The future of full face innovation from 3M

Diversified technology company 3M has been at the forefront of innovation in respiratory
protection for decades and is the market leader in Western Europe

Now, 3M has launched a range of
full face masks designed for
maximum comfort and
flexibility in the most demanding
environments.

The FF-400 Full Face Mask Series by 3M
has been engineered to be durable, robust
and versatile and is packed with advanced
design features which optimise
functionality and wearability.

In developing the new range,
responding to customer needs was the key
influencer. Jim Betz, senior product
development engineer at 3M, explains:
“Customer priorities were where we put
our efforts to innovate. They enabled us to
deliver solutions that mattered to them.”
3M interviewed more than 250
customers worldwide, across 12
industries. They expressed a desire for a
product that was effective, suitable for a
range of demanding applications and
could be worn for long
periods of time
comfortably.

Nathan Abel, senior
industrial designer at 3M,
adds: “In designing the FF-400
Series I wanted to understand, address
and solve customer needs. The series is
designed to be completely intuitive and
comfortable to the user.”
The new mask features a large lens for
superior peripheral vision and delivers the
highest class of optical clarity: EN 166
Class 1. The lightweight, streamlined
design and low profile of the mask
ensures more equal weight distribution,
reducing pressure to the nose cup.

In addition, the FF-400 Series is the
only full face mask available with
Scotchgard Protector by 3M – a specialist
scratch-resistant coating that makes the
lens more resistant to dirt, paint and
stains – keeping the lens clear and making
it easier to clean.

The mask also features the Cool Flow
Exhalation Valve by 3M to minimise
breathing resistance and prevent heat and
moisture build up, delivering a cooler and
more comfortable wearer experience.

Anja Buchan of 3M Safety Solutions
explains: “In demanding environments
where Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) is essential and may need to be
worn for long periods of time, it is crucial
that items not only offer the level of
protection needed but are also
comfortable for the wearer.

“The FF-400 Series features a soft,
silicone nose cup and face seal and is
available in three sizes to suit a broad
range of face shapes. The mask is
also durable, with long-lasting
harness straps pulled more than one
million times in durability testing.

They are also compatible with hard
hats.”
Andy Viner, senior research
specialist at 3M, adds: “The
product is an excellent balance of
simplicity and durability. A
tremendous amount of testing
and review went into the design
of the final product and I believe
that when a customer picks up an
FF-400, they get a sense of that
effort. The design of every component
balances the need for functionality and
style and when a wearer can see how
everything fits together they think ‘that
makes sense to me – I see how it all goes
together and I believe it will protect me’.”
The FF-400 Series utilises a twin,
bayonet connector system for the added
benefits of improved weight distribution
and balance. The system also enables a
secure fit between the mask and all 3M
bayonet-style gas/vapour and particulate
filters.

The masks are fully maintainable and a
selection of complementary accessories
are available including lens covers, a
spectacle kit and the new 107
Carry/Storage Bag for Full and Half Face
Masks by 3M.

For further information and to request
a free trial visit www.3M.co.uk/FF400 or
call 0870 60 800 60 (UK) or 1 800 320 500
(Ireland).

3M, Scotchgard and Cool Flow are
trademarks of 3M Company.

Launch promotion
Hundreds of FREE accessories to be
claimed, visit www.3M.co.uk/FF400 or
scan the QR code for more information.