Reusable Half Mask Respirators and Replacement Filters

Start with the hazard, not the mask. For dust, fibres and fume from cutting, sanding, grinding and welding, a P3 particle filter to EN 143 is the right choice and is the same top particle class as an FFP3 disposable. For solvent-based paints, adhesives and cleaning chemicals you need a gas filter to EN 14387: type A for organic vapours with a boiling point above 65 degrees C, B for inorganic gases such as chlorine, E for acid gases such as sulphur dioxide and K for ammonia. The number after the letter is the capacity class, so A2 holds more vapour than A1 before it needs changing. Where dust and vapour are both present, as in spray painting, use a combination filter such as A2P3. If your task only involves dust and runs for a short time, our FFP3 and disposable respirators may be the simpler choice.

A half mask only protects if it seals. Anyone wearing tight-fitting respiratory protective equipment at work in the UK should be face-fit tested for that model and size, and must be clean shaven where the seal meets the skin. Gas filters do not warn you when they are full in the way a particle filter clogs, so set a change schedule based on the hazard and hours of use, and change them at once if you smell or taste the contaminant. Store the mask in a sealed bag between shifts so the filters are not loading up while it sits on the dashboard. The standards behind every mark on this page are explained in our safety standards guide.

The ready-to-use kits pair a half mask with a matched set of filters, which removes the risk of buying a cartridge with the wrong connection. The maintenance-free half masks with integrated filters are a good fit for occasional users who do not want to manage spares, while the separate mask and filter route is more economical for daily use. Pair a half mask with sealed safety goggles and spectacles where splash or vapour could reach the eyes.