Resp-O-Rator R.I.P.

MTBob

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.
1732637757415.png
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.
 
I got this crazy full Faced mask that works GREAT but I can't get my glasses under it! I have a beard also but I keep mine very short so this works well for me.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20240920_155841_794.jpg
    IMG_20240920_155841_794.jpg
    1.2 MB · Views: 1
Gliden07 said:
I got this crazy full Faced mask that works GREAT but I can't get my glasses under it! I have a beard also but I keep mine very short so this works well for me.
Click to expand...
Looks like the same one I have. I have a Goatee and it works well with that. I used to have a full beard and in the interests of a better fit on a respirator I went down to a Goatee.
 
I've got one of those respirators floating around some drawer in my shop, Bob. If you want it for parts, I'd be happy to send it to you. A little water rinse to knock the dust off and a short soak in dilute bleach and you'd have like-new spare parts. Besides, what I have isn't infectious. LOL
I have a PAPR and am not working much regardless.
Lemme know. It's yours if you want.

I'd hate to see you cut your beard. :) Last day I shaved my whole face was 6JUL1974 - my wedding day. I had a beard prior to my wedding but my MiL-to-be bugged me so much to shave. I cut it back to mutton chops the day of the wedding and surprised everyone except my bride. Told MiL it was my wedding gift to her and to never mention my beard again. She didn't. My beard has been between 1/4" and a foot since, but always a full beard.
 
Last edited:
Coop said:
Dang fitzo I was a sophomore in High School then. I couldn't even grow a good mustache then. Well still can't! LOL
Click to expand...

I wasn't much older, at 22. She was 20. They say married that young doesn't last. Ha! We've been like two adjacent fingers on the same hand close the whole time, inseparable as Life allows.

Anyways, I didn't have much of a mustache then, either, but I was determined that whatever hair would grow, got allowed to. I was just as ornery and rebellious back then, too, apparently.
 
fitzo said:
I've got one of those respirators floating around some drawer in my shop, Bob. If you want it for parts, I'd be happy to send it to you. A little water rinse to knock the dust off and a short soak in dilute bleach and you'd have like-new spare parts. Besides, what I have isn't infectious. LOL
I have a PAPR and am not working much regardless.
Lemme know. It's yours if you want.

I'd hate to see you cut your beard. :) Last day I shaved my whole face was 6JUL1974 - my wedding day. I had a beard prior to my wedding but my MiL-to-be bugged me so much to shave. I cut it back to mutton chops the day of the wedding and surprised everyone except my bride. Told MiL it was my wedding gift to her and to never mention my beard again. She didn't. My beard has been between 1/4" and a foot since, but always a full beard.
Click to expand...
Fitzo, let's talk about parts. I'll PM you.
 
MTBob said:
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.
View attachment 85258
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.
Click to expand...
Hey guys! I have a better solution for you! Check it out https://dot.cards/renegade2024 follow the link and check out our new beard friendly respirator. Feel free to ask any questions. P.S. I use mine almost everyday. Spread the word! Cheers!
 
Interesting design, thanks. A couple of questions: - Can you post a photo of the mouthpiece, it's unclear what it's shape is or how it inserts into the face frame. Also, does the male filter bayonet (on the face frame) accept 3M filters? I might be interested in this kind of filter IF the unit can accept 3M filters.
Your website shows the following disclaimer. Keep in mind that what we do as knife makers is in fact working with industrial level / cancer causing materials. If the filters aren't rated for industrial or occupational use the respirator will be of little value to us knife makers.
1756249053071.png
 
Last edited:
Hey Bob. We have 3rd accredited lab test results from a lab here in the USA. You can find our test and re-test results https://www.renegade-innovations.com/products/air-guard
You can also see how our respirator works with other ppe in our social media posts along with all of our other media at https://dot.cards/renegade2024
Our respirator just like every other respirator is tested using filters specific to that respirator and the tests it underwent during laboratory testing. It is not recommended to mix different filters with respirators made from different manufacturers as there is no way to be sure the level of protection because the filter wasn't designed for that respirator and tested with that respirator.
 
renegadeinnovations said:
Hey Bob. We have 3rd accredited lab test results from a lab here in the USA. You can find our test and re-test results https://www.renegade-innovations.com/products/air-guard
You can also see how our respirator works with other ppe in our social media posts along with all of our other media at https://dot.cards/renegade2024
Our respirator just like every other respirator is tested using filters specific to that respirator and the tests it underwent during laboratory testing. It is not recommended to mix different filters with respirators made from different manufacturers as there is no way to be sure the level of protection because the filter wasn't designed for that respirator and tested with that respirator.
Click to expand...
Our disclaimer is only due to the fact that we haven't made it through the "federal" gauntlet regarding testing and certification if that makes sense. Although we believe and our independent tests show that our respirator performs at the same levels we are unable to recommend it for occupational use until we battle through those federal certification challenges.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top