Just dropped $400 on a new respirator with a powered air system and it's the only thing that lets me breathe in the core room after a pour.

The shop's old half-masks were garbage for the silica dust during knockout, but this PAPR unit actually works, so who else has made the switch and what brand are you running?

3 comments

3 Comments

drew_park1mo ago

Only thing that lets me breathe" is a pretty strong review, man. I was still using a bandana like some kind of old west outlaw until last month. My lungs felt like they were full of drywall mud. Finally got a 3M unit and now I look like a low-budget stormtrooper, but at least I'm not coughing up gray stuff for three days after a pour. What took you so long to make the switch?

ross.felix1mo agoMost Upvoted

Wait, you used a bandana?

holly_henderson861mo ago

Full of drywall mud" is exactly how I felt. I used to think a bandana was fine for quick jobs, but then I had a bad reaction to some dust last year. Getting a real respirator was a game changer, even if it looks a bit silly.