Great info. Thank you!

This is great, thank you!

Thanks for this! I don't have fit testing equipment, but I just converted an Aura 9210+ into an earloop mask for my spouse to get a haircut. He says it fits better/tighter than the Well Before 3D KN95 Pro masks that we have.

Very helpful thank you

Can you do this again with the full OSHA test regimen where you talk/sing and move your head? A lot of ear loop masks have gotten quite good scores on the masknerd channel but he just did the normal breathing test without any of the additional challenges to the mask you would see in daily use.

@gerardhughes

11 ай бұрын

I may revisit this at some point in the future. In the meantime, you can check out @FitTestMyPlanet on Twitter who does extensive multi exercise fit testing, although not necessarily the exact OSHA fit test. He has modified this testing protocol somewhat, with an emphasis on jaw motion. His multi exercise test got a lower score than my static fit test, as would be expected, however, it was still the best testing ear loop respirator of those he's tried. So if you need ear loops, this is still one of the better ways to get a well-fitted earloop mask.

just got the 9320+ and the fit test seems fine (I can't feel air going through when holding it) but I still have a tiny amount of fog on my glasses when I breath out; so it's not perfect; is that expected?

@gerardhughes

Жыл бұрын

Aaron Collins has a good video on mask fogging, showing the difference between a leak under the seal and warm, humid air going through the filter media. So fogging doesn't necessarily mean filter bypass. A perfectly sealed N95 can still fog glasses.

any idea what n95 might be good for someone leakage in the chin area on the 3m Aura 9205? Nose seems like a decent fit on it but i feel air coming up along the chin on inhales

@gerardhughes

Жыл бұрын

A Champak bifold might be good, but they're kind of expensive and hard to find. A 3M V-Flex is a mask that works for some people who don't get good fit out of the aura, and the V-Flex also comes in a small size. In the meantime, one thing you could try is putting both straps on the crown of your head instead of putting one strap around your neck to give more tension on the bottom part of the mask for a better seal. It should not normally be worn that way, but if you're not getting a good seal at the chin, you may get a better seal by putting both straps across your crown. The direction of tension matters a lot with the 3M Auras, and some people do get a leak under the chin depending on their face shape. You can try the Reddit sub r/MasksForEveryone for other suggestions from a wider range of people.

@eric_smithwick

Жыл бұрын

The Draeger 1950 N95 in the small size is terrific. According to several people who experience leaks or riding up around the chin area of Auras, the 1950 stays snug. It tests as well or better than the Aura N95s in FitTestThePlanet's sampling. During extended 2 hour tests, the 1950 maintained its high protection factor without any readjustment or tightening of the nosepiece. By the 30 minute mark, the Aura had dipped below a 100 fit factor score. It was able to regain its high protection with a simple tightening of the nosepiece, but that would need be a habit in order to maintain a good seal throughout the day.

@gollumwbetterhair

Жыл бұрын

@@eric_smithwick hi- these sound perfect for me. i'm struggling to find them for sale, can you share a link?

Two questions: Why would someone need ear loops vs. headloops? And second, what is that second set of loops about on the black mask??

@gerardhughes

2 жыл бұрын

A surprising number of people find headbands uncomfortable and cannot tolerate them. But there are also practical reasons someone may wish earloops. Hair cut appointments are one example - you can't have headbands on when you get your hair cut. Earloops can also be quicker and easier to don and doff, including one handed. The second Aura with earloops had elastic from a fabric store stapled to the mask in the same area the normal headbands are stapled by 3M. The elastic had "cord locks" made from short lengths of plastic tubing to allow the earloop length to be adjusted.

@LeeKeels

10 ай бұрын

I have a fairly large head and I've hand bands on two Aura's snap just trying to put it on.

@bridgetwatts1476

3 ай бұрын

My husband only has one good hand and he cannot put headloop respirators on by himself.

I have trouble with the earloops pulling my ears down, I think because the straps are too close together. Has anyone had this issue and found a hack for it?

@gerardhughes

4 ай бұрын

Are you asking about this specific hack, or ear loop respirators in general? A number of people have made various hacks to make ear loop respirators more comfortable. Including hooks to grab the straps behind your head, buttons on the sides of hats or caps to hold the ear loops, cushions for people's ears, etc. However, I generally only wear an earloop respirator if I'm getting a haircut, specifically this hack, so those options don't work for me because the reason I'm using ear loops is to keep the elastics off of my hair out of the way of a barber or hairdresser. Your application may be different, so perhaps those solutions could work for you.