Best Welding Respirators in 2021: Detailed Review & Buying Guide

Any person associated with welding activities, be it an amateur or an expert must make a prudent investment of purchasing a welding respirator. It is of utmost importance because a respirator will filter exposure to fumes and gases, to ensure the welder is breathing clean air.

Near-term effects commonly observed are temporary irritation to the skin and eyes. Welders have also complained of dizziness and nausea. Exposure to these fumes and gases for an extended period of time can lead to heart disease or cancer.

Fortunately, these days there are plenty of good welding respirator options available. The products we recommend not only provide maximum security but also boast additional benefits. Furthermore, we have provided a guide that can help you to select the most suitable fit for you. Read on to find out the six best welding respirators you can buy right now.

Overall Best Pick

The Budget Pick

1. 3M 7162 Full-Facepiece Spray Paint respirator: The Top Notch

The 3M 7162 Full-Facepiece Spray Paint Respirator – Organic Vapor Respirator is a famous brand in welding circles. One reason why folks love the company is that it provides the welder complete respiratory protection. A key feature is the use of robust silicone material which guarantees a strong grip on your skin while ensuring no discomfort.

Welders are most impressed with the latch system for easy use. The user can unlatch and put it back without having to remove it and pull it back without completely removing its head straps. The exhalation valve cover also stops the welding helmet respirator and glasses from getting fogged up.

The full face welding respirator can be used as negative pressure respirators with the cartridge and filter combinations for paint spray applications or adapted to supplied air.

2. 3M Rugged Comfort Quick Latch Half Facepiece Respirator: Most Comfortable

The 3M Rugged Comfort Quick Latch Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator 6500 Series promises high filter efficiency. The respirator is highly regarded for its comfort and stability with a sturdy silicone face seal. The exclusive quick latch design helps in putting the facepiece on and removing it while moving in and out of polluted areas.

The respirator for welding when properly fitted with approved 3M cartridges and filters provides respiratory security in workshops at concentrations up to 10 times the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL). Despite the light silicone 3M half facepiece, it can still endure long and risky conditions.

The silicone face shield comes with prolonged life, maintaining its shape in very hot conditions. The advanced design features include a valve cover which makes breathing easier and helps to direct exhaled breath and vapor downward. The facepiece comes with a changeable head harness assembly containing durable straps that stretch and fit the user perfectly well.

Also Know: Best Welding Safety Glasses

3. 3M Half FacePiece Reusable Respirator (6300): Easy to Breathe

The built of this 3M Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator 6000 Series guarantees protection in high-risk conditions. This 3M Respirator 6000 Series gives maximum protection from exposure to metallic oxides, fluorides, and silicates. These mixtures of gases and vapors can be hazardous. However, when used with approved 3M cartridges and filters, this respirator helps provide protection at concentrations up to 10 times the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL). The innovative design of the cartridges has proven to improve balance and visibility.

The facepiece is extremely light and its adjustable head straps allow the user to use it as per their comfort. The cartridges are replaceable which helps reduce expenses and waste. The 6000 Series Half Facepiece is tested and approved with certain 3M cartridges and filters. Another key feature is it is approved for negative-pressure air purifying and positive-pressure dual airline applications.

This 3m welding respirator mask is designed with a superior valve cover, which functions efficiently in guiding any exhaled breath as well as moisture downwards. We observed that it uses its characteristic cool flow valve, which reduces moisture and heat and helps ease breathing. Furthermore, it comfortably fits the user’s head.

Also Know: Best Welding Caps

4. NASUM Reusable Half Face Respirator: Most Durable

I am very thrilled to introduce this next product, which is the NASUM M101 Reusable Face Cover. This high-quality product can be tested by covering up the inhale holes and breathing in. The installed filter in it keeps an airtight seal. The air breathed comes through the filter. Similarly, the air breathed out goes out through an exhaling valve. This respirator mask is a professional breathing protection set that gets rid of all airborne contaminants that could potentially affect your lungs.

The respirator is highly recommended for individuals whose glasses cover is compatible with various protective equipment such as eyewear and head protection products. The texture of the good quality silicone material gives a comfortable feeling. This respirator is built with a comprehensive anti-fog splashing mechanism to avoid the foray of tiny particles. I specifically like the re-usable design of the product which ensures minimum changeouts. It is because of this that you can clean, undo, and reuse it, thereby extending its life and making it more cost-effective.

The flexibility of this preferred respiratory protection device is also indisputable as it is highly regarded not only in certain welding jobs but also in other conditions. These include sawing, demolition, grinding, woodworking, renovation, stone processing, and polishing, and production in factory related jobs. It is built to be extremely comfortable, as well. In fact, it is possible for you to use and wear it together with other personal protective equipment, like safety glasses or spectacles without worrying about facing discomfort.

5. MSA 815444 Advantage 200 Respirator: Lightest

The MSA 815444 Advantage 200 LS Half-Mask comes with a soft and flexible combination of rubber and plastic which provides a customized fit. This helps in conforming to the user’s unique facial characteristics. The Advantage 200 LS comes in different sizes and has a full range of cartridges and filters to give security against injurious particles and gases. This mask has a thermoplastic rubber that increases softness and decreases weight.

