Choose the right mask / respirator

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Uploaded by hp__blue • 11/23/2025, 4:09:43 PM

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Which mask is useful for which lost place? Which mask protects me from which hazards?

## Surgical mask / balaclava

![image](@image:6924de8b459fefa4e37c9ff5)

**Protection Level / Filtration:**

✅ Only to cover your face
❌ No protection from fine dust, mold, asbestos, lead paint, or gases

**Filter Type & Classification:**

❌ No relevant filter classes (no P1–P3 / N95-N100, no gas filters)
❌ Medical standards not meant for hazardous particles
❌ No tight seal – air leaks at the sides
⚠️ Never wear a respirator over a balaclava, as it will not seal properly and will therefore be useless.

**Use Environment:**

✅ Only for rooms with clean air
❌ Completely useless for dusty or contaminated lost places

**Costs:**

✅ Very cheap (ca. 10¢ per piece)
❌ Disposable, single-use

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## FFP2 / N95 respirator

![image](@image:6924ddee459fefa4e37c83fd)

**Protection Level / Filtration:**

✅ Filters ≥94% (FFP2) / ≥95% (N95) of fine particles
✅ Good protection against dust, mold spores, general particulate hazards
❌ Not sufficient for asbestos or lead paint – protection level is too low
❌ No protection against gases or chemical vapors

**Filter Type & Classification:**

✅ FFP2 / N95 particle filter
✅ Better seal than surgical masks, but proper fit is essential
❌ no gas filtration, particles only

**Use Environment:**

✅ Good for dusty rooms, moldy areas, and general debris
❌ Not suitable for asbestos-contaminated environments (P3/P100 or full-face mask required)
❌ Not suitable for chemical fumes, solvents, or toxic fire smoke

**Costs:**

✅ Low to moderate (ca. 2$ per piece)
❌ Disposable, single-use

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## FFP3 / N100 respirator
(Recommendation -> Brand: 3M Aura)

![image](@image:6924dde4459fefa4e37c7941)

**Protection Level / Filtration:**

✅ FFP3 / N100 Filters ≥99% of fine particles
✅ Effective against dust, mold, asbestos fibers, lead paint and many aerosols
❌ No protection against gases or chemical vapors, particles only

**Filter Type & Classification:**

✅ highest particle filter class
✅ Particle-only respirator
❌ no gas/chemical filtration

**Use Environment:**

✅ Suitable for dusty, moldy, low asbestos-containing lost places
❌ Not for chemical fumes or toxic smoke (requires gas mask)

**Costs:**

✅ Moderate, more expensive than FFP2 (ca. 5$ per piece)
❌ Disposable, single-use

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## P3 / P100 half face respirator
***Most commonly used mask***
(Recommendation -> Brand: 3M 6300 | Filter typ: 60923)

![image](@image:6924dffc459fefa4e37d6c19)

**Protection Level / Filtration:**

✅ Combination filter: particles + organic vapors + acid gases
✅ P3 / P100 particle rating (~99.97% filtration) protects against fine dust, mold spores, asbestos fibers and lead paint
❌ Not suitable for very high concentrations of toxic gases

**Filter Type & Classification:**

✅ P3 / P100 = highest particle filtration class
✅ Quick‑Latch half mask compatible with all 3M bayonet-style filters
Comfort, select filters according to the hazards
✅ Soft silicone seal provides a good fit
✅ Cool‑Flow valve reduces heat and moisture

**Use Environment:**

✅ Excellent for dusty, moldy, or medium asbestos-contaminated lost places
✅ Suitable for low-level organic/acid vapors in old industrial or workshop settings
❌ Not recommended for areas with very high concentrations of toxic gases

**Costs:**

❌ Higher upfront cost than disposable masks (ca. 40-50$ per piece)
✅ replaceable filters making it cost-efficient for frequent use
✅ Not just for single use / replaceable filters / filters last for multiple sessions

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## P3 / P100 Full-face respirator
(Recommendation -> Brand: Dräger X-plore 6300 | Filter typ: A2B2E2K2 HG P3 R D)

![image](@image:6924e11b459fefa4e37d96f0)

**Protection Level / Filtration:**

✅ High-level protection: Particles (P3 / P100) ≥ 99.97% (dust, mold, asbestos, lead paint), plus organic vapors, acid gases, ammonia, mercury
✅ Ideal for abandoned factories, chemical workshops, old industrial sites or places with high asbestos contamination

Not needed for casual urbex in clean buildings

**Filter Type & Classification:**

✅ eplaceable combination Rd 40 filter (high particle loads + gases + Dolomite-tested)
✅ Full-face mask with wide visor for good visibility
✅ 5-point strap for secure fit in tricky environments
✅ Exhalation valves reduce heat and moisture — useful in humid, enclosed spaces

**Use Environment:**

✅ Best for hazardous lost places (dusty, moldy, or chemically contaminated rooms)
✅ Protects against high loads of asbestos, fine dust, toxic fumes
❌ Overkill for normal, low-contaminated lost places

**Costs:**

❌ High initial cost (ca. 100-150$ per piece)
✅ Durable and long-term solution for serious urbex explorers
✅ Not just for single use / replaceable filters / filters last for multiple sessions

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Choose the right mask / respirator