A Comprehensive Guide to the Classification and Selection of Respiratory Protective Equipment: Precise Protection Starts with Choosing the Right Mask

 

In the modern environment where air pollution and occupational hazards coexist, choosing suitable respiratory protective equipment is crucial for protecting the respiratory system. This article systematically outlines the core classification criteria and functional characteristics of respiratory masks and provides scientific selection strategies to help users achieve effective protection.

 

I. Core Classification and Functions of Mainstream Respiratory Protective Equipment

1. Filtering Respiratory Protective Devices

These devices block harmful substances through the principles of physical adsorption or chemical decomposition and can be divided into two major application directions:

- Particulate Respirators

  Applications: Environments containing solid particulates such as construction dust, smog, and metal grinding.

  Core Grades:

  • Chinese Standards: KN (for non - oily particles)/KP (for oily particles) + filtration efficiency (90/95/99.97%). For example, KN95 indicates a filtration efficiency of ≥95% for non - oily particles.

  • International Standards: The N/R/P classification in the United States and the FFP series in the European Union (FFP3 has a filtration efficiency of up to 99%). It is recommended to choose products of the KN100 or FFP3 grade in high - dust environments.

 

- Gas Masks

  Applications: Toxic gas environments such as chemical leaks and pesticide spraying.

  Technical Features: They contain activated carbon layers and catalysts and can specifically filter toxic substances such as benzene and acidic gases. The appropriate type of gas canister should be selected according to the specific types of poisons.

 

2. Air - Supplied Respiratory Devices

These devices provide clean air through an external air source and are suitable for extreme environments where the oxygen content is less than 19.5% or the concentration of pollutants is unknown:

- Long - Tube Air - Supply Systems: They are connected to a fixed compressed air source through hoses to ensure continuous air supply for firefighters and underground pipeline workers.

- Self - Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA): It integrates a gas cylinder and a mask, has high mobility, and is used for emergency rescue and work in confined spaces.

 

3. Medical Auxiliary Respiratory Equipment

These are treatment devices designed specifically for patients with respiratory diseases:

- Nasal Pillow Masks: They supply air precisely to the nostrils through double tubes, without obstructing the field of vision, and are suitable for people who like to read or wear glasses.

- Full - Face Masks: They cover the nose and mouth area, are suitable for patients with a mouth - breathing habit or nasal obstruction, and provide better stability during sleep treatment.

 

II. Five Principles for Scientifically Selecting Respiratory Masks

1. Environmental Risk Assessment

• For dust work, dust - proof masks are preferred. For particles with a diameter of more than 0.3μm, the KN95 grade is recommended; for welding fumes containing oily aerosols, the KP series is required.

• In scenarios with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), gas masks of the corresponding models should be configured, and the saturation status of the gas canisters should be regularly checked.

 

2. Fit Verification

After wearing, positive pressure/negative pressure tests are required: Cover the filter cotton with both hands and exhale to check for air leakage, or cover the exhalation valve and inhale to observe the collapse effect of the mask to ensure a proper fit on the face without gaps.

 

3. Balance of Respiratory Resistance

For those who work continuously for more than 4 hours in an industrial environment, products with an exhalation valve design are recommended, which can reduce the exhalation resistance by more than 30% and reduce fatigue.

 

4. Optimization of Adaptability

• The head - mounted fixation system is more suitable for scenarios with strenuous movements than the ear - hook type;

• For those with beards on the face, full - face masks with silicone seals are recommended, which can reduce the leakage risk by more than 60% compared to half - masks.

 

5. Periodic Maintenance

• Disposable masks should be replaced after cumulative use of more than 8 hours; for equipment with replaceable filters, the service life should be monitored according to the pollutant concentration;

• Silicone masks should be wiped with a neutral detergent once a week to avoid hardening and cracking caused by direct sunlight.

 

III. Key Precautions

- In environments with a risk of oxygen deficiency (such as granaries and fermentation tanks), filtering respirators are strictly prohibited, and air - supplied devices must be used.

- For those with insufficient cardiopulmonary function, a medical evaluation is required before using positive - pressure respiratory equipment to avoid complications caused by changes in thoracic pressure.

- Children need to choose respirators of a special size. The leakage rate of adult masks on children's faces can reach more than 85%, completely losing the protective effect.