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Air-Purifying Respirator Types & Protection Levels
Recommended by CDC for COVID-19
Brief Issue Date: March 24, 2020
By now most people are familiar with the disposable half-mask respirators commonly called “N95s” in the healthcare setting.
But a much broader array of respiratory products are available that meet United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) guidance for protection against COVID-19.
The CDC has specied that reusable National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved elastomeric respirators
are a viable option for use by healthcare workers and the rst responder community. This document outlines MSA Safety’s NIOSHapproved respirators and lter congurations that meet CDC’s guidance.
Two key considerations when selecting an air-purifying respirator (APR) for protection against COVID-19 are respirator type and
protection level. While there are many types of respiratory protection, CDC recommends NIOSH-approved masks with a protection
factor of N95 or higher for certain healthcare workers who may be exposed to COVID-19. Below you will nd a comparison of
respirator types, including supplied-air respirators; lter classications regulated by NIOSH that meet CDC recommendations;
and in Table 1, a detailed comparison of all respirator types, including supplied-air respirators.
Types of Respirators
Half Mask, Reusable
An elastomeric, reusable mask that covers nose and mouth. The mask includes an inlet receptacle(s) for
particulate lters and a one-way exhalation valve. The lters are disposable. The reusable mask can be disinfected.
Filter Classications: All; N95 and P100 most common
Full Facepiece, Reusable
An elastomeric, reusable mask that covers eyes, nose, and mouth. The mask includes an inlet receptacle(s) for
particulate lters and a one-way exhalation valve. The lters are disposable. The reusable mask can be disinfected.
Filter Classications: All; N95 and P100 most common
Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR), Mask-Mounted
An elastomeric, reusable mask that covers eyes, nose and mouth. The mask includes an inlet receptacle for
a motor/blower with attached particulate lter and a one-way exhalation valve. The motor/blower actively
draws air through the particulate lter and delivers breathable air to the respirator inlet. The motor blower is
typically powered by a belt-mounted battery. The lters are disposable. The reusable mask/PAPR assembly can
be disinfected.
Filter Classications: All; HEPA/Type HE (similar particulate eciency to P100)
Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR), Belt-Mounted
A belt-mounted, battery-powered motor/blower that provides ltered air to a full facepiece or hood. The lters
are disposable. The reusable mask/PAPR assembly can be disinfected.
Filter Classications: All; HEPA/Type HE (similar particulate eciency to P100)
Filter Classications (all meet CDC recommendations for COVID-19)
Filter Types 95 99 100
N
NONOIL PROOF
R
OILRESISTANT
P
OIL PROOF
* N95 and P100 are the most common and most available
lter types. Higher levels of particulate protection are
inclusive of all lower levels.
N95* N99 N100
R95 R99 R100
P95 P99 P100*
Term Denition
N Eective against particulate aerosols free of oil; time use restrictions may apply
R Eective against all particulate aerosols; time use restrictions may apply
P Eective against all particulate aerosols
95 95% ecient against 0.3 micron (most penetrating particle size)
99 99% ecient against 0.3 micron (most penetrating particle size)
100 99.97% ecient against 0.3 micron (most penetrating particle size)
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Air-Purifying Respirator Types Recommended by CDC for COVID-19
Filter Replacement Guidance for Reusable Respiratory Protection
Disposable lters for use in reusable respiratory protection should be discarded and replaced at least daily or more frequently as
circumstances warrant according to CDC guidance. CDC guidance on COVID-19 is rapidly evolving. Always consult the CDC website
for the latest recommendations.
Table 1: Comparative Analysis of Various Forms of Respiratory Protection Provided by MSA Safety
Respirator Type
RESPIRATOR
COMPATIBLE
PARTICULATE
FILTER TYPES
MEETS CDC
GUIDANCE FOR
COVID19
DISPOSABLE
VS. REUSABLE
ORGANS PROTECTED • Respiratory • Respiratory
COMPATIBLE
WITH OTHER FORMS
OF PPE
DURATION OF USE Dependent upon use
LEVEL OF TRAINING
REQUIRED FOR
PROPER USE
Elastomeric Half-Mask
Respirator
• Advantage® 420
NAME
• Advantage 200LS
• Comfo® Classic
• N95 Flexi Filter
or prelter with
chemical cartridge
• R95 Flexi Filter
or prelter with
chemical cartridge
• P100
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Reusable after
disinfection,
and replacement
of ltering element
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
conditions
Moderate Moderate High High Highest
Full-Facepiece
Respirator
• Advantage 1000
• Advantage 3200
• Advantage 4100
• Advantage 4200
• Ultra-Elite
• Ultra-Twin/Ultravue
• Millennium
• G1 Facepiece
with APR Adapter
• N95 Flexi Filter
or prelter with
chemical cartridge
• R95 Flexi Filter
or prelter with
chemical cartridge
• P100
• Riot control
• CBRN
Type and Scope of Protection Provided
Reusable after
disinfection,
and replacement
of ltering element
• Eye
• Face
Dependent upon use
conditions
Powered Air-Purifying
Respirator,
Tight-Fitting Facepiece
• OptimAir
Mask- Mounted
• Optimair TL TightFitting Facepiece
• Responder PAPR
• HEPA
• CBRN for
Responder PAPR
