Best respirator
 

Hello everyone, what's the best respirator mask for silvers and powders? N100? Which type? Thanks.

AN N100 cartridge gives better protection than a P95 cartridge. I use an MSA Comfo Classic dual cartridge respirator with their LowRider (Thin profile) cartridges. It is fairly expensive since it is an industrial respirator. The thin cartridges weigh less and don't obstruct your view quite as much as the standard cartridges. No respirator is truly comfortable for very long. Several points to be aware of: (1) You should never mix different brands of respirators and cartridges. They will not fit well. (2) Learn how to perform a respirator fit test to ensure it is not leaking. (3) If you have breathing or heart issues, you should not use a respirator without talking to you doctor. For occupational use, OSHA requires that employees get a pulmonary function test before they can use a respirator.

Thanks!

I will add that respirators should be the "second line of defense" after the action of a high volume ventilation system.

If you don't have really good ventilation then the particles that respirator is keeping out of you lungs for the moment will land on your tools, workbench and glass and will eventually wind up on your hands and that will lead to ingestion either from disturbed dust lofting back into the air or in your next meal.

Oh yes, I have a really great ventilation system and fume cabinet. Thank you for bringing it up though. I know there are people out there reading these posts that might not realize the importance of a good ventilation system with adequate clean replacement air. :)