Half Masks

To provide reliable protection, half mask respirators must be used in conjunction with the appropriate respiratory filter. Filters must be selected according to the hazardous substance encountered and the contaminant concentration. Therefore, half masks can be easily tailored to specific applications and work environments.

Respiratory masks are designed to protect against a wide range of hazardous substances including:

⦁    Organic vapours such as solvents, paints, and cleaning agents
⦁    Acid gases like chlorine, sulfur dioxide or hydrogen sulfide
⦁    Ammonia or methylamine used in refrigeration and chemical manufacturing
⦁    Fine dusts, fumes or mists from machining, spraying or welding processes

Dräger offers a comprehensive portfolio of respiratory filters. Always ensure the right filter is used for the specific hazard encountered. Dräger's VOICE database is a good starting point for researching suitable protection options such as filters and respirators based on the substance present. Alternatively refer to our Filter Selection Guide or consult a Dräger safety specialist.

Choosing the right filter for your half mask respirator depends on a number of factors. The following steps can help you to select the right filter:

Hazard identification: Identify the type of contaminant, e.g. organic vapours, acid gases, particles, and select the appropriate type of filter. The VOICE database from Dräger is a good starting point for your research, providing information on hazardous substances and recommendations for suitable respirators and filters. Alternatively refer to our Filter Selection Guide or consult a Dräger safety specialist.

Filter efficiency: 

Compare the filter efficiency rating for your particle filter (P1, P2 or P3) with the contaminant concentration determined in accordance with the occupational exposure limit¹ (OEL).

Particle filters retain the following levels of particles
P1 filters 80%
P2 filters 94%
P3 filters 99,95%;

FFP masks retain the following levels of particles:
FFP1 80%
FFP2 94%
FFP3 99%

Filter capacity: Check the capacity rating of your respective gas or combination filter (Class 1, Class 2 or Class 3), depending on the concentration of the fumes or gaseous substances present.

Class 1 for gas concentrations of less than 0.1% by volume, e.g. A1,

Class 2 for gas concentrations of between 0.1% and 0.5% by volume, e.g. ABEK2

Class 3 for gas concentrations of between 0.5% and 1% by volume.

Respirator compatibility: Ensure the filter is compatible with the filter connection type of your specific half mask model. Dräger offers two different types of filters and filter mounts for its X-plore half mask respirators. The Dräger Rd40 round thread is internationally standardized with one filter being front mounted to the X-plore 4700 half mask while the Dräger Bayonet mount is proprietary and available for the twin-filter X-plore 3000 half-masks.
¹ _{values may vary from country to country, please always check and comply with local regulations}

The service life of a filter and the frequency of filter replacement depend on several factors, including the concentration of contaminants, the duration of use and the specific type of filter used (e.g. particle filter, gas filter, combination filter). The filters of your half mask should always be replaced when one or more of the following points apply: increased breathing resistance, noticeable taste or smell, damage or contamination of the filter used or expiration. 

We advise you to replace the filter in use in the following cases:

• If the wearer finds it increasingly difficult to breathe². This may indicate that the filter is clogged.
• If the wearer begins to taste or smell a contaminant³. This indicates that the filter is saturated and no longer effective.
• If the filter is physically damaged or contaminated. Immediately replace the filter to avoid all risk.
• If the filter has reached its expiry date. Replace the filter as proper performance can no longer be assured.

Remember that timely filter replacement is critical to the protection of a respirator. Please strictly follow the guidelines provided by Dräger for your specific filter type, which can be found in the relevant instruction manual.

² _{applies only to particle filters or particle filtering components of combination filters}
³ _{applies only to gas filters or the gas cartridge component of combination filters}

Regular cleaning of your respirator is essential for hygienic use. To clean a half mask, remove the filters and separate the inner mask from the mask body. Wipe down the mask body, inner mask and the head harness with a mild soap solution or a disinfectant wipe. Please avoid using any harsh chemicals or solvents⁴ for this step. Rinse the mask with clean water and allow it to air dry completely before reassembling and further use.

For both cleaning and maintenance, always refer to the relevant instruction manual for your Dräger product. By following Dräger’s guidelines, you maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the equipment, ensuring it continues to provide reliable protection.

⁴ _{more information on suitable detergents and disinfectants and their specifications can be found at draeger.com/IFU, document 9100081} 

Yes, Dräger half mask respirators are designed to be compatible with other protective equipment. This provides a more holistic protection against the hazards faced in a workplace. For example, in wildland firefighting, the combination of a half mask respirator, protective helmet and safety goggles offers more complete and robust protection in the challenging environment of wildfires. The ergonomic design of our Dräger mask respirators ensures a secure fit that does not interfere with safety glasses or protective headgear like helmets. The adjustable straps of a half mask respirator also help to maintain comfort while ensuring a proper seal when wearing additional personal protective equipment.

Browse our range of protective eyewear and helmets to find the right solution for your application.

Your respirator's face seal is essential for reliable protection in all conditions. If a half mask does not fit properly, try to adjust the straps for a more secure fit. The X-plore 3000 series comes in three different sizes (S, M, L). Always ensure the correct size of half mask is being used and that the mask forms a tight seal against the wearer’s face. Please also note that a beard will prevent the respirator from sealing properly and alternative respiratory protection such as a powered air purifying unit with a loose fitting headpiece should be worn.

A professionally conducted fit-test should be undertaken to provide a good basis for determining whether the correct size respirator is being used and whether it is achieving an adequate seal. For more information, visit Dräger Fit Testing or consult a Dräger safety professional to find the best solution.