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Positive Airflow Facemask

Tony Giroux

Tony Giroux

Joined
Jun 2, 2010
Messages
10
Likes
4
Location
Waynesboro, PA
As I have developed COPD, I'm forced to wear a dust mask for all my wood shop activities. When I'm turning, they tend to fog up my facemasks, goggles, and even my safety glasses. I know there are face masks with fans that keep a positive air flow, but the ones I've read about on the web have some terrible reviews, so I'm wondering if they're just expensive gadgets. Is anyone using one that they really recommend?
 
I had a friend who has neck issues and he could not wear a standard mask with fan. He opted for a medical type which was a fabric head cover. I have also heard of using old CPAP machines, but they need to be plugged in. Not much help, but others will chime in.

robo hippy
 
I have been happy with my Trend Airshield - It was a pricey investment, but after several more months of saving up for it (after I got my new Jet) I finally bit the bullet and got it on Amazon (On payments) and it is wonderful- I use it for more than just turning - Also useful when doing flatwork (dust from table saw, dust from sanding, dust from sweeping up shop, etc) Although it is a bit of extra weight on the head, which takes a little getting used to, it isn't too bad. Dust masks do nothing for me (not with a full beard)
 
There are basically 2 varieties of Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR). Those with the fan & batteries on your head, and those with fan and batteries in a fanny-pack. There are some variants, like fan-on-head and batteries on your belt.

I use a fanny-pack style from Peke Safety (CleanAir). I had neck issues (have since had cervical fusion), and didn't want extra weight on my head - doesn't bother some people but would be a problem for me. The other thing I like about the CleanAir is the headgear is a Uvex Bionic face shield - so the same as my normal face shield and replacement lenses are easy to come by. It's not just a gadget - it really does help.

There are other brands - 3M, Trend, etc. You can get them with hoods around your shoulders and with a helmet rather than face shield, etc - lots of options. Make sure whatever you end up with has good filtration, and is rated ANSI Z87+ (High Impact) or equivalent. And make sure it'll work over a beard, glasses, etc - whatever else you normally wear. Also note that filtration for dust is not the same as vapors.

Prices for anything you get are not cheap, until you compare them to the potential co-pay at your pulmonologist or thoracic surgeon.
 
I have this one made by Miller welding as a grinding face mask papr. 500 hours before you have to change the hepa filter it also gives a warning when the pre-filter is clogged with dust.
bakersgas.com

Miller Face Shield PAPR - 288356

Utilizing a high efficiency HEPA air filter and a battery life up to 10 hours, this system allows the operator to stay protected and productive all day.
bakersgas.com bakersgas.com
 
I have used a 3M Airshield, with fan in helmet and battery elsewhere, found it too heavy for my neck, and wore it infrequently. Recently, I bought the Peke Safety (clean air) which Dave mentions and find it much easier to wear. The head harness adjustments are many and I'm having trouble getting that part just right, but even with it fitting imperfectly, there's no fogging and it's comfortable to wear. In fact, on the lowest air flow setting, it blows enough air to be a little cold, until the shop has warmed up. I believe one of the adjustments is the precise direction the air comes into the helmet--allowing you to direct it right against the inside of the face shield, if you want. When the Czech company that makes them got the maximum ANSI impact certification, I made the leap to the new system. About half the manufacturer suggested cost of the 3M Versaflow, and only a little above half of Sundstrom.
 
I have a trend airshield, because that's what was easily available to me. If I don't use it for a long time it takes a bit to get used to the weight again. The filters are overpriced for what they are, and how long they last, and it uses a pretty sad Nimh battery that just bit the dust even though it's only a couple of years old. When it works it does the job it's supposed to. There are a few other options, but I have no experience with them.
 
robo hippy said:
I had a friend who has neck issues and he could not wear a standard mask with fan. He opted for a medical type which was a fabric head cover. I have also heard of using old CPAP machines, but they need to be plugged in. Not much help, but others will chime in.

robo hippy
Click to expand...
The medical version of the 3M VersaFlo (fabric hood, model TR-300 N+ ECK) is usually easy to find on the online auction site. Relatively inexpensive, and if you want the helmet later it will interchange with the rest of the medical kit. That's how i assembled mine--the 300 N+ and found a deal on the helmet later.
 
Some quick, perhaps random thoughts.
Since you are already fighting COPD I suggest cost may be a secondary concern, cause the best products are not cheap. You definitely want to consider the filter rating of the PAPR, they're not all the same. N-95 is good, P-100 or HEPA are better. Sundstrum and Peke products are both good and easier to source than some others. I prefer the fan on my fanny type, but Peke has a head mount choice, too. A feature of my Sundstum that I like is that the face mask tilts up, so I don't always have to remove it. Consider what you will do for hearing protection, too. The earmuffs I used to use don't fit over the helmet, and I could never get the foam earplugs to work for me. I ended up buying noise cancelling earbuds (a further expense). When you buy your PAPR, I suggest you also purchase a replacement set of filters to have on hand.
 
