Why do you use a respirator in the first place?

First and foremost, a Full Face Respirator is designed for one single purpose and should be obvious to anyone who uses one. The answer is safety for your lungs. When the air quality in some work place environments is hazardous to breathe, you absolutely need a respirator. It filters all those contaminated air particles that could otherwise get trapped in your body. Toxins that could lead to respiratory problems of all kinds and even lung cancer! This is why different types of respirators are recommended for the types of work that call for them.

Safety is always important when using this equipment, and both the half face respirator and full face respirator offer excellent levels of them. But how do you tell which one from each other and how do they really score for being better. In this article we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of both. In the end, you will be able to make a decision on your own based on the facts of both masks. There will be pros & cons as to why they’re better, so you may compare for yourself likewise.

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Full face respirators

The Full Face Mask Respirator is a lot more comfortable and is used in many aspects of hazardous lines of work. Not limited to jobs that might include working in a chemical plant up through working in laboratories. The sky is the limit when you consider that a full mask offers extra safety to the worker. These masks range in styles that not only include a standard face piece that covers the mouth and nose.

Some more modern designs allow the entire face and head to be covered with a battery-powered air supply. Looking more like a space helmet the newer versions like the powered air purifying respirator papr are effective and comfortable for precise work without feeling like you are strapped into a half mask. They can all be fitted with the same kinds of filters and even protect your eyes and face.

The job applications for full face respirators are a benefit of those who need a higher level of work safety. Despite the traditional version that’s a safety upgrade to a normal half mask model, it can apply to nearly everyone. But for those who have facial hair, the helmet version can allow for comfort and safety too.

The full face version also needs a stronger and more thorough inspection and cleaning before and after use. The addition of the safety plastic needs regular cleaning so you can see properly. Just as you might expect, the filters need to be inspected and changed when the expiration date over. Expect that a full face mask will be considerably more expensive than the half mask version.

Pros:

Will be best effective for those who have no facial hair.

Alternative model variants that allow just for facial hair and beards.

Higher safety masks protects face and eyes and lungs

Cons:

More expensive depending on the model that is chosen.

Some full mask models will not be effective for those with facial hair or beards.

Needs more maintenance to work properly or effectively

Half face Respirators

These masks are designed in such a way that the rubber, urethane or silicone face piece fits over your nose and mouth comfortably. A head strap holds the upper mask while a neck strap allows the lower mask to sit firmly over the jaw. The concept works excellent in most cases, but can not be 100% secure in keeping contaminants out of the mask for many reasons. The seal around the face piece needs to be directly against the skin at all times.

If this seal is broken you could be breathing toxins, dust, or dangerous materials. Most people need a clean hair-free face in order to make a respirator work effective each time- also. The next reason is type of filter used. Not all respirators are used for every kind of job. Some filter toxic materials such as plastics and polyesters, while others filter the dangerous vapors associated with chemicals.

A filter can last up to a day or several weeks depending on the type use intended for it. Keeping your respirator clean is a must, and keeps you free from unintended bacteria that can grow inside the mask. Some people who use the half mask version do not like that their mask does not conform to their face. They try different brands that offer a better fit, but in the end have no luck.

They might find that a full face respirator mask is more of a proper fit for them. Then again- Some people do not like that a half mask needs to be firmly over their mouth and nose. The bridge of the nose can easily get sore after a few hours as well. Some will not like to use the half mask respirator since they refuse to shave completely or properly.

Pros:

Can work well on most people, but not all.

Can be used in several lines of work that require a filter half face mask to be used.

Can be 100% effective at filtering air for the mouth and nose

Cons:

Will not be effective for people with facial hair or beards.

Will not be effective if filters aren’t properly maintained or are expired.

Can be a health hazard if the face piece is not cleaned everyday before and after usage.

Best Selling Full Facepiece Respirator & Half Face Respirator

Sale

3M Full Facepiece Reusable Respirator 6800, NIOSH, Large Lens,...

• NIOSH-APPROVED: NIOSH, a USA federal government regulatory agency, has tested and approved the 6800 with 3M cartridges, filters or supplied air systems to help reduce inhaling certain airborne...
• PREMIUM COMFORT: Silicone face seal helps provide comfort and durability, and is easy to clean. Four-point harness provides a secure, comfortable fit
• LARGE LENS: For excellent field of vision. Meets the requirements of the ANSI Z87.1-2010 standard, high impact level for eye and face protection

$205.93 −54% $95.00

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Sale

3M Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator 6300, Gases, Vapors, Dust,...

• NIOSH-APPROVED: NIOSH, a USA federal government regulatory agency, has tested and approved the 6300 with 3M cartridges, filters or supplied air systems to help reduce inhaling certain airborne...
• COMFORTABLE: Soft, lightweight facepiece with easy-to-adjust head straps for a customized fit
• DURABLE AND REUSABLE: Respirator can be disassembled, cleaned, and reused. Supplied with reclosable storage bag

$20.25 −21% $16.00

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Last update on 2024-04-30 at 23:18 PST - Details

Which respirator is better for you?

While the safety of your lungs is very important, don’t forget that your eyes and face should be considered too. There are plenty of jobs that might not be an instant threat to face or eye safety so a half mask respirator can be perfectly accepted for general air filtration tasks. But then there are absolutely reasons as why the full face respirator is demanded. After reading this helpful info, if might just matter to some a case of comfort over the other.

We hope this helps you further along.