My allergic self has a tough time with dust, even though I like home DIY projects and woodworking. I've tried a couple of disposable masks, while blanching at the cost of the various powered respirators. I bought this one based on the reviews, and couldn't be happier. I have a large, Charlie Brown-sized head, AND a beard, and the mask fits comfortably. I wear it for extended periods of time, and, other than feeling a bit like a minor player in a Star Wars cantina, I don't mind it. I also wear safety glasses much of the time, on top of my prescription glasses, and everything fits. On my most recent sawing adventure, long, dusty cuts in MDF didn't leave me with the little nagging cough I use to experience for a week afterward.

If you hate sucking in sawdust, it's hard to beat this thing, especially at this price point.

I hate to differ with some of the reviewers but this mask is supposed to rest just below the lower lip on the face not down over the chin. I for one find this an easy mask to wear and work with because it doesn't feel as though someone is covering your face with a huge cumbersome mask. If it feels good on my face, I'll wear it, otherwise it'll sit on the bench in a corner. Thank you.
Jeff

The fit is good (feels good on my flat, hairless face) and it functions well. The straps aren't the best and can slip a bit with use, but you can make your own or use a set you like from another/other mask. In the deep south heat it can get pretty wet inside the mask, but it won't effect the mask to much (and it is the same for all masks). Can't beat it for the price. Cheaper than the big box AO paint masks, or 3M masks, but you can't find replacement filters as easily either.

I have used this respirator for several years now and thought it was time to buy an additional one to stay with my work truck. I am an electrician and a professional woodworker and this respirator keeps the the dust from attic insulation to shop sawdust from being inhaled and does not fog up my glasses, which a pain in the neck if you are working with both hands and don't have a third to clean your glasses off, and you can't beet the price.

These converter kits for mold based ear/Nostril plugs have devout followers in Russia where the crops are said to stink of "one hundred corpses" after fermenting. They can be used for the ears and nose, thereby effectively eliminating any source for bacterial congestion. Developed by a Prussian doctor who had constant to moderate sinus infections.

The mask description says it's large but it is actually more on a medium side.

I've used a North 5500 for quite a while due to comfort, price and effectivity. I find this AO product to be perfect for basic respirator needs. The filtering seems to be acceptable for general dust use. The due exhaust ports provide minimal resistance and the single strap self adjusts for a comfortable fit. I'll leave my other respirator for more demanding uses and keep this one handy for the majority of my needs. I recommend you give it a try. Stay safe and live long.

Bought this at a good price to use while cutting laminate flooring. Worked great for that. Also, Used it while grinding down some concrete. Again, worked great. Then used while mowing as it was very dry and dusty, with a lot of pollen.

I have been building flutes for the past year and have had to use disposable dusk masks that never seemed to fit. Once you learn to pull the bottom rubber band over your head and seat the mask, then pull the other strap up and over, the mask seats, seals, and goes on easily. It is now a relief not to worry about the PVC and sometimes toxic wood dust that I was not quite getting trapped in those throwaway masks. Do yourself a favor and order extra filters. It only takes a second to be safe.

This mask is the best I have found for easy clean breathing while wood working. The seal is tight on inhale and exhale, which means my glasses don't fog up.

This mask is comfortable [for a mask] and surely filters dust well enough. I did shave my beard to ensure complete fit to face. The one problem is that in a cold or cool shop,moisture builds up in mask and if you have been wearing it for awhile, drops will fall out of exit vents and land on whatever you are working on.

I purchased this a couple of months ago and have had a chance to use it several times. The first time I put it on I was a little apprehensive about the way it fit, but I did get used to the fit pretty quickly. It is a little strange to have the bottom sitting on your chin and not under it, but the mask seals fine for me. I would guess that if you have a long face, the mask may not work, but it fits my face fine. If fact- I don't even notice how it fits anymore.

It seals, keeps the dust out and keeps my safety glasses from fogging up. The only complaint (and it's minor) I have is that I've has some condensation issues, but that's probably due to the cold temps in the garage when I'm working. Besides- a damp mask is much better than brown lung.

