3M Advanced Comfort Reusable Respirator 7512P1-DC

Was in the market recently for painter's mask and ended up buying this 3M 7500 series half face reusable respirator for $114, more expensive than I initially wanted to spend, but chose quality over price in the end. It is the most expensive half face respirator at Bunnings (amongst respirators / masks that are stocked on the floor or amongst 3M product lineup) and the second most expensive respirator behind the full face respirator the 3M 7800 respirator that costs almost 3x more! The next one down is 6500 series quick latch / quick drop half face respirator for $7 less.

Amazingly, I found a 17 years old YouTube video (https://youtu.be/8HXr9vTOlJk?si=fc2kGUzoRF5dXbxK) comparing the 6000 and 7500 series. Can't believe these products are that old and couldn't find the original release date of the 7500 series. Would have thought there would be significant improvements or changes over time. No, it is almost identical to what is now, as least as far as how it looks. Perhaps all the improvements are in the filters. The only difference I spotted looking at the 17 years old video is the straps are slightly different.

Important to note that painter's mask requires OV (organic vapour) filter which are usually made of activated carbon. P95 particle filter like those for Covid won't do.

Why I didn't choose disposable ones (3M Painter's Plus) priced just under $19 which comes with 2 disposable filters. According to literature, it is not as effective as reusable respirators. It obviously won't provide nearly as good a seal as the reusable respirator. Make sure you perform a positive and negative pressure test when using these products to confirm a good seal is achieved.

Why I didn't choose 6000 / 6500 series. 6000 series is known for uncomfortable fit and lack of cool flow valve for improved breathability. 6500 comes with cool flow valve and quick drop latch is a much closer contender to 7500. Frankly, I decided on 7500 because its model number implies it is a newer / better series than 6500 / 6000 series. Some claim that 6500 is not as comfortable and durable as 7500 for long term use. I am no professional painter and won't be bashing it around so arguably should have saved a few dollars and bought the 6500 with quick drop latch. This feature at least looks really good.

One thing I found difficult is the poor documentation on this product at shops. Bunnings and Mitre 10 are the only stores that spell out it comes with a full set of filters. I suspect all other sites such as Total Tools, Amazon, AliExpress, WorkSafe Gear Australia, C&L Tool Center do not come with filters. A pack of filters costs $35 at Bunnings meaning they are really no cheaper than Mitre10 or Bunnings.

What I love about this 3M 7500 series respirator: It really provides good seal and it is really comfortable. I wear glasses and it is not fogging up at all which I would expect from a full face respirator.

What I hate about this 3M 7500 series respirator: The neck strap buckles feel flimsy. I wonder how long it would last. It is also somewhat fiddly, easily turned back to front. I feel it could have been implemented better such that it would be stronger and more id*ot-proof. This is not the worst part though. The worst part is the implementation of the elastic straps and adjusters on those straps. They are cheap and elastic straps has no stop at the end to keep them from slipping right off at the end. Why couldn't 2M staple something at the end of the strap or fold it back and stitch it to stop it from coming off completely? After all, this product is over $100!

And given it is over $100, I feel 3M could have provided a hard carry case for it rather than a frimsy zip lock bag. Citeco respirators do and they are less than 1/2 the price! Any how, Sistema KLIP IT Plus 3.35L container is almost perfect for it.

Why I bought the 3M 7500 series respirator. 3M obviously is a trusted brand. All its reusable respirator use bayonet mount for 501 filter container hence there is a ton of compatibility filter cartidges you could get, for whatever filtration required. Regardless of which respirator you buy, you could always buy the same 6001 OV filter cartridge hence will get the same protection the most expensive model would offer. As mentioned, I picked 7500 over 6500 purely due to model number. You might find 6500 better. I did notice some mention about 7500 series offering quick drop release but couldn't find that product or more information. Anyhow, pushing the top strap forward to slide it over the head would drop the entire respirator to the neck so long the neck strap is fastened. This is as good as quick drop and perhaps what quick drop means for 7500 respirator.

I consider 7500 overpriced. A set of filters is $35 at Bunnings. This makes the respirator almost $80. Overpriced! Apparently it used to be much cheaper before covid but price never went back to what used to be. Given this product hasn't evolved at all, whatever initial R&D, engineering and manufacturing investment etc that could justify for the high price should have weaned over time. This is why I consider this product overpriced. Mind you, filter cartridges need to be replaced periodically. And taking into account of the poor strap and buckles, I wanted to take off 2 stars. But I do believe it is a good product. I smelt no familiar unpleasant chemical smells using it. It provides good seal, I can breath easily, doesn't feel hot, so it serves its core functions well and does inspire confidence in me. Therefore, I am heaving it with 4 stars.

Reference https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/2580412O/3m-anz-reusable-respirator-catalogue-chapter-ed-5.pdf?&fn=3m-anz-psd-edition5-catalogue-section-reusable-respirators-v1-1.pdf