Honestly, I get the appeal of the full disposable suit, but I’ve found that a good-quality, tightly woven long-sleeve shirt and pants—plus a solid dust mask—work just as well if you’re careful. The suits can get unbearably hot in an attic, especially in summer. I’d rather be a little itchy than risk heat exhaustion... but maybe that’s just me.
Title: Dealing With Itchy Pink Nightmare In My Attic
Totally get where you’re coming from. I tried the full suit route once—felt like I was slow-cooking myself in a plastic bag. I lasted maybe twenty minutes before I had to bail and just go with jeans, a flannel, and a mask. Not gonna lie, I was itchy for a couple days after, but at least I didn’t feel like I was gonna pass out. There’s something about that attic heat that just multiplies everything, right? Like, you think you’re prepared, then you climb up there and it’s a whole different world.
Honestly, I think you nailed it—sometimes it’s about picking your battles. A little itchiness is annoying, but heat exhaustion is no joke. I kept a spray bottle of water nearby and took breaks every fifteen minutes or so. Not sure if that actually helped or if it was just a mental thing, but it made the whole process feel less miserable.
I did have one friend swear by those disposable painter’s coveralls, but he’s the type who doesn’t seem to sweat. Maybe it’s just a personal tolerance thing? Either way, you’re not alone in ditching the suit for something more breathable. The important thing is you got the job done and didn’t end up with a heat stroke.
Props for pushing through. Attic work is a beast, but it feels pretty awesome when you’re done and realize you survived the pink fluff gauntlet.
Like, you think you’re prepared, then you climb up there and it’s a whole different world.
Totally relate to the “slow-cooking myself in a plastic bag” part. I tried those painter’s coveralls too and lasted maybe half an hour before I had to bail. You’re right, sometimes you just have to pick what’s less miserable. At least you got through it—attic work is no joke.
I hear you on the painter’s suit—those things are like wearing a greenhouse. I’ve found that layering up with long sleeves and lightweight pants (old stuff you don’t mind tossing) works better than full-on coveralls. I also tape my sleeves to my gloves and tuck my pants into socks, which looks ridiculous but keeps most of the fiberglass out. Still itchy, but at least you’re not melting. Hydration breaks are key too... attic sauna is real.
Honestly, I’ve tried the whole “old clothes” approach and still ended up scratching for days. Here’s what’s worked best for me:
- Nitrile gloves under work gloves—fiberglass can sneak through fabric.
- Painter’s tape at every gap (wrists, ankles, neck).
- Cheap disposable Tyvek suit, but I cut small vents in the back and underarms for airflow. Not pretty, but less of a sweatbox.
- Quick cold shower right after—seems to help with the itch.
Hydration is huge, but I’d add a box fan at the attic hatch if you can swing it... makes a difference.
