I have not had good luck with 3m respirators such as below. The straps seem to fall apart within a couple of years and the rubber mask degrades and gets all sticky.

Anyone else have that experience with the 3M masks and found a brand or model that lasts longer?

Holy crap, do you you expect a lifetime warranty for a $25 mask ?!?!?!

By the time the straps are crap the filters are toast and should be tossed.
I no longer get ones with replaceable filters and just get a whole new one.

I've had great luck with the 3m respirators. That brings up a question that's crossed my mind in the past. I've heard it's best to store activated carbon and organic vapor cartridges stored in sealed bags, but how do you know when the cartridges should be replaced? Or do you replace them for every project?

For comfort this new 3M design has been in the news:

https://www.amazon.com/3M-Aura-Part...&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

but the fine print says “certain non-oil based particles.”

I cannot attest to long term repeated use but I used this mask/respirator for a one time project of painting my inline 4 cyl Suzuki 1100 engine in a small enclosed not real ventilated space- and I was fine. I put it back into the large resealable bag it came in when I was done. That was 7 years ago and its been in its bag since then. It currently looks fine but obviously Id replace all the filters if I were to use it again.
https://www.harborfreight.com/paint-body-respirator-kit-large-56983.html

Any mask rated above N95 is fine for particulates unless you working with asbestos, lead, solvents and/or uncured urethanes (isocyanates, which have no odor and are rather harmful). Yes, all the straps will eventually age out, why they t can't find a longer lasting solution, other than planned replacement is beyond me. I would highly suggest a valved replaceable mask, as long as it's not diseased purposed, as breathing is much easier. Correct fitment is crucial to effectiveness, beards, etc being an issue

I'm going to go with a North/Honeywell where the mask is made of silicon. Maybe that will last longer. Hopefully the elastic straps will last for a while too.

I have a positive pressure silicon mask I use with urethanes, its 30 years old, and is fine, can't remember if/when I replaced the straps.
What is the silicon mask cost vs a $5? N95 valve mask, just to consider bang for buck?

Please give us a review in the future.

You might treat just one side of the straps with some kind of spray on protectant and see if that side lasts longer.

The oil on the skin of our fingers seems to degrade elastic straps.

I could share a review of the lifespan of the elastic in my underwear if that might help, which seems to parallel mask strap lifespan.

That's probably because they are made from the same material. I have used ones similar to these with great results. If you have ever ground rust off that dust goes everywhere and mask filters it out.