Dust mask usage

[AchingBack]

Most of the time I have been wearing a dust mask while operating my tractor. I researched and bought the I Can Breathe, brand. It is made of silk, and comes with replaceable carbon filters. I think it does a very good job of filtering dust, and it cuts down on the diesel exhaust, which can be nauseating at times.

Here is the problem though. I can't keep from fogging up my glasses. I am sure others have this problem while wearing a mask of bandana. It gets tough seeing what you are doing, and makes for dangerous operating.

Not wearing a mask has to be a severe health hazard. Just look at all of the dust that come out of your tractor's air filter when blowing it out with air. I got an unbelieveable amount out of mine today. I can't imagine what the inside of my lungs would look like without the mask.

Anyone out there who has successfully tackled this problem, let us know.

 

[midlf]

My experience is that if my glasses are fogging, the mask seal around the bridge of my nose is not sealing correctly and needs to be adjusted.

 

[Egon]

Not all dust masks are created equally. I wear glasses and use a mask when woodworking. There is no problem with sealing and fogging glasses. Another factor to consider is the shape of your face. Some masks may be more compatible than others.

Pic of the mask I use.

 

[Dusty]

Try treating your glasses with one of the products that they make for keeping car windows from fogging.... Dusty

 

[IslandTractor]

My experience is that if my glasses are fogging, the mask seal around the bridge of my nose is not sealing correctly and needs to be adjusted.

What he said. Also, if your mask is not fitting well enough to prevent fogging, you are probably also breathing unfiltered air that comes in the same way. Unfortunately, with the exception of powered respirators, wearing a well fitting mask is inherently an uncomfortable experience. You have to press it to your face hard enough that there are no air leaks and you need to breathe against all the resistance of the filter. Finally, most of the paper N95 style masks become saturated with moisture from your breath within half an hour and need to be changed.

 

[Soundguy]

You can get N95 with exhaust valves.. they help a bunch.

For those just looking for nuisance dust protection, you can get masks that are easier to breath thru.. etc.

Soundguy

 

[dmccarty]

AchingBack,

I wear a nice mask with filters during the spring when the pollon is so bad. I bought the filter for $25-30 a couple of years ago at ACE. The filters are replaceable and handle some nasty chemicals as well. I bought it when I was rebuilding two bathrooms that had some mold. The mask worked great.

One thing I quickly noticed is that the N95 masks are pretty useless compared to a good mask. I could work HARD with the ACE mask while the N95 really restricted my breathing. Even getting on and off the tractor is a chore with an N95. Not so with the ACE mask.

I might look funny running the tractor with the mask but I don't cough goo out of my lungs for 24 hours after working.

Later,
Dan

 

[AchingBack]

AchingBack,

I wear a nice mask with filters during the spring when the pollon is so bad. I bought the filter for $25-30 a couple of years ago at ACE. The filters are replaceable and handle some nasty chemicals as well. I bought it when I was rebuilding two bathrooms that had some mold. The mask worked great.

One thing I quickly noticed is that the N95 masks are pretty useless compared to a good mask. I could work HARD with the ACE mask while the N95 really restricted my breathing. Even getting on and off the tractor is a chore with an N95. Not so with the ACE mask.

I might look funny running the tractor with the mask but I don't cough goo out of my lungs for 24 hours after working.

Later,
Dan

Thanks Dan, and to all who replied. I believe you put me on the right track.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

 

[Egon]

Did anyone mention - Masks may come in different sizes if you are looking at good ones.

 

[firemanpat2910]

mine dont work too well I have to cut a hole in them for the my cigarettes.