Respirator Vs. Gas Mask

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, a respirator can provide protection from airborne pollutants such as debris, dust or noxious gasses. Gas masks are a type of respirator.

Particulate Respirators

• Surgical masks are particulate respirators.

  A particulate respirator is small, simple and easy to use, and can be as basic as a mask. These filters, also called "N-95" filtering face piece respirators, or masks, clean particles from the air as it is breathed in and out through the respirator. These respirators help prevent the spread of infectious diseases when used properly.

Gas Masks

• Modern gas masks can have large eye areas thanks to polycarbonate plastic.

  Gas masks, also known as air-purifying respirators or chemical cartridge respirators, are commonly associated with military service. These have a face cover or mask that goes over the face and one or two filters with cartridges. The filters remove chemicals and particles from the air as it is sucked in through the filter. Cartridges in gas masks protect from certain contaminates, but not all.

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus

• Firefighters and divers use SCBA.

  These respirators, also called SCBA, are used by professionals such as firefighters. They have a self-contained air supply so the air is guaranteed to be pure. Although these protect from high levels of dangerous chemicals, they are heavy and only last about an hour, depending on the size of the air tank.