Sexy, heavy breathing.....
I had to get your attention somehow!!
Now to make the subject applicable--
I was at a professional development conference a few weeks ago, and was talking with the local reps. from Mine Safety Appliances (MSA). According to them, they now have the contract to provide respirators for sale through all the Home Depots. (I am assuming this is nation wide). As I understand it, MSA respirators will be replacing those previously supplied under contract by American Optical (AO), and other respirator suppliers.
Anyway, the new MSA respirator going on the shelves looks like a real winner. It's their brand new Advantage 200 LS. It's a super light, soft silicone rubber half-mask. The part of the respirator that comes in contact with the bridge of the nose has been altered slightly in design, and increased softness, to allow more comfort during prolonged wear. In addition, the cartridges are more oblong in shape-which provides better overall balance, and they attach to the respirator using a lugged, "bayonet" mount that replaces MSA's old screw mount system. The head strap is split, which gives more comfort and better fit over the crown of the head. This system looks like it's designed to give 3M a lot of competition. Should come in S, M, and L sizes, too.
Not sure of prices yet, but I would suspect continued competitive pricing in the $20-$30 range.
I currently have one sitting on my modeling bench, and am looking forward to trying it out when I begin painting in another week or so. I DO NOT represent MSA in any capacity, but I would recommend this respirator to anyone looking to buy a new respirator, or replace an older device.
Didn't mean for this to sound like a commercial (UGH!).
Gip Winecoff