Disposable Masks

Valved and unvalved masks

Most shapes in this range are sold both with and without an exhalation valve. The valve lets breath out through a one-way flap instead of back through the filter material, so the inside of the mask stays cooler and drier on a long wear and glasses mist less. The trade-off is that breath leaves the mask unfiltered, so where the point is to protect other people or the work rather than the wearer, order the unvalved version.

Respirators and surgical masks do different jobs

A graded disposable respirator filters the air the wearer breathes in and has to seal to the face to do it. A surgical mask is a barrier that stops droplets from the wearer reaching other people or the work, and is not designed to seal. Decide which way round the protection needs to work before ordering.

Getting a seal

A disposable respirator only performs at its grade if it seals all the way round. Shape the nose bridge with both hands rather than pinching it with one, set the straps or ear loops so the mask sits flat against the cheeks, and check for leaks past the edges each time it goes on. Stubble or a beard along the seal line will break it. These masks are not made to be washed and reused: replace one that is damaged, soiled, or has become harder to breathe through.