Where to get replacement filters for dust mask?

Yes, after 28 days. It isn't 100% clear if its 28 days of use or just elapsed time.

Hi Dennis,

I know that's what Screwfix's website says but Wickes instructions say:

"Unopened replacement filters should be stored in the packaging..."

and JSP's website says of the version 3, "Twin angle mounted design supplied with filters which can be changed."

It's not clear from the photos what the difference is between v2 and v3 masks but the implication is that Wickes is the 3. Apologies if I muddied the water by linking to what may be the v2 at Screwfix.

There are broadly three types of mask:

- Those that are thrown away after immediate use - i.e. one time use for a few hours of doing a job

- Semi disposable (the type you mention). These are used until the filters expire (or some period of time). Typically, they are applicable to solvent filter types but are sometimes used for dust products. The point of these is that they are of better quality and fit than the disposables and may be more economic if doing a lot of work over a few days. However, they are thrown away at the end.

- Re-usables. These are better quality than the semi-disposables and can have replacement filters. The better ones have different filter options such as dust, solvent and so on. For regular work, they are the most cost effective.

In the past, I've tried using all of these, and the problem has always been that the disposables and semidisposables are not all that comfortable and become expensive if one is doing a lot of work. I've also bought various re-usables, including JSP from builders merchants and so on, only to find that they don't have the filters, can't get them or can't be arsed to get them.

In the end, I've standardised on a couple of different 3M re-usable masks with pluggable filters. These are of far better quality and the cartridges less than complete semi-disposable types. They get used for general jobs with particulate or solvent filters as appropriate. For prolonged woodwork involving dust and/or a requirement for face and eye protection, I have a 3M respirator.

In terms of supply, there are several specialist safety gear distributors. I tend to buy these things from Greenham and generally get pretty good prices. Arco is another.