A key feature of many 3M respirators is that they are maintenance free. If you detect an odour while wearing the respirator, if it is difficult to breathe through, or if you experience irritation while wearing the respirator, it is no longer working properly and you should use a new one. It is important to evaluate your respirator regularly, as its effective life is determined by the hazard concentration it is exposed to.

Respirators with replaceable cartridges require some maintenance and should be washed regularly in warm water with a mild detergent and sanitized as instructed on the package. When purchasing replacement parts, ensure they are parts designed for that brand and model of respirator in accordance with the manufacturer¹s instructions. For your safety, you should not attempt to replace components or make adjustments, modifications or repairs beyond the manufacturer¹s recommendation.

When not in use, you can prolong the life of your chemical cartridge respirator by storing it in an air-tight container in a clean dry place away from vapours that may be absorbed. Respirators should be worn only by the same individual and not shared.

For information on the life expectancy of N, P and R series respirators, please see the NIOSH Standards section of this site.