Respirators
- NIOSH APPROVED for at least 95 percent filtration efficiency against certain non-oil based particles
- FITS A WIDE RANGE OF FACE SHAPES ANDSIZES
- Lightweight construction promotes greater worker acceptance and may help increase wear time
- Certifications and standards: NIOSH approved for at least 95 percent filtration efficiency against certain non-oil based particles
- This series combines comfort and convenience
- Comfortable soft, lightweight facepiece with easy-to-adjust head straps
- Lightweight, disposable particulate respirator is an economical choice for respiratory protection
- Certifications and standards: NIOSH approved for at least 95 percent filtration efficiency against certain non-oil based particles
- 3M Cool Flow Exhalation Valve helps reduce heat build-up inside the respirator
- Certifications and standards: NIOSH approved for at least 95 percent filtration efficiency against certain non-oil based particles
- Color: White
- Type: Particulate Respirator
- Material: Silicon & Nylon
- Type: Reusable Respirator
- Size: Small
- Filtration grade: N95
- Size: Large
- Suspension: 4 point bayonet adjustable strap
- Material: Silicon & Nylon
- Type: Reusable Respirator
- Particulate respirator
- Size: Medium/large
- Half Face piece respirator, small
- Interchangeable filters enable wearer to match the filter with the application
- Cartridge respirator
- Filter classification: P (oil proof)
- Certifications and standards: NIOSH approved for respiratory protection against certain organic vapors and particulates
- Lightweight well-balanced design enhances comfort
- Color: Magenta
- Application/Usage: Arsenic, Asbestos, Assembly and Mechanical, Brazing, Cadmium, Cleaning, MDA, Metal Pouring Including Exposure to Lead, Painting, Torch Cutting & Welding
- Particulate respirator without valve
- Dura-mesh shell resists collapsing in heat and humidity
- Respirator Waist Pack
- 420D Nylon w/PVC backing
- For use in transportation, construction, MRO, Food and Beverage and more.
- 3M™ Cool Flow™ Valve
- Particulate respirator
- Exhalation valve
- Material: Silicone & Thermoplastic Elastomer
- Type: Respirator
- Particulate respirator
- Size: Standard
- Half mask respirator, medium
- Silicone face piece conforms to facial features and doesn't harden with age
- Added carbon layer helps filter out nuisance levels of ozone and organic vapors (less than OSHA PEL)
- For most welding applications
- 100% PVC-Free
- NIOSH approved for organic vapors
- 100% PVC-Free
- Dura-Mesh® shell resists collapsing in heat and humidity
- Half Face piece respirator, large
- Interchangeable filters enable wearer to match the filter with the application
- Type: Respirator Canister
- Respirator Type: Full Face
- Particulate respirator
- Size: Standard
- Dimension: 8"H x 10.5"W x 2"D
- Type: Particle Respirator
- Application/Usage: Agricultural Production, Aluminum Smelting, Brewing Operations, Dry Chemical Handling & Paper Processing
- Respirator/Mask Type: Particulate Respirator
- Half face piece respirator
- Use for a variety of applications including spray painting, pesticides, agriculture, construction
- Application/Usage: Agricultural Production, Aluminum Smelting, Brewing Operations, Dry Chemical Handling & Paper Processing
- Respirator/Mask Type: Particulate Respirator
- Material: Thermoplastic Elastomers
- Application/Usage: Commercial & Residential
- Particulate respirator with exhalation valve
- Dura-mesh shell resists collapsing in heat and humidity
- Mouthbit Respirator
- 7902 mouth bit respirator offers a quick and economical method to escape non-IDLH emergency situations
- 100% PVC-Free
- HandyStrap® with buckle, allows mask to hang down around the user's neck when not in use
- 100% PVC-Free
- Exhale valve lets workers breathe easy and stay cool
- Certifications and standards: NIOSH approved for respiratory protection against certain organic vapors and particulates
- Lightweight well-balanced design enhances comfort
- NIOSH-APPROVED N95 for at least 95 percent filtration efficiency against certain non-oil-based particles and aerosols
- ADVANCED FILTER MEDIA for easy breathing
- Type: Particulate Respirator
- Application/Usage: Ideal for Welding, Grinding, Working with Lead
A respirator is a kind of face mask that is crucial for many industries. They can also be extremely helpful, if not life-saving, in a variety of high-risk situations. Staples carries a range of respirator masks to keep the wearer safe and healthy. Learn more below.
What Is a Respirator?
Respirators are a type of face mask designed to reduce exposure to harmful airborne bacteria or chemicals. When worn properly, a respirator mask protects the wearer from inhaling dangerous substances that could cause illness or difficulty breathing. Staples sells a variety of personal protective equipment, including two kinds of respiratory masks: particulate respirators and chemical cartridge/gas mask respirators. Particulate respirators are the most common and filter out airborne particles. A gas mask respirator filters out chemicals and gases. With either type, users must ensure there is a snug fit between the mask and their skin for maximum filtration and safety benefits.
What Type of Respirator Should I Buy?
The type of respirator mask that will best serve the user depends on what they will be exposed to. Different types of masks are better suited to filter certain substances varying from metal pouring, pharmaceuticals, bacterial particles, mold, smoke, and more. Learn more about particulate respirators and chemical cartridge/gas mask respirators and their recommended uses below.
Particulate Respirators
Particulate respirators are the most affordable type of respiratory mask, though they only filter airborne particles and are intended for low hazard levels. This type includes N95 masks and other face masks designed with a filtering facepiece that protects the wearer from infectious agents. Particulate respirators are secured to the face using two straps that are meant to go around the back of the wearer’s head.
Chemical Cartridge/Gas Mask Respirator
Chemical cartridge/gas mask respirators are also known as air-purifying respirators, as they filter chemical gases and some particulates. These masks are designed to be secured around the back of the head with the filtration piece worn snugly over the nose and mouth. This kind of mask works well for those who are working with paint, pesticides, agricultural materials, construction materials, automotive materials, and certain organic particles. These face mask respirators are only effective, however, if used with the right cartridge or filter for the biological or chemical substance, so be sure to check product descriptions.
How to Test Your Respirator’s Fit
A respirator’s efficiency depends on a proper fit. A respirator mask should be worn snugly against the face with straps secured either behind the ears or connected at the back of the head, depending on the design. To test whether your mask is snug enough, put both hands over the filter or filter mouth holes. If you cannot inhale with the filter covered, your mask fit is appropriate. If you do get air, your mask is either not snug enough or has a leak. In this case, make adjustments or choose another mask. If you can taste, smell, or feel the substance you are avoiding exposure to, or if you feel drowsy, dizzy, confused, or nauseous, your mask is not properly protecting you. Avoid exposure and replace your respirator mask.