How Reusable Respirators Work and Common Mistakes to Avoid

While disposable respirators are primarily used for airborne particles, reusable respirators are more versatile. With the right cartridges or filters, they may help filter out not only particles, but also gases, vapors, or any combinations of these airborne hazards. Reusable respirators consist of a face piece, adjustable head harness, neck strap, and a filter or cartridge. When fit-tested and worn properly, the face piece forms a tight seal to the face helping prevent contaminated air from leaking in and around the face seal. Inhaled air is drawn in through the cartridges or filters where the contaminants are filtered helping provide cleaner air to the wearer. Exhaled air is then released through a one-way valve called an exhalation valve.

Which cartridge or filter you attach to the face piece will depend on the airborne hazard. However, even if you have the proper cartridges or filters attached to a face piece, there are some common mistakes that you can avoid: #1 is not obtaining a proper fit. By not achieving a proper seal around the face, contaminated air could leak in around the edges, reducing the respirator's effectiveness. Mistake #2: Not making sure that the cartridge or filter is fitted securely and properly oriented on the face piece. Mistake #3: Not replacing the cartridge or filter when needed. To maintain respirator effectiveness, cartridges and filters must be replaced by the end of their service life. Mistake #4: Not using a prefilter when needed, or assuming the cartridge alone will filter particles. Cartridges are designed to absorb chemicals in the air; they are not made with filtering media to filter particulates. Be sure to determine if you will need a particulate prefilter specifically designed to filter out particles in the air. Mistake #5: The final mistake to avoid is not maintaining good hygiene of the product. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting the respirator facepiece and its plastic components is essential, especially if used frequently.