Reusable after
disinfection,
and replacement
of ltering element
• Respiratory
• Eye
• Face
Dependent upon use
conditions
Powered Air-Purifying
Respirator,
Loose-Fitting Hood
• OptimAir TL • G1 SCBA
• HEPA • Supplied Air
Reusable after
disinfection,
and replacement
of ltering element
• Respiratory
• Eye
• Face
Dependent upon use
conditions
Self-Contained
Breathing Apparatus
• G1 Industrial
Reusable after
disinfection
• Respiratory
• Eye
• Face
Dependent upon use
conditions
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Table 1: Comparative Analysis of Various Forms of Respiratory Protection Provided by MSA Safety
Continued
Respirator Type
RESPIRATOR
NAME
COMPATIBLE
PARTICULATE
FILTER TYPES
MEETS CDC
GUIDANCE FOR
COVID19
GOVERNMENT
CERTIFICATIONS
BREATHING
RESISTANCE
Elastomeric Half-Mask
Respirator
• Advantage® 420
• Advantage 200LS
• Comfo® Classic
• N95 Flexi Filter
or prelter with
chemical cartridge
• R95 Flexi Filter
or prelter with
chemical cartridge
• P100
Full-Facepiece
Respirator
• Advantage 1000
• Advantage 3200
• Advantage 4100
• Advantage 4200
• Ultra-Elite
• Ultra-Twin/Ultravue
• Millennium
• G1 Facepiece
with APR Adapter
• N95 Flexi Filter
or prelter with
chemical cartridge
• R95 Flexi Filter
or prelter with
chemical cartridge
• P100
• Riot control
• CBRN
Powered Air-Purifying
Respirator,
Tight-Fitting Facepiece
• OptimAir
Mask- Mounted
• Optimair TL TightFitting Facepiece
• Responder PAPR
• HEPA
• CBRN for
Responder PAPR
Powered Air-Purifying
Respirator,
Loose-Fitting Hood
• OptimAir TL • G1 SCBA
• HEPA • Supplied Air
Self-Contained
Breathing Apparatus
• G1 Industrial
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Government Certication and Performance
NIOSH 42 CFR Part 84 NIOSH 42 CFR Part 84 NIOSH 42 CFR Part 84 NIOSH 42 CFR Part 84 NIOSH 42 CFR Part 84,
Moderate Moderate Low Low Supplied air
NFPA 1918 (2018) for
structural reghting
applications
ADAPTABLE TO A
RANGE OF ADULT
FACE SIZES
ASSIGNED
PROTECTION FACTOR
OSHA
FIT TESTING
REQUIRED
• Small
• Medium
• Large
10 50 1000 1000
Yes Yes Yes — Yes
• Small
• Medium
• Large
Adaptable to a range
of adult face sizes
Adaptable to a range
of adult face sizes
SWPF Available
Adaptable to a range
of adult face sizes
10,000
MSAsafety.com
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Table 1: Comparative Analysis of Various Forms of Respiratory Protection Provided by MSA Safety
Continued
Respirator Type
RESPIRATOR
COMPATIBLE
PARTICULATE
FILTER TYPES
MEETS CDC
GUIDANCE FOR
COVID19
COMPOSITION Synthetic, metallic,
EXTERNAL FORMS OF
POWER REQUIRED
Elastomeric Half-Mask
• Advantage® 420
NAME
• Advantage 200LS
• Comfo® Classic
• N95 Flexi Filter
or prelter with
chemical cartridge
• R95 Flexi Filter
or prelter with
chemical cartridge
• P100
and natural materials
No No Yes, battery Yes, battery Yes, cylinder of
COST Moderate Moderate High High Highest
Powered Air-Purifying
Respirator,
Loose-Fitting Hood
• OptimAir TL • G1 SCBA
• HEPA • Supplied Air
Breathing Apparatus
• G1 Industrial
Respirator
Full-Facepiece
Respirator
• Advantage 1000
• Advantage 3200
• Advantage 4100
• Advantage 4200
• Ultra-Elite
• Ultra-Twin/Ultravue
• Millennium
• G1 Facepiece
with APR Adapter
• N95 Flexi Filter
or prelter with
chemical cartridge
• R95 Flexi Filter
or prelter with
chemical cartridge
• P100
• Riot control
• CBRN
Powered Air-Purifying
Respirator,
Tight-Fitting Facepiece
• OptimAir
Mask- Mounted
• Optimair TL TightFitting Facepiece
• Responder PAPR
• HEPA
• CBRN for
Responder PAPR
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Design Related Characteristics and Attributes
Synthetic, metallic,
and natural materials
Synthetic, metallic,
and natural materials
Synthetic, metallic,
and natural materials
Synthetic, metallic,
and natural materials
breathable air, battery
on some models
Self-Contained
The situation with COVID-19 is rapidly evolving. Organizations like the CDC are providing updated information
and guidance as it becomes available.
For the most-up-to date information on COVID-19, you should regularly consult guidance being published by national
and international organizations, such as the CDC, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the World Health Organization (WHO),
the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), and/or your local health authority. Guidance on COVID-19,
including information on actions needed to prevent, control, and manage contact with the virus, is available at the following websites:
US CDC https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html
US NIH https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-ocials-discuss-novel-coronavirus-recently-emerged-china
WHO https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
ECDC https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/coronavirus
Note: This Bulletin contains only a general description of the products shown. While product uses and performance capabilities are generally
described, the products shall not, under any circumstances, be used by untrained or unqualied individuals. The products shall not be used until
the product instructions/user manual, which contains detailed information concerning the proper use and care of the products, including any
warnings or cautions, have been thoroughly read and understood. Specications are subject to change without prior notice.
1000-90-MC / 03.2020
© MSA 2020
MSA operates in over 40 countries
worldwide. To nd an MSA oce near you,
please visit MSAsafety.com/oces.
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