I have the same 3M mask myself. Two quick things: 1) You have to have the right filter cartridges. There are several types with different ratings and what will handle dust may not handle, say, MDF dust. 2) You can check the seal faster on the 3M mask and more easily than on the JSP one. Put the 3M mask on, take a breath, then take the palm of one hand, put it over the exhaust valve of the mask (the circular bit in front of your nose between the filter cartridges that has "3M" embossed on it) and push slightly to make sure the palm of your hand is now sealing that port. Then exhale out strongly. If you have a good seal, you'll feel the pressure rise inside the mask and it'll stay high, it won't leak out around the edges. It only takes 2-3 seconds to do and you're not fiddling trying to reach buttons on the reverse of the filters outside your field of vision.

A very good point well made Matt. My facial hair varies from hunky stubble to unwashed cave man depending on how lazy I am or length of time between public appearances so I eventually went for the full face powered respirator from JSP. However, the system with the push to seal test would be worth trying out and I'll pick one up on my next visit to the 'toy' shop. Trouble is the little lad next door thinks I'm a spaceman with the full visor on humming away and my little workshop is really a stargate! Don't want to disillusion the lad!

Really good video, I have purchased a Trend one which is good and comes in 2 sizes, as you do need to face fit your mask to ensure it fits, I have a goatie beard so masks fit me fairly well, I am moving more to hand tools as they produce less dust and also less noise. By the time I have put on my gloves, face mask, safety boots, ear defenders and eye protection I sometimes have forgotten what I was going to do.

Good nuggets of info here Matt. PPE is important. Sad to see a lot of guys don't bother onsite. Not always out of some misplaced sense of machismo but often due to being time pressured and not wanting to run to the van. Seen some lads in their 50's develop some serious problems.

If you have rigid plastic filters with the 3M mask, you can cover the exhale valve on the front and exhale. If the mask inflates and no air escapes, you have a good seal.

I've got the JSP push to check too. I never knew that's what you were meant to do to check it! Thanks for the heads up Matt!

My facial hair is always getting in the way of my respirator 😂🌲🦊🌲 that’s a joke! The features on the 3M one are great. Good info, thanks Matt 🤩😘

If I was to recommend a mask to you it would be the trend stealth great mask!

Hi matt i have a m3 L7503 with pink m3 2091 on it the reason i use this one is i where glasses and this dus not fog up my glasses and it is lightweight but FAB vid thank you

Great video Matt, I found that it's quite difficult to find the right mask without spending a fortune. I'm still looking the right one for me. As each mask I had always had some flaws...

Good review, mate👍 Facial hair can be somewhat problematic at times.

Another trick I've seen painter do is to spray some paint into the air if you can smell it then you haven got a good sell or the mask isn't doing a good job.

I’ve been thinking about getting a decent mask rather than relying on an open door a shop vac. Screwfix always comes through and I’ve never had a problem there. Except the kids working behind the counter that don’t know their arse from a plum line.