After having to handle dead animals and partially decayed ones a paper mask n95 is ok for light things even for pandemic a n100 is more peace of mind 5 percent permeability still makes me cringe when dealing with some things, and it’s not like you get to choose which will hit you. We have 3 brands of face mask from 3m and north. The third is those new neoprene washable masks more about these later.
I am with crowbar getting a full face mask when dealing with really nasty stuff is a must as it splatters and your eyes are easy acess point wearing eye protection with mask is not really doable as the fog and slip.
A full face mask works but few things one is make sure you get the silicone ones a few more dollars and they are way more comfortable if you have to wear days on end.
Get a net Web kind easier to fit and more comfortable, the big rubber patch on back of head rips out hair.
You need to be clean shaven or they don’t work.
Get cheapo film lens protectors for full face mask saves the real lenses that cost 60 percent or more of mask cost.
Putting rainx watershed same as on windshield helps if you are out in rain with mask. It’s does not work on the film as rain gets between the film and the face plate
The cartridges for mask for regular stuff the n 100 type are good for days but for things like bird poop or nasty rotting stuff get a few sets of organic filters . To test seal get a cotton ball put few droPs of essential oil you like smell of and put on mask wave around yoy should smell nothing. Put in mask after test some things make you mentally gag even though you cant smell it. Usually smell getting through means you mask is not sealed
For the face shield not fogging get no fog rainx treat inside of the mask. If you don’t have any a light coat of veg oil helps, just miss a corner on bottom so condensate gathers there. Using spit like in divers mask does not work on longer times as it dries out then you are up the creek without a paddle.
Getting silicone half face mask is a mid way thing they use same filters as a full face but leave your eyes exposed they fit better and last for decades of use you just wash with hot water and change filters.
Ok neoprene masks we all carry as part of edc kit. Being allergic to certain pollen makes my life way easier when out doors during grass and cottonwood season. Also when pitch forking hay. They are washable and way more comfortable than paper disposables. I also wear in town if I have to go to wal mart as it messes with facial Id and health reason makes it something they can’t ask you to take off. Many immune compromised and allergic people.wear it along with people in big city on transit expecially cold/flu season. Comes in nice non threatening designs. Advantages over paper mask they are mean to last for 100 of hour use. Neoprene is water resistant and does not rub much , it is best for form fit. It will last till you reach bol. Dis advantages it’s not cheap, if you are using short term it can be a bio hazard till sanitized. Right now you are in a minority wearing unless you have a big asian population who wears breating masks all the time for pollution.
The disposables have thier place as a one and done mask or to trade but having all in stock is a good idea. If I only had one choice on budget it would.be neoprene. The full face are awe some but they hurt the neck and face after days of use… Yeah we did training simulations with full gear those full mask suck when you need alot of air.. the neoprenes most forgot they where wearing them more than one canteen or bite block from camel pack put into mask front.