Dust mask vs respirator – what’s everyone using?

Hey guys, I’ve been getting crazy amounts of sawdust in my lungs lately. I’m using a basic paper dust mask but I can still taste wood. Should I upgrade to a respirator? I see a lot of you using half-mask ones. Any recommendations?

100% get a respirator, Steve. I run a 3M half-mask with P100 filters for everything – sanding, routing, even painting. Paper masks are garbage for fine dust. Also, make sure it fits snug, no beard gaps if you can help it.

Tim’s right. For restoration work with old paint and varnish, I won’t touch anything less than a full-face respirator with organic vapor cartridges. Your lungs are worth the $40. Also, check the seal by covering the inlet and breathing in – it should collapse.

Don’t forget about eye and ear pro too! I see too many guys with just glasses and no ear muffs. I use a Peltor headset and a half-mask respirator combo – feels like Darth Vader but I can still hear my tinnitus.