MSA Air-Purifying Respirator Types User Manual
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)
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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