I agree with most of your points, especially about poor seal for typical N95s, but in my personal experience, I am often wearing a mask intermittently, not wearing it for the whole day, and in that context I typically prefer to use a N95 which I can fold and put in my pocket—that convenience is very important for me. I definitely do recommend an elastomeric P100 for long-duration wear where the convenience factor is not an issue. And I found it basically impossible to make myself audible in a loud crowded environment, although it’s fine in quieter environments.
I have not done a lot of detailed research into different P100 filters, my cursory reading suggested that they were generally “good enough” for my purposes (N95->P100 being a large difference, while different P100 filters having only a relatively small difference, as far as I know), but I appreciate your info and suggestions.
The counterfeiting issues I’ve heard of mostly apply to N95s/KN95s/etc. I had not previously heard of it in the context of elastomeric respirators and their filters, although it wouldn’t surprise me. My experience with a couple other vendors I tried has been unpleasant (issues with long delays and no stock etc), so I ended up just going with Amazon. Do you have recommended vendors?
Thanks! I didn’t realize that Zoro was owned by Grainger, that makes me feel much better about them. I also had a decent experience buying from them, it was still much slower than Amazon but not too bad. I’ll add a recommended link to them.
I agree with most of your points, especially about poor seal for typical N95s, but in my personal experience, I am often wearing a mask intermittently, not wearing it for the whole day, and in that context I typically prefer to use a N95 which I can fold and put in my pocket—that convenience is very important for me. I definitely do recommend an elastomeric P100 for long-duration wear where the convenience factor is not an issue. And I found it basically impossible to make myself audible in a loud crowded environment, although it’s fine in quieter environments.
I have not done a lot of detailed research into different P100 filters, my cursory reading suggested that they were generally “good enough” for my purposes (N95->P100 being a large difference, while different P100 filters having only a relatively small difference, as far as I know), but I appreciate your info and suggestions.
The counterfeiting issues I’ve heard of mostly apply to N95s/KN95s/etc. I had not previously heard of it in the context of elastomeric respirators and their filters, although it wouldn’t surprise me. My experience with a couple other vendors I tried has been unpleasant (issues with long delays and no stock etc), so I ended up just going with Amazon. Do you have recommended vendors?
I’m not sure about the level of counterfeiting, but there does seem to be at least some of it going on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQinLD3sXzQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPhdshC6Yew
Zoro.com (owned by Grainger) is a reliable and reputable vendor.
I’ve made several updates to my guide to incorporate your input. I’ll be trying the 7500 and 2291s next. Thanks again!
Thanks! I didn’t realize that Zoro was owned by Grainger, that makes me feel much better about them. I also had a decent experience buying from them, it was still much slower than Amazon but not too bad. I’ll add a recommended link to them.