Respiratory protection comparison

To optimally protect yourself and your employees against dust particles, choosing the right respiratory protection is crucial. It is important to note that selecting the right respiratory protection depends on the specific environment and risks to which a person is exposed. The masks and air hoods mentioned here must under no circumstances be used when there is insufficient oxygen in the ambient air or when the nature of the contamination is unknown. In case of doubt, please contact us. Each type of product has its own characteristics that must be taken into account when choosing a particular system.

Types of respiratory protection

Disposable dust mask

The disposable dust mask (Filtering Face Piece or FFP) is a simple, lightweight and inexpensive mask that covers the mouth and nose. They are intended for single use. Disposable face masks generally have no seal around the face, resulting in high inward leakage and limited protection for the user. Wearing comfort is not ideal due to accumulated heat, condensation on any glasses worn and a stuffy feeling. Moreover, these masks cannot be used by beard wearers. The masks have a short lifespan, so for long-term protection a new specimen must be used frequently. This makes it an expensive solution in the long run.

Half-face mask

Half-face masks cover the nose and mouth and have a tight seal around the face using elastic straps. They have replaceable filters that can filter particles and sometimes gases. Half-face masks offer better protection than disposable face masks and are suitable for environments with moderate concentrations of harmful substances. However, they leave the eyes and face unprotected. The elastic straps press hard on the face during prolonged use, which is experienced as unpleasant.

Back-mounted blower system

These are masks or air hoods connected by an air hose to a motor unit on the back. Motor-driven respiratory protection is safer and more comfortable and enables long-term use. These systems provide a constant flow of clean air and, thanks to slight positive pressure, offer a very high degree of protection, while the wearer does not have to overcome the resistance of the filter. The downside is the rather cumbersome way of putting it on, the dangling air hose, the heavy unit on the back and the high purchase price.

Arbin Kite

The Kite air hoods address many of the aforementioned disadvantages. It is an all-in-one solution distinguished by its excellent ease of use. The air hoods can be set up in no time because no motor unit needs to be worn on the belt. The motor-assisted air hood protects the wearer against solid and liquid particles and provides an oversupply of clean and filtered air. Thanks to the slight positive pressure, the air hood offers a high degree of protection, while the wearer does not have to overcome the resistance of the filter. The perfect balance on the head and the limited weight ensure high wearing comfort. Moreover, they are attractively priced compared to the alternatives.

Comparison table

Below is an overview of the most important features per type of respiratory protection, rated on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Disposable masks score low on weight and purchase price, but offer limited protection and wearing comfort. Half-face masks offer better protection, but leave the eyes unprotected and are uncomfortable during prolonged use. Back-mounted systems excel in protection and breathing resistance, but are expensive and cumbersome. The Arbin Kite combines the best of all worlds: excellent protection, high wearing comfort, ease of use and an attractive price — the only system that excels in all categories.