Types of Respirators

The Difference between Respirators and Face Masks

Both respirators and face masks serve the purpose of protecting against airborne particles, but respirators are designed for personal protection against hazardous substances, whereas face masks are primarily used to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Understanding the differences between the two will help you create a successful safety program for your warehouse, construction business, or any industrial setting.

Respirators: Respirators, also known as filtering facepiece respirators, are designed to filter out harmful particles in the air. They are specifically engineered to protect the wearer from inhaling hazardous substances, such as dust, smoke, fumes, and airborne pathogens. Respirators come in various types, including N95, N99, and N100, each offering different levels of filtration efficiency.

Face masks: Also known as surgical masks or medical masks, face masks are primarily designed to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. They are loose-fitting and typically made of multiple layers of fabric or non-woven material. Face masks are not designed to filter out small particles like respirators but are effective in preventing respiratory droplets from being released into the air when the wearer talks, coughs, or sneezes.

Dust Masks

Dust masks are not considered respirators because they don't offer the same level of protection against toxic substances, but we are including them on this list to help you find the right product for your needs. These masks are designed to filter out particulates such as pollen, dust, and other airborne irritants. They typically feature a flexible nose piece and elastic ear loops to ensure a secure fit.

If you are working in an environment where the dust or particles are non-toxic and do not pose any health risks, a dust mask can provide adequate protection. Examples include sanding wood, cutting grass, or sweeping up debris.

Benefits: Light weight, economical, disposable

Best Applications: Dust masks are commonly used in construction, woodworking, and other industries where dust and particles are prevalent.

Full-Face Respirators

Full-face respirators provide complete protection for the face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth. These respirators feature a clear visor or lens that allows for unobstructed vision. They are designed to protect against hazardous gases, vapors, and airborne particles.

Remember, when using full-face respirators, it's crucial to select the appropriate cartridges or filters based on the specific hazards present in the work environment. It's also important to regularly inspect and maintain the respirator according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure its effectiveness and longevity.

Benefits: Protects the entire face, accepts different types of filtering cartridges, durable and reusable

Best Applications: Full-face respirators are typically used in industrial settings, chemical plants, and healthcare facilities.

Half-Face Respirators

Half-face respirators cover the nose and mouth, protecting against hazardous gases, vapors, and airborne particles. These respirators are typically more compact and light weight than full-face respirators. They offer a good balance between protection and comfort, allowing for ease of movement and communication.

Half-face respirators are compatible with various filters and cartridges, allowing workers to customize their protection based on the specific hazards they face. This versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, from painting and construction to healthcare and industrial settings.

Benefits: Comfortable, light weight, more affordable than full-face respirators

Best Applications: Half-face respirators are used in construction, painting, and other industries where respiratory protection is necessary.

Respirators with Valves

Respirators with valves are designed to provide comfort and ease of breathing for the wearer. When breathing out, the valve opens up to release warm air and moisture. This feature is particularly important for individuals who engage in strenuous activities or require extended periods of wear. By reducing the effort needed to exhale, respirators with valves help prevent the buildup of heat and moisture inside the mask, making them more comfortable to wear for longer durations.

It is important to note that while respirators with valves offer enhanced comfort and breathability, they may not be suitable for all environments. Certain industries, such as healthcare or construction, require the use of respirators without valves to prevent the release of potentially harmful contaminants into the surrounding environment. In such cases, it is crucial to follow the regulations and guidelines set forth by the appropriate governing bodies to ensure compliance and safety.

Benefits: Ideal for prolonged use in hot or humid environments

Best Applications: Respirators with valves are used in construction, mining, and other industries where respiratory protection is required.

No-Valve Respirators

A no-valve respirator, also known as a non-valved respirator, is a type of respiratory protection device that is designed to filter out harmful particles from the air. Unlike respirators with valves, which have a one-way valve that allows for easier exhalation, no-valve respirators do not have a valve and therefore provide a higher level of protection.

These types of respirators are ideal for situations where the protection of others is a concern. Respirators with valves may allow the wearer to exhale unfiltered air, potentially releasing harmful particles into the surrounding environment. In contrast, no-valve respirators prevent the exhaled air from escaping, making them suitable for use in environments where cross-contamination is a risk.

