moisture buildup inside the mask.
CONS
Some owners claim that the mask doesn't protect them properly from gas vapors.
OUR VERDICT
Owing to the masks compact size and low-profile design it is suitable for people who wear glasses and women, since female have anatomically smaller head if compared to male.
detailed parameters
TYPE
Half mask
SIZE
Small/Medium
BEST FOR
Different sprays
CLASSIFICATION
P100
SHIELD COVER
No
WARRANTY
Amazon's 30-day return policy
PROS
Designed with a silicon skirt the respirator ensures a snug fit to a user's face and guarantees longer service life.
CONS
Several users found the respirator too tight in the chin area.
OUR VERDICT
Since the respirator features 95% protection it is suitable for projects that don't involve lots of dust. Thus, you can fearlessly wear it while painting, spray painting or working with fiberglass.
detailed parameters
TYPE
Full face
SIZE
Medium
BEST FOR
Spray painting
CLASSIFICATION
N95
SHIELD COVER
Yes
WARRANTY
3 years
PROS
The air mask is designed with the branded 3M™ Cool Flow™ valve that reduces heat build-up inside the respirator and ensures fog and moisture-free working conditions.
CONS
The elastic straps don't always offer a snug fit.
OUR VERDICT
3M dust mask is the best respirator for lungs protection while grinding, sanding, sawing or performing some other woodworking projects.
detailed parameters
TYPE
Disposable dust mask
SIZE
Adjustable
BEST FOR
Works that involve a lot of dust
CLASSIFICATION
N95
SHIELD COVER
No
WARRANTY
Amazon's 30-day return policy

The Respirator for Complete Protection

3M 7162 respirator is one of the most prominent representatives of protective air masks available on the market. It provides 100% protection of your respiratory tract when working with enamel, lacquer, and even pesticides. But what's more important, 3M air mask has got a face shield cover to protect your eyes from different particles and fumes. The respirator will also come in handy when working in heavy smoke conditions. The air mask provides a comfortable and tight fit on a face until you take it off which means there's no chance dust or any other harmful particles may slip through the mask while you work. All filters and cartridges are replaced and so, the mask can serve you for many years to come. You may wonder when it's the right time to replace the filter. Well, here are some unwritten rules any user should follow to change it in time. You can either follow your own schedule depending on the working conditions and contaminant concentration or the smell inside the mask. Everyone should take precaution against harmful impact of construction dust and wear not only mask but also some protective outfit.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $208.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B0002STR86

Hazardous and Noxious Substances Opposition

The most important thing about Safety Works respirator is that it meets the US standards P100 Class, and OSHA and NIOSH requirements. Hence, it is capable of catching almost 100% of toxic dust when using different sprays. We should note that Multi-purpose respirator has a pretty thought through design with the patented flexible facepiece. It fits tightly on a face and guarantees inimitable protection while adjustable straps offer you an ability to fasten the mask properly for comfortable wearing. The strips are quite elastic but still really durable, so you don't have to worry that the strain will break them. Those, who have already purchased Safety Works respirator note that it fits great on the nose area and doesn't make it sore even after several hours of use. What's more, the low profile cartridges neither obstruct your view nor affect operation. However, the mask is designed without a face shield so you will have to opt for protective glasses. Moreover, we'd also recommend you to consider purchasing protective hood and gloves in order to ensure full body protection. Wearing a full gear, you can work with ammonia, lead, fiberglass, pesticides, and hazardous substances fearlessly.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $38.48
Stock In stock
ASIN B00009363G

VIDEO

Simple Respirator for Perfect Protection

GVS Elipse respirator is an ultra-compact item that offers high protection level. Owing to its small size and low profile design, Elipse half-mask is a perfect choice for people who wear glasses since it doesn't obstruct user's view. The mask is made of hypoallergic thermoplastic elastomer (latex and silicon free) and comes in 2 sizes. Additionally, it has adjustable straps and so, will suit literally all users. Elipse respirator perfectly contours face and ensures comfortable fit. The other thing that we liked about GVS Elipse respirator is that it comes fitted with replaceable filters which means it can be used easily in a long while. Add to that a one-way exhale valve that reduces moisture buildup and breathing resistance inside the mask, and you'll get an excellent face and lungs protection under Elipse brand. 

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B013SIIBME

VIDEO

Durable and Reliable

SAS Safety 7650-61 full-face mask is designed for maximum protection since it protects both your respiratory tract and eyes thanks to the shield cover. So, if you are painting, spray painting, working with fiberglass or processing pulverous surfaces, wearing SAS Safety respirator is a must. The shield is made of polycarbonate and wrapped in a scratch-resistant coating to extend the service life of the glass. However, if you ever happen to damage it, the glass can be replaced easily too. SAS Safety 7650-61 full-face mask features a 5-point head strap and a silicon skirt to fit all users and provide maximum protection against fine hazardous particles. The nice thing about this face mask is it's also got a nose cup that prevents fogging, so you can work comfortably for long hours with the glass dry and clean. Besides mask, it's important to wear other protective equipment. If you haven't got a suitable outfit just yet, opt for eye, hand, hearing protectors and a protection coverall. As the saying goes "forewarned is forearmed".

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B000F0879Q

Dust Won't Get In

3M N95 Particulate Respirator belongs to a disposable type of filter masks. Regardless the fact that it has quite a simple design we were still surprised by some of its engineering solutions. The mask features the branded 3M™ Cool Flow™ valve owing to which the moisture buildup, breathing resistance and fogging are unlikely to ever happen. It's also got an innovative M-shaped nose clip to fit comfortably the nose area and put less pressure on face while in use.  For us, this means, that wearing it during long-term projects is incredibly comfortable. Since it's got no complex fastening design, it's easy to put in on face strapping it around the ears and of course, it's easy to take it off when you need for example to answer your phone. Despite all simplicity, 3M N95 Particulate Respirator provides excellent protection and keeps all dust away from your face. The only downside of the model is that it doesn't provide eye protection and should be worn together with protective goggles.  

Additional Info

User Manual

Last updated price $27.99
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B0002YKBV2

VIDEO

What is a Respirator

Household and garden projects frequently involve harmful toxins and chemical gas emissions, not to mention dust, fumes or vapors. Almost every person has ever painted or polished walls for their further processing and knows first hand how dangerous it can be to breathe in airborne contaminants. The question is, how many people take precaution against it and wear a respirator? A respirator is a unique mask wearing which can protect human's lungs and eyes from many harmful contaminations. Originally air masks were designed for use in industrial, medicine, and military industries, however, today they can be found in almost every household and are used for many different purposes. In our review we've picked some of the most popular respirators so you can choose a suitable one for your needs and projects. In case you've recently started repair works, you may also find our reviews on jig saws and sanders useful.

Sources:

1. Julie Day How to Choose a Respirator or Dust Mask, Today's Homeowner.

2. Respirator Selection Guide, GEMPLER'S.

3. Respirator, Wikipedia. November 7, 2016.

4. Respirator Selection, CCOHS.

5. Respiratory Protection Buying Guide, Menards.

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