Air Stealth Half Mask with Twin HEPAC Filters

I can't go near dust. As a Starseed, if I am exposed to a wisp of organic Earth dusts, I get an instant sinus headache that lasts most of the day and sometimes 2 days. I enjoy breathing heavy plumes of thick and rich pine dusts, and hardwood dusts, and all other forms of organic cutting dusts. But my body doesn't fair very well, and I actually can't even make a single cut with a radial arm saw or miter saw without incurring some form of sinus reactions. Sanding is the worst, if I sand one single little nip of wood on a 6" x 48" one horsepower belt combo sander, I am instantly destroyed.Enter this mask. I ordered a large. Big mistake. It's WAY too big. Somehow it still fits, and works, because it's such a soft pliable and supple rubber. Indeed as other reviews state, the mask is loose in the package, and looks like it was a return, or maybe used. But I needed to use it, and I couldn't afford to return it and exchange it for a medium. To my delight, it works very well, and I don't get any signs of dust poisoning when using this mask to make a birdhouse, making at least 30 cuts over the course of a day in pine boards with a 1956 Dewalt antique saw. Normally I am absolutely obliterated from such a feat.These masks don't include any information in the package, none whatsoever, so you have no idea how the filter works, or if it actually works. But it does appear to work very well, as I don't get any side effects after being bathed in a huge cloud of pine dust from dry pine boards, where my clothes are covered head to toe in dust. No sinus issues! There is the issue of moisture, and the moisture behind the mask is annoying. I tried wearing a gator, under the mask, and it doesn't really help at all. The moisture is a side effect of all rubberized masks, so it's not really a problem. But the moisture and re-breathing the humidity of the breath, does cause my sinuses to get irritated, but that's just because everything irritates me, and it's no fault of the mask.This is a good mask, and it blocks the dust from woodworking. I would order a MEDIUM, unless you are 6'4" or taller. You'd have to be almost a giant, to be able to fit the large mask. It's about 1" taller than my face, and I have a normal face.

First thing: If you're buying this for dust, smoke and small particulates in the shop or work site, you can't beat this for the money. Even with a few minor annoyances, you can't beat it for the price! If you bought this for protection from a virus, it will do the job and more but if you may find it inconvenient. I admit it, I got this to help protect myself from the coronavirus because I work long hours in a confined space with lots of people and nothing less than an N-95 is going to be safe (this is better, having P-100 filters).This respirator seals very well and if you're breathing normally it's not hard at all. I sure would not go jogging with it though! The fit is good and it is compact (compared to the typical 3M respirator). You can wear prescription glasses with these. Mine work on the top of the nose bridge or behind it depending on how I've adjusted the mask. However, You will probably have issues with safety goggles. It has minor annoyances such as the straps pulling the mask a bit wrong. To remedy that you seem to have to place the top strap very high on the back of your head. The hooks seem flimsy but they might prove OK even after years. Build quality is pretty good but not what you'd expect in an industrial setting - but hey, at this price? I got the Medium/Large version (there is a Small/Medium one as well). I consider myself a medium and this one, while it fits OK, does not seem like it would fit a large face very well. If you're a medium, I'd say get this one and not the S/M. Finally, this is fairly comfortable but you won't want to wear it for long periods of time. I go 4 or more hours at a time and it gets uncomfortable after a few hours. If you want this for virus protection, it'll be good except that people won't hear you speak very well. Not so good for social situations. Get an N-95 for that (and remember to brush your teeth first).Pros: Much less bulky than similar respirators with the filters mounted on the outside. Filters are protected. Mask to face seal is good. P-100 is the way to go and it's pretty easy to breathe through. Good build quality for the price. Valves are fairly quiet and respond well with very little breath. Generally comfortable unless you are going for hours - then you'll want careful adjustment to minimize the feel on your sensitive nose.Cons: Straps want to pull the mask down which gets awkward and you'll have to figure out how to wear them higher so it feels better. You'll want to let these air out - they smell funky right out of the package. This respirator won't always play well with safety goggles. At least it will fit behind a face shield with no problem.The outer enclosure is good except a bit flimsy around the exhale port - don't abuse it!