Particle filters: when breathing gets harder
Particle filters clog over time and breathing gets harder. Replace when breathing resistance rises noticeably, when the filter is damaged or heavily soiled and at the latest at the expiry date. The marking also limits the period of use: NR filters are for one shift, R filters beyond that, as long as the instructions for use allow.
Gas filters: by schedule, not by nose
A gas filter binds hazardous substances in activated carbon until it is saturated. Then the substance breaks through. When that happens depends on substance, concentration, humidity, temperature and breathing rate. The instructions for use of the AirGuard Pro gas filters therefore require a fixed change schedule. As soon as odour, taste or irritation is noticed, leave the area at once and replace the filter.
Smell alone cannot be relied on: some substances are only smelt above dangerous concentrations, and the nose gets used to odours. The change schedule belongs in the risk assessment.
Combination filters: whichever comes first
For combination filters both rules apply: change schedule and warning signs for the gas filter, breathing resistance for the particle filter, plus damage and expiry date. With two filters on a half or full-face mask, both are always replaced together.
How long a particular filter may be used is stated in its instructions for use and on the respective product page. The instructions for use can be downloaded under Data sheets.
Storage and expiry date
- Take filters out of their packaging only immediately before use.
- Filters that may be reused are kept airtight between uses.
- Store cool, dry, protected from frost and light, away from dust, grease, solvents and other chemicals.
- The expiry date is printed on the filter and applies to the unopened filter in its original packaging.
Disposal
Used filters are disposed of according to the applicable rules. What was retained in the filter determines the disposal route; the risk assessment sets it.
Frequently asked questions
How often must I change the gas filter?
According to a change schedule set in the risk assessment, at the latest when odour, taste or irritation is noticed. There is no fixed number of hours for all cases because substance, concentration, humidity and breathing rate determine service life.
May I reuse an opened filter?
Only if the instructions for use allow it, and then stored airtight. The details for each AirGuard Pro filter are on the product pages.
Must I always change both filters?
Yes. On masks with two filters both are replaced together so that both sides have the same capacity.
What do R and NR mean?
NR particle filters are limited to one shift, R particle filters may be used beyond that. The exact duration is in the instructions for use.
