Do dust mask become less safe over time?

I’ve got one of these: https://www.3m.com.au/3M/en_AU/p/d/v000277492/

I love it. Comfy and easy to get on and off. However, it’s getting a bit long in the tooth. The silicon mask part is still in excellent condition and the valve still works as far as I can tell. However, I’m unsure if the filters themselves start to degrade over time or do they just become more and more clogged and therefore harder to draw air through? My understanding is that as they become more clogged they actually do a better job of filtration, but I’m not sure about that.

In short, how do I know when the filters are cooked and I should get a new mask?

Thanks

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Originally Posted by lemerv

I’ve got one of these: https://www.3m.com.au/3M/en_AU/p/d/v000277492/

I love it. Comfy and easy to get on and off. However, it’s getting a bit long in the tooth. The silicon mask part is still in excellent condition and the valve still works as far as I can tell. However, I’m unsure if the filters themselves start to degrade over time or do they just become more and more clogged and therefore harder to draw air through? My understanding is that as they become more clogged they actually do a better job of filtration, but I’m not sure about that.

In short, how do I know when the filters are cooked and I should get a new mask?

Thanks

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I'd be interested to know aswell. I have one of these 3m masks: http://www.amazon.com.au/3M-Safety-P...97&sr=8-3&th=1

I think if the respirator is hard to breath in it's time to replace the filters the one that I have you can see the filters when they are not serviceable.

Yes they will eventually block and then you will start sucking more air in between the gaps between your face and the mask edge. If it becomes difficult to breath you should definitely change them. It depends on the dust concentration and dust size profile but most make take a week or two of constant dust exposure to block so in a DIY situation you should be able to go for months maybe even 6 months or more.

Its generally recommended that the filters get replaced every 3-6 months of regular use. As BobL states as a DIYer you could probably let this go for bit longer depending on how you've stored them. Its also good to give (the mask) a good rinse every now and then to keep it fresh.

If its hard to breath its definitely time to change them over, as air like water will find the path of least resistance and you'll end up breathing around the mask. Plus if they caked up with dust you're inevitably will be breathing in fine dust every time you mask up/remove the mask as you disturb the dust caught on the filters.

My method is to replace them when they look dirty or every 6 months or so.

Thanks everyone. Guess it's probably time for me to change the mask.

nah not yet, keep using it, see how long you survive before carcking it then report back

please :cool:

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Originally Posted by Tonyz

nah not yet, keep using it, see how long you survive before carcking it then report back

please :cool:

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If I cark it then no ability to report back. Am I dead or alive? Schrodibger’s woodworker.