I have a Trend airshield I use mostly for initial turning/removing lots of wood, I like the *hard hat* build. I've blown-up a couple pieces that bounced off the shield/helmet and was very happy to have one on. (Which also tends to enforce the saying, stay OUT of the line of fire...) It is heavy so I only use it when I'm removing lots of wood. For light turning and sanding, I use a Peke system with battery on waist belt.
 
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Delbert Goff said:
I use the Powercap from Peke Safety. Overall, I am pleased with it. I can put it on and take if off very quickly and I use it every time that I am at the lathe. My only complaint is the noise from the fan motor; however, most of the time I do not notice it.
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I am looking into this one. Strongly considering it, as I am an asthmatic and need to deal with the dust issue.
 
Tony Giroux said:
As I have developed COPD, I'm forced to wear a dust mask for all my wood shop activities. When I'm turning, they tend to fog up my facemasks, goggles, and even my safety glasses. I know there are face masks with fans that keep a positive air flow, but the ones I've read about on the web have some terrible reviews, so I'm wondering if they're just expensive gadgets. Is anyone using one that they really recommend?
Click to expand...
i got a Trend Airshield and could not be happier with it yes, its spendy. but spendy vs not being able to turn? its cheap
 
I used a Powercap from Peke Safety until I found out that the filter is only rated about the same as an N95 mask. Switched to a 3M Versaflo system with a HEPA rated filter, but the weight of the standard impact rated helmet bothered my neck (Dave Landers and I have similar neck issues). I discovered that 3M makes a similar helmet for medical use that's about 1/2 pound lighter because the helmet portion isn't impact rated, while the visor still is. That did the trick for me and I've been happy with it ever since. I bought the system piece by piece on that auction site and saved some money, but it was still well over $500. Best investment in turning gear I've made! I've even worn it on my lawn tractor when conditions are dry & dusty. My neighbors already consider me a whack job, so why not?
 
Tony Giroux said:
As I have developed COPD, I'm forced to wear a dust mask for all my wood shop activities. When I'm turning, they tend to fog up my facemasks, goggles, and even my safety glasses. I know there are face masks with fans that keep a positive air flow, but the ones I've read about on the web have some terrible reviews, so I'm wondering if they're just expensive gadgets. Is anyone using one that they really recommend?
Click to expand...
I'm a Powercap guy as well. Just couldn't pull the trigger on the Versaflo and tried a power cap on at the Chattanooga symposium. They had a deal somewhere in the area of $600 and shipped it to me for free. I've been very happy with it. It keeps the dust out of my nose and works with a full beard and safety glasses. As a previous comment said it's really just an N95 but that's all I needed. It came with some replaceable face shield covers and filters and I've been using it consistently for years.
 
Just my two cents but don’t let cost alone guide your choice. If you go cheap and then chuck it on a shelf to collect dust it’s not doing you any good.

My priorities were:
Comfort-light weight hood with a good fitting easy to adjust headset.
Harness and not just a belt to support the battery/blower/filter
Air hose entry on both sides and not just the top or one side. (So my heads not pulled back or to one side)
Long lasting filters that are available from multiple sources
Battery that lasts 8+ hours
Easy to replace face shields also available from multiple sources.

I would buy Miller again.
 
I also have the Peke Safety Powercap and am very pleased. I was skeptical at first, but found a dust mask under a Uvex Bionic face shield to be very cumbersome, which stopped me from putting the dust mask on a lot of times. I got used to the Powercap after a few turning sessions and don't feel much of an impact from the weight of the unit on my head at all. Where I am usually reminded of it is when I bend over to pick something up from under the lathe, or lean in to look closely at my work and bump my light b/c I forget I have a few extra inches of clearance on top.

Because it's a face shield and lung protection in a single unit, I find myself putting it on much more often, and I notice a positive difference in my throat and nose at the end of day as well. Minor noise from the fan, but I often turn with in-ear headphones anyway, so I don't notice that much. I chose the Powercap over the Trend b/c it uses lithium-ion batteries, which seemed like a lighter & more efficient battery tech compared to the Ni-MH batteries that the Trend uses.
 
Josh Mandell said:
I also have the Peke Safety Powercap and am very pleased. I was skeptical at first, but found a dust mask under a Uvex Bionic face shield to be very cumbersome, which stopped me from putting the dust mask on a lot of times. I got used to the Powercap after a few turning sessions and don't feel much of an impact from the weight of the unit on my head at all. Where I am usually reminded of it is when I bend over to pick something up from under the lathe, or lean in to look closely at my work and bump my light b/c I forget I have a few extra inches of clearance on top.

