Trend Air Pro/Shield

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mark james

mark james

IAP Collection, Curator
Joined
Sep 6, 2012
Messages
13,209
Location
Medina, Ohio
I would appreciate any comments from the membership who are using any of the Trend products.

After many months of working with my Pulmonary MD and several other Wizards, I have a tough decision on continuing woodturning. A 53 year vet of Asthma (now 62 yrs old), I started having increased lung problems in the summer of 2019. Final diagnosis is ABPA ( Allergic Broncho... etc, etc.). I am getting medications (more than the past), but even with my Cyclone dust collector and 1 micron air filter, external window vent and a fan blowing all dust, etc away from me at my lathe, I need to consider other options, or stop woodturning. I have previously regularly used an Industry Standard Respirator, but it is not comfortable. (Sorry for the huge ugly mug).

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So... Anybody out there use the Trend products, advise, suggestions?

I wear glasses, had a thin beard which I know is not good for a good seal and will lose if needed.

I realize the cost, but considering my monthly asthma medications are $355, I am confortable and can afford this.

Comfort?
Maintenance?
Service/Repairs?
Quality?
Vision/Clarity?
Ease with thick glasses (I'm at 9 diopters
Any other thoughts?

Thanks in advance - I will do my own research, but value those with actual experience.
 
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Dalecamino said:
How about a Lab suit? With a dedicated air supply? Nothing gets inside those.
Click to expand...
Sh.t that would be a photo 'Wifey' would love... Penturning in a hazmat suit.
 

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I have and have been using the Trend Air Shield Pro

Comfort - at first I thought it would be uncomfortable due to the battery and fan on top. It is too heavy but fits more like a hard hat. I recently wore it for a couple of hours at a time for 4 or 5 days in a row and it ended up being much more comfortable than I expected.

Maintenance - none this far, had about a year using on and off. I have checked and parts seem readily available.

Service/Repairs - same as above

Quality - decent. I got mine on clearance from a return at Rockler, so paid hugely less than retail. The way the fabric(vinyl) portion is made seems a little cheap but it is also what allows for a comfortable fit around the face. Even with a beard (that was a beard?) no issues since it is positive pressure.

Vision/Clarity - zero issues for me.

Ease with thick glasses (I'm at 9 diopters) - can't say, though I have worn mine comfortably with and without my glasses.

Any other thoughts - because you are running a fan in a plastic housing it does build up a bit of charge attracting a fine dust on the surface. I haven't tried any of the ways to overcome this yet as I just blow it off or wipe it down. I will say that the more I use it, the more I like using it.

If you (or Chuck) want to get together sometime I can bring mine along for everyone to try. I did note above that at first it feels odd/awkward with the extra bit of weight on top but in use I forget about it. Plus, even at $400 it is 1/3 the price of the belt mounted units.
 
I have the trend. I have four batteries for it. All need replaced. It is heavy. I turn just about every day. I am looking at the papr model as a replacement. Brother in law has one and I tried it and liked it. Turning bowls or spindles the trend is ok. The turner stands more upright and out of the line of fire. When pen turning I am bent over and in the line of fire and head very close to the pen blank. The extra weight when bent over is too much for me.
 
If cost is truly not an obstacle I would look into 3M products. I use their full face respirator with the cartridges that protect against vapor and dust. It works pretty good for. (I have a mild case of asthma).

https://www.amazon.com/3M-Cartridge...09ebf&pd_rd_wg=s88Fq&pd_rd_i=B009POHLRC&psc=1


If I could afford it I would use the 3M TR-800-PSK Versaflo Powered Air Purifying Respirator Assembly Painters Kit.
www.jendcosafety.com

3M TR-800-PSK Versaflo Powered Air Purifying Respirator Assembly Painters Kit

Internationally recognized family owned and operated wholesale & retail safety supply distributor located in Columbus, Ohio. We Carry 3M, Honeywell, MSA & more.
www.jendcosafety.com www.jendcosafety.com
 
Following too. I'm in a similar boat and do have a 3M air stream but find it uncomfortable to wear. Vision is diminished and after awhile my neck gets sore. I use an RZ mask the minute I enter the shop and if doing some serious sanding I do wear the 3M. All you have to do is examine surfaces to realize dust is everywhere. Taking a good look at photography personally.
 
One of the things I do like about the Air Trend Pro is the comforting air blowing down across the front of the face shield. I would presume all positive pressure models do this.
 
