Filters for half and full face masks protect against various forms of hazardous substance, including particulates and gas/vapours. Both half masks and full face masks are tight-fitting RPE and require face fit testing upon selection and thereafter.

Selection of the correct filters is essential to ensure protection is provided to the wearer. Information about the form of the hazard and type of protection required can be found in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the substance or material.

Filter Types

Respiratory filters are colour-coded and marked with letters to show the type of protection provided. The table below shows the colour codes and letter markings for some common filter types: 

• A complete list, including specialist filter types, can be found here.

Filters for half masks & full face masks

A full risk assessment must be completed to determine the correct protection factor and filter type for the hazard.

Requirements for some hazardous substances are set nationally, providing a minimum protection factor or efficiency level required in all instances. This means that some filters are only able to offer adequate protection against those substances when fitted to a full face mask. Have any more respiratory protection questions? Take a look at our respiratory protection faq! Find out more about our range of respiratory protection. Take a look at our new respiratory guide.