Filter for reusable mask

Choosing the right filter for a reusable mask can quickly become a headache! With the differences in models, brands, and classes, it is easy to feel lost. Rubix advises and supports professionals from all sectors who are looking for protection suited to the hazards they face: particles, gases, vapours, etc.

Here you will find a clear overview of the different types of filters for respiratory masks offered by Rubix. If the mask is reusable, the filter is always disposable. This category includes a selection of approved filter cartridges compatible with the main models of full masks and half masks.

An essential component of respiratory protection

A filter for a reusable mask attaches to a half mask or a full mask to ensure the filtration of inhaled air. This refers not to the masks themselves, but to the filters that allow the same respiratory protection to be adapted to different environments or types of pollutants.

Depending on its class, a filter for a respiratory mask is capable of:

• Blocking fine suspended particles (dust, smoke, mist).
• Capturing toxic gases (acid gases, vapours, solvents, mercury, chlorine, etc.).
• Combining both functions.

All filters in this category are compatible with reusable masks, whether they are half masks covering the nose and mouth or full masks covering the entire face. Each filter offered by Rubix is designed to fit a specific system (bayonet connection, RD40 thread, etc.), from a specific brand (3M, Dräger, Honeywell, etc.).

Focus on the different families of filters and their nomenclature

Filters for reusable masks are classified according to the type of substances they are capable of retaining as well as their capacity. There are three main families:

• Particle filters: they bear the letter "P" (P1, P2, P3) and protect against dust, smoke, fibres, and solid or liquid aerosols. The higher the number, the smaller the particles blocked and the greater the efficiency. They generally use a synthetic fibre filter medium.
• Gas and vapour filters: they bear letters and sometimes colour codes (e.g., A for organic vapours, B for inorganic gases, E for acid gases, K for ammonia). They are followed by a number (1 to 3) indicating their capacity before saturation. Most of these filters use activated carbon to capture these gases.
• Combined filters: they provide simultaneous protection against both particles and gases, very useful in mixed or uncertain environments (e.g., the Dräger filter 1140 A2B2E2K1 Hg P3).

Good to know: some models are designed for specific applications, such as filters against formaldehyde, mercury compounds (Hg), or toxic dust.

Which standard for which filter?

Every filter for respiratory masks sold by Rubix strictly adheres to one of the two applicable European standards: EN 143 or EN 14387.

The EN 143 standard governs particle filters (or dust filters). It defines:

• The size of filtered particles: P1 = 1 µm, P2 = 0.5 µm, and P3 = 0.3 µm.
• The level of filtration efficiency: 80% for P1, 94% for P2, and 99.95% for P3.
• Resistance to clogging: a filter must be usable for at least one working day.
• The maximum pressure drop.
• Additional indications: D for the Dolomite clogging test and R for reusable (more than one day).

The EN 14387 standard, on the other hand, is reserved for gas, vapour, and combined filters. These filters are generally used with a reusable face mask to also protect the eyes. This standard defines:

• The type of substances filtered (organic, inorganic, acid, ammonia...),
• The absorption capacity,
• The classification according to classes 1, 2, or 3 (low to high capacity).

Gas filters are also identified by a standardised colour code:

• P (particles): white
• A (organic vapours): brown
• B (inorganic gases): grey
• E (acid gases): yellow
• K (ammonia): green
• AX (organic vapours with low boiling point): light brown
• Hg (mercury vapours): red
• NO (nitrogen oxides): blue
• CO (carbon monoxide): black
• Reaktor (radioactive iodine): purple

Rubix's advice for choosing the right respiratory protection filter

To properly choose a replaceable filter, several steps should be followed:

• Identify the mask used: half mask or full mask with harness, brand (3M, Dräger, Moldex…) and model (X-plore, series 6000, Valuair, etc.).
• Select a compatible filter: by sorting by brand and model on Rubix.
• Take into account the actual risks: refer to the sector's risk analysis to identify the necessary levels of protection: gas? dust? mercury? formaldehyde?
• Check the proper attachment: bayonet or RD40 thread, Easylock, North.
• Opt for proven references: it is better to be over-protected than the opposite. Therefore, do not hesitate to take a combined filter to cover the maximum number of risks.

Need help making the right choice? Rubix experts are available to assist you in selecting the appropriate PPE for your activity and constraints.