Moldex overcomes the challenges associated with revised respiratory standards
May 25th 2010

EN149:2001 the standard for filtering face pieces has been revised as of August 2009.

FFPs are now loaded with 120mg of oil mist before measuring the filter efficiency. Masks for one shift only, are now marked NR (non reusable). If they pass an additional 24hr loading test and offer a sealing area that can be cleaned and disinfected, then the masks are reusable and marked with R (reusable).

This revised standard could cause considerable technical challenges for manufacturers of respiratory protection, as the more demanding testing procedure requires filters with higher particle filtration efficiency. As a consequence, filters that achieve these new requirements often show an increase in breathing resistance.

Moldex a leading manufacturer of hearing and respiratory protection foresaw the changes within the respiratory standard and made the necessary changes to their whole range a little over two years ago.

The Moldex Pleated Filter Technology, used within the New Series 3000 Air range, has almost three times more filter surface and can load more solid aerosols than a standard flat filter, therefore breathing resistance increases at a much slower rate. This technology also provides extremely low breathing resistance that is as much as 70% below the required standard, making this range of masks unique and extremely comfortable to wear.

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