Because it's a face shield and lung protection in a single unit, I find myself putting it on much more often, and I notice a positive difference in my throat and nose at the end of day as well. Minor noise from the fan, but I often turn with in-ear headphones anyway, so I don't notice that much. I chose the Powercap over the Trend b/c it uses lithium-ion batteries, which seemed like a lighter & more efficient battery tech compared to the Ni-MH batteries that the Trend uses.
Click to expand...
Being a new turner that hasn't dove into one of these types of units yet, this is valuable information. I know that saving up to buy one of these types of face shield respirator combinations is in my future for sure though.

Gregory
 
Gregory Hickman said:
Being a new turner that hasn't dove into one of these types of units yet, this is valuable information. I know that saving up to buy one of these types of face shield respirator combinations is in my future for sure though.

Gregory
Click to expand...
You can be quite safe with a face shield and a half face mask respirator. Total cost <$80. Hassle free, maybe not, but safe.
 
Dean Center said:
You can be quite safe with a face shield and a half face mask respirator. Total cost <$80. Hassle free, maybe not, but safe.
Click to expand...
I believe my issue is going to be good sealing. I've heard that getting adequate sealing with a full beard can be challenging. Hence the idea of looking at one of these systems.
 
Gregory Hickman said:
I believe my issue is going to be good sealing. I've heard that getting adequate sealing with a full beard can be challenging. Hence the idea of looking at one of these systems.
Click to expand...
Yep that is why I got the Trend shield (finally, after 2 years of saving and doing without - Every possible dust mask I had tried just did nothing as they won't seal with a full beard)
 
Brian Gustin said:
Yep that is why I got the Trend shield (finally, after 2 years of saving and doing without - Every possible dust mask I had tried just did nothing as they won't seal with a full beard)
Click to expand...
Thanks for the confirmation. It will save me money in the long run. How to like the Trend (this was the one I was looking at)?
 
Thanks to those of you who have contributed to this thread. Last night I got to try out the Peke Safety Powercap that I was fortunate to afford. Very positive experience - not to heavy, actually less noise than I expected as I could still hear the music I had on in the background, the cool air felt great and vision was good. While not as simple to plunk on like my previous face shield, it was simpler the put on that using two hands I had little problems getting it in place. Found myself keeping it on while doing other tasks related to the turning a hand. The prefilter definitely showed evidence of its effective work. FYI - It works well with my current full face beard.
 
Gregory Hickman said:
Thanks for the confirmation. It will save me money in the long run. How to like the Trend (this was the one I was looking at)?
Click to expand...
Well I am pleased with it. I have neck/spinal problems too, but unlike others have mentioned, the extra weight isn't all that noticeable - But then since I've gotten it I have not had a whole lot of lathe time (other projects and real life get in the way) - However, It works beautifully, it seals well, and I can finally work through some very dusty work (sanding, etc) without having to take a break and let the shop air clear out (via my Wen Air scrubber filter) It took a little bit of getting used to at first, but by the time I finished my first turning and started a second, I could barely tell it was there (Wasn't getting fogged visor, etc that I used to get with just the face shield) Don't know if it was the one you were looking at but this is what I got : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002Q0Y5IU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
 
Brian Gustin said:
Well I am pleased with it. I have neck/spinal problems too, but unlike others have mentioned, the extra weight isn't all that noticeable - But then since I've gotten it I have not had a whole lot of lathe time (other projects and real life get in the way) - However, It works beautifully, it seals well, and I can finally work through some very dusty work (sanding, etc) without having to take a break and let the shop air clear out (via my Wen Air scrubber filter) It took a little bit of getting used to at first, but by the time I finished my first turning and started a second, I could barely tell it was there (Wasn't getting fogged visor, etc that I used to get with just the face shield) Don't know if it was the one you were looking at but this is what I got : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002Q0Y5IU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
Click to expand...
I was looking at that exact unit, but with an extra battery and charger for $40 dollars more. I don't ever see needing 16 hours of go juice, but I can see myself forgetting to charge if I only had one battery. So a spare would guarantee i have at least one charged at all times.
 
I thought about an extra battery, but then I made a holder rack for it (Similar to a wig stand) but mounts on a wall next to charger, so I am kind of in the habit on all my batteries (even my half dozen Makita LXT) that I'll check charge level *after* use and recharge if it is down to 1/2 or less. so I never really think about running out of battery.
 
In addition to beards, one other issue with half masks is eyeglasses. Most half masks will lift the nose piece of the glasses. If you have progressive lens or bifocals your focus gets out of wack.
 
Dean Center said:
You can be quite safe with a face shield and a half face mask respirator. Total cost <$80. Hassle free, maybe not, but safe.
Click to expand...

Unless you live in a humid environment. My faceshield fogs up to the point I can't see through it. I don't yet have a PAPR system but it's at the top of my list.
 
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