Great video. Answered all my questions and some I hadn't thought of. Many thanks for posting this straight forward and thorough overview. Sure made more sense than the cumbersome instructions that came with mine.

looking for radio active and you confirmed it. i read in a book about these as painters' respirators as double use for radio active particles. Thank you for taking time to put this together.

Thank you for the compliment!

Yes. I think that's what they are sold for at Home Depot (on their package). P100 means 99.5% of any particles are stopped. P100 is also called HEPA. Look up those standards.

Thanks for this vid!! I have been all over the net trying to find the right info, even to 3m! No complete easy answers on the filters, cartridges or what goes with what mask!! BUT, it was all in this vid!! I just found a great deal on ebay and ordered 6 (new in package half masks) with confidence for my family.... ya, know just in case we have fallout in Cali :/ TY again great vid!! Lis

They should. They are new P100 (HEPA). and block 99.97% The old style masks were N95. This means they blocked 95%. "CDC does advise health-care workers working with SARS patients to wear a special mask called an N-95 respirator. But even these masks offer limited protection from coronaviruses. The name of the mask says it all. The "95" means the mask, if properly fitted-and that "fit factor" presents a big if-can filter out particles down to .3 microns 95 percent of the time."

Great video and info. Thanks :)

Home Depot in my area does sell size Large

Fantastic Video Thanks

very informative thanks

Good video and great info. Thanks.

I thought I was "just a DIYer" and put off getting one for way too long. I bought the disposable paper masks which aren't that effective nor particularly cheap. Wish I'd gotten this to start with. Would have saved a lot of money as well as my lungs. Now that I have my 3-M mask and the necessary attachments I never use anything else.

Yea, I probably have no issue trying for a large. If I do buy it, it will be online because Grainger would have it, just way more expensive, and this way I could get the kit with an extra set of filters. Thx for the info that it should fit just holding to the face. The size may be fine for me but I may need the larger straps or something.. haha. Usually wear larger hats anyways so yep. thx for the response and info.

Go to PK Safety com. They have all the filters and all the masks. Fast shipping.

Sure, you never know. Imagine all the unprotected people in Japan. Or ones with substandard "government provided" (lowest bidder) disposable masks. They have fullface versions of this 6000 series for $120. Take a look at PK Safety online or other retailers.

I'm using it for MDF woodwork, sanding and stuff, and using the 6003 filter, is it safe? Do I need the particulate filter?

hi how often do you need to swap out the filters? thanks

I can physically wear a Medium and get a seal, but it feels way too small. The Large pops right on correctly and comfortably. Medium feels dinky and badly cramped. You may have to bite the bullet and buy a large to compare. I have a Survivair mask as well and it fits just like the Large 3M. I don't have to put them on super tight to get a correct seal. The mask should fit well just holding it to your face. They NEVER sell large 3M masks in the everyday stores for some reason.

You stated the medium fits women and young adults.. quick question- I just got a 7500 series medium and I'm average height, weight etc, with a little larger head- I've not had issues but this sort of makes me wonder if I'm just used to wearing them too tightly? The 7500 doesn't leave mask marks as much as my old AOSafety did but it IS a better material. Just wondered about your thoughts as I am not sure I can return this used mask to Grainger for an exchange.

I just got a 7500 series half mask. Was going to do a new video with some additional info soon. Nothing much has changed. The P100 are still the way to go for any particles (bio or rad). The carts with yellow stripe (acid gas) are for welding fumes. 3M does not state that anywhere. They make it extra confusing as you found out!

Do you know if I can use this if I do acrylic nails? The acrylic monomer smell it's very strong and most of the time i practice at home and don't have any ventilation so i get dizzy if I'm messing with it too much. Do you recommend this? thank you :)

what would be the appropriate respirator for welding if anyone can help me out

Is there a way to take off the filters on a disposable mask

Can either of these masks be used for spray painting?

what sise to you were