> :

> shawn I have the 3M 5000 mask (i think) $25 @ west marine and it came with
> the thin pre-filters. any idea how you attach them to the mask. there is a
> diagram on the bag that says there is a lever to open the cartrages, but
> my mask doesn't have a lever. Do you tape these pieces to the out side? Am
> I worring too much about it?

Tom, I don't know ABOUT 3M masks but most I have used have a plastic snap-on piece that holds the prefilter to the cartridge. It usually is attached to the cartridge and must be removed to insert the filter.Some of the ones I have used look like the plastic lid that goes on a coffee can after opening. the pre-filter is for paint and dust but not necessary for epoxy vapor only. A nylon stocking wrapped around the pre-filter and held with a rubberband will work for dust till you get the right parts to hold the pre-filters. BTW/ the cartridges don't last forever. If you can smell vapors the cartridge needs replacing or the pre-filter is plugged and your sucking air around the face seal. I vacuum outside and wipe all internal surfaces,especially face seal with mild soap after each use and let throughly before storing in a tyvek bag.

Larry C.