What are the best and safest masks to use when cleaning my dusty coop?

[WIchickMama]

So for just daily spot cleanings and adding materials, does everyone wear a mask? I have found myself grabbing one when I remember but it isn't every time. Do I need to be more diligent with the daily cleanings

 

[mrtoren]

So for just daily spot cleanings and adding materials, does everyone wear a mask? I have found myself grabbing one when I remember but it isn't every time. Do I need to be more diligent with the daily cleanings

I don't wear a mask. Neither the fumes nor the dust have been severe enough to warrant it. To each their own.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

I use an N95 mask, not the one with the respirator vent.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Disposable N95, covered by a washable gaiter to keep the larger stuff out, so the N95 doesn't plug too quickly - but mostly, I've designed hen houses I can manage with minimal need for clean out.

My big dust issues are putty fresh straw in the boxes (just did that this AM) and dumping 6-8 cartloads of leaf litter onto the floor (still need to do that) once a season.

 

[mamajos]

I use my N99 mask daily when I sift out the poo from the stall dry (similar to sweet PDZ) on my poop boards. Takes only a few minutes, but I feel better not breathing in that dust. Simple/quick.

 

[Folly's place]

Any dust is bad to inhale, and the dust in poultry houses is very very bad to inhale, and the effects are cumulative.
Mary

 

[Wilderre]

The product links you provided earlier are no longer found on Amazon. Would you please update? I have been chicken keeping for 6 months and now have a sporadic cough, so I guess I should listen to my husband, but the ones most like online cover your eyes as well. I wear glasses and can't do a good job cleaning anything without them. Many of the masks we had to wear during COVID made my glasses fog if I covered my nose.
Thanks for suggestions!

 

[Folly's place]

@humblehillsfarm wears, and manage with my glasses. An actual respirator might work better, haven't tried one. It is ESSENTIAL to protect your lungs!!!
I too order from Amazon, only get the approved models, and had to try several before finding something that was relatively comfortable to wear.
Mary