How to Choose a Respirator: FFP2 vs FFP3, Filters and When You Need Breathing Apparatus
A respirator only protects if three things are right: the type of mask, the filter for what is in the air, and the fit on the worker's face. Get one wrong and the mask gives a false sense of safety, which is worse than no mask at all, because people stay longer in air that is harming them.
The short answer: for dust and fine particles, use an FFP2 or FFP3 disposable mask, or a reusable mask with P2/P3 filters. For gases, vapours and solvents, use a reusable mask with the right gas filter (A, B, E or K). For low oxygen, confined spaces or unknown air, filters are not enough: you need breathing apparatus.
Step 1: what is in the air?
Everything depends on this. Airborne hazards fall into two groups, and they need different filters:
- Particles: dust, powders, fibres, fumes from welding and cutting, mists and sprays. Examples: concrete and stone dust (silica), wood dust, cement, grinding dust, welding fume.
- Gases and vapours: invisible molecules that pass straight through a dust filter. Examples: paint and thinner solvents, fuel vapour, ammonia, chlorine, acid fumes.
Many jobs have both, such as spray painting (paint mist plus solvent vapour). They need a combined filter.
Step 2: choose the mask
| Mask | Standard | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Disposable mask (FFP1, FFP2, FFP3) | EN 149 | Dust and particles, short to medium tasks |
| Reusable half mask with filters | EN 140 | Gases, vapours and particles, daily use |
| Reusable full-face mask with filters | EN 136 | Higher protection, and protects the eyes too |
| Powered hood or helmet (PAPR) | EN 12941 | Long shifts, heat, beards, welding |
| Breathing apparatus (SCBA) | EN 137 | Low oxygen, confined spaces, fire, unknown air |
Disposable masks: FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3
Disposable masks are tested to EN 149 and graded by how much they filter and how much leaks in around the edges:
| Class | Filters at least | Total inward leakage at most | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| FFP1 | 80% | 22% | Nuisance dust, sweeping, light sanding |
| FFP2 | 94% | 8% | Wood dust, cement, plaster, light welding |
| FFP3 | 99% | 2% | Silica (cutting concrete or stone), fine toxic dust, heavy grinding |
N95 is the American rating (NIOSH) and filters at least 95% of particles. It is broadly comparable to FFP2.
Extra letters on the mask: NR means single shift only, R means it can be reused, and D means it passed a clogging test with fine dust, so it stays comfortable to breathe through for longer. A valve makes breathing out easier and keeps the mask cooler, which matters in Egyptian heat.
Browse FFP3 masks · Browse FFP2 masks
Reusable masks and filters
A half or full-face mask takes replaceable filters. The filter, not the mask, decides what you are protected against.
Particle filters (EN 143)
P1, P2 and P3, with P3 the highest. Particle filters are marked with a white band.
Gas and vapour filters (EN 14387)
Each letter covers a family of chemicals, and each has a colour:
| Filter | Colour | Protects against | Typical work |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Brown | Organic vapours (boiling point above 65 °C) | Paints, thinners, solvents, adhesives, fuels |
| B | Grey | Inorganic gases | Chlorine, hydrogen cyanide |
| E | Yellow | Acid gases | Sulphur dioxide, hydrogen chloride |
| K | Green | Ammonia and amines | Cold stores, fertiliser, cleaning products |
The number after the letter is the capacity: 1 (small), 2 (medium) or 3 (large). An A1 filter suits light solvent work. Heavier or longer exposure needs A2.
Filters combine: A1P2 handles solvent vapour and paint mist together, and ABEK1 covers all four gas families for mixed or uncertain chemicals.
Matching the respirator to the job
- Cutting, drilling or grinding concrete, stone or tiles: silica dust. FFP3 or a mask with P3 filters. See construction PPE.
- Woodwork, sanding, cement and plaster: FFP2, or FFP3 for long exposure.
- Welding: fume is fine particles. FFP2/FFP3 valved masks for light work. For daily welding, a powered welding helmet gives clean, cool air inside the shield. See workshops.
- Spray painting and solvents: half or full-face mask with A1P2 or A2P2 combined filters. A dust mask alone does nothing against solvent vapour.
- Chemical handling and mixed fumes: full-face mask with ABEK filters, which also protects the eyes from splashes. See the chemical hazards guide.
- Ammonia: K filters, in cold stores and fertiliser plants.
- Tanks, pits, sewers and confined spaces: SCBA or supplied air. See below.
- Oil and gas with H2S risk: follow your site's H2S procedure. High or unknown H2S levels need breathing apparatus, not filters. See oil and gas PPE.
When filters are not enough
A filter cleans the air around the worker. It cannot add oxygen, and it cannot cope with very high concentrations. Use breathing apparatus (SCBA, EN 137) or supplied air when:
- the oxygen level may be low, as in tanks, wells, pits, silos and sewers;
- the gas or its concentration is unknown;
- the concentration is high enough to be immediately dangerous;
- there is a fire or a gas leak.
Fit, beards and filter changes
- Fit matters as much as the filter. A tight-fitting mask only works if it seals against the skin. Do a seal check every time you put it on. Companies should fit-test each worker on the model they use.
- Beards and stubble break the seal. Workers who cannot be clean-shaven should use a powered hood (PAPR), which does not depend on a seal.
- Particle filters: change when breathing through them becomes hard, or when they are damaged or dirty.
- Gas filters: change on a fixed schedule based on the chemical and the hours of use. Do not wait until you can smell the chemical: some gases have no smell, and some deaden the sense of smell.
- Store masks clean and sealed. A gas filter left open keeps absorbing from the air and runs out on the shelf.
Questions buyers ask us
Is N95 the same as FFP2?
Broadly comparable for particles. N95 filters at least 95% (US NIOSH rating) and FFP2 at least 94% (European EN 149). Neither protects against gases or vapours.
Does an FFP3 mask protect against paint fumes?
No. FFP masks filter particles only, so they catch paint mist but not the solvent vapour. For painting, use a mask with an A gas filter combined with a particle filter, such as A1P2.
How long does a disposable mask last?
An NR mask is for one shift. Replace it sooner if it is damaged, wet or dirty, or if breathing through it becomes difficult.
Buying for a team
Most sites need a disposable mask for dusty tasks and a reusable mask with the right filters for chemical or painting work. Order spare filters at the same time, since filters run out long before masks do. Send us the list through For Companies and we will quote within 24 working hours, with bulk prices from 20 pieces. Not sure what fits your job? Try Help me choose.