Dealing with Dust

I'm fairly new to gravel riding. Just started a few months ago. I ride gravel roads that include some car or ATVs and when they pass me, I ride through their dust cloud. I've had some lung issues in the past (not related to riding) and must be cautious about dust. 

I've tried some 3M N95 dust masks but most of them are not that comfortable to use for an entire ride, and are not that easy to pull up for those times when a car passes (not without pulling over to adjust the mask and then pull over again to take it off). The disposable dust masks without the exhale filter seem to get really hot and moist. 

I found the RZ M2 dust mask on Amazon and wonder if anyone has tried this brand? Or do you have suggestions on dealing with dust? I plan to start doing some organized rides and with all the riders bunched together at the start, I can imagine those rides being dusty as well. 

To make finding a good fit worse, I am a woman and have a smaller face than most standard masks found a hardware stores. 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01A1537LC/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1XDD5QIY26IKL

jod wrote:I'm fairly new to gravel riding. Just started a few months ago. I ride gravel roads that include some car or ATVs and when they pass me, I ride through their dust cloud. I've had some lung issues in the past (not related to riding) and must be cautious about dust. 

I've tried some 3M N95 dust masks but most of them are not that comfortable to use for an entire ride, and are not that easy to pull up for those times when a car passes (not without pulling over to adjust the mask and then pull over again to take it off). The disposable dust masks without the exhale filter seem to get really hot and moist. 

I found the RZ M2 dust mask on Amazon and wonder if anyone has tried this brand? Or do you have suggestions on dealing with dust? I plan to start doing some organized rides and with all the riders bunched together at the start, I can imagine those rides being dusty as well. 

To make finding a good fit worse, I am a woman and have a smaller face than most standard masks found a hardware stores. 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01A1537LC/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1XDD5QIY26IKL

Breathing that cloud of dust can certainly be especially problematic for someone with respiratory issues.  I usually just hold my breath, but I could see that might not be practical in a lot of cases.  Another option to consider is to wear a bandana "cowboy style" and pull it up over your nose and mouth when needed.  It can also double as a covering to protect the back of your neck and to catch sweat.  I've ridden with a bandana even in really hot weather and it can be quite helpful.

GravelDoc wrote:Breathing that cloud of dust can certainly be especially problematic for someone with respiratory issues.  I usually just hold my breath, but I could see that might not be practical in a lot of cases.  Another option to consider is to wear a bandana "cowboy style" and pull it up over your nose and mouth when needed.  It can also double as a covering to protect the back of your neck and to catch sweat.  I've ridden with a bandana even in really hot weather and it can be quite helpful.

\nA Buff neck/head scarf may work and be easier to use. I have worn one for dusty mtb rides.

I second the Buff, they are a nice piece of kit to have and versatile. Headband,filter, ponytail scrunchee,rain cap, bandage, rag etc. I use one when I pass a dusty junkyard. You can wear it around your neck and pull it up  over your mouth/nose when needed. They can get uncomfortable though if it is hot out. Worth a try and you can use for other stuff. They are made of a stretchy material. 
Probably not as effective as a true particle mask.https://vimeo.com/131708291