This reduces the resistance when the user is breathing out, and some find it makes the mask more comfortable. Some elastomeric masks include one-way valves to let exhaled air out unfiltered. fullface mask, from above the eyes to below the chin.half-mask, from below the eyes to below the chin.quarter-mask or orinasal mask, covering the mouth and nose only.

mouth-bit respirators, which fit in the mouth with the nose pinched shut (escape only).Many manufacturers offer a choice of two materials.

Ī range of elastomers are used, including silicone, neoprene, EPDM ( ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber), or proprietary elastomers such as Hycar. Air-purifying respirators draw the surrounding air through filters which remove contaminants. They are more complex and heavier, but less bulky about the head, and can be worn for longer. Air-supplying respirators are usually positive-pressure, so they leak outwards, and thus offer better protection. Pink hard-case P100 particulate filter cartridges make their presence or absence conspicuous at a distance.Įlastomeric respirators are examples of air-filtering respirators, in contrast to air-supplying respirators. Physical form This full-face mask also protects the eyes, and has an inner orinasal mask to reduce dead space. Īlthough powered air-purifying respirators and air-supplying respirators may have elastomeric masks, they are not generally referred to as elastomeric respirators. Some, but not all, filter materials are proprietary and manufacturer-specific, and supply-chain failures can make replacements hard to find. Provided the cartridge integrity and filter have not been compromised, current practice shows that the filters could be used for at least one year. Įlastomeric air-purifying respirators are designed to be safely reused for years. As particulate filters, they are comparable (or, due to the quality and error-tolerance of the elastomeric seal, possibly superior ) to filtering facepiece respirators such as N95 respirators and FFP masks. Elastomeric respirators can be used with chemical cartridge filters that remove gases, mechanical filters that retain particulate matter, or both. Įlastomeric respirators consist of a reusable mask that seals to the face, with exchangeable filters. They are generally reusable.įull-face versions of elastomeric respirators seal better and protect the eyes. Respirator with a rubber face seal Protective P100 half-face elastomeric filter mask worn by a NYPD officer proprietary 3M pink pancake filters Similar mask with generic flat disk filters.Įlastomeric respirators, also called reusable air-purifying respirators, seal to the face with elastomeric material, which may be a natural or synthetic rubber.

Bad ass half face gas mask