Collection: Respiratory Protection

A respiratory protection mask only protects against what its filter stops, and only if it seals on the face. These two conditions are independent of each other, and it is the second that fails most often.

The 18 references in the catalogue

• Disposable masks: 3M Aura FFP3, 3M FFP2. See our disposable masks.
• Reusable half masks: 3M 4000, 4255, 6000 and 7500 series, A2P3 half mask HF-3024. See our reusable masks.
• Full face masks: 3M 6800 and 6900. See our full face masks.
• Filters and cartridges: 3M K6051 gas filter, 3M 6055 and 6059 vapour filters, particle filters.
• Powered air: Optrel Swiss Air and 3M Versaflo systems, with pre-filters and accessories.

Reading a filter marking

The code says exactly what the filter protects against, and what it does not.

The letters designate the contaminant family: A organic vapours, B inorganic gases, E acid gases, K ammonia. The following number, from 1 to 3, indicates retention capacity.

P1 to P3 designate protection against particles. A combined filter does both, for example A2P3.

The key point: a particle filter stops no gas, and a gas filter stops no particles. An A2 does not protect against welding fume; a P3 does not protect against a solvent.

The seal matters more than the class

Air takes the easiest path. If the mask leaks at the face, contaminated air goes through the leak and not through the filter, whatever its class.

A few days of beard is enough to make a half mask ineffective. In that case, only a powered air system remains effective, because it works at slight positive pressure under the hood and stops ambient air from entering at the edges.

When to change a filter

The two families are not managed the same way, and this is a common source of error.

A particle filter is changed when breathing resistance increases. The signal is reliable and noticeable.

A gas filter gives no signal before it is saturated, and it saturates even unused as soon as its packaging is opened, because it adsorbs the ambient air. A filter that has been opened and then stored for several months no longer protects, without showing anything.

Two habits are enough: write the opening date on the filter, and seal it in an airtight bag between uses.