Comfort Considerations When Choosing Respiratory Protection

You may need to wear respiratory protection at work, but there are many options designed to help you comfortably protect yourself from the dangers you face. It is important to note that when choosing which type of respiratory protection to use, you should also select products from a reputable manufacturer that offers innovative, science-based solutions that meet regulatory certification standards. You may be thinking about disposable masks (filter respirators), reusable (elastomeric) options, motorized breathing equipment (PAPR) or even air supply solutions, consulting with a reputable manufacturer to help you make your choice can be very helpful. In addition, many things related to comfort must be considered, and a respiratory protection specialist can help. Learn more about some of the comfort benefits of different types of respiratory protection equipment.

Disposable masks (DR), also called self-filtering masks

You should always look for a disposable mask that has obtained CE EN 149 certification. There are models that have adjustable nose clips, nose foam, fixed diadems and adjustable buckle straps and there are other models that come in three-panel style or flat fold not only for comfort, but also for ease of use. Many of these features are designed to help improve comfort and achieve proper sealing, in order to offer the level of protection for which this type of mask is designed. Some disposable masks offer an exhaust valve that can result in easier breathing than valveless masks. There are also options for disposable masks that do not contain components made with natural rubber latex and filter media designed to be fire resistant. Disposable masks are a lightweight option and some selected products have filter media designed to remove certain annoying odors. These masks are disposable, convenient, affordable and can be used in many types of sectors, from healthcare to welding, mining and manufacturing, depending on the model you choose and the work you are doing. They are usually compatible with other PPE, such as eye protection, hearing protection and protective clothing, such as work jackets.

Reusable (RR) elasticated masks

A big advantage of reusable masks is protection and convenience at a reasonable price. There are complete lines of reusable masks to meet the needs of many types of workers who want to be comfortable and protected, whether they are in hot environments, small spaces or working long shifts. Reusable half masks or full masks can help protect against particulate matter and/or gases and vapours that are used for many applications in hazardous environments. RRs are designed to provide comfort with a wide field of view. For example, there are full RR models that feature a soft silicone mouthpiece and face seal that offer long-term comfort, as well as a large lens that allows excellent peripheral vision. Like some DR models, RRs offer a built-in valve function to improve breathing and comfort and some also have a communication diaphragm that is positioned to make communication easier. There is an option that offers a quick pin that makes it easy to put/remove in an uncontaminated area. There are even some RR models available that are compatible with other types of respiratory PPE such as PAPR and air supply PPE. A disposable or reusable mask cannot provide workers with the protection for which it was designed unless it is properly selected and used during all exposure periods. Fitness testing is an important part of a respiratory protection programme and should be part of your employer's safety process, even if it is not mandatory in your country.

Motorised and air-supplied

A motorized breathing apparatus uses a motor instead of pulmonary energy to draw air through the filter. In this way, breathing will be more natural and there will be a constant airflow in the head unit, which will provide additional comfort if you work in hot and humid environments. Facial screens integrated into certain head units for specific motorised breathing equipment help protect the eyes and face from debris, sparks and other hazards. At the same time, these respiratory protection options offer a wide field of view, helping to make it easier to see your surroundings so that you can perform the necessary tasks. With some respiratory systems, beard and facial hair can be a problem, as they can interfere with the sealing of certain masks. There are motorized breathing equipment available with head units designed to accommodate limited facial hair, allowing for additional protection options for your employees. This can also be beneficial for workers who wish to retain facial hair for medical, religious, stylistic or other reasons.

We're here to help you choose a comfortable respiratory protection option

As you can see, there is a wide range of innovative technologies and features designed to enhance user comfort and help to promote wear time of each type of respiratory protection product. Let us help you find comfort options that work for you. If you need help selecting respiratory protection equipment, do not hesitate to contact our respiratory protection specialists today.

Disposable masks

Practical and comfortable, the Particulate mask 3M Aura, series 9300 + incorporates a 3-panel design that adapts to faces of different shapes and sizes, while also adapting to facial movement, allowing you to work and speak freely.

Reusable masks

The Reusable half mask 3M Secure Click, series HF-800, equipped with a sealing check button that provides greater confidence in adjusting the half mask, is designed with intelligent and intuitive functions to help protect workers from air pollutants.

Motorised breathing appliances

If you're looking for versatility, comfort and high-efficiency particle filtration, the motorized breathing equipment 3M Versaflo, series TR-300 + can help you meet the objectives of your respiratory protection programme while ensuring comfortable airflow.

It's from: 3M Spain, S.L.