Respiratory protection

Help with Choosing the Right Respiratory Protection for Work

A suitable respiratory protector must always be used when there is a risk of exposure to harmful particles or gases. The choice depends on the user and the specific task. A lightweight respirator is often sufficient, but in some cases, a powered or supplied air respirator with a hood or face shield is necessary.

If the oxygen concentration is below 17% by volume or could drop below this level, an isolating respirator, such as an airline respirator or a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), must be used. It is also important to determine the hazardous substances present—particles and/or gases—their occupational exposure limits, concentrations, and potential risks. In explosive environments, ATEX-certified equipment (ATEX dir. 94/9/EC) must be used, especially when selecting a powered respirator.

A high-quality respirator is anatomically designed, resistant to chemicals and temperature variations, and does not cause skin irritation.

Disposable Particulate Respirators (NR)

• Lightweight and comfortable to wear
• Protect against dust and airborne particles
• Suitable for construction sites and industrial environments

Most popular models:

• P2 (FFP2) – Medium-level protection against dust and particles (e.g., wood dust, sanding)
• P3 (FFP3) – Protection against toxic and carcinogenic particles (e.g., asbestos, mold spores, viruses)

Half Masks and Full-Face Masks (R)

• Half masks cover the nose and mouth, protecting against particles, gases, and vapors
• Full-face masks protect the entire face and provide a better seal

Filter options:

• P – Particulate filter
• A (Brown) – Organic gases and vapors (solvents, paints)
• B (Grey) – Inorganic gases and vapors
• E (Yellow) – Acidic gases (sulfur dioxide)
• K (Green) – Ammonia and amines

EN 148-1 thread – Compatible with filters from different manufacturers

Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPR)

• Filtered air is delivered through a motorized system, reducing breathing resistance
• Excellent comfort for prolonged use
• Ideal for dusty and chemical work environments

Popular renovation kits:

• Proflow + Promask kit
• CleanAir Asbestos kit
• Sundström SR700 + SR200 kit

Powered respirators for various applications:

• CleanAir Aergo
• Sundström SR500
• PF-619 (Proflow)

Compatibility:

• Aergo – Compatible with Unimask facepiece and all CleanAir masks and hoods using the Quicklock hose
• SR500 – Compatible with all Sundström 500-series hoods and helmets
• Proflow – Compatible with M-200, M-300, and M-400 series facepieces and helmets using the BT-30 Versaflo hose

Note! The GX02 full-face mask is not compatible.

Supplied Air Respirators

• Provide a constant and adjustable flow of fresh air
• Used in high-risk environments with high contaminant concentrations
• Examples: CleanAir Flowmaster or Sundström SR307

Choosing the Right Respiratory Protection

1. What contaminants do you need protection from?
   • Dust and particles → P3
   • Gases and vapors → A2
   • Both particles and gases → A2P3 or ABEKP3
2. What is the duration of exposure?
   • Short-term work → Filtering half mask
   • Long-term exposure → Powered air-purifying respirator or supplied air system
3. Comfort and usage needs
   • Lightweight and easy to use → Half mask or filtering half mask
   • Longer use time with reduced breathing resistance → Powered air system

Purchase In-Store or Online

You can purchase respiratory protection and accessories from our brick-and-mortar stores in Turku, Kerava, Uusimaa, and Varsinais-Suomi, or conveniently order from our online store.