I'll never go back to the safety masks again.

I bought this respirator because I'm doing a lot of sanding and woodworking. When I got the package I read the instructions to make sure the fit was right. Well, the fit wasn't just right. While it was fairly comfortable, the fit was okay but not as good as the instructions indicated it should be. In fact the instructions said something like... if the fit/seal isn't tight, don't use.
I guess I have a big nose or too high cheek bones or something.
Well, I thought the so-so fit was much better than the old paper masks so I gave it a try anyway. While it's not the best fit I think it's better than what I had before. I'll be looking for that right fit somewhere else though. For me this is one of those items where I need to try it on before purchasing but you can't do that even in a store until you buy and open the package.

I think the 3M units are easier to put on and probably are equally effective.

easy to wear, small, and light, and is not a burden to put on and take off- which makes all the difference. once you put it on, it works great, easy to breath through, and you hardly even notice that you've got protection - but you DO. ever since I started using it I stopped having wooddust taste and small all day long which is a tremendous hazard. I highly recommend this product.

The only thing that could have been better is if it was slightly larger..not by much. I'm 5'11" and have a normal head size, and when I position the respirator on my nose, it covers my mouth, but it doesnt cup my chin... so it just feels a bit odd - still does the job, so I'm happy about that, but it would have been nice if it was a bit longer to fit better.

This mask is great. I suffer from very bad sinus problems. And this does the trick. Stops Dust and my nose is very happy. Very easy to breath in.

the mask is fairly small, appears to be cheaply made especially the rubber strap - this strap will not stand the test of time. had i actually seen it in the hardware store i never would have bought, particularly at the near to $15 price. To me, the price/value would be more apt in the $8 range. It certainly does not look like the pic on amazon - the pic makes it appear larger than it is, the surface area of the filter hence will be limited in it's ability to handle larger volumnes of air over time- but then they want you to buy replacement filters faster.

The mask fits my face perfectly. It's comfortable and easy to ware for long periods of time. You can breathe normally and the vents keep it from getting hot or muggy inside the mask.

The straps are adjustable and hold firm. I don't think they'll stretch out any time soon.

One thing I didn't like was that I didn't see any information on the packaging about how to order replacement filters... That could just be me though. Lucky for us Amazon has them. AO Safety Replacement Filters for Woodworker's Respirator, 4-Pack #95191

I think the concept of this woodworkers respirator is great but unless your a very small person or a child these will not work. I am 5'11 and have an average size head. When these are properly installed the bottom part of my mouth is exposed and does not fit properly. When it is fitted around my mouth, it does not fit right around my nose. The rubber mask needs to be a little larger to conform around the areas it needs to cover.

This is the first respirator I've ever worn that I would truly say is comfortable. It doesn't fog my safety glasses, it doesn't get hot and stuffy, and the rubber seals fit nicely. It works great, and after a few minutes, I didn't even notice it was there!

I'd hesitated a good while on buying this respirator. I needed something that would fit comfortably under a face shield. I'm glad I finally bought it! It works great and fits under the mask really well. Since I started using it I haven't gotten congested from wood dust (lots off of a lathe!).

I bought this respirator to use while woodturning. While someday I may want to upgrade to a Triton or a Trend, I could not be happier with this, especially for the price. It fits well and always seals properly, whether I am clean shaven or not. I would recommend it to anyone for general woodworking.

This dust mask works very well, is comfortable enough to wear for an extended period, and doesn't cause my safety glasses to fog up. Very nice!

I use this when working in the attic and under the house, and it works very well. The housing is pliable rubber that does a good job conforming to the face, and though I have a beard it still manages to seal. It is also comfortable breathing through it, because it has separate exhale valves. A great product!

This mask works very well to cover my mouth and nose. It has a great seal. The only thing I wish.....and I know it takes a more expensive mask to do this......is that it was easier to breathe in and out with.

