nismogrendel Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 I'm looking to buy this respirator: http://www.amazon.com/3M-Paint-Project-Respirator-Medium/dp/B00004Z4EB/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440095082&sr=8-1&keywords=3M+Paint+Project+Respirator%2C There are three sizes, I'm trying to figure out if I need medium or large. I'm 6ft with a fairly normal head size. I'm thinking I should go with a medium. Anyone happen to have this respirator? If so, what size did you use? Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/312646-quick-question-about-respirator-sizing/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jarl of Wulfen Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 I did not have that exact one, but another from 3M. I would say you'll want a large, as I wore a large and am smaller than you. Ultimately it will depend on the shape of your face. If you put it on, cover the filters with your hands and breath in it should suction to your face. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/312646-quick-question-about-respirator-sizing/#findComment-4151833 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucien Eilam Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 If you're going to get it wrong, too small is better than too large. Small might be a bit uncomfortable, but your face will have to be pretty extreme for it not to cover at least your mouth and nose. Whereas if it's so big it leaves gaps, it won't work at all. You must have a nearby hardware store you could go and look at them though? I would say you'll want a large, as I wore a large and am smaller than you. The size of your face isn't directly proportional to your height. He could be built like an eldar while you're built like a squat. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/312646-quick-question-about-respirator-sizing/#findComment-4151933 Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffTibbetts Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 I was looking at them as well, and some reviews on Amazon made me decide to get a medium even though I'm a big guy. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/312646-quick-question-about-respirator-sizing/#findComment-4151941 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jarl of Wulfen Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 Hey hey, just cuz I'm short and hairy doesn't I'm a squat, I'm just small for a space wolf, lol Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/312646-quick-question-about-respirator-sizing/#findComment-4152047 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaedes Nex Posted August 21, 2015 Share Posted August 21, 2015 I'm looking to buy this respirator: http://www.amazon.com/3M-Paint-Project-Respirator-Medium/dp/B00004Z4EB/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440095082&sr=8-1&keywords=3M+Paint+Project+Respirator%2C There are three sizes, I'm trying to figure out if I need medium or large. I'm 6ft with a fairly normal head size. I'm thinking I should go with a medium. Anyone happen to have this respirator? If so, what size did you use? I have this one, and I have a slightly big head that makes most headwear very snug. You will be fine with a medium. It has elastic bands you can pull back to decrease muzzle distance and increase tightness. The plastic harness that goes over the top and back of your head is very big. It seems like the "medium" size is intended for large, adult males and not an average "medium" human, which makes sense since construction has a lot of big guys in it. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/312646-quick-question-about-respirator-sizing/#findComment-4152150 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gurth Posted August 21, 2015 Share Posted August 21, 2015 Have you considered trying to find the manufacturer’s web site, instead of Amazon’s, to see if they have a guide to determining the right size for you? For example, if you’re looking to buy gloves (I know, that doesn’t seem relevant — bear with me) then getting them online is difficult because a poor-fitting glove is a nuisance to wear; for this reason, sites that sell gloves often include a method of measuring your hand and relating that measurement to a glove size. I’d imagine a respirator manufacturer might do the same, though I’ve never looked to see if this is true. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/312646-quick-question-about-respirator-sizing/#findComment-4152311 Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Wolf Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 Can I give some advice here from a position of reasonable knowledge. For respiratory protective equipment (RPE) to be effective it needs to be face fitted and you need to be stubble free. I work for the UK HSE (equivalent to US OSHA) and I have to deal with this a lot including substances like asbestos and respirable crystalline silica - both are pretty serious substances and are indicated class 1 carcinogens. I also deal with companies using 2 pack cyano acrylate paints in the automotive repair industry. Research from the UK's Health and safety Laboratory indicates that a one day growth of stubble reduces the effectiveness of RPE by 95%, any poor seal will likewise reduce the effectiveness of RPE. to be effective any RPE must be tightly fitted - so tight that it's uncomfortable - if there is any degree of comfort then the RPE isn't correctly fitted and will be pretty ineffective. The best way of reducing exposure to spray paint mists is by extraction - e.g. a spray booth - a lot of UK airbrush suppliers sell portable spray booths for about £100 - I use one for my airbrushing. You can go expensive as well - I've seen them for just under £2000 in the UK as well. If your spray booth is working correctly then you shouldn't need a mask - based on the principles of risk control RPE is a last resort only to be considered when other options are exhausted - obviously as you're not at work in the UK this won't apply to you however the principle is still sound. Cost may be an issue if you haven't got £100 (or USD equivalent). Face fitting is carried out by companies such as 3M who develop and sell the RPE - in the UK they will face fit you for nothing if you choose to buy their product - this is qualitative face fitting - they put a large bag over your head and spray saccharine on it and check whether you can detect it within the mask - it works well enough. If you are going to buy an unfitted mask it must be uncomfortably tight to be effective. You can get more info at: www.hse.gov.uk/respiratory-protective-equipment/fit-testing-basics.htm and www.hse.gov.uk/pUbns/priced/hsg53.pdf The second one is a free download - heavy reading mind..... Hope this helps White Wolf (HM Inspector of Health and Safety) Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/312646-quick-question-about-respirator-sizing/#findComment-4154503 Share on other sites More sharing options...
SW1 Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 That's a very interesting point white wolf. Think in need to look into extraction ASAP as I have a beard!!! Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/312646-quick-question-about-respirator-sizing/#findComment-4154770 Share on other sites More sharing options...
nismogrendel Posted August 25, 2015 Author Share Posted August 25, 2015 Good info, I probably should have waited before I placed my order. I went with the large. Sounds like maybe I should exchange for a medium. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/312646-quick-question-about-respirator-sizing/#findComment-4154968 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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