If your dust masks are anything like mine, they’re crammed in your drywall or paint box (check out this organization video by Scott Dettmore). While they bounce around with drywall knives and bags of quickset, they work their way to the bottom of the pile and have dust already in them before you put them on to protect yourself from dust.
Born somewhere between the dirt bike trail and the jobsite, rider/remodeler/inventor Minnesotan Steve Torbenson invented the RZ Mask.
There are three models:
– The M1 neoprene mask, called out for colder environments
– The single-strap M2 mesh mask
– The dual-strap M2.5
The specs and deliverables, other than the call-out for temperature, read pretty much identically across all three models. These durable, washable, carbon-filtered masks and their unique non-disposable design deliver a 360-degree seal. An adjustable nose-piece and dual one-way discharge valves lay claim to eliminating the infuriating safety glasses fog-up routine while the RZ mesh material allows maximum ventilation to your skin.
The M1 has the same strap-wrap as the M2.
The RZ mesh mask M2 with strap wrap
For the M2.5 at least one user comment said this chassis (they call them chassis) is more comfortable.
Each unit is compatible with RZ’s replacement filters, which come in three varieties. The active carbon filter that ships with each mask—along with a storage bag, which I think is great—snags dust down to .1-micron. The M2 and 2.5 run about $35; the M1, about $30. If that’s too rich for your blood, the company has sale and clearance items as well.
The M2.5 filter set-up
Filters are said to last about 60-hours. Replacements are available for about $13.
RZs come in a numerous colors, including Mossy Oak if you’re trying to hide instead of sanding the drywall you now wish you subbed out in your latest bathroom reno.
