Combine respiratory protection with safety goggles

Respirators for spectacle wearers – optimum protection without compromise

Anyone who works in construction, industry or trade knows the challenge: respirators for spectacle wearers must not only protect against harmful substances, but also be compatible with glasses. This is because whenever spectacles and respirators come togehter, it can lead to fogged lenses, poor visibility or inadequate sealing.

With uvex respirators, spectacle wearers can work safely and comfortably, too. The respirators are designed to optimally combine protection and comfort. Workers with and without spectacles benefit from high-quality filter material, reliable sealing and an ergonomic fit.

Which breathing mask fits which safety goggles

Which is the perfect combination of mask and spectacles?

At uvex, we consider eye and respiratory protection to be a single unit that can only provide optimum protection in this way. That is why product development for eye and respiratory protection always takes place in close coordination. The result of this combined expertise is the three-dimensional design of the uvex silv-Air respiratory protection masks. This enables the safety spectacles and mask to fit optimally and securely: no slipping or wobbling, the secure fit guarantees the best eye protection. uvex moulded and folding masks are particularly well suited for combination with uvex safety spectacles.

To make it easier for you to choose the right combinations, we have carried out subjective wear tests. The five different mask shapes available from uvex were tested with the most common uvex safety spectacles. The following table gives you an overview of the results and makes it easier for you to choose the right combination:

	Folding masks FFP 1, FFP 2, FFP 3	Preformed masks FFP 1, FFP 2, FFP 3	Preformed masks FFP 2, FFP 3	Preformed masks FFP 1, FFP 2, FFP 3	Folding masks FFP 1, FFP 2, FFP 3
uvex silv-Air premium					5100, 5100+, 5110, 5110+, 5200, 5200+, 5210, 5210+, 5220+, 5310, 5310+, 5320+
uvex silv-Air e		7212, 7233, 7312, 7317, 7333	7232, 7330
uvex silv-Air c	3100, 3110, 3200, 3210, 3220, 3310		2310, 2312, 2320, 2322	2100, 2110, 2200, 2210, 2220
uvex ultrashield	✅	☐	☐	☐	☐
uvex pheos nxt	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
uvex i-lite	✅	✅	✅	☐	✅
uvex i-guard uvex i-guard+	☐	✅	✅	☐	✅
uvex suXXeed	✅	☐	☐	✅	✅
uvex i-5	✅	☐	☐	☐	✅
uvex x-fit	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
uvex sportstyle	✅	✅	☐	✅	✅
uvex pheos cx2	✅	☐	☐	☐	✅
uvex pheos	✅	✅	☐	✅	✅
uvex i-3	✅	☐	☐	☐	✅
uvex i-works	✅	☐	☐	☐	✅
uvex astropec 2.0	✅	☐	☐	✅	✅
uvex OTG plus	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
uvex super OTG uvex super f OTG	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
uvex hypervision	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
uvex megasonic	✅	☐	☐	✅	✅
uvex pheos cx2 sonic	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
uvex u-sonic	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
uvex ultrasonic	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
uvex ultravision	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅

Our recommendations are based on experience. However, you should always carry out wearability tests.
✅ = Perfect combination ☐ = suitable to a limited extent

What to consider when wearing respiratory masks as a glasses wearer

Using respirators: What should spectacle wearers bear in mind?

The combination of a respirator and glasses poses a number of challenges. The nose area is particularly critical: if the respirator does not fit properly there, warm air escapes upwards and causes the glasses to fog up. Therefore, the fit is crucial. Only if the respirator can be combined with glasses you can work safely without impairing your vision. Below, we explain which respirators are suitable for spectacle wearers, how respiratory protection and eye protection can be combined, and how you can prevent your spectacles from fogging up.

Which FFP masks are particularly suitable for spectacle wearers?

The filter class you need depends on your activity and the level of protection required. We stock FFP1 masks, FFP2 masks and FFP3 masks that are suitable for spectacle wearers.

Models with an exhalation valve improve exhalation and reduce moisture build-up at the same time. Respiratory protection with this component is therefore ideal for spectacle wearers.

ⓘ Good to know

Requirements for a good respirator for spectacle wearers

What you should look for:

Good seal around the nose – e.g. with an adjustable nose clip
High-quality filter material – for efficient protection and easy exhalation
Exhalation valve – reduces heat and moisture
Compatibility with safety spectacles
Respirator and goggle shape: Ergonomic design for different facial shapes

uvex respiratory masks for spectacle wearers

How do you wear a respirator correctly if you wear glasses?

Wearing masks correctly is also crucial for spectacle wearers. This applies to all models in the FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 categories.

If you wear glasses, first put on the respirator correctly and then adjust the nose clip precisely.
Only then should you put your glasses on your face – if possible, with sufficient distance between the mask and your cheeks.

If you wear glasses, make sure that your respirator fits correctly. This is the only way to ensure that the protective mask providesfull filter performance and does not pose a risk to glasses wearers.

We have provided further information on the fit testing of respiratory protective equipment.

Step 5: Stay protected by optimum combination of respiratory mask and safety glasses

How can you prevent your glasses from fogging up under a respirator?

Fogging of glasses when wearing a respirator is a common problem that can be easily avoided with a few simple tips:

uvex respiratory masks with nose clip for a better fit

Improve the seal

A well-fitting nose clip prevents warm air from escaping.

Anti-fog coating

Safety spectacles with UV protection and anti-fog technology, such as those offered by uvex, are ideal.

uvex respiratory masks with exhalation valve to reduce moisture

Use an exhalation valve

This reduces moisture under the mask.

Respirator with safety spectacles – what do you need to bear in mind?

To combine respiratory protection and eye protection, you need to ensure a harmonious fit. The safety spectacles must not slip through the mask and the frame should not press against the sealing lip. uvex has provided an informative overview of this:

To the compatibility overview of spectacles and masks

Pay attention to the interaction between vision, seal and wearer comfort. Only when safety spectacles and masks fit perfectly can you work safely and efficiently.

How to perfectly fit uvex respiratory masks with uvex safety glasses

The right respirators for spectacle wearers provide double protection

For spectacle wearers in particular, respirators must do one thing above all else: provide reliable protection without restricting everyday activities. This depends on the respirator and spectacles fitting perfectly, the filter material and high wearer comfort. uvex offers sophisticated solutions that combine respiratory and eye protection perfectly – for safe use on construction sites, in workshops and in industry.

With a uvex respirator with safety spectacles, you always have a clear view and protect your health holistically. Only through perfectly coordinated products and innovative technologies is it possible to ensure maximum safety and comfort at the same time.

Still haven't found the right one for you?

Find out more about uvex respiratory protection.