A respirator mask is a form of personal protective equipment designed to reduce the wearer’s exposure to airborne contaminants, such as fine particles, aerosols, and dust. Unlike a standard cloth or surgical mask, which primarily serves as a barrier to block larger droplets and control the source of a wearer’s emissions, a respirator is engineered to form a tight seal around the face. This seal ensures that inhaled air is forced through the filter material, capturing small, inhalable particles before they reach the wearer. Understanding the specific capabilities and proper use of these devices is the first step toward making an informed purchase.
Differentiating Respirator Filtration Levels
Respirator filtration capabilities are categorized using different international standards, which indicate the minimum percentage of particles the mask is designed to capture. In the United States, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) uses a system combining a letter and a number to denote performance. The letter refers to the respirator’s resistance to oil particles, which can degrade filter performance, and the number specifies the filtration efficiency against non-oil particles.
The letter designations include N (Not resistant to oil), R (Resistant to oil), and P (Oil Proof). The numbers are 95, 99, and 100. For example, an N95 respirator filters at least 95% of non-oil-based particles. A P100 filter provides the highest efficiency, capturing a minimum of 99.97% of particles, including those that are oil-based.
The European standard uses the FFP (Filtering Facepiece) classification, with three main levels: FFP1, FFP2, and FFP3. These standards test the filters against both oily and non-oily aerosols. FFP2 respirators filter at least 94% of particles, making them roughly equivalent to a NIOSH N95. FFP3 offers the highest protection in this system, filtering a minimum of 99% of particles.
Retail and Specialty Sources for Acquisition
The most reliable places to acquire authentic respirators are directly from the manufacturer or through their authorized distribution networks. Reputable companies like 3M, Moldex, and Honeywell often list their official retailers on their corporate websites. Buying from these authorized channels significantly reduces the risk of purchasing counterfeit goods.
General retailers also stock respirators, though selection can vary. Home improvement stores typically carry NIOSH-approved models, such as N95s and P100s, geared toward construction and industrial use. Major drugstore chains and pharmacies also offer consumer-grade respirators. Purchasing from established retail stores offers a higher probability of acquiring genuine products compared to unverified online sellers.
Dedicated online safety and personal protective equipment (PPE) vendors are another reliable source. They specialize in these products and often source directly from manufacturers. Consumers should be cautious of purchasing respirators from unverified third-party sellers on large online marketplaces, as these platforms frequently distribute substandard or counterfeit products.
Ensuring Proper Fit and Certification
A respirator’s effectiveness depends on both its filter material and the quality of its seal against the wearer’s face. In the United States, look for the official NIOSH approval stamp on the facepiece. This stamp must include the manufacturer’s name, the filter series and efficiency level, and a unique Testing and Certification (TC) approval number. This TC number can be cross-referenced on the NIOSH Certified Equipment List (CEL) to confirm authenticity.
The European equivalent is the CE mark, which indicates compliance with European Union safety standards and is often followed by the FFP rating. A proper fit is paramount, as air takes the path of least resistance around the sides of the mask rather than through the filter media. The user must perform a seal check every time the respirator is donned to ensure no air is leaking around the edges.
Performing a User Seal Check
To ensure the seal is maintained, two types of checks can be performed.
##### Negative Pressure Check
The wearer covers the filter area and inhales sharply. The mask should collapse slightly against the face, confirming a tight seal.
##### Positive Pressure Check
This involves covering the exhalation valve or filter and gently breathing out. This confirms that no air escapes around the seal.
Respirators are not universally sized, so selecting the correct size (small, medium, or large) is necessary to achieve a good seal. Facial hair that interferes with the sealing surface will compromise the device’s protective function.