A basic introduction to SHIGEMATSU respirators, filters, and cartridges.

How does a respirator work?

Respirators either filter particles from the air, chemically clean and purify the air, or supply clean air from an outside source. Different environments require different levels of protection, but you can reduce your exposure to dangerous particles or gases with the right kind of respirator. Depending on what is suitable for your environment, reusable respirators should be used with either a particle filter or a gas and vapor cartridge.

• Use particulate filters for protection against: particles i.e. dust, mists and fumes, aerosols, smoke, mold, bacteria and so on.
• Use gas and vapor cartridges for protection against toxic chemicals such as acid gases and organic vapors. There are different kinds of gas & vapor filters for different kinds of gases.

How do I know if my respirator fits?

While most respirators with filters offer a >95% filtration rate, particles will leak around the edges and into the user’s breathing zone without an adequate facial seal. Air will preferentially enter through these facial leaks, since they offer much lower resistance than the respirator itself. A poorly-fitted respirator with a higher filtration rate will actually offer less protection than a properly fitted respirator with a lower filtration rate. You can ensure that your respirator is properly fitted through the following methods:

How does a particulate filter work? How long does it last?

Particulate filters are made of beds of randomly-oriented electrostatically charged fibers that capture and trap particles and aerosols. Filtration occurs through interception capture, inertial impaction, diffusion capture, and electrostatic attraction. Additionally, there is no standard service life for particulate filters, since this depends on a number of factors such as one’s breathing rate and environment; however, this can be indicated through breathing resistance, after the filters start to clog after use. While the filter becomes more efficient over time as contaminants load it up and the filter’s beds become thicker, they will also become increasingly harder to breathe through. Replace your SHIGEMATSU filters when:

• The breathing resistance becomes intolerable for the user (this depends on personal preference)
• The filter has been physical damaged or thoroughly soaked
• Some workplaces e.g. healthcare environments, may require masks/filters to be replaced after every use due to infection control procedures

Before using a respirator, however, please do take note of the following:

• If the ambient Oxygen level of your environment is not guaranteed to be 19.5%, please do not use a particulate respirator. Particulate filters do not create oxygen.
• Respirators also increase breathing resistance, and hence is not advised for people with lung diseases such as asthma or emphysema.

How does a Gas Cartridge work?

Respirators can also be paired up with cartridges for protection against toxic gases such as organic or acid vapors. Gas cartridges rely on sorbent material to soak up gas and vapor molecules. There are different kinds of gas cartridges for different gases. Depending on the chemical treatment of the gas cartridge’s carbon surface, this material will absorb different types of gases or vapors. However, please note that a gas cartridge’s service life is not indicated by change in breathing resistance. Cartridges must be changed according to local regulations, end-of-service-life indicator, taste, smell, or irritation from the contaminant. You can talk to our Sales Representatives at Asiong’s Industrial Products for help and advice with:

• Shigematsu Reusable Respirators and when to change your Shigematsu Particulate Filters and Shigematsu Gas & Vapor Cartridge Filters
• Respirator Fit Testing

If you are interested in SHIGEMATSU filters, cartridges, or respirators, please feel free to contact us or visit our physical store. SMS/Viber: +639084395489 (Smart) | +639164184244 (Globe) Email: asiongti@gmail.com Landline: 8555 - 1868, 8371 - 4876, 8352 - 5110 Website: www.asiongs.com Fax: 83738954 Asiong’s Industrial Products is the official distributor for SHIGEMATSU products in the Philippines. We provide safety solutions and products as per your specific requirements - whether it be with healthcare or industrial safety needs.