My wife and I were due for some painting projects for a new house, so lots of painting to be done. She has always had problems with headaches when painting, so I decided getting one of these would be the best way forward. I looked at the reviews, and purchased two models, the MSA Safetyworks 817662 and the 3M Low-Maintenance Half-Mask Organic Vapor, P95 (Medium).

Of the two models, I prefer the 3M better, but quite honestly its very close. This respirator fits my wifes face better, and I would say that I am about average. Its not that this one didn't work, its just that the other one works better and fit better to me. The filters were easy enough to install, the adjustments were nice, and above all it works like a champ. We both have worn these extensively, for hours at a time, and it has worked without a hitch. No headaches, and no problems breathing, you almost forget you have it on. Compared to the cheap paper filters you put over your nose these things are a no brainer. Buy it once and don't regret it. Specific to this model it seems like it has a larger mask part that covers your mouth, and the strap that goes over the back of your head works better. It also has a clip sort of thing so you can take the neck strap off without it. I found this pretty handy for getting a drink of water.

A good way to make sure that you have a seal when you are wearing a respirator (or a gas mask for that matter), is to do a "popcorn test". Cover up the filter with your hand and breath in. If it was a full face mask it would pop, thus called the pop corn. You *should NOT* be able to breathe through it. This means your air is coming through the filters and that is good.

I rate this as 5 stars, solely because I think the 3M model is a slightly better value with coming with an extra set of filters out of the box. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase this one, but if you are an average guy, the other one might fit a tad bit better. Really when it comes down to it, this would get about 4.5 stars, and the other one a 4.75 stars, but I wanted to illustrate which one I liked better.
My wife and I were due for some painting projects for a new house, so lots of painting to be done. She has always had problems with headaches when painting, so I decided getting one of these would be the best way forward. I looked at the reviews, and purchased two models, the MSA Safetyworks 817662 and the 3M Low-Maintenance Half-Mask Organic Vapor, P95 (Medium). Of the two models, I prefer the 3M better, but quite honestly its very close. This respirator fits my wifes face better, and I would say that I am about average. Its not that this one didn't work, its just that the other one works better and fit better to me. The filters were easy enough to install, the adjustments were nice, and above all it works like a champ. We both have worn these extensively, for hours at a time, and it has worked without a hitch. No headaches, and no problems breathing, you almost forget you have it on. Compared to the cheap paper filters you put over your nose these things are a no brainer. Buy it once and don't regret it. Specific to this model it seems like it has a larger mask part that covers your mouth, and the strap that goes over the back of your head works better. It also has a clip sort of thing so you can take the neck strap off without it. I found this pretty handy for getting a drink of water. A good way to make sure that you have a seal when you are wearing a respirator (or a gas mask for that matter), is to do a "popcorn test". Cover up the filter with your hand and breath in. If it was a full face mask it would pop, thus called the pop corn. You *should NOT* be able to breathe through it. This means your air is coming through the filters and that is good. I rate this as 5 stars, solely because I think the 3M model is a slightly better value with coming with an extra set of filters out of the box. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase this one, but if you are an average guy, the other one might fit a tad bit better. Really when it comes down to it, this would get about 4. 5 stars, and the other one a 4. 75 stars, but I wanted to illustrate which one I liked better.