One thing to keep in mind is that every positive pressure filtered air (or self contained) system will feel a bit awkward whether the weight is on the heat or there is a trailing hose. Most people just aren't used to the weight on the head or the tug of a hose on the back of the head. It takes getting used too.
 
It's the stuff smaller than 1 micron that really hurts your lungs. I'd suggest also getting an air cleaner to hang in your shop to get the big dust, and a hepa filter to catch the really small stuff. (just make sure you turn off the 'ozone' generator if your hepa filter has it - that isn't good for the lungs either)

I don't know if PAPR devices (positive air purifying respirators) have impact-rated visors - that might be the issue for lathe work.
 
I use the Trend Air Shield Pro. At first, it feels strange, but I got used to it quickly. It cost a pretty penny, but all the good quality powered respirators do. I replace the filters every year and the battery about every 4 years. The filters last a long time, and I've even rinsed them out (not recommended by the maker). Fits over glasses and beard and since it is a positive pressure system you don't need a complete seal around your face. You can still were hearing protection (under the chin, behind the head, or plugs), Trend even sells muffs that attach directly to the helmet, haven't tried them yet. At times I need a little more light, I duct tape a MiniMag to the helmet and it works very well. I still use my 1 micron DC in addition!
 
I use mine almost every time I'm in the shop. The only time I don't is when the battery hasn't been charged. ) I can't charge overnight in the shop since it is in a trailer which isn't plugged in overnight)

It is a little heavy which I only notice if I am leaning over too much. I've been using a Shopsmith as my lathe and it sits considerably lower than recommended for lathe height. But in your shop (and at your height) you are unlikely to notice that as a problem.

I've been using it for 3or4 years on a regular but not daily basis. Mine came with the "ear defenders" which I didn't find very comfortable. I've only changed the face shield cover once (the plastic sheet, not the whole face shield). About a month ago I took the whole thing apart to clean it. Although the elastic around the shroud had lost some resiliency, it still is tight enough to "seal" around my face. I haven't replaced any parts and blew out the filters when I cleaned it.

Before getting it I didn't use either a face shield or dust protection. Since using it I no longer blow out all sorts of dust after working in the shop. I wish I had gotten it sooner.

While I certainly wish my lungs and face could be protected without using something like the Trend, wearing it sure does beat the alternative!
 
I have a Triton Powered Respirator helmet (no longer available in the US - https://www.amazon.com/Flagline-PRA001-Triton-Powered-Respirator/dp/B0000DEZO8) which is very similar to the Trend unit. It has a belt loop filter and blower assembly, so the weight of things is off my head. I have had to replace the rechargeable batteries in it twice since I got it, but other than that, its still going. I can't find filters for it any longer, but I had purchased a number of them some time ago, so still have a few left.

If you pull the trigger and buy the Trend, I suggest buying a replacement visor as well, since that seems to take the most abuse on my unit.

I highly recommend the added safety of something like this. Bit of a pain in the butt - however it can be a lifesaver.
 
I am not a fan of the Trend air shield, too heavy for me and I can't bring myself to use it. I recently bought this from Amazon:


JU&MU Catheter Head-mounted Full Face Respirator, Powered Air Supply 78270 Papr Respirator System with 2 Breathing hoses, Reusable (Yellow)

cheaper And much more comfortable for me.
 
Cwalker935 said:
I am not a fan of the Trend air shield, too heavy for me and I can't bring myself to use it. I recently bought this from Amazon:


JU&MU Catheter Head-mounted Full Face Respirator, Powered Air Supply 78270 Papr Respirator System with 2 Breathing hoses, Reusable (Yellow)

cheaper And much more comfortable for me.
Click to expand...
Interesting unit, looks like it could be worth a try. Question: have you worn glasses with it? It looks like the silicon portion of the mask comes up pretty far on the nose.
 
I bought the powered Triton powered version about 14 years ago and it worked fine for a while, but that was before lithium rechargeable batteries and by 2012 or so, it would not hold a charge. I use standard industry type respirators now and they work for me, but I still want to get my powered version working again. The Triton has long been discontinued.

