Things to Know About Selecting and Using Reusable Respirators

Before choosing any type of reusable respirator, you must perform a hazard assessment to ensure you are selecting the right product for the application. To ensure its effectiveness, your respirator must fit properly. Before respirator selection you must get fit-tested to confirm the respirator seals to your face and is comfortable to wear. Reusable respirators can be more cost-effective over time than using disposable respirators because the face piece can be reused, while only the filters and cartridges need to be replaced. When you select a 3M™ respirator with a universal cartridge and filter attachment system, you can simply change the cartridges or filters based on the job environment, rather than the entire face piece.
There are two main types of reusable respirators: half face piece and full face piece. When using a 3M™ half face respirator, you want to make sure it is compatible with your protective eyewear. Eyewear should never be under the straps of your respirator because it could impact the seal of the face piece. Wearing a 3M™ full face respirator helps provide a wide field of view, more facial coverage, and you won’t need to wear any additional eye protection. Reusable respirators do require regular cleaning and maintenance after each use. The clean respirator should be stored away from contaminated areas. When choosing a reusable respirator, selecting a reputable brand with wide distribution and a variety of replacement cartridges and filters is important.