Benefits: Higher filtration than valve respirators, protects the wearer and the surrounding environment

Best Applications: No-valve respirators are suitable for use in healthcare settings, as well as in situations where protection for others is important.

What Is a NIOSH Respirator?

NIOSH is a safety acronym that stands for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. This federal agency is responsible for conducting research and making recommendations to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses. When it comes to respirators and filters, NIOSH plays a critical role in ensuring that these products meet certain standards and provide adequate protection to the wearer.

One of the key reasons to look for NIOSH-rated respirators is to ensure that you are using a device that can effectively filter out harmful airborne particles. NIOSH tests respirators and filters to determine their filtration efficiency against particles of different sizes, including those that may be present in hazardous work environments. The NIOSH rating on a respirator indicates the percentage of particles it can filter out, with higher ratings indicating greater filtration efficiency.

You've probably heard of the N95 mask before, but what does it actually mean? We'll explain what the letters and numbers in NIOSH ratings mean below.

N-Series Respirators

The N-series indicates the respirator or filter is "not resistant" to oil. These respirators are primarily used to protect against non-oil-based particles. They are commonly used in industries such as construction, agriculture, and healthcare, where workers may be exposed to these types of contaminants.

• N95 - The N95 rating is the most common and widely recognized rating. It means that the respirator is capable of filtering out at least 95% of airborne particles, including dust, smoke, and other solid and liquid particles. N95 respirators are suitable for a wide range of applications, including construction, woodworking, and healthcare.
• N99 - The N99 rating indicates that the respirator can filter out 99% of airborne particles. This higher level of filtration makes N99 respirators more effective in environments where there is a higher concentration of hazardous particles, such as industrial settings or areas with heavy pollution.
• N100 - The N100 rating offers the highest level of protection among the NIOSH ratings. Respirators with this rating can filter out 99.97% of airborne particles, including both solid and liquid particles. N100 respirators are typically used in highly hazardous environments, such as asbestos removal or chemical handling.

R-Series Respirators

The R in R-series NIOSH respirators stands for "resistant to oil." This designation indicates that the respirator can protect the wearer from particles that may contain oil-based aerosols, but there are two things to keep in mind. R-series masks and filters only protect against oil-based particles for one 8-hour shift, and they are not as foolproof as a P-series respirator.

• R95 - The R95 respirator is the lowest level of protection in the R-series category. It provides a minimum filtration efficiency of 95% against both oil-based and non-oil-based particulates. The R95 respirator is a cost-effective option for environments with moderate levels of oil-based particles.
• R99 - This respirator offers a higher level of filtration, with a minimum efficiency of 99% against oil-based and non-oil-based particulates. The R99 respirator is ideal for environments where there are higher concentrations of oil-based particles present.
• R100 - The R100 respirator provides the highest level of filtration in the R-series category. It offers a minimum efficiency of 99.97% against oil-based and non-oil-based particulates. The R100 respirator is recommended for environments with extremely high concentrations of oil-based particles or when there is a need for maximum filtration efficiency.

P-Series Respirators

P-series respirators offer stronger protection from oil-based particles like lubricants and solvents. These "oil-proof" respirators can be worn for a longer period than the R-series, but always make sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

• P95 - The P-95 respirator is designed to filter out at least 95% of airborne particles, including oil-based particles. It is the most common type of P-series respirator and is widely used in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and agriculture.
• P95 - The P-99 respirator is similar to the P-95 respirator but offers higher filtration efficiency. It is designed to filter out at least 99% of airborne particles, including oil-based particles. The P-99 respirator provides enhanced protection against hazardous particles and is commonly used in industries where a higher level of filtration is required, such as pharmaceutical manufacturing or chemical processing.
• P95 - The P-100 respirator is the highest level of filtration among P-series respirators. It is designed to filter out at least 99.97% of airborne particles, including oil-based particles. The P-100 respirator offers the highest level of protection and is suitable for environments with high levels of hazardous particles, such as asbestos removal or healthcare settings where infectious airborne particles may be present.

For more guidance on particulate respirators and their ratings, visit the NIOSH website.