What are half masks and how to choose them?

Respiratory protection is essential for a wide variety of types of work - from construction and finishing to manufacturing. The most popular as a means of personal protection is a half mask. These are not quite the usual medical fabric respirators. There are a huge number of models of half masks, differing not only in the material of manufacture, but also in their protective properties.

Half mask - a protective device that covers the respiratory organs and protects them from exposure to harmful substances. Their quality is regulated by GOST.

Modern half masks have the following advantages:

• wide range of models;
• ease of use;
• modern appearance;
• ergonomic mounts for a secure fit;
• compactness and low weight.

Respirators are made from a variety of materials (fabric, non-woven fabric, polypropylene), they all provide reliable protection against harmful substances.

Half masks are divided into several types. according to three main criteria.

Depending on the purpose of use, half masks are like this.

• Medical... Respirators of this type protect the respiratory system from chemical and biological (bacteria, viruses) threats and ensure the safe work of medical personnel.

• Industrial. Such products are used in large industries and enterprises whose activities are associated with pollutants, aerosols, dust, including coal.

• Household... Such respirators are very often used during construction work, painting. Reliably protect a person from suspended dust particles, as well as from aerosols and harmful vapors of paints and varnishes.

• By the military... Used by the military. Provide protection against toxic compounds, radioactive dust and other polluting agents.

• Firefighters... These half masks are used where the air is unsuitable for breathing without special protective equipment.

The rest of these PPE are most often sold in highly specialized stores in large quantities.

According to the principle of operation, respirators are divided into 2 types.

• Insulating... This type of half mask is built on full autonomy and provides maximum protection and safety for a person. Typically, insulating PPE is used in extremely polluted environments where filtration does not provide adequate air purity. The disadvantages of such models of respirators include only the fact that the supply of oxygen in them is limited. Isolating half masks can be self-contained or hose-type. Autonomous can have an open or closed circuit. In the first case, the air through the exhalation valve is directed through the tubes for additional oxygen enrichment and returns to the person again. In the second case, the air exhaled by a person is discharged into the environment. Hose models of isolating half masks can supply air directly to the mouth in a continuous mode, as needed or under pressure.

• Filtering... These respirators purify the air from the external environment thanks to the built-in filters.Their safety is lower than that of insulated half masks, however, their low cost and long service life have made them very popular.

According to this criterion, respirators are as follows.

1. Anti-aerosol... Reliably protect from dust and smoke.
2. Gas mask... Provides protection against gases and vapors such as paint.
3. Combined... These are universal models of half masks that protect the human respiratory system from all types of suspended pollution.

Each respirator has a protective activity class (FFP). It shows how well the product filters the air. The higher this indicator (there are three in total), the better the half mask retains contamination:

• FFP 1 provides filtration efficiency up to 80%;
• FFP 2 retains 94% of harmful impurities in the air;
• FFP 3 protects 99%.

In order to better present the best half mask manufacturers, take a look at the most popular models of these PPE, which are in high demand. This is the list of the most bought respirators.

Has an A1B1P1 filter that is securely connected to the mask by a bayonet mount... This product will protect against vapors and gases other than aerosols. The peculiarity of the model is an ergonomic shape that fits perfectly on the head. The advantages of the model include:

• can be used at temperatures from -400C to + 500C;
• filters are made of durable plastic;
• long service life;
• low price;
• excess moisture resulting from human breathing is removed by a special system.

Because of this, they can injure the skin when wearing a half mask for a long time.

This half mask protects the respiratory system when the MPC does not exceed 12 and belongs to the second class of filtering protection. Made of polypropylene and fixed with four points. The pluses include:

• comfort and ease of use;
• light weight and compact size;
• low price;
• tight fit of the half mask to the face.

There are also downsides. Among them is the insufficient tightness of the product, which means that small particles can penetrate under the mask. The second point concerns the fixing rubber bands - they often break. But due to its low cost, this respirator 3M 8122 is perfect for construction and other dusty work.

This is a universal Russian-made half mask with FFP protection degree. It can be equipped with cartridges against various types of pollution: from organic vapors (A), from gases and acids (B), from mercury vapors (G) and from various chemicals (CD).

The selection of a half mask should be taken very responsibly.

To make finding the right product easier, follow the guidelines below.

1. Measure the parameters of the face... There are three sizes of half masks: for face height up to 10.9 cm; 11-19 cm; 12 cm or more. The parameters are measured from the lowest point of the chin to the largest depression on the bridge of the nose. The measurement results are guided by when choosing the size of the mask. As a rule, it is indicated at the bottom of the mask with a number - 1, 2, 3.
2. Next, you need to get the goods out of the packaging and inspect for external damage and defects. If the integrity of the half mask is violated, then it will not be able to provide the necessary protection and it is not worth purchasing such a product.
3. Try on the product... How to properly fix the mask on the face is indicated in the instructions (insert) that comes with each product. You need to pay attention to the tightness of the face of the respirator, as well as the convenience of the elastic bands. If they are too tight, but it is better to choose another half mask model.
4. Assess the conditions under which the half mask will be used. This is one of the most important criteria.So, if ventilation works well in the working room, then you can purchase the simplest half mask. However, if ventilation works poorly or is absent altogether, then it is necessary to consider more serious models of respirators: in a confined space, protection class FFP 2 is required; for hazardous industries with a high concentration of harmful substances, models with a built-in indicator that will notify the end of the filter's life, as well as supplemented with eye protection, are suitable.
5. If respirator work is carried out on a regular basis, then reusable frame half masks with replaceable filters should be considered.

Only a high-quality half mask can provide reliable protection against harmful substances. Saving on protective equipment can negatively affect health, so it is better to give preference to not the cheapest models from time-tested manufacturers.

How to choose a respirator, see below.