Yeah, "breathing easy after a shift" says it all. I used to tough it out with a bandana. Switched to a proper respirator a few years back and the difference is night and day. My lungs just feel cleaner.
Why do we always cheap out on gear that protects our health? I see it everywhere, people trying to save a few bucks instead of focusing on what's actually worth it. What you said, @jenniferj65, about your lungs feeling cleaner is the perfect example of why that upgrade is a big deal, lol.