Gas masks and filters - A guide

Choosing the right gas mask is not always the easiest thing to do. Should I have a half mask, full mask, with or without replaceable filters or just a simple dust filter?

Which gas mask is right for you?

It can be confusing with all these different classes of gas masks. Here is a guide for you who are going to buy a gas mask and need help with what to buy to protect your health in the right way!

The first thing you need to consider is the types of air pollution you are exposed to and to what degree. Are you exposed to spray paint, cleaning fluids or alcohol-based inks? Do you paint every day or maybe once a week, and does it happen indoors or in a well-ventilated place?

Half mask, full mask or disposable mask

Half mask protects the airways as it covers the mouth and nose. A half mask is used when the respiratory tract is exposed to, among other things, sanding dust and fumes.
Full mask also protects eyes and face. A full face mask is used when the eyes and face need to be protected from substances and microparticles that can cause damage.
Disposable mask, or short-term mask, only protects against particles. A disposable mask is used when you are exposed to, for example, sanding dust.

If you spray paint outside - A1P1

If you spray paint outside 1-2 times a week, at least class P1 is required on the particle filter and class A1 on the gas filter, preferably higher for better protection. To protect yourself against the spray paint, you need a particle filter (against the spray dust) and a gas filter (against the solvent and the strong fumes).

For complete masks we recommend Ekastu Polimask 100/2 A1P1 or Ekastu Polimask BETA A1P1.

If you paint with spray paint in poor ventilation - A2P2

If you spray paint where there is poor ventilation, at least class 2 is recommended on both the particulate filter and the gas filter. Choose a higher class rather than one that is too low if you are unsure. As particles and gases generally become more concentrated the poorer the ventilation, a higher class of protection is needed to withstand all particles and gases.

For complete masks, we recommend 3M Helmask A2P2 or 3M 6000 Gasmask A2P2. Alternatively 3M 6942 Halvmask A2P3 which has a class higher on particle filter.

If you paint with spray paint every day - A3P3

If you are exposed to spray paint every day (especially indoors), class 3 on both filters is a must. If you are only going to repaint a piece of furniture on special occasions, class 1 is sufficient.

Different classes on filters

Below are the different classes and what they are used for. These designations can also be found in the product name so you can easily see what protection the mask provides.

Gas filters

These are not only available in one variant and class, but are divided into several different ones depending on the subject. There are variants that protect against mercury vapor (Hg), against ammonia (K) and inorganic gases (B), but what is relevant when it comes to spray paint and the other products we sell is gas filter variant A - protection against organic gases with a boiling point above 65⁰C. The higher the class, the more impurities the filter can absorb.

Particle filters

When the protection is to withstand dust, fog (aerosols) and other particles, a particle filter is needed. These are divided into three classes. The higher the class, the more particles the filter absorbs.

P1 filters up to 80% , P2 94% and P3 99% of all particles.

P1 (FFP1)
P2 (FFP2)
P3 (FFP3)

Sustainability

The durability of your filter(s) is also an important factor for proper protection. Keep an eye on the expiry date and always store the mask in a resealable bag or similar.

Filters absorb all kinds of impurities in the air and therefore lie and are consumed if you just leave them open. Different filters also have different lifespans, so also keep an eye on how many hours of use your filters are suitable for and then replace them with new ones. If you've lost track of time, a sign to change is when you start to detect odors through the filters.

2022-06-07