During browsing I ran across these rechargeable powered systems that I might try for rigging up to my Triton to revive it:

Amazon.com: Electric Wearable Air Purifier Maskes,Air Supply,Breathe Easier,With HEPA Filter,for Dust Work,Painting, Machine Polishing, Welding and Other Work Protection… (White) : Tools & Home Improvement

Amazon.com: Electric Wearable Air Purifier Maskes,Air Supply,Breathe Easier,With HEPA Filter,for Dust Work,Painting, Machine Polishing, Welding and Other Work Protection… (White) : Tools & Home Improvement
www.amazon.com

For the TREND TYPE here is another force air type and as a little less expensive alternative to the $1000+ ones

I personally like the forced air battery type. It sure is nice having air circulate inside and that cuts down of fogging, which I had MUCH trouble with.
 
I use the Trend Air Pro Mark and have for several years. My new shop got a ceiling mounted air filtration system and I added a 2hp dust collection system. I get sinus infections so I'm hoping this will help.
One thing I was wondering. I don't use CA as just a little snort up my nose usually ends up with me getting a bloody nose. I wonder what the effects of CA dust might have on someone. I know that segmenters(new word?) use a lot of CA and was wondering what the effects of CA dust might have on your lungs and sinus'?
 
Cwalker935 said:
I tried It on with safety glasses and the silicon portion stopped short of the glasses. It's hard to see the separation in this photo.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the test fit! I know the silicon masks typically fold back on themselves to creat a seal and the nose piece looked huge. Glad the is a gap there to allow for glasses.
 
wolf creek knives said:
I use the Trend Air Pro Mark and have for several years. My new shop got a ceiling mounted air filtration system and I added a 2hp dust collection system. I get sinus infections so I'm hoping this will help.
One thing I was wondering. I don't use CA as just a little snort up my nose usually ends up with me getting a bloody nose. I wonder what the effects of CA dust might have on someone. I know that segmenters(new word?) use a lot of CA and was wondering what the effects of CA dust might have on your lungs and sinus'?
Click to expand...
I'll get back to some of your thoughts later, but for now... As a segmenter, I use mainly 2 part epoxy. I don't care if it is 5 min, 10 min, 15 min; I wait 24 hrs. I use CA very little, but have used Glue Boost more recently. My penturning has decreased dramatically the last 24 months, but I hope to do more this year for the 'Wounded Warriors Project.'

Thanks for the comments on the Air Pro Mark - very helpful.
 
Cwalker935 said:
I tried It on with safety glasses and the silicon portion stopped short of the glasses. It's hard to see the separation in this photo.

View attachment 323267
Click to expand...

Thanks for the photos Cody. I am a SCUBA diver and the white section concerns me. It looks like a tight hard fit, with little 'soft' transition between the skin and the 'element.' In SCUBA diving, we are used to insure an air tight fit (Breath in after the mask is mounted). So I am used to some logical discomfort to insure a good fit. I appreciate the photo and your comments. And the hose at the bottom looks HUGE! - 3'' - 4" ?
 
mark james said:
Thanks for the photos Cody. I am a SCUBA diver and the white section concerns me. It looks like a tight hard fit, with little 'soft' transition between the skin and the 'element.' In SCUBA diving, we are used to insure an air tight fit (Breath in after the mask is mounted). So I am used to some logical discomfort to insure a good fit. I appreciate the photo and your comments. And the hose at the bottom looks HUGE! - 3'' - 4" ?
Click to expand...
The actual hose cannot be seen in my photo, it's approximately 1 1/2". The white section is flexible and soft so there is no discomfort. If anything, the fit around the mouth and nose may be a little loose.
 
I also use the Trend airshield pro and like it. As others have said it takes a time or 2 wearing it to get used to having the weight on your head. I recommend the peel off protectors to protect the faceshield. I wiped mine down with a fabric softener sheet when I first got it and have had no more static cling! The trend batteries are over priced. I use 3 rechargeable lithium batteries in a 3 cell battery holder, and plug these into the charging plug. Get the same or better life than oem battery.
 
Madman1978 said:
View attachment 323233
Click to expand...

Nice. My wife's great uncle, Earl Scott invented those. Who knows where the money went after he sold it?

I've been thinking about the trend off and on. There's 2 things holding me back.
  1. I'm cheap (well, a combo of cheap and almost broke). Truthfully, the $400 price is fairly reasonable compared to most PAPR options, but I fight to maintain this expensive hobby as it is.
  2. I have problems with my neck and the extra weight on the head would definitely not help with that. The MRI isn't pretty.
I've been OK with the Elipse P100 from Klingspoor's for now. There's no eye protection with it, so I bought a cheap full face one for Tambooti (and whatever other particularly toxic woods I may work with in the future). Better DC would certainly help me out, too. I've also been thinking of routing the exhaust outside through something like a dryer vent.
 
