Sellstrom Odyssey S80225 Wildfire Smoke Goggles Review

Since we’ve been on the topic of breathing with forest fire smoke in the air, after reviewing the best mask respirators for wildfire, now let’s consider what to do to prevent irritated, burning eyes.

The Best Goggles for Wildfire Smoke

The Sellstrom brand safety goggles are used in fighting wildfires – wildland firefighting and outdoor brush burning.

Made from heat resistant TPV material – heat resistant up to 350ºF and have a soft, comfortable, closed cell foam layer. They will mold perfectly to different face shapes and sizes.

It can be worn with or without most prescription eye glasses, and you use the adjustable headband strap to provide a secure seal and comfortable fit. The headband strap is made of a fire resistant, adjustable stretchy fabric, (not neoprene which can pull and irritate your hair.)

The goggle’s non-vent construction prevents smoke and ash from entering and irritating your eyes.

This model of protective eyewear features clear lenses that won’t fog or scratch and are OSHA compliant and meet ANSI Z87.1+, NFPA 70E, and CSA standards.

The two different lens choices are a clear or a smoke lens. Both styles work perfectly for clear visibility but I would consider using smoke lenses during a bright, sunny day but choose clear lenses if at dusk or in a dim, smoke-filled sky from bush fires.

Pros and Cons

I have reviewed other types of safety glasses but they just don’t even come close to the full practical usefulness of these ones.

For example, some other styles look and feel like a regular pair of glasses, with wrap around side pieces. This style may protect you from a flying object or a splash but no way do they ever prevent the smoke from getting in, there is no seal around your face.

Other medical goggles are more of a soft, flexible, rubbery texture and fit over your glasses but they are vented with tiny holes and will not prevent smoke or vapors from getting in and burning your eyes.  This goggle also has a fire-resistant strap that is adjustable for a universal custom fit on everyone. It is designed for adults and may be slightly too big for a child’s face.

Other smart uses:

• Keeping mosquitoes and tiny insects from buzzing around your eyes.

• Riding a motorcycle or ATV on a dusty road or when trail riding, preventing spraying mud or from getting slapped in the eye with branches.

• Working in a field (I remember my Dad working with farm equipment, driving a grain combine harvester, and how his eyes and face were caked with dust.)

• Working with paint fumes and other chemical vapors.

• Burning brush, dead grass and leaves when clearing your yard.

• Anyone who is sensitive to smoke when sitting around a campfire.

These fit nicely in unison with a respirator. Place the bottom of the goggles over the top of the mask, tucked in. They fit well and don’t obstruct a helmet or respirator.

I find the Sellstrom Fire Goggle for wildfire smoke is a very affordable price when compared to the industrial vented goggles, with a price difference of only about $4. The key differences being these are specifically made for using around fire, are fire resistant material, non-vented and keep smoke out of your eyes.

I suggest you consider getting a pair for each member of your family to keep in your emergency safety kit.  You won’t regret having these if you’re ever needing to evacuate from a wildfire closing in, a necessity for relief for when the smoke is thick and horrible.

Summary

If you’re looking for solid protection from working with vapors or any burning material, I’ve found these are the absolute best, and especially for being prepared for relief from wildfire smoke.

Stay safe, be prepared.