Gerson N95 Particulate respirator ( 20 per Box) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This model of respirator is listed on the CDC website as follows "FDA has authorized emergency use of these respirators by the general public1 during the current swine flu emergency to help reduce exposure to airborne germs." A table follows that statement with the gerson 1730 model in the table.
I purchased a couple of boxes because the cost was not too bad at around $8/box, and I can use them in the garage when woodworking, spraying some chemicals, cutting tile, etc. So I won't be wasting my money even if we don't get the flu. If one of my kids gets the flu, I will probably quarantine them to their room with a TV and game boy, and wear these when I am directly caring for them, along with a pair of gloves. In the hospital when entering or exiting a patient's room who had an airborne illness like the flu, we gowned, gloved and put on masks to protect ourselves. This respirator isn't guaranteed to keep you from getting the flu, but may help you be safe. Safer still is good hand washing frequently, and washing counters, doorknobs, and surfaces with bleach spray, etc.
If I were a pregnant woman, elderly person, or person with an underlying condition such as asthma, bronchitis, cancer, HIV etc. I would probably wear a respirator and perhaps even gloves in public. The mortality and complication rates among these populations from the flu is so much higher that more precautionary measures for this population is prudent. The FDA has approved the 3M 8612 model respirator, which is probably the one I would go with if I were in this population group and could afford to do so. If the cost of those is prohibitive, the Gerson 1730 would also be an option.

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The Gerson 1730 is a high quality economical respirator. Designed to help provide comfortable, reliable worker protection against certain non-oil based particles. Its lightweight construction promotes greater worker acceptance and comfort and increased wear time.CDC AND WHO recommends N95 or better for airborne diseases. Meets NIOSH 42CFR84 standard.

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3M R9211-10 N95 Cool-Flow Particulate Sanding Respirator, 10-Pack Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)These particulate respirators work very well, blocking out nuisance dust such as sawdust. I use them both at home and on the job. They are rated N95 for particulates and do a very good job filtering out the vast majority of dust and particles. This is a style slightly different from the molded ones you may be used to seeing at most big box stores.
The mask comes in individual plastic bags and are folded flat. I like that they are individually packaged, as I have had problems both at jobsites and at my workshop keeping fresh masks from being contaminated with dust when they are all nested together in one bag. Not a problem when each mask has its own wrapper. Also, you know when you take it out that it hasn't been used by someone else and then put back.
These also have the comfort valve, as you see in the picture. A light, flexible flap opens when you exhale, but immediately shuts when you inhale. It is protected by a surprisingly sturdy plastic cage, emblazoned with the 3M logo. This valve makes a huge difference, especially in hot climates. It makes a huge difference in both heat and moisture retention; making the mask markedly more comfortable vastly increases the likelihood that it will be worn when needed by you, your employees, or whomever. This is a critical feature, in my opinion, and worth the extra dough over those without it. In colder climes, or when one only needs to use the mask for short periods, you might be able to do without the vent and save a few bucks.
One very nice thing about this mask over the pre-molded versions is that the chin portion opens up to actually cover my entire chin by snugging up under it. For me, this gives a better fit than the molded ones that just seem to sit on top of my chin. I've got to give the comfort edge to these. Like the molded version, these masks also have a thin metal strip that you can mold to the bridge of your nose. On the inside of this strip is a broad and soft strip of foam, sufficiently thick (about 1/8 inch) to conform to the contours of your nose when using the metal clamp.
My only complaint about these otherwise excellent respirators revolves around the straps. I think they could be more robust. While they are strong enough not to break, I find they stretch out too easily and lose elasticity, especially if you find yourself taking the mask on and off, or reusing it over time. It is true that these are extremely comfortable to wear - indeed they are the most comfortable I've found - I would prefer if they held the mask just a little tighter to my face. The straps themselves are held to the mask by staples, an arrangement I also don't prefer, but I've never had one snap or slip loose from this point.
These are more expensive than the pre-molded versions, but I the additional comfort and individual packaging makes it worth it to me. There are other brands that are also N95-rated, but I trust my lungs to these, which have never failed me. I do want to mention one cautionary note about any filter: They do clog eventually. When insulating my attic with blow-in insulation, my respirator got so clogged I could barely breathe through it. While they did their job and no dust got through, a clogged filter can be dangerous so check your filters/respirators often if you are in extreme conditions.
The issue over the straps is a minor one for me, really, and doesn't keep me from going back to these masks over others. They are well made and very comfortable. They are excellent for dusty environments around the home, and also for appropriate work settings. I also include these particular ones in my emergency kits for home, auto, and work. Recommended!

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Three-panel respirator with innovative design is ideally suited for work settings that involve heat, humidity or long periods of wear. Suggested applications include grinding, sanding, sweeping, bagging, and other operations that create dust. Meets NIOSH 42 CFR 84 N95 requirements.

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