I have the Trend and also have a short beard. I only use it when doing heavy sanding of bowls. When turning pens I have a dust collection hood which captures most of the dust and a fan blowing behind me which blows the dust towards the hood. If you have ever worn a Scott Airpak
then wearing the Trend is a pleasure. I worked in the chemical industry for most of my career and we had to be trained to use it and despite my short beard I could get a tight seal. We had to practice rescuing people from vessels using a pack with an opaque face shield, ie. as if in the dark. How firefighters run up stairs with all of the protective clothing and a 40 lb cylinder on their back I can't imagine. When I worked in China we used to joke that we might have to use the Scott Airpak to go to the a bathroom in the very humid summer heat of 40+C. If you had been where I was in the boonies you would understand!
 
leehljp said:
I bought the powered Triton powered version about 14 years ago and it worked fine for a while, but that was before lithium rechargeable batteries and by 2012 or so, it would not hold a charge. I use standard industry type respirators now and they work for me, but I still want to get my powered version working again. The Triton has long been discontinued.

During browsing I ran across these rechargeable powered systems that I might try for rigging up to my Triton to revive it:

Amazon.com: Electric Wearable Air Purifier Maskes,Air Supply,Breathe Easier,With HEPA Filter,for Dust Work,Painting, Machine Polishing, Welding and Other Work Protection… (White) : Tools & Home Improvement

Amazon.com: Electric Wearable Air Purifier Maskes,Air Supply,Breathe Easier,With HEPA Filter,for Dust Work,Painting, Machine Polishing, Welding and Other Work Protection… (White) : Tools & Home Improvement
www.amazon.com

For the TREND TYPE here is another force air type and as a little less expensive alternative to the $1000+ ones

I personally like the forced air battery type. It sure is nice having air circulate inside and that cuts down of fogging, which I had MUCH trouble with.
Click to expand...
The rechargeable batteries in my Triton mask also died - replaced twice so far with these - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RL1HYJ3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

These were a bit cheaper when I last bought them, but they are $15 or so now for the pair needed. You might need to rework the wires in your battery pack a bit depending on the end terminators in your pack - I can't remember what I did on the first pair swap, but the next set went in real simple. With regular charging, these seem to last about 2 years or so. Way cheaper than buying a new unit.
 
For what it is worth I will make a few comments here because it is a subject that is actually a concern for many others as well and maybe you do not have the Trend or use any type of dust prohibitor but always good to shake the trees. First I will say I do have the Trend and also have to say I do not use it as often as I probably should. Yes it is great to have the gentle air blowing on you as you turn. It does take some getting use to but must weigh the alternatives. With that said I am not the person to give an honest recommendation on it because everyone is different. I do not have a beard but wear glasses many times because the eyesight is going. I am also a person that has a tough time with closed in areas and things and this is a product that makes you feel confined and maybe one reason I do not use as often. This can be a problem for anyone wanting to try this. Can you overcome this who knows. As I said everyone is different. People tend to go above and beyond their attempts to use a product if it means not having to give up something they love such as turning or woodworking in general. I do not have lung problems to the point of asthma so again not that perfect customer the OP is looking for. That is my perspective on this allbeit a small sampling.

But what I really want to take this topic a little further and maybe should have started a new thread but will piggyback off this one because it is all relative. Now I have been woodworking for well over 45 years doing all sorts of woodworking but mainly scrollsawing which requires cutting with dust around you all the time. But many times just milling wood to be worked on is much more dust producing and dangerous. Now I will keep this related to shop talk but some of these things can be taken out in the field also and believe me I have worked in dusty areas all my working days. Dust and I mean any dust is harmful all around us in our everyday lives so people with asthma have a real hard time coping. Their hobbies can add extra pressure such as the OP. But when you have those conditions you have to not only protect yourself in the shop but everyday chores.

