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UER Mobile > UE Tutorials, Lessons, and Useful Info > Respirator Review: 3m 6200 Half-Mask Respirator (Viewed 6840 times)

post by oakville_explorer

Respirator Review: 3m 6200 Half-Mask Respirator
< on 3/10/2016 12:55 AM >

I figured that people new to doing some UER might appreciate a review of some masks that people wear. So here it is
1.

Product in question is http://solutions.3...+3294857473&rt=rud I bought mine off Ebay for about $12 in Canadian rupees. So its a much cheaper alternative then just buying a basic dust mask from home depot.

Size
I bought the medium size because it is really a one size fits all case. A person I also know somebody who has one and she is a very petite person and the mask fit her just fine. On me the mask sits snug thanks to the adjustable bands.

Comfort

The mask with some basic P100 filters on it weighs almost nothing. After a couple of minutes you hardly feel it on your face. However I use multi-gas and vapor cartridges to filter out any nasty chemicals in the air so it weighs a little more. Even with the heavier chemical cartridges the mask just disappears after a couple minutes. The mask does however trap a prodigious amount of moisture in your breath. After taking it off after a long explore it will be dripping like your wouldn't believe.

Maintenance and Storage

Maintaining the mask is very easy as there is almost nothing to do. When you are done with your explore just remove the filters and store them away. Then take the mask and dunk in some warm water. Give it a rinse and scrub the outside with an old toothbrush if you really want to. Then just leave to air dry or pat it down with a cloth if you are pressed for time.

Replacement filters

Getting filters is very easy and is almost too convenient. Because the mask is made by 3M they have their "bayonet" cartridge system. This is incredibly useful because any filter made by them will be compatible with the mask.

They also sell 3 main types of cartridges. Basic dust filters, Chemical only filters and Combo filters. Basic dust does what is says on the tin and filters out dust only. They are cheap as can be and look pretty funny as the P100 variant is two big pink circles attached to your face. The pure chemical cartridges nobody here will have a use for as they will only filter out dangerous gasses not any dust. The final type is combo cartridges, they filter out harmful gasses and dust. While at first you might cheap out and get the dust only variety your will learn your lesson when you encounter a room filled with pigeon droppings and you get to smell all the methane. The combo cartridges will totally filter out any and all smells from the air. All that comes at a cost however as the multi gas variant of them cost about $25 a pair.

Changing filters is easy, just press and twist. No removing gaskets or anything just a little twist. This does however result in the pain of having to align 2 small holes and 1 slightly larger hole in a "high stress" situation.

Miscellaneous extras

The mask attaches behind the head with two straps and the strap system allows for a headlamp to be worn alongside with a hat or hoodie if you wish.

Any thing I missed or want to know just let me know.

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post by blackhawk

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Re: Respirator Review: 3m 6200 Half-Mask Respirator
<Reply # 1 on 3/10/2016 1:38 AM >

One size does not fit all. In fact none of those sizes for that model would work with some face sizes/shapes. Really you need to be fitted to do it right. Even with a proper fit, respirators are a pain.

Beyond that, as has been said a dozen times over, this is not a total solution especially in highly contaminated sites.

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post by DarkAngel

Re: Respirator Review: 3m 6200 Half-Mask Respirator
<Reply # 2 on 3/10/2016 8:06 AM >

Posted by blackhawk
One size does not fit all. In fact none of those sizes for that model would work with some face sizes/shapes. Really you need to be fitted to do it right. Even with a proper fit, respirators are a pain.

Beyond that, as has been said a dozen times over, this is not a total solution especially in highly contaminated sites.

This. The seal on a respirator is a fairly precise thing. I've gone through several fittings with pressure tests over the last several years and can say without a doubt they are not one size fits all.

I'm one of those people that standard sizes don't fit. We tried 15 or 16 different shapes and sizes to get me fitted for one at my former job. (Especially important for going into the negative pressure rooms) I either have to wear a full face respirator or PAPR with hood. Makes me happy I don't work in medical anymore lol.

Now if you are exploring in a place where you need a PAPR, you ought not be there lol.

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post by oakville_explorer

Re: Respirator Review: 3m 6200 Half-Mask Respirator
<Reply # 3 on 3/10/2016 1:12 PM >

Yes I am sure that my respirator fit is not 100% perfect, I have however done a couple fitting tests before I go into a building. You cover the two filter ports with your hands then breath in. If you can breath in then you haven't fitted it right. Then cover the central exhaust port and breath out. If you get leaks almost immediately then you need to tighten the mask. Sure it's not the fancy fitting tests with the hood and that banana smelling chemical but it serves a good enough purpose for my needs.

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post by General Zod

Re: Respirator Review: 3m 6200 Half-Mask Respirator
<Reply # 4 on 3/10/2016 2:54 PM >

I recommend North brand respirators. North is a better brand than 3M, for me.

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post by DarkAngel

Re: Respirator Review: 3m 6200 Half-Mask Respirator
<Reply # 5 on 3/12/2016 4:03 AM >

Posted by General Zod
I recommend North brand respirators. North is a better brand than 3M, for me.

