Thread by @ToshiAkima

Dräger X-plore 2100 Elastomeric Respirator Half Mask with P100 Filter. Comfortable with exceptional vocal clarity. Quick to don and doff. The Peppa Pig look may be polarising but if you can get over that it's a winner

The biggest con is the lack of exhalation valve filter, but I found an easy workaround for this. Cut a circular piece from a N95 or KF94 mask and place it inside on top of the exhalation port

The mask is CDC/NIOSH and CE certified (EN 1827). This means it will has been tested by the CDC to ensure filtration capacity is as described. It is also AS/NZS 1716:2012 certified as an N95 respirator (but not TGA/ATRG approved for HCW use), though it is really more like an N99

The fact that this is a P100/N99/P3 masks means you get a higher grade of protection than from an N95/KF94 mask. That it is reusable means it will be much cheaper to run in the long term while being more comfortable than any N95

The elastomeric part of the mask is made of much softer and pliable material than most (eg the 3M 6000 series) and this is what makes it so comfortable, while moulding effortlessly to your face shape

The mask is made either of blue silicone or black EPDM. Only the blue version is offered on the Australian Amazon Dräger store. The black EPDM version is offered elsewhere. The box comes with 5 filters which should last for years making it economical amazon.com.au/Dräger-Respira…

The Canadian Amazon Dräger store offers both the blue silicone and the black EPDM versions. Unfortunately, there is no Dräger store on US Amazon where it is hard to find amazon.ca/Dräger-X-plore…

The one I got was the blue silicone version and it is exceedingly soft. The nice blue colour also reduces the Darth Vader styling which dogs the black EPDM version, while making it look less industrial and more socially acceptable

Additionally, the Dräger does not accumulate fluid/condensation inside as many elastomerics are prone to. I went for a walk in a 30C Sydney day and it did not get sweaty and unpleasant inside

This mask has been previously reviewed by @amandalhu who has forever and irreversibly created the association of this mask with Peppa Pig! As long as you can live with that it comes highly recommended

https://twitter.com/amandalhu/status/1469039634340478985?s=12

Note: caution if you're flying on an airline with this Dräger, even with the modification of an added N95 exhalation valve filter. A surgical mask might not fit over the top. Airlines or jurisdictions may have lists of approved masks. Check with your airline

Note: AU HCWs check with your OH&S dept if you want to wear this at work since it lacks ATRG approval even if it does have the AS 1716 approval, especially given lack of source control (exhalation valve filtration) in non-COVID areas

Note: being able to don/doff quickly is important. If I get a delivery at the door, I can get the Dräger on within seconds without struggling with the straps and adjusting the mask. Faster than any N95/KF94

Postscript: I have a medium (bordering on large) face as per sizing guides from 3M, Sundström, and CleanSpace. Nose bridge: medium, but the mask is so soft it won't matter whether you have a high or low bridge nose

Postscript 2: vocal clarity is important where workplace communication is critical. Too many masks muffle your voice. The Dräger permits you to be understood. If people need to lip-read, please look at the transparent @one_canopy (also has good vocals)