Recommend wearing a dust mask during mowing

TractorLegend · Jul 8, 2007

After mowing acreage in the dust bowl of east Lewis County, WA this week- it occured to me as I was suffering allergy conditions after mowing that one should indeed wear a dust mask. I wear earmuff hearing protection to save whats left of my somewhat trashed hearing- so lets save whats left of our resperatory tracts!

Highbeam · Jul 8, 2007

I end up eating lots of benadryl to fight the pollen and the dust. The dust will kick up allergies just like the pollen will for me. Scratchy throat, itchy eyes, etc. I usually mow for about an hour before I can feel the tingly throat. You know it will be a tough day when you look behind you to see the mouse carnage and see a white cloud of pollen and dust over the mowed field.

Dust mask is too hot for me and if you where glasses they fog up. Maybe a cab tractor with filtered HVAC! I get some knarly boogers on the ride home.

TractorLegend · Jul 8, 2007

Yeah sounds like what I have. I seem to have cold like symptoms- cough, sinus plugged, rough voice. I know the masks can be a pain on a 90 degree day and know what you mean about them fogging glasses. I'll see how I do with one next mow. I'm sure I need glasses too but plan to put that off until I get like Mr. Magoo.
Doesn't the Benadryl make ya loopy/ tired during the day?

Willl · Jul 8, 2007

I hear that shet.

For the short time I'm in the dust cloud, I just hook the T-shirt over the nose.

7mmrum · Jul 9, 2007

I'd say 95% of the time I'm bush hogin I'm wearing a filter mask. Shoot even mowing around the house I wear one. It is a pain in the butt wearing one. However when I turn the tractor off after a 6 hour session I can breath like I just got started. I have bad allergies and almost anything tips them off. I usually get new mask one once a year and spend the extra bucks for the carbon replaceable filters. The head straps really don't interfear with the ear muffs as long as you put the filter mask on first.

below is a smiliar mask I wear. Usually can be found at lowes or HD

3M Organic Vapor Respirator Assembly - Small - Mfg# 3M-5101

Highbeam · Jul 9, 2007

"Doesn't the Benadryl make ya loopy/ tired during the day?"

It is noticeable. Especially when I also drink beer while mowing. I start out with coffee in the morning until it is gone and then switch to barley pop. You have to keep a wet whistle or else the pollen and dust will turn into a dry paste in your throat. It is easier to "release" the mud when you have a beverage.

Now to be clear I am talking about 1-3 barley pops in the whole day and then caffeine free diet pepsi for the ride home. I don't drink water and I sleep much better if I cut off caffeine after the morning coffee.

I am seriously craving a mow job. I am supposed to pick up the new hydro filter bracket today so that I can get the tractor running. The grass was waist high over about 3 acres when I left it two weeks ago.

Maybe I'll try a dust mask if things look really dusty. With temps touching 100 this week and no rain, the dust might be bad.

BB_TX · Jul 9, 2007

I learned my lesson last year during our drought period. Mowing my yard on my lawn tractor on a hot windless day, I was constantly surrounded by a cloud of dust, dry grass/weed particles, etc. The stuff just hung in the air as I went back and forth thru it. I kept thinking to myself that I probably should not be doing that. But such things never bothered me in my younger days so I kept on. Well this time I ended up in the doctors office with a shot and expensive pills after over the counter stuff did not do any good after several days.

tawilson · Jul 9, 2007

I always wear a respirator when mowing, whether it's on the tractor or the mower. I like these from Lowe's because of the flip down off your face when you don't need it feature.

TractorLegend · Jul 9, 2007

The times I tried those big masks I feel like I have claustrophobic breathing- like I cant get enough air.

Alan L. · Jul 9, 2007

After years of chronic allergies and sinus infections I had sinus surgery and started a daily sinus irrigation that I find does wonders.

I use a waterpik with a special nozzle called a grossen adapter. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 16 oz of clean water. Microwave 57 seconds to get just the right temp. Pump half up one nostril (it comes out the opposite nostril) and the other half up the other nostril.

I do this every morning, but also after I mow or brush hog. I usually get all kinds of stuff out of there and that would include pollen.

I've been taking allergy shots for 26 years and find that this really helps prevent hay fever and sinus infections.

The mask is still a good idea however, because it protects the lungs.