Regardless the reason why it is beneficial, I notice that almost all industrial respirators have valves, and the two respirators I know of that do not were designed by amateurs during the COVID pandemic.
That said, you’ve already purchased a respirator without a valve, so I would keep using it, but if you lose it or need to buy a new one for some reason, I’d go with one with a valve.
the two respirators I know of that do not were designed by amateurs during the COVID pandemic
I’m aware of at least the ElastoMaskPro, Flo Mask Pro, and Envo Pro N95. Are these what you’re talking about?
almost all industrial respirators have valves
Sure, but they’re also not designed for infection control. If you’re using them in a situation where you don’t need source control, then a valve is great. But ones designed for medical contexts generally don’t have valves.
Wouldn’t a respirator with a exhalation valve be more comfortable?
I would have guessed so, but this one is actually super comfortable.
Sure, but without a valve, you are breathing back in exhaled CO2.
Even some of the single-use masks have exhale valves.
Enough to matter?
Almost all the reusable respirators have the valve.
I agree it’s common, but why is that evidence for it being about CO2?
My understanding had been that it was primarily about avoiding condensation and making it easier to exhale.
Regardless the reason why it is beneficial, I notice that almost all industrial respirators have valves, and the two respirators I know of that do not were designed by amateurs during the COVID pandemic.
That said, you’ve already purchased a respirator without a valve, so I would keep using it, but if you lose it or need to buy a new one for some reason, I’d go with one with a valve.
I’m aware of at least the ElastoMaskPro, Flo Mask Pro, and Envo Pro N95. Are these what you’re talking about?
Sure, but they’re also not designed for infection control. If you’re using them in a situation where you don’t need source control, then a valve is great. But ones designed for medical contexts generally don’t have valves.