Respiratory Protection
Respiratory equipment protects users against insufficient oxygen environments, harmful dusts, fogs, smokes, mists, gases, vapors, and sprays. These wearable devices are used to filter airborne contaminants or to provide clean, breathable air to the user.
NIOSH-approved respiratory protection consists of two main types: air-purifying respirators (APRs) and atmosphere-supplied respirators (ASRs). It is crucial to identify all respiratory hazards within an environment before choosing a type of respirator.
APRs remove particles, gases, vapors, aerosols, or a combination of contaminants from the air using filters, cartridges, or canisters. APR types include:
- Particulate filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) – Limited-use, multi-layer masks that filter out airborne particles. Available with or without an exhalation valve.
- Half-mask and full-face respirators – Reusable masks that use filters, cartridges, or canisters to remove contaminants. See for product selection.
- Powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) – Reusable systems that utilize a blower to force ambient air through a purifying element before it reaches the user. Used in conjunction with a tight-fitting facepiece or respiratory system hood or helmet, depending on application.
ASRs provide clean breathing air from a non-ambient source. These respirators protect workers from many types of airborne contaminants (particles, gases, and vapors) and, in certain cases, oxygen-deficient atmospheres. ASR types include:
- Supplied air respirators (SARs) – Use a remote air source such as a compressor or breathing cart to provide Grade D breathable air. Complete systems include a supplied airline hose, air regulating valve, breathing tube, and respiratory system hood or helmet.
- Emergency escape breathing apparatus (EEBA) – Typically consists of a small portable air cylinder to provide short-term protection from contaminated air so users can evacuate quickly from an unsafe area.
- Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) – Feature back-mounted cylinders filled with breathable compressed air and are commonly used by firefighters or others who may be exposed to immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) atmospheres.
Face masks are single-use barriers that cover a user’s nose and mouth and should not be used in lieu of OSHA-standard respiratory protection.
Fit testing kits are designed to evaluate respirator fit, determine device suitability, and adhere to compliance requirements. Tight-fitting APRs and ASRs and particulate FFRs require initial and annual fit testing. EEBA, loose-fitting hoods, and face masks do not require fit testing.
Regulatory compliance details can be obtained at the individual product level.
3M™ N95 Aura™ Particulate Respirators, 9205+
Three-panel, flat-fold disposable respirators provide comfortable, reliable worker protection against non-oil based particles.
Medicom™ SafeMask™ Premier Elite Face Masks
ASTM Level 3 high-barrier face masks with earloops are ideal for for higher-risk patients and procedures.
3M™ N95 Aura™ Health Care Particulate Respirator and Surgical Mask, 1870+
Comfortable inner materials provide respiratory protection against certain airborne particles. Individually packaged flat-fold design allows for convenient storage.
3M™ VFlex™ 9105 Series N95 Particulate Respirators
Disposable N95 particulate respirators have a unique folded design with V-shaped pleats that flex with mouth movement for easier talking and expand for ease of breathing.
3M™ N95 Particulate Respirators, 8110S and 8210 Series
Lightweight disposable particulate respirators designed to provide protection of at least 95 percent filtration efficiency against certain non-oil based particles in applications such as grinding, sanding, sweeping, sawing, bagging or other dusty operations.
3M™ N95 Comfort Plus Filtering Facepiece Respirators
Lightweight N95 particulate dust respirators are designed to help provide comfort, quality and reliable protection. Cool Flow™ exhalation valve reduces heat build up inside the respirator.
3M™ Aura™ Series N95 Particulate Respirators
Particulate respirators with or without Cool Flow™ valve offer a comfortable fit that conform to a wide range of face sizes.
Kimtech™ M3 Pleat-Style Face Masks
Pleat-style mask available with earloops or soft ties. Suggested for use in ISO Class 3 and higher cleanroom environments.
Ansell Kimtech™ M3 Sterile Face Masks
Sterile masks feature non-irritating BiCoSof™ inner facing and bendable aluminum nosepiece. Available with earloops or soft ties.
Kimtech™ M7 Face Veils
Disposable face veils with knitted headbands or snaps are constructed of low-lint polyethylene film. Covered nose piece provides increased comfort. Suitable for ISO Class 7 or higher cleanroom environments.
AlphaProTech Critical Cover™ AlphaAir™ Face Masks
Constructed of cool, comfortable hypoallergenic materials that are naturally fluid-resistant. AlphaAir™ face masks feature a 0.1 micron filter with greater than 95% bacterial filtration efficiency.
3M™ 7500 Series Reusable Half Facepiece Reusable Respirators
Half-mask respirators with enhanced comfort and visibility use a bayonet attachment system for twin lightweight filters to protect against gases, vapors and particulates.
3M™ 6000 Series Resuable Half-Facepiece Respirators with Replaceable P100 Filters
Lightweight, low-maintenance respirators come equipped with replaceable P100 filters (Style 2091)
3M™ N95 Particulate Respirator, 8200
Economical, disposable particulate respirator designed to provide reliable protection of at least 95 percent filtration efficiency against certain non-oil based particles.
3M™ Versaflo™ Healthcare TR-300N+ PAPR Kit
Healthcare PAPR Kits are complete, ready-to-use systems with two different size head coverings to choose from. Protects healthcare workers from airborne particulates without compromising comfort or flexibility.