Trend Air Stealth vs Elipse?

[Mark Jundanian]

I'm looking for some information/opinions on half mask respirators. I have a teenage nephew that is getting into wood turning. He's going to need respiratory protection. He does not have much money to spend, so this will need to come in under $100. Since he does not wear eyeglasses I feel the best solution is a half mask respirator.

I am primarily considering the Elipse vs. the Trend Air Stealth, and I'm wondering if anyone has had experience with either. I'm leaning away from the "canister" style respirators as I don't believe they will fit well under a face shield, but just going with paper N95's is a consideration.

 

[Michael Nathal]

I tried an elipse for size but it didn't fit my face - as I recall, the medium was too small, the large was too big or something like that. Then, I grew a beard and abandoned all those types of masks. I am considering a RZ mask for those times where I don't or can't wear my PAPR.

 

[Al Chavez]

I like the elipse. Very comfortable and I can wear it under my face shield. I have two or three now (unopened) because I could not find them during the first covid shutdowns. They were being reserved for medical staff as they are rated P100. Easy to disassemble and wash with mild soap before reassembly and the replacement filters are reasonably priced.

 

[Dave Fritz]

I tried an elipse for size but it didn't fit my face - as I recall, the medium was too small, the large was too big or something like that. Then, I grew a beard and abandoned all those types of masks. I am considering a RZ mask for those times where I don't or can't wear my PAPR.

Michael, I've been using the RZ mask but wonder if it's as effective as one with a HEPA filter in it? They say it filters down to .1 micron.

 

[Michael Nathal]

Michael, I've been using the RZ mask but wonder if it's as effective as one with a HEPA filter in it? They say it filters down to .1 micron.

It is rated as N95. Not quite the best but nothing to sneeze at. :mad:

 

[Mark Jundanian]

Or sneeze in.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

You know you won't get that image out of your head all day.

 

[Dean Center]

Mark, I use a 3M half face respirator under my ordinary 3M face shield (and no, I don't get a commission, or discount, from 3M).

The potential problem for a 12 year old face would be getting a good fit. Might have to use a smaller size than usual adult. They do make them, but the big box stores don't necessarily carry them. That said, my granddaughter used to work for Gibson guitar and was able to find a half face mask that would fit her small face at Home Depot.

 

[Mark Jundanian]

The Trend goes on sale next month for $15 and comes in two sizes so that's what I'm thinking of recommending.

 

[Dave Fritz]

It is rated as N95. Not quite the best but nothing to sneeze at. :mad:

I guess I don't understand micron size but their ad clearly states filters down to .1 micron. Isn't that about as good as you can get?

"RZ FILTERS​

According to latex particle challenge tests performed by the world renowned, Nelson Laboratories in Salt Lake City, RZ Mask filters 99.9% of all particulates to a size of .1 um for the F1, F2, and F3 filters."

Appreciate any help I can get here as I have asthma and don't want to take any chances.

 

[Mark Jundanian]

From the EPA website: HEPA removes 99.97% of particles 0.3 um in size.
And 0.3 um > 0.1 um.
So does somebody know different?

 

[Mark Jundanian]

From another website:

Respirator Rating Letter Class​

• N - Not oil resistant
• R - Resistant to oil
• P - Oil Proof

Respirator Rating Number Class​

• 95 - Removes 95% of all particles that are at least 0.3 microns in diameter
• 99 - Removes 99% of particles that are at least 0.3 microns in diameter
• 100 - Removes 99.97% of all particles that are 0.3 microns in diameter or larger. HE or HEPA quality filter.

 

[Michael Nathal]

Ok I reviewed the RZ website, they only say they "exceed the N95 standards" They never say they have a rating.
I also found this:
"RZ Masks are in the final phase for NIOSH testing and have not yet been approved. As this is a multiphase testing process, the filters have already been tested at Nelson Laboratories in Salt Lake City, UT and tested at 99.9% efficiency against particulates down to .1 microns is size. Official Test Results are available at any of the product pages at rzmask.com. Just click on "Filter Test Results" to view them. RZ Mask will be sure to announce their approval when it is achieved."

 

[Charles Cadenhead]

I owe 2 Elipse respirators, one for my son and one for me, I've had them for about 6 years and I've been happy with them. They fit (barely) under my face shields. The filters are a little tricky to pop in but they aren't that hard, it takes a few minutes. The filters aren't cheap, compared to the price of the mask, but as a hobby turner I only need to replace them every few months and now that run on masks is over you can find them in stock again.

 

[Randy Anderson]

I have a Trend Stealth and have been very pleased with it. A side note, the elastic bands began to not be at stretchy after a while, sweat and use I guess. I couldn't find any way to buy a new set so I contacted Trend. They sent me a new set of straps and clips at no charge. I put new filters on my Christmas list for my kids to get for me.