Frequently Asked Questions

Q:I've heard that elastomeric style respirators provide better protection than disposable masks (filtering facepiece respirators). Is this true?
A:No! First the term that is correctly used by industry for this product is filtering facepiece half mask respirator (FFR) not disposable mask. FFR's offer equal protection when compared to similarly equipped elastomeric style facepieces (EFR). The advantages of FFR's are their light weight, comfort, ease of use etc. which increases wear time, all of which protect the wearer.

Q:I've heard that elastomeric style respirators fit better than disposable masks (filtering facepiece respirators) Is this true ?
A:No! FFR's offer equal fit when compared to half mask elastomeric style facepieces (EFR). The advantages of FFR's are their light weight and low profile, which helps their fit.

Q:When I'm issued a respirator can I use the fitting instructions on the package to tell if it fits me?
A:No! First of all types of tight fitting respirators need to be correctly fit tested prior to their being used in contaminated areas and to be part of a functioning respiratory protection program, at the work site, to maximize the protection offered by the respirator. These are special fit tests, either using an electronic instrument (a Quantitative fit test) or wearing a hood and trying to detect a smell or taste (Qualitative fit test). These tests should be done once a year. The instructions on the package only discuss the user seal check, which confirms a fit and should be done each time you put on your respirator.

Q:Do I need to have fit testing for disposable masks?
A:Yes! All types of tight fitting respirators need to be correctly fit tested prior to their being used in contaminated areas.

Q:Can I wear my beard or goatee with a loose fitting facepiece respirator operated with powered air purifier or supplied air respirator?
A:Yes, as long as the facial hair does not interfere with the whole seal between the face seal of the respirator and the face of the worker.

Q:What do N, R, and P stand for?
A:For the following NIOSH filter designations N stands for Not resistant to oil. R stands for Resistant to oil. P stands for oil Proof.

Q:What is the difference between a particulate respirator with a rating of 100, 99 and 95?
A:These numbers refer to the efficiency of the filter and the 100 is approximately 100% efficient (at least 99.97%) against a 0.3 micron size particle. The 99 is approximately 99% efficient against a 0.3 micron size particle and the 95 means that the filter is approximately 95% efficient against a 0.3 micron size particle.

Q:What contaminants are classified as oil or non-oil aerosols? In what applications would these be found?
A:NIOSH has provided limited guidance as to what is considered an oil or non-oil aerosol. The User’s Guide lists the following as oil aerosols: lubricants, cutting fluids and glycerine. These substances might be found in machine shops or operations involving plasticizers. Non-oil aerosols include “solid and water-based aerosols.”

Q:What regulating body in the US certifies respirators?
A:National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Q:How do I put on the respirator and check for proper fit?
A:The user instructions for a 3M respirator contain the proper procedures for putting on the respirator and checking for fit and seal. It is very important to read and follow the donning instructions very carefully and to conduct a fit check or user seal check every time the respirator is put on. The user instructions are provided with the original packaging of the respirator.

Q:How is a user seal check/fit check performed on a disposable respirator?
A:To perform a user seal check on a 3M non-valved, cup shaped disposable respirator, place both hands completely over the respirator and exhale. The respirator should bulge slightly. If air leaks between the face and the faceseal of the respirator reposition it and readjust the nose clip for a more secure seal. If air leaks around the respirator edges, adjust the position on the face and the straps along the sides of the head and recheck fit. If a proper fit cannot be achieved, do not enter the area requiring respiratory protection. See specific product user instructions for the most current user seal check/fit check instructions.

To perform a user seal check on a 3M valved, cup shaped disposable respirator, place both hands completely over the respirator and inhale. The respirator should collapse slightly. If air leaks between the face and the faceseal of the respirator reposition it and readjust the nose clip for a more secure seal. If air leaks around the respirator edges, adjust the position on the face and the straps along the sides of the head and recheck fit. If a proper fit cannot be achieved, do not enter the area requiring respiratory protection. See specific product user instructions for the most current user seal check/fit check instructions.

What if the respirator does not fit me?
If, during the user seal check (fit check), you notice air leakage around the edges of the respirator you should readjust the respirator.

If you still notice air leakage, you should remove the respirator (in a clean area only). Review the instructions, if necessary, to make sure that you are putting it on correctly. Inspect the respirator to make sure that there is no damage to the respirator. You must be clean-shaven. Be sure that there is no hair, clothing or jewelry between your skin and the edge of the respirator. Put the respirator on again, according to the manufacturer’s directions. Do a user seal check (fit check).

If you still cannot achieve a proper seal, do not enter the contaminated area. You may need to obtain a different size, make or model respirator.

In the US, Canada and certain other countries including Singapore, workers need to pass a fit test before wearing a respirator for the first time. If you do not pass a fit test on the first try, you should remove the respirator. Reread the instructions and put it on again. Conduct a user seal check (fit check). If you do not feel any air leakage around the respirator edges, then you should try the fit test again. If you fail the fit test on the second try, do not enter the contaminated area. You should obtain a different size, make or model of respirator. Follow local regulations regarding fit testing.