For dust and other particles, a disposable filtering mask is the usual starting point, and the class follows how fine or harmful the dust is. FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 are the classes under EN 149 and IS 9473:2002, and Karam lists the standard's filtration requirement as 80% for FFP1, 94% for FFP2 and 99% for FFP3. On Karam masks, S means solid particles and SL solid and liquid particles, NR means single shift use and D means the mask is tested with dolomite dust. Delta Plus offers moulded masks with a valve in FFP1 (M1100V), FFP2 (M1200V, also listed as NIOSH N95) and FFP3 (M1300V, also listed as NIOSH N99).
Then choose the shape and fit. Karam offers ear loop or headband masks in its FFP1S and FFP2S ranges, headband masks with cushioned nose padding (RFH11, RFH12, RFH13+), wide coverage fish type masks (RFTH11, RFTH12, RFTH13+), and Frontier flat fold (FT351, FT361) and cup shape (FT391) masks. A + in the Karam model code marks the version with an exhalation valve, which makes breathing out easier in hot or hard work. A good seal at the nose matters, so look for nose padding, a foam seal or an adjustable nose clip.
For welding fumes, paint work and organic vapours, Karam offers disposable masks with an activated carbon layer: RFH32+OV and Frontier FT361(P2)(OV)+ add a flame retardant outer layer for welding, RFH22+OV is listed for painting, chemical and pharmaceutical work, and the six layer RFH42+OV for organic vapours in pharmaceutical, food, chemical, textile, agriculture and printing work.
For gases and vapours, or for daily use, a reusable mask with replaceable cartridges is the usual choice. Delta Plus JUPITER half masks to EN 140 take M6000 bayonet cartridges: the M6300 takes one cartridge in size S/M, and the M6200 and M6400 take two, with the M6400 in size M/L. The M6000 range covers A1, A2 and ABEK1 gas cartridges to EN 14387 and P2 and P3 particle cartridges and prefilters to EN 143, and the M6400 kits come ready with filters: MARS (A2 with P2 prefilters), SPRAY (A2 with P3) and CHEM (ABEK1 with P3). To protect the eyes and face as well, the GALAXY full face masks to EN 136 Class 3, the M9200 ROTOR GALAXY with one-hand adjustment and the M9300 STRAP GALAXY with a strap harness, take EN 148-1 threaded M9000 cartridges in 17 references, from single gas filters and P3 up to A2B2E2K2HgP3.