Again a little off my real topic and that is dust in the shop. First let me say I am a big user of N95 masks. Always have been and this started in my trade as I said I worked in many dusty situations all day. The reason I say this is yes it is nice and probably the right thing to use a Trend or other dust mask when doing certain tasks in a shop. But stop and think and look at the entire picture. What happens when you woodwork in a confined space? Yes you try to collect dust and shavings at the source and that is the first step in good housekeeping. But all said and done, dust gets in the air and it will settle on everything including the floor. What happens when you walk into the shop? You stir this dust up all over again and these dust particles are smaller than the eye can see. Yes air cleaners are great and I have one but again you suck dust in one end but you blow air out the back and when dust is in the air you blow that dust around. It takes quite abit of time to cleanse a room with those things. a good dust collector is great and another tool that is important in the grand scheme of things. To shorten this posting here is my thoughts. I have gotten into the habbit of putting on a N95 mask as soon as I enter the shop if I plan on working in there. If I am just grabbing a tool then no I do not. But a tip and this applies to the Trend and any other mask, protect it and keep it clean. I never store my mask out in the open. When I use the Trend I put it back in a plastic bag after use. I have n95 masks laying around the shop near tools in case I forget to put one on when first coming into the shop. These are there as reminders. But again I never just put the mask down on the table with the inside facing up. Always turned over. Why because if you leave inside up then dust settles in the mask and when you go to put on the very first breathe you take is full of dust. This applies to those helmets too. I will change N95 mask quite often if doing alot of shop time. Cheap ounce of protection compared to alternative. To sum it up a good dust collector, a good air cleaner, and good dust mask goes a long way for pleasure in the shop. Good luck.
 
I just started woodworking last year, and ended up discovering by September, that I had a SEVERE allergy or just toxic reaction to CA glue. I'd had multiple devastating exposures, and for months I didn't know what was causing the problem. Once I finally figured out it was CA glue, rather than wood dust (the dust still causes some problems, but nothing nearly as severe as CA glue dust and fumes!!!), I was able to protect myself better.

Before I really figured out what the problem was, I went all in and bought the Sundstrom PAPR (positive air pressure respirator). It comes with a dual-filter belt that powers air through a tube into the headset, which sufficiently seals around your head. It is an expensive device...but...in the end it was either that, or stop woodworking. I've never regretted getting the sundstrom. It does the job wonderfully well. For CA fumes, I have to use the yellow, rather than purple, air filters.
 
jrista said:
I just started woodworking last year, and ended up discovering by September, that I had a SEVERE allergy or just toxic reaction to CA glue. I'd had multiple devastating exposures, and for months I didn't know what was causing the problem. Once I finally figured out it was CA glue, rather than wood dust (the dust still causes some problems, but nothing nearly as severe as CA glue dust and fumes!!!), I was able to protect myself better.

Before I really figured out what the problem was, I went all in and bought the Sundstrom PAPR (positive air pressure respirator). It comes with a dual-filter belt that powers air through a tube into the headset, which sufficiently seals around your head. It is an expensive device...but...in the end it was either that, or stop woodworking. I've never regretted getting the sundstrom. It does the job wonderfully well. For CA fumes, I have to use the yellow, rather than purple, air filters.
Click to expand...
I totally agree with what JohnT wrote above but for me there is one exception and it can apply in this case to you - I have several N99 respirators laying around. I use the N99 VAPOR respirator filters because of my allergy to CA fumes. Until I did this, I tried numerous finishes for the pens that I made but nothing was as good all around as CA, but the fumes caused severe flu like symptoms and even double vision. After a few months of trying other finishes, which were good but took longer to cure, I started working on a DC system and N99 respirators. I was living in Japan at the time and had to go to specialty tool stores to find good N99 respirators. N95's were readily available but I needed the full sealing types because escaping air - as I breathed out - fogged my glasses and allowed some fumes to seep in.

The positive pressure is a better setup IMO.
 
As CA was mentioned in the main topic but finishes(not only CA) and dust are 2 different animals when it comes to controlling and trying to overcome. The Trend will not do a thing for CA or any finishing fumes. It is designed for dust mainly.
 
I use the Trend all the time and although it MIGHT reduce some of the CA fumes, you will still breathe them. So don't buy it in the hopes of mitigating against CA.
 
The Trend won't do anything for CA fumes which can be quite nasty, particularly the thin CA. I always have a fan blowing behind me which dissipates the fumes.
 
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Just to be clear. I appreciate the discussion about CA fumes FOR OTHER MEMBERS, but that is not MY issue - I use CA very rarely (I'm an epoxy gut). I am seeking thoughts from USERS of the TREND and other respirators. ;)
 
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