Dust Mask Respirator Ratings:

The first digit is a letter that corresponds to its resistance to oil.The second and third digits are numbers that denote the percentage of particulates the respirator can filter out. For example, a P95 respirator is an oil proof respirator that filters out 95% of particles.

Considerations when choosing a respirator:

Choose a breathing mask can be a bit confusing. But some things to consider is the rating as described above, and also the ease and comfort of wearing the mask. If the mask is not comfortable, you will not want to wear it when it is needed.

Cool Flow Masks:

Cool Flow masks have a gated valve that allows exhaled and hot air to easily pass out of the mask system, which makes for a drying, cooler fit to the user. Cool flow masks may be more expensive, but they make up for that in comfort of use! Our best-selling cool flow respirator is the N95 3M 8511 here

N95 Masks:

A variety of N95 Masks can be found on our website here. N95 masks filter out 95% of all particles over 0.3 microns or larger. While these masks are NOT oil resistant, they are easier breathing than the R and P variants of the 95 rated masks. N95 Masks are probably the most common Mask used today

PAPR respirators:

PAPR or powered air respirators cannot be ignored. While much more expensive, PAPR systems provide a cooler, dryer respirator experience, and provide different levels of filtration where the breather is not responsible for "powering" the filtration mechanism. PAPR systems are a great solution for extended applications, or extended duration breathing protection.

For more information about specific applications for different respirators, check out these articles in our resource center and our blog!