3M 6000 Full-Face Respirator Reviews?

J

JoshEarl

Joined
Sep 30, 2007
Messages
197
I've tried a couple of respirators so far, and none have completely satisfied me. I started with a standard half-face, dual cartridge mask, but the moisture was really rough on my skin, and I had trouble with my safety glasses fogging up.

I'm currently using a positive pressure style mask that I paid about $250 for. It's OK, but it's pretty heavy and my neck starts to hurt after a while. Taking the battery out is a serious pain because the filter wants to self-destruct every time you try to close the top part of the helmet.

A couple of people have recommended the 3M 6000 model in the past, and I'm curious to see whether you end up with tons of moisture against your skin, and whether the shield fogs up when it's cold. (Temps in my garage are in the 40s during the winter.)

Thanks,
Josh
 
I use the 7000 series half mask and the exhaled breath gets directed down so goggles or faceshield never fog up. Never. The 6000 lets exhaled breath straight out the front, the 7000 has a deflector.
 
Sounds like you have a Trend air shield.
Some tips on making it lighter and more friendly:
Take the batteries out and make a battery pack that you drop in your back pocket or clip on your belt. I made one with rechargeable D cells, and it runs for a week on a charge. Next, when you close the top, place a 3X5 index card over the filter. When you close it the cover won't grab the fibers as before. Once closed, just slip out the card.

A much lighter positive pressure unit is the Air Cap II. It is easy to wear and quite efficient.
 
I would keep the + pressure mask and try what Stacy suggested..

I used to wear the full face mask for work and after the 2 hours that I had it on, I couldn't wait to get it off.

If you have problems with the 1/2 mask, the full face won't get any better.
Especially in the cold, it can fog up a bit, and definitely collects condensation...although the exhale valve sure helps, it's not perfect.

The battery pack can be crude as hell and work well, just make up some fake batteries with wooden dowels and thumbtacks on the ends...connect the tacks at 2 ends to the wires that go to your belt and the battery pack. 100% reversible and completely effective.
 
bladsmth said:
Sounds like you have a Trend air shield.
Some tips on making it lighter and more friendly:
Take the batteries out and make a battery pack that you drop in your back pocket or clip on your belt. I made one with rechargeable D cells, and it runs for a week on a charge. Next, when you close the top, place a 3X5 index card over the filter. When you close it the cover won't grab the fibers as before. Once closed, just slip out the card.

A much lighter positive pressure unit is the Air Cap II. It is easy to wear and quite efficient.
Click to expand...

You're right--it is a Trend. I really like the battery pack idea. If I didn't have to take the stupid thing apart every time I used it, I wouldn't mind it as much. I can't get the black part of the hood to lock down properly most of the time. A detachable battery would solve my biggest gripe.

Are there any good walk-throughs on rigging up a pack like this? I'm having trouble visualizing how you could do it and still be able to get the batteries out for charging.

Thanks,
Josh
 
Easy, plastic tube to hold batteries +on top,-on bottom, speaker wire and tape.
Sporting goods stores have a few types of battery packs. An old mag light would make a tough batt. holder...
 
OK, I got a few parts at RadioShack, and I should be able to whip this bigger battery pack together pretty easily. One thing I'm wondering is what would happen if I try to run the fan on 2.4 volts instead of 3.6 volts. I got one of the RadioShack battery holders, and it holds two D cells. I didn't realize it, but the rechargables that I got are only 1.2 volts each instead of 1.5 like I was expecting. They did have a 4-battery holder that I could use if this one won't have enough kick to run the fan.

Thanks for the suggestion!

Josh
 
I'm not an expert on positive pressure masks, but if the original battery pack was rated for 3.6V then the fan would be underpowered at 2.4V and would not be able to provide enough positive pressure to be effective. To get that voltage you would need either three NiMHs (or NiCad but NiMHs are better) or a single LiIon battery. The voltage would be a little higher fresh off the charger (~4.2V) but it will eventually settle down to 3.6V. If you use the 4-cell holder, bypass the last cell slot and use only 3 cells. Four NiMHs would probably be too much for the motor.

btw: If you will be using the mask for long periods it's worth using some of the higher capacity NiMH D-cells like the ones by Maha or Accupower if you haven't already done so. These are rated for a capacity of approx. 8000mAh to 10000mAh. Many of the rechargeable D-cells commonly found in stores are just AA cells encased in a D-sized shell so the only have a capacity of approx. 2000mAh to 2500mAh. The higher capacity stuff will cost more and take longer to charge but you won't have to charge them as often.
 
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