I am just wondering what your N95 mask of choice is. A quick google suggests 3M's 1870 fold flat looks like a good option, but are there others?

I kind of like the Wilson masks, the ones with a rubbery seal around the edge, a bit better. I guess I was spoiled in an earlier occupation, but the 3M masks just don’t seem as good after wearing the Wilsons.

I got the 3M 8210, it's general multipurpose, for dusty working environment etc. The 1870 is more geared towards TB exposure, designed to be used in health care setting according to 3M's website. But as long as it's NIOSH approved as a Type N95, it's probably all that matters. I wonder when I will have to actually use it. Most of the time it's for when you are sick and have to prevent spreading the disease. Another use I find is for extreme cold weather, the kind when you go outside and your nostril hair freezes instantly. I've read some use those respirators for this purpose but I'm rather considering a Seirus neoprene face mask for this purpose.

I think it's real funny that people are caught up in N95 masks. Cuz, really, aren't "dust" masks all that are needed? I only use N95's if putting up fiberglass insulation, or if I'm with a patient with TB. In which case, you need to have been sized before-hand.

N95 masks are fine for dust as long as dust is all you're wanting to filter. And the style of N95 matters on your comfort level and whether or not you routinely wear glasses.

If you're being exposed to viruses, you would probably want an N99 or N100.

Here are some definitions for those masks, very basic:
http://infectiousdiseases.about.com/od/faqs/g/N95def.htm

Sue

If I understand correctly, your 1870 is both FDA and NIOSH approved so it's better then my 8210 respirators. I guess I'll give my box of 20 8210 respirators away to my retired father who is a woodworker as a hobby.

Sorry to highjack this thread, but what are the differences between n95 and n100 masks? Is one better for edc then the other?

See the link I posted. It explains the differences.

Your EDC should be for conditions you might expect in your area: N95 (whatever style) for quake, dust or volcanic ash. N100 for viruses, etc. The difference is in what % of particles it will stop.

Sue

It was either someone in this forum or in CERT training who suggested N95 with the exhale valve - particularly if you're wearing it more or less continuously (ex. search and rescue in the rubble), the exhale valve makes it much more comfortable to breath. Anyway, I can tell the difference after a half hour - my glasses get fogged and grimy without the valve (and that's with a proper fitted mask).

I don't know if you're thinking about my post, but I made a point along those lines in this old post. Actually, we've had a number of informative threads about masks over time. Use the search function to find them.