Yup. I used a North 7600 for years before finally (accidentally) breaking the aluminum frame when swapping seals. Fantastic respirators that work even in true hazmat environments (not that you should be in one, they just use them for hazmat up here)

I need to break down and buy another one sometime.

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post by General Zod

Re: Respirator Review: 3m 6200 Half-Mask Respirator
<Reply # 6 on 3/12/2016 9:05 PM >

Posted by DarkAngel

Yup. I used a North 7600 for years before finally (accidentally) breaking the aluminum frame when swapping seals. Fantastic respirators that work even in true hazmat environments (not that you should be in one, they just use them for hazmat up here)

I need to break down and buy another one sometime.

Yeah, North is more comfortable and the rubber is better. Also, I'm sure 3M has low profile filters you can buy, but the standard issue filters that come included with North respirators are way smaller, more compact.

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post by SuchundFind

Re: Respirator Review: 3m 6200 Half-Mask Respirator
<Reply # 7 on 6/12/2016 7:31 PM >

Many people nowadays train with high altitude masks, so respirator isn't that bad and my old NBC mask I had in the Air Force was worse than any respirator. And at a couple of exercises we had to wear it for 6 hours. I took more than one nap wearing a nbc maask as well as that suit that came with it.

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post by Darthbindy

Re: Respirator Review: 3m 6200 Half-Mask Respirator
<Reply # 8 on 6/15/2016 11:50 PM >

Might as well mention that I've been quite happy with the "workhorse 9200" respirator I picked up a year ago, not much restriction on airflow, and very comfortable and cool compared to other ones I've used.

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post by blackhawk

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Re: Respirator Review: 3m 6200 Half-Mask Respirator
<Reply # 9 on 7/2/2016 4:13 PM >

Posted by SuchundFind

Many people nowadays train with high altitude masks, so respirator isn't that bad and my old NBC mask I had in the Air Force was worse than any respirator. And at a couple of exercises we had to wear it for 6 hours. I took more than one nap wearing a nbc maask as well as that suit that came with it.

I've been using respirators and air fed systems before you were born. Nothing fun or casual about them.
Sleeping with a respirator on is a very bad idea and even more so with an air fed device.

Decreased vision, alertness and stamina are a huge price to pay in an environment were the biggest real danger faced are falls and structural collapses. Anything that diminishes an explorer's ability to detect or react to these dangers is an unacceptable risk if not needed. No explorer on this site has died or been seriously injured as a result of inhalation hazards that I know of...
Quit a few have been injured seriously and even killed by falls and collapses.

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post by Dee Ashley

Re: Respirator Review: 3m 6200 Half-Mask Respirator
<Reply # 10 on 7/12/2016 11:08 PM >

Does anyone have any suggestions on which respirator is most bearable with glasses? I've read about special add-ons, etc. for glasses wearers, but have never heard any opinions from actual people that have the same pain-in-the-ass problem as I do...
BTW, I'm interested mostly in the half-masks rather than the full face masks at this point.

EDIT: I have a North 7700 series half mask currently.

[last edit 7/12/2016 11:11 PM by Dee Ashley - edited 1 times]

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post by blackhawk

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Re: Respirator Review: 3m 6200 Half-Mask Respirator
<Reply # 11 on 7/12/2016 11:51 PM >

Posted by Dee Ashley
Does anyone have any suggestions on which respirator is most bearable with glasses? I've read about special add-ons, etc. for glasses wearers, but have never heard any opinions from actual people that have the same pain-in-the-ass problem as I do...
BTW, I'm interested mostly in the half-masks rather than the full face masks at this point.

EDIT: I have a North 7700 series half mask currently.

I never had any issue wearing glasses with them.
They need to be fit tested to be effective though.
There are many different sizes; one size does -not- fit all!

Again anytime you need a respirator, you need more gear and training to avoid bringing contamination to your car, home... what about your clothing and cam gear? That too needs to be decontaminated.
Avoid heavily contaminated sites.

I used a shop vac for the first clean on cams and gear. Careful with the viewfinder though especially on none pro cams and any vented lense. You can suck dust in...

Humans evolved in a dusty, dirty environment. Within reason some will do you no harm...

Be cautious with black molds, the mycotoxins can breach the skin, and should not be inhaled.
Anytime you get that burning sensation in the back of your throat... leave. Change as soon as you can and wash all clothes.

Yes, well... few really understand what the real nightmares are.
Any site that is rodent infested needs special precautions. Hauntavirus is lethal. Never disturb nests or areas with rodent feces or dried urine.
A simple paper face mask is adequate most times. Do not touch your face or eat until you wash your hands if you get into that muck. I know of two people in their 20s that died from it.

Pigeons droppings are another high risk. Their droppings carry a fungus that causes a lung/systemic infection. Nasty. I was sick for 5 weeks once from it. And I mean sick.
Same precautions as Hauntavirus virus in pigeon hellholes.

Learn or be burned.

[last edit 7/12/2016 11:52 PM by blackhawk - edited 1 times]

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