The Advantage 3200 Respirator improves user performance because the new design allows even lower breathing resistance and includes a nose cup that lessens fogging in low temperatures or high-humidity conditions. Furthermore, the facepiece lens gives superior visibility and peripheral vision. The wraparound scratch-resistant polycarbonate facepiece lens offers a wide distortion-free field of vision. It outdoes requirements for haze, prism, and power while removing distortion.

In this welding half-mask respirator, you can position the upper straps for a steady fit and minimal alteration, time after time. The pre-set upper straps avoid uncomfortable problems and also offers a tighter and more secure seal.

The respirator comes with a low-profile. Flexible pads fit well under the welding hood with a respirator and with other personal protective equipment. They offer great balance and weight distribution for maintaining a good face seal, while their swept-back design provides improved vision
and comfort.

Buying guide for the best welding respirator

Various factors must be considered before purchasing the best welding respirator mask.

Type of respirator

As we already have seen above, there are various kinds of respirators. They are majorly classified into:

Reusable welding respirator

These respirators are sturdier and more economical. However, ensure you change the filters once you notice it is dirty.

Air-purifying welding respirator

The air-purifying respirator provides the highest level of protection and coverage. It is regarded as the most comfortable and fits perfectly. These respirators also have a cooling effect.

Half-mask respirator

They cover you from your nose to the chin. It is absolutely important to ensure they fit perfectly and there is no gap for fumes to pass through the mask.

Full-mask respirator

As the name suggests, they do not cover your nose and chin but your eyes as well.

Disposable welding respirator

A disposable respirator for welding is usually made of light material. They are worn under the helmet. There is no need to clean it as you will be disposing of it. Although they offer great mobility to the welder, they do not offer the best protection.

Nature of your work

The type of risks you expose yourself to determines the best-suited respirator.

If the nature of your work involves heavy exposure to fumes, an air-purifying welding mask is required as it provides you with more protection. However, if you are involved in work around a lot of dust elements, you will be better protected by getting a welding mask that offers complete coverage.

Comfort

It is extremely important to feel comfortable in your mask during welding. You must be able to breathe naturally. The mask must provide enough mobility. Ensure the respirator does not dig into your skin, which can make you uncomfortable. It is vital to select a respirator with an innovative design, the right fit, and a good level of comfort.

Durability

Durability is a key factor in deciding the best mask. A frequent welder uses the mask often which makes it essential for the mask to be durable.

Specifications on the mask will give a good idea of its durability. Changeable filters on masks also need be reviewed to determine durability. If you are on a budget, purchase a disposable mask.

Frequently Asked Questions :

What is a welding respirator?

A welding respirator mask is worn for protection from hazardous flames and gases. Typically, a welding respirator covers your nose and mouth. However, full mask respirators are also popular which as the name suggests, covers the entire face.

The respirator for welding ensures you breathe in clean air. Their presence of toxic contaminants can be harmful and hence these can be used in various work environments.

Before selecting the kind of respirator, it is best to understand the risks the user will be exposed to in a particular work environment. Once you assess the surroundings and the danger you are exposed to, you will comfortably be able to decide the best respirator suited for you.

What is the best respirator for welding?

The best respirator for a welder is one that gives you complete protection from fumes and gases. A powered air-purifying respirator will match all your requirements.

Should you wear a respirator when welding?

Welding respirator masks are important to wear if your nature of work involves exposure to harmful fumes and gases.

If welding is one of your regular activities and tasks you need to do daily then it is all the more important to have a high-quality respirator mask. You must be aware of constant exposure to welding fumes increases the risk of facing health issues. By breathing the toxic air your respiratory system and lungs will experience grave issues.

Is welding smoke bad for you?

Welding smoke is harmful and can be fatal at times. Exposure to fine particles results in deposits in your lung and hamper the gas exchange from air into the blood. These ultra-fine particles can also enter the bloodstream through cell membranes.

Is welding worse than smoking?

The amount of exposure to fumes and gases determines the level of risk of welding. Hence, welding can be much worse than smoking. Workers exposed to welding fumes are more likely to develop lung cancer than those not exposed to the fumes.

Does welding shorten your life?

If the highest level of protection is not taken the exposure to harmful fumes and gases can lead to serious health problems. It is advisable to use superior quality welding masks that filter dangerous gases and fumes to ensure you breathe in clean air only.

Do you need a respirator for welding aluminium?

Welding aluminum materials results in the formation of aluminum oxide from the filler material and the base material. Huge compounds of aluminum-oxygen are present in the welding fumes. Inhaling these particles puts a strain on the respiratory tracts. Furthermore, it can also be harmful to your lungs. These harmful substances can lead to various respiratory diseases such as bronchitis.
Fortunately, hazardous substances that develop when welding aluminum materials fall under the limit values and hence protective measures can be taken. The respirator for welding aluminum is important to ensure protection from harmful substances.

Is welding titanium dangerous?

Welding titanium produces a lot of white fumes. It consists almost entirely of magnesium oxide and aluminum oxide, which are considered to be merely lung irritants. These substances cause irritation to the lungs and the highest level of protection must be taken. In the short term, it can be harmful to your lungs.