What you are trying to do is two seperate things. One is filter out particulates and the other is filter out fumes and vapors. The distinction is relevant in that almost no respirator does both. The fume filters do not work on particulates and the particulate filters do not work on fumes. Short of a full face respirator, which can require medical monitoring and fitting, the paper ones with the NIOSH button on the front are actully as good as 1/2 face respirators in the proper application. Do not pinch the filter up to your nose, use your fingers to smooth it out from both sides, this avoids causing a leak. Particulate filters actually work better the dirtier the get, but fume filters need to be changed at the manufacturer's intervals.