Choosing the Right Esko AIR8 Respirator Filter:
A Simple Guide
Selecting the right respirator filter is one of the most important parts of staying protected at work. While respirators often look similar, the filters are designed for very different hazards. Choosing the wrong filter can leave you exposed to contaminants that your respirator simply isn't designed to stop.
The Esko AIR8 range includes filters for dust, welding fumes, organic vapours and a broad range of industrial gases. Understanding the difference makes it much easier to choose the right protection for your application.
The First Question: What Are You Breathing?
Before choosing a filter, identify the airborne hazard.
Generally, workplace contaminants fall into two categories:
Particulates – dust, fumes, mists and airborne fibres.
Gases and vapours – solvent fumes, paint vapours, chemicals and ammonia.
Some jobs involve both, which means you'll need a filter that protects against both hazards.
AIR8 8020 P3R Pancake Filters
The AIR8 8020 P3R Pancake Filters are designed primarily for fine dust and particulate applications where a low profile filter is an advantage.
Their compact design fits comfortably beneath many welding helmets and face shields, making them a popular choice for welders and metal fabricators.
They also contain activated carbon that provides nuisance level relief from ozone, acid gases and organic vapours commonly encountered during welding.
It's important to understand that this does not replace a certified gas or vapour cartridge where respiratory protection against those hazards is required.
Best Suited For
Welding
Grinding and polishing
Silica and concrete dust
Glass fibre work
Mould remediation
AIR8 8050 P3R Particle Filters
The AIR8 8050 P3R Particle Filters provide the same particulate protection but are housed inside a durable plastic casing.
The enclosed design helps protect the filter media from sparks and physical damage while making the filters easier to wipe clean. They're an excellent choice for demanding industrial environments where durability matters.
Like the 8020 filters, they also include activated carbon for nuisance level relief from ozone and low levels of certain vapours.
Best Suited For
Grinding
Concrete cutting and preparation
Floor sanding
Welding
General industrial dust
AIR8 8030 A2 Cartridge Filters
If you're working with solvent based products, dust filters alone are not enough.
The AIR8 8030 A2 Cartridge Filters are designed to protect against organic vapours with boiling points above 65°C, making them suitable for many painting, coating and solvent applications.
If your work also creates dust or overspray, these cartridges can be combined with compatible AIR8 P2 prefilters and retainers to provide both gas and particulate protection.
Best Suited For
Spray painting
Automotive refinishing
Solvent handling
Adhesive application
Industrial coatings
AIR8 8035 A2/P2 Combination Filters
Many painting and finishing jobs create both solvent vapours and airborne particles.
The AIR8 8035 Combination Filters combine A2 gas filtration and P2 particulate protection in a single cartridge, eliminating the need to fit separate prefilters.
They're an excellent option for users who regularly move between painting, sanding and preparation work.
Best Suited For
Spray painting
Paint preparation
Sanding between coats
Industrial coating applications
Automotive refinishing
AIR8 8040 A1B1E1K1 Multi-Gas Filters
Some workplaces expose workers to more than just solvent vapours.
The AIR8 8040 Multi-Gas Cartridge Filters provide protection against a broader range of gases, including:
Organic vapours
Inorganic gases
Acid gases
Ammonia
These filters are commonly used where several different chemicals may be present across different tasks.
Best Suited For
Chemical handling
Fertiliser manufacture
Ammonia refrigeration
Agricultural applications
Plastic welding
Don't Forget the Respirator
A respirator only performs as well as the filter fitted to it, so choosing the right mask is just as important as selecting the correct filter.
The Esko AIR8 8600 Half Face Respirator is available in small, medium and large sizes, allowing users to achieve a comfortable, secure seal. A properly fitted respirator is essential for effective respiratory protection, as even the best filter cannot perform as intended if the face seal is compromised.
Esko AIR8 filters are designed for use with compatible AIR8 respirators, and the level of particulate protection depends on both the respirator and the filter combination. When 8020 P3R Pancake Filters or 8050 P3R Particle Filters are fitted to the AIR8 8600 Half Face Respirator, they provide P2-level protection. The same P3R filters achieve P3-level protection when fitted to the compatible AIR8 8900 Full Face Respirator.
Always ensure your respirator is correctly fitted, the filters are suitable for the hazards present and the equipment is maintained according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
5 Point Checklist for Choosing the Right AIR8 Filter
1. What is the airborne hazard?
Is it dust, fumes, mist, solvent vapours, chemicals or a combination of these?
2. Do you need particulate protection, gas protection or both?
Choose a particulate filter for dusts and fumes, a gas cartridge for vapours or a combination filter where both hazards are present.
3. Will you be wearing other PPE?
If you're using a welding helmet or face shield, a low profile filter such as the AIR8 8020 may provide a more comfortable fit.
4. Is durability important?
For harsh environments with sparks, dirt or heavy use, enclosed filters like the AIR8 8050 offer additional protection for the filter media and are easier to clean.
5. Are you using the correct respirator and filter combination?
Always ensure your AIR8 respirator and filters are compatible and appropriate for the task. Using the right combination is essential to achieve the intended level of respiratory protection.
The Bottom Line
There's no single respirator filter that's right for every job. The best choice depends on the hazards you're working with, the environment and the type of work you're doing.
By understanding what each AIR8 filter is designed to protect against, you can make a more informed decision and help ensure you're using respiratory protection that's appropriate for the task at hand.
When in doubt, consult the manufacturer's guidance and your workplace risk assessment before selecting respiratory protection.