3M™ Cool Flow™ Valve

The colors in the thermal images below show the change in external surface temperature of the respirators as the model inhales and exhales.

Inhalation is the cooler part of the cycle; with both valved and unvalved respirators, the 3M filter media facilitates an easy draw of external air.

As the wearer inhales, air is pulled through the respirator and surface temperature decreases. The valve's plastic cover, because of the material composition, retains some of the heat.

Exhalation: As the wearer exhales the respirator is filled with warm, moist air. The cooler thermal imaging shades of the picture on the right indicate how the respirator fitted with the Cool Flow valve expels the breath through the valve.

This benefit offers easy exhalation, especially when work is physically demanding and likely to cause heavy breathing.