Half face masks

Updated on 08/12/23 by Erika C.

Half face masks: features and functions 

Half-face masks are personal protective equipment designed to protect workers working in the most sensitive sectors, where they have to deal with harmful substances or micropollutants. The industries can give an example:

• textiles
• food
• mining
• construction
• iron and steel
• pharmaceuticals
• craft

However, the use of this type of mask is also widespread when cleaning with solvents and, in general, for hobby use, especially when it comes to gardening. In this specific case, the half-face mask is an excellent solution when using herbicides and fungicides.

In the case of the listed trades, especially in confined spaces, it is essential to cover the respiratory tract for the sake of one's health, and this is made possible by the structure of the half-face mask.

The most common models are equipped with two side filters with bayonet inserts so that they can be changed between work cycles. 

The gaskets are usually made of plastic materials, which are strong and soft at the same time, and the inside of the mask is always ventilated to avoid the formation of moisture and condensation, which could bother the operator during work performance.

Furthermore, we would like to remind you that, regardless of the model chosen, it is essential to ensure that the mask in question has been manufactured according to the safety parameters imposed by the EN 140 standard.

Differences with full-face masks, FFP2 and FFP3

Half-face masks should not be confused with full-face masks.

It is true that both protect the nose and mouth, but the latter cover the entire face and are equipped with a transparent glass that also protects, like a kind of goggle, the eye area.

In addition, both types of masks, unlike the surgical masks, FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3, are not disposable, and consequently, safety will be guaranteed by the replacement of the gas filters.

Types of filters

Half-masks can be equipped with different types of filters to protect against liquid or airborne substances:

• type P → colour white → protection from dust, liquid aerosols and toxic liquids
• type A → colour brown → organic gases and vapours with a boiling point over 65° + solvents and hydrocarbons
• type B → colour grey → inorganic gases and vapours
• type E → colour yellow → acids, sulphur dioxide and hydrochloric acid
• type K → colour green → ammonia and derivatives
• type CO → colour black → carbon monoxide
• Reactor → colour orange → iodine
• NO - P3 → colour blue-white → nitrogen, nitrous steam + dust
• Hh - P3 → colour red-white → mercury vapour + dust

All listed filters are tested for resistance to impact, temperature, humidity, mechanical resistance, respiratory and corrosive environments before being launched on the market.

In addition, we would like to remind you that it is possible to increase the longevity of the filters by opting for pre-filters, which should be replaced after 20 or 30 working hours, depending on the presence of solid and liquid particles in the air.