Respiratory Masks

Respirator masks are divided into several types, each designed to provide a specific level of protection and for use in different applications.

Disposable respirators: This category consists of single-use masks that provide protection against particles. Filtering Facepieces (FFPs) are classified according to their filtration efficiency, such as FFP1, FFP2 or FFP3, with the latter offering the highest level of protection. A lightweight solution, they are particularly comfortable for short-term use.

Half-face respirators: Combined with different filter types, half-face respirators often also termed 'chemical respirators' or 'mask PPE' provide protection against particles, gases or vapours, or a combination of these. Their low weight and high wearer comfort, make them suitable for extended use. Half-face respirators are commonly used in lower contaminant environments and do not protect the eyes, so additional eye protection may be required. They are compatible with Drager Safety Eyewear.

Full-face respirators: Covering the entire face and including eye protection, this range of respirator masks provides more comprehensive protection. Full-face respirators offer higher protection against a wider range of hazards compared to half-face respirators and shield the wearer from both airborne hazards and splashes of liquid chemical substances.

Each type of respirator mask is an essential part of the personal protective equipment that you specify for your team and should be selected based on the specific hazards present in the work environment.

When selecting an air-purifying respirator (APR), consider the following factors:

Oxygen level: Ensure that there is sufficient oxygen in the environment. In the UK, the minimum advisable oxygen level for use of a filtering respirator is 19.5%. If the oxygen level is not sufficient or is likely to drop over time, a filtering respirator should not be chosen. The use of an ambient air, independent supplied air solution such as airline or an SCBA or LDBA is advised.

Type of hazard: Identify the specific hazardous substances, e.g. gases, vapors or particulates present in your environment. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) provide relevant information on hazardous and may influence the type of respirator that would be appropriate. The VOICE database from Dräger offers helpful information on hazardous substances and provides recommendations for suitable respirators and filters.

Concentration levels: Measure the concentration of the hazardous substances present on site and determine the required protection factor based on the contaminant concentration. This helps to ensure that the respirator can provide an adequate level of protection for your respective scenario.

Duration of exposure: Estimate how long a worker will be exposed to the hazardous environment in order to select a respirator or respirator mask and filter combination that will provide protection for the required duration.

Respirator fit and comfort: Always ensure that a respirator mask fits well and is comfortable to wear. The proper fit of a respirator is crucial for a secure face seal and therefore for effective protection. Dräger offers different sizes and types of respirator masks that provide a reliable fit and protection for a wide range of face shapes.

Protection factors: The choice of respiratory protection should not only take into account the hazard analysis and required protection factors, but an overall analysis of the specific conditions. These include factors such as the danger of the substance, warning properties of substance, the training level of users, workplace conditions such as tight or confined spaces and work intensity.

You can find out more about the different Protection Factors and further information on selecting a suitable respirator in the APR selection guide.

_{Please always refer to local regulations and guidelines to ensure compliance with safety standards. For more detailed information, consult your health and safety manager or contact Dräger customer support.}

Choosing the right filter 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 filters.

Filter efficiency: Compare the filter efficiency rating for your particle filter (P1, P2 or P3) or single-use dust mask (FFP1, FFP2 or FFP3) 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 chosen filter is compatible with the filter connection type of your specific respirator model. Dräger offers two different types of filters and filter mounts for its X-plore respirator series.

The Dräger Rd40 round thread is internationally standardised with one filter being front mounted to the respective half-face respirator mask or full-face respirator mask.

The Dräger Bayonet mount is proprietary and available for our twin-filter half-mask and full-face masks. 

¹ _{values may vary from country to country, please always check and comply with local regulations}

There are a number of indications as to when a filter change might be required. Filters 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. 

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

• If it the wearer finds it increasingly difficult to breathe. This may indicate that the filter is clogged.
• If the wearer begins to taste or smell a contaminant. 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.

Vapour masks or chemical respirators are terms that already indicate a specific protection category, but both fall under the official term of respiratory masks. This type of respirator is commonly used in industries such as painting and coating, chemical processing, oil and gas refining, or mining and tunnelling, where exposure to toxic vapours, fumes or gases is a concern. Depending on the filter selected, these respirators can be easily tailored to the specific substances present in the work environment.

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 half masks and full-face masks which can be combined with our extensive filter portfolio. 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.