MTBob
Well-Known Member
As a knife maker with a beard, for the past 8 years I've used one of Jim Durxbury's Resp-o-Rators (https://duxterity.com/resp-o-rator/). I've modified the unit to accept 3M filters and replaced the plastic cross arm. This filter has served me well, filtering particulates much better than my 3m Face mask - and, it's easy to use under my welding hood too. There are drawbacks but, compared to other choices, in my opinion it is an optimal solution for someone with a beard.
Yesterday I tried finding replacement parts for the unit, and couldn't find the whole unit, or parts, on-line anywhere. So I called Jim and found out that the filter is no longer manufactured, largely due to Covid-related supply shortages and increased costs. He said the moulds are gone and that no one else is willing to make the unit.
But, he had saved a small quantity of spare parts, namely the inlet and outlet valves and hose sockets (but, no mouth pieces!). So, I bought what I hope is a life time supply of valves and sockets. The yellow center unit that holds the valves and mouthpiece is no longer available.
Sadly, my "old friend" Resp-0-Rater has fallen victim to Covid - R.I.P.
Crudgingly, someday I may have to consider a PAPR unit of some kind.
Yesterday I tried finding replacement parts for the unit, and couldn't find the whole unit, or parts, on-line anywhere. So I called Jim and found out that the filter is no longer manufactured, largely due to Covid-related supply shortages and increased costs. He said the moulds are gone and that no one else is willing to make the unit.
But, he had saved a small quantity of spare parts, namely the inlet and outlet valves and hose sockets (but, no mouth pieces!). So, I bought what I hope is a life time supply of valves and sockets. The yellow center unit that holds the valves and mouthpiece is no longer available.
Sadly, my "old friend" Resp-0-Rater has fallen victim to Covid - R.I.P.
Crudgingly, someday I may have to consider a PAPR unit of some kind.