Who is that masked man? That's what my granddaughter wanted to know after seeing me wearing the AO Safety Woodworker's Respirator. It has worked fine for me thus far. I experienced no fogging and no face or head discomfort. I agree with another reviewer who stated he didn't have the desire to take it off and burn it like some other masks. Well put! After using a few at home as well as in the USMC, I know exactly what he means. This one is lightweight and as comfortable as you're going to get wearing this type. I haven't had mine on for longer than 30 minutes in mild temperatures. I can't say it would never get annoying if worn for an extended period of time in hot weather because, frankly in my experience, they all do. Don't forget to order yourself extra AO Safety Replacement Filters. ~ The Boss

It works well and is as comfortable as a mask can be. I didn't give it 5 stars because I do get a little air coming in around my nose sometimes. I've tried adjusting it but it still happens. Who knows, maybe it is just my nose. ;-)

I purchased this dust filtering mask for use in spare-time woodworking. It is far superior to the disposable dust masks I have used and conforms well to the face without discomfort, even when worn for extended periods (although I have not used it in hot, humid conditions). I may even buy a second mask for occasional visitors to my woodshop. The disposable filter inserts last quite a while and are easily replaced.

I did a lot of research on the various types of respirators. My main criteria was that it was specifically made for woodworking applications. I selected the AO Safety model 95190. I choose it because of the good reputation of AO Safety, having dual filters instead of just one, and having two straps--one for your neck and one for the top of your head to ensure a tight fit. I have used it for a year now and am completely satisfied with its performance. I would recommend it to other woodworkers.

If you're looking for something more than a paper mask, but less than one of those bulky face attachments, this is probably the best respirator you can buy. Its lightweight, adjustable (convienent for those of us with small heads)and seals well around your mouth and nose.

My favorite part is that it doesn't disrupt the placement of my safety glasses, which is an issue I run into requently with respirators. Definately a great value for the money.

I was looking for a respirator that did not fog my safety glasses, was not bulky, and reasonably priced. The side vents work for keeping my glasses from fogging very well.

The mouthpiece does feel a little small, but seems to seal and work.

Update 11/2008 : Been using this for some time now. This has become my defacto respirator. It is comfortable to wear so I wear it without hesitation. The filters are easy to find and easy to swap out.

You know why workers hate dust masks? Because they're hot, smell funny, don't fit properly, aren't comfortable, and for all of that, barely work. This mask fits pretty well, seals tightly, and when you take out the filter at the end of the day and clap it between your hands...well, it's nice to see the cloud of what you DIDN'T breathe come out of it. Inexpensive and effective.

I have had this mask for several monthes now and really like the design. The mask conforms and the seals tightly to my face without pinching, and I can wear my safety glasses. For the most part I have been using it during the remodeling of my basement. It is perfect for filtering out fiberglass and plaster dust. I have come out of a room looking like a snowman without any dust getting into my lungs. The mask is easy to clean and filter changes are simple to make and filters don't cost much. This is great protect against all nuisance dust and I should have purchase this mask long ago.

Pro: This respirator seems to work very well. I've used quite a few of the more expensive respirators rated for dust & pollen, adn this one does at least as well as the others. It is very light-weight, and has only one filter to change, keeping the cost of replacement filter to a minimum.

Con: I always wear a medium sized respirator, but this one is just too darn small! There's no mention of size, so I assume that it's supposed to be a 'one size fits all' kind of thing. However, that certainly is not the case. In order for it to comfortably fit the nose, the bottom of the cup is right on my lower lip. Or if I want it to fit my mouth comfortably, the top of the cup is pressing against the cartilige of my nose...very uncomfortable.

After reading all the reviews, I bought this mask.
Thinking this must be the last mask I would want.
But that is not the case.

Good:
- Fits comfortably on face,
- Does not fog up your glasses.
Bad.
- The rubber bands pinched my ears.
- I did gardening with it. and the air flow
was not enough when I was
breathing heavily.
Due to the filter the air flow
is reduced. So after a while I was feeling
uncomfortable, due to lack of air. You cannot
put it on for longer times.

You could also get it at OSH.
I did not see any mask, which had
a built in fan which will suck the air
from outside, so that you do not have
breath hard to get the air in through the
filter.