The importance of low breathing resistance in respirator design

In working environments where Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is
required, the ‘comfort factor’ can often be overlooked. However, it can
play an important role in employee compliance and overall productivity.

If PPE causes discomfort, the wearer may be tempted to move an item to an
incorrect position, which can severely affect the level of protection offered, or
even remove it altogether, negating the protection completely. The selection and
provision of comfortable PPE should be a priority, to ensure that workers are
not only adequately protected from hazards, but are also able to work
continuously in comfort and with minimal disruptions.

This is especially true of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE), as
airborne particulate hazards can be difficult to detect, meaning it is crucial that
safety equipment is worn at all times. However, RPE can be uncomfortable if
worn for long periods of time, as hot air can build up within the mask.

Recognising this, diversified technology company 3M has designed an
advanced series of disposable respirators that are more comfortable, and
therefore more wearable.

The Aura 9300+ Series from 3M is the latest addition to the company’s
extensive range of respirators and is ideal for most industries where workers
require protection against particulate hazards. The new range is an evolution
of the hugely popular 9300 Series and features pioneering designs and
materials.

The design incorporates a new, technically-advanced filter material that
combines effective performance with low breathing resistance to allow the
wearer to breathe more easily through the course of their working day.

Another key feature is the Cool Flow Valve by 3M – an integral valve which
seals during inhalation and opens to allow exhaled air to escape. It has been
designed to prevent the build up of heat
inside the mask; one of the most
significant causes of discomfort to
respirator wearers. The addition of the
Cool Flow Valve means 9300+
respirators are 4° C cooler than an
equivalent product without a valve,
making them ideal for long periods of
wear, especially where conditions are hot,
humid or physically demanding.*
The embossing on the top panel of the Aura 9300+ Series and inclusion of
the Cool Flow Valve also helps reduce misting of eyewear that can be caused by
hot air escaping through the top of the facepiece.

Testing of the 9300+ Series respirators has shown that the new design is up
to 75 per cent more breathable compared with the maximum limit for a
EN 149 FFP1 respirator.**
The new design has already found favour with customers in a range of
industries where disposable respirators are essential items, including Pendennis
Shipyard’s Finishing Supervisor, Leading Hand and Finishers, who comment:
“Each of the changes has made the masks more durable and easier to use in a
variety of ways. The masks are better fitting, easier to breathe through and
more comfortable around the nose and mouth.”
3M, Cool Flow and Aura are
trademarks of 3M Company.
*Valve efficiency testing conducted in a 3M laboratory. Testing protocol, data generation and
conclusions were reviewed and approved by an expert from The University of Minnesota. This
testing performed by 3M is not part of the testing and certification conducted upon these products.

**Independently tested to EN 149:2001+A1:2009, clause 7.16 – inhalation breathing resistance
at a flow rate of 95 litres per minute. The 9300+ Series (valved) mean breathing resistances
were 75 percent lower than the maximum limit for a FFP1 respirator, 65 percent lower for a
FFP2 respirator and 60 percent lower for a FFP3 respirator.