Respiratory Protection

A reusable respirator protects only as well as its seal and its consumables. Half masks: the 3M 7500 Series (silicone, Cool Flow exhalation valve, S, M, L) and the Dräger X-plore 3300 or 3500. Full face: the 3M 6000 Series and the X-plore 5500. Powered: the 3M Powerflow face-mounted PAPR, with one high-efficiency filter for dusts, mists, fumes and radionuclides such as lead and asbestos. Consumables: 3M cartridges 6001 (organic vapour), 6002 (acid gas), 6003 (both), 6004 (ammonia and methylamine) and 6005 (formaldehyde and organic vapour), the 7093 P100 filter, and Dräger X-plore gas and vapour, combination and particle filters. The 3M and Dräger respirators are NIOSH approved.

Respirator FAQ

Filter or cartridge?

A filter handles particles: dust, mist and fume. A cartridge handles one class of vapour or gas, and a combination cartridge handles both. Match the consumable to the hazard; see our half mask respirator guide.

Does a respirator need a fit test?

Every tight-fitting facepiece does: the mask only works if it seals against the face, so each wearer is fit-tested on the model and size they will use.

When do I change cartridges?

The records print no service life. Follow the maker's change schedule, warning properties or an end-of-service indicator. For more protection than a half mask gives, a full facepiece or a powered respirator is next; see our PAPR guide.