Full Face Respirators

To protect from the worst hazardous materials, a full-face respirator is required. These larger RPE products achieve a better seal around the face. They can be fitted with disposable filters that, once saturated or expired, can be replaced, offering a cost saving over purchasing a completely new mask. Full-face respirators can also protect the eyes from irritants, which is something that disposable masks and half-face respirators do not do. Spares and components are readily available so that you can clean and maintain your mask to get as much use out of it as possible.

Full Face Respirators For Use With Hazardous Dust & Vapours

Worker Wearing A Full Face Mask While Polishing Newly-Painted Bus

When working with some of the most hazardous substances found in the workplace, such as asbestos, you will need to wear a full-face mask respirator. Tight fitting full face respiratory protective equipment (RPE) includes any system which forms a seal around the face covering the eyes, nose and mouth. These systems offer some of the highest levels of protection available, only falling short of solutions with an external air feed.

As with all RPE systems, full-face respirator masks have limitations that impact their suitability for specific tasks and use cases. Factors that need to be considered include how physically involved the work is, whether the user has facial hair, how long the wearer can wear the mask and the availability of filters for the hazard present.

Full-face respirators offer superior sealing against the face when compared to half masks and disposables. Full-face respirators offer a superior sealing against the face than half masks and disposables. They also protect the eyes from irritants, which is something that exclusively full-face and powered air masks can do. However, This feature should not be confused with impact resistance, as this is rated separately, and not all masks have the B rating required to be used alongside power tools.

Key Considerations When Purchasing A Full Face Mask Respirator

Arrangement Of Filters Compatible With Full Face Masks

Filter Compability

Different hazards require different filter types. Ensure your chosen full-face dust mask suits the hazard level you are working with.

Face Size & Shape

Not every face is the same shape and size. We supply face-size gauges to help you choose the right size of full-face mask. Remember that you still need a proper face fit test to ensure the mask is fitted correctly. Even the correct size mask can leak air if not worn properly.

Full Face Covering Seal

The outer seal ensures that the whole face is protected from airborne particles. This tight sealing feature is what makes the full face masks appropriate for hazardous environments.

Protection For The Eyes From Irritants

Unlike half-face masks, a full-face mask covers the eyes. This can be critical when working with irritating gasses and particles, even food powders such as spices.

Parts Of The Exhalation System Of A Force 10 Full Face Mask

Exhalation Valve

An exhalation valve helps prolong the lifespan of the filter materials by reducing their exposure to exhaled water vapour. It can also help ensure the mask does not become unseated if the wearer exhales harshly.

Typhoon 10 Full Face Mask With Optical Class 1 Optics

Optical Clarity

When working with any eye covering, you should consider the mask's optical clarity. A class 1 optic is the gold standard, offering undistorted vision.

Easily Cleaned Mouth Piece Of A Force 10 Mask

Ease Of Cleaning

The method for cleaning your full face mask differs depending on your chosen model. These cleaning methods are listed on each product page. It is important to clean and maintain your mask as performace impacting defects could otherwise go unnoticed.

Comfort

The comfort of your full-face dust respirator can be impacted by several factors. Quality face seals and elasticated straps can ensure you can achieve a comfortable and effective seal.

Internal Air Management

Many full-face masks feature internal airflow management systems that ensure exhaled air does not re-enter the larger volume of the mask. This feature helps prevent fogging and stops the wearer from re-breathing carbon dioxide-rich air.

Arrangement Of Spare Parts For A Full Face Mask

Spare Parts Availability

Ensure that any full face mask you purchase as a readily available supply of spare parts and filters. As these masks often cost more than their half-mask counterparts, it is important you can service them to keep them working properly and effectively for longer.

Prescritopm Eyewear Inserts For A Full Face Mask

Prescription Eyewear

If you require prescription eyewear, be sure to purchase a solution such as Force 10, which has prescription eyewear inserts available as an accessory. Alternatively, you can wear contact lenses. Standard glasses cannot be worn as they break the face seal.

1h Rest Period Required When Working With A Full Face Mask

Rest Period Requirements

Tight-fitting face masks can only be worn for one hour at a time. This is to prevent fatigue and also ensure that the skin under the seal does not become irritated and sore.

Full Face Mask Compatible With A Safety Helmet

Compability With Other PPE

If other PPE, such as helmets, are required whilst working, ensure you pick a solution that is cross-compatible. Where possible, we list compatible products on our product pages to help guide you.

Customer Questions / FAQ

Can you wear glasses with a full face respirator?

Unfortunately, wearing any prescription eyewear with a conventional headband or temple arms will compromise the seal of your full face mask, allowing dust particles and other vapours to creep in.

Can you wear a full face respirator with a beard?

No, you must be cleanly shaven to ensure that your full face RPE fits correctly. Even stubble can compromise a mask's seal and render it useless against the tiny particles that make up many respiratory hazards.

How do you put on a full face respirator mask?

This process will differ for each mask model on the market. Instructions (including videos) can be found on our product pages and in the packaging of the item you purchased.

What is the best full-face respirator for woodworking?

This will depend on the materials you are working with and if you can afford to take a break every hour for the required rest period. After completing a full risk assessment, you should be able to identify the filtration level needed and ultimately asses if an alternative such as better dust extraction, a powered air mask or half mask respirator could be a better alternative.

Alternative RPE Options From Our Range

Within our RPE range, we have a variety of styles of equipment for just about any hazard commonly found on a worksite or in hobby industries. Some of these ranges include;

Disposable Dust Masks

These are single-use items designed to be worn for a single shift and should be disposed of once they have been taken off.

Half Face Masks

These have many of the same features and benefits as a full face mask but only cover the nose and mouth.

Carpented Wearing A JSP Jetstream Powered Respirator

Powered Air Masks

These masks are loose-fitting and feature a blower that draws air through a filter, then creates a pocket of clean, positively pressurised air around the wearer's face.

Need help finding the right product?

Give our trained sales team a call on +44 (0)1905 794875, they will help you in choosing a suitable system for your needs and will also be happy to discuss discounts for bulk quantity requirements and special delivery need.

Why buy from Start Safety?

We have the full range shown above in stock on the shelf ready to ship out next day, we offer special delivery services and can even arrange same day delivery on many products.