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.
Berkshire™ Choice™ Cleanroom Face Masks
Three-layer cleanroom face masks provide filtration efficiency while providing long wearing comfort.
Ansell BioClean™ Sterile DB Pouch Style Face Mask
Sterile pouch face mask with headloops offers breathability and comfort for added protection. Compatible with ISO Class 4 environments. Available with or without neckguard.
AlphaProTech Cleanroom MVT Face Masks
Face masks with earloops are designed to shield mouth while allowing ease of breathing.
Kimtech™ M6 Pleated-Style Cleanroom Face Mask
Recommended for ISO Class 6 or higher cleanrooms
Hourglass International™ HCE™ 3-Ply Cleanroom Face Masks with Ties
Cleanroom face masks are manufactured for long-wearing comfort and protect Class 100/ISO 5 environments from human contaminants.
Hourglass International™ HCE™ 2-Ply Cleanroom Face Masks with Earloops
Cleanroom face masks provide long-wear comfort while protecting the environment from human contaminants including skin flakes, cosmetics, bacteria and other particles. Suitable for Class 100/ISO 5 controlled environments.
Berkshire Corporation™ BCR™ Cleanroom Face Mask
Berkshire masks provide superior filtration efficiency while allowing long wearing comfort for operators.
Ansell Kimtech™ Pure M5 Pleat-Style Cleanroom Face Masks
Three-layer, pleat-style face masks for use in ISO Class 5 and higher cleanroom environments. Available with earloops or soft ties.
VAI PF-2 Cleanroom Face Masks
Comfortable material PF-2 face masks for use in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device industries, or any other cleanroom operation.
Hourglass International™ HCE™ 2-Ply Cleanroom Face Mask with Ties
Cleanroom face mask with four white ties and a soft flexible nose piece are made from the cleanest polyethylene and polypropylene materials. Suitable for ISO 5 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.
Ansell BioClean™ MEA Non-Sterile Looped Facemask
Non-sterile looped facemask is manufactured from cleanroom compatible materials to reduce contamination into the controlled environment.
Keystone Cleanroom Products Cleanroom Face Masks, Gamma Irradiated
Gamma irradiated cleanroom facemasks eliminate goggles from fogging and mask slippage. Available with ties, headband, or earloop fastening.
VAI PF-4 Sterile Face Mask
PF-4 Sterile Face Mask is constructed of 3 layers of non-woven material with two silicon-free elastic headloop bands.
Ansell BioClean™ MEA210-1 Sterile Looped Face Mask
Sterile, looped face mask with clip connector for secure fastening , reduces contamination in controlled environments by providing high particle and bacterial filtration efficiency.