Good tip on the respirator. I like having safety equipment close by all the time so I will use it. I tried many different knee pads but they all seemed bulky, heavy and slipped around. I bought these cheapos on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FKPZ2RK?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
They are light enough I can wear them all day. Maybe they won't last as long but they are there when I need them. I also carry a pair of 3M push in ear plugs (not the roll up kind) in my pocket so I have them when I need them. If I was using tools all day I would use ear muffs.