Respirator with valve from uvex: For optimum protection and high wearer comfort
A respirator is used wherever health protection against fine dust, aerosols and other particles is necessary. The integrated exhalation valve significantly reduces breathing resistance when worn, which improves wearer comfort, especially during longer periods of use. Whether in construction, craftsmanship or industrial environments, a respirator with valve ensures pleasant air exchange and contributes significantly to increased comfort.
FILTER
Systematic selection:
these respirators with valves are available from uvex
Different applications and requirements call for different equipment. This also applies to respirators with filter performance. Here you will find an overview of the respirators with valves available in our range. At uvex, you benefit from a wide variety of models from various product families.
You can choose from the following categories:
Within these categories, you can sometimes choose between FFP1 respirators with valves, FFP2 respirators with valves or FFP3 respirators with valves. The FFP protection classes differ in terms of their filter performance:
Design with filter: Benefit from clever respirators with valves
Before you decide on a product, it is interesting to learn about the structure of these products. Find out here how respirators with valves are constructed:
Multiple layers of filter material
Individually adjustable nose clip
Sturdy headbands for a secure fit.
The valve system forms the centrepiece. This consists of an exhalation valve and often an additional inhalation valve, which regulates the air intake. This prevents unfiltered air from entering. This combination makes breathing much easier and prevents heat and moisture build-up.
Inhalation valve needed?
Discover now our uvex respirators with both inhalation and exhalation valve:
Heat out, safety in: how uvex respirators with exhalation valves work
The mechanism of a respirator with a valve is based on controlled air exchange. The filter material is the fundamental component that determines how respirators with valves work.
- When inhaling, the air is drawn through the filter material and cleaned of pollutants, aerosols and particles.
- When you exhale, the valve opens and allows the warm, CO2-rich air to escape without resistance.
- This reduces breathing resistance and makes breathing much easier – a significant advantage over masks without valves.
In this context, it is also essential to explain the function of the exhalation valve:
- The valve on respirators has the task of quickly and efficiently directing exhaled air to the outside.
- This reduces the moisture inside the protective mask with an exhalation valve, which improves wearer comfort, especially for long periods of time.
- It also keeps the mask dry and hygienic for longer.
Useful benefits: These are the advantages of respirators with valves
Respirators with valves offer noticeable advantages over models without valves, especially when the respirator is worn for long periods of time and physical exertion is involved. They make breathing easier and increase wearer comfort in demanding work environments. See for yourself what advantages respirators with valves offer:
- Reduced breathing resistance
- Less moisture build-up
- Greater wearer comfort during long periods of use
- Less heat build-up inside
- Improved hygiene thanks to a drier mask surface
These advantages make respiratory protection with a valve the ideal choice for anyone who has to work under stressful conditions for long periods of time.
Mechanism with comfort: the benefits of the exhalation valve
The use of respirators with exhalation valves is primarily based on the noticeably higher wearer comfort. This is particularly true for longer periods of use. The valve reduces exhalation resistance, ensures less heat and moisture build-up and thus facilitates the entire breathing process without affecting the filter performance.
- The actual filtering effect is achieved exclusively by the multi-layer filter material, which reliably removes particles and pollutants from the air you breathe. Both models with and without valves therefore meet identical protection requirements.
- Masks without valves also offer the same standard of protection for wearers and are equally approved for all prescribed applications.
- Despite having the same filter performance, masks without valves also offer protection to others, as they filter both inhaled and exhaled air – and thus meet more comprehensive safety requirements. In contrast, the exhaled air of wearers of a respirator with a filter is not filtered by the exhalation valve.
Order the right respirator with valve from uvex now
If you would like to buy your respirator with valve online, you will find a wide selection of tested protective equipment in our shop – clearly organised by product family. Whether you need an FFP2 respirator with valve for manual work or an FFP respirator with exhalation valve for industrial applications, you are guaranteed to find the right product in our uvex Safety range. Order your respirator with valve from uvex and benefit from certified brand quality and high wearer comfort.
FAQ section: Questions and answers about respirators with valves
Do you still have some questions about finding the right uvex product for your application? In the following FAQ section, you will find answers about the function and effectiveness of respirators with valves.
Where are respirators with valves used in everyday practice?
Heavily polluted air can be very stressful for employees, which is why respirators with valves are necessary in certain environments. Against this background, both employers and employees should know where such respirators are actually used:
- Respirators with valves are used wherever fine particles, dust or droplets pollute the air.
- This is particularly the case in the construction and craft sectors, during grinding and demolition work, in dust-intensive industrial environments and when processing solvent-based coating materials.
- Masks with valves also offer reliable personal protection in agriculture and when storing chemical substances.
How effective is the protection provided by breathing masks with valves?
The protection provided by respirators with valves depends largely on the filter class. While FFP1 respirators protect against non-toxic dust, FFP2 respirators (with or without valves) already offer protection against harmful particles such as quartz dust or mould spores. FFP3 respirators (with or without a valve) offer the highest level of protection and are also effective against toxic particles and viruses.
Important: The valve only protects the wearer – not the environment. Masks without valves should be used to protect others.
What is the filter performance of respirators with valves?
Filter performance is a key criterion when choosing a respirator with a valve, as it determines which pollutants can be filtered out of the air you breathe. Filter performance varies depending on the model and protection class:
- FFP1: filters at least 80% of particles
- FFP2: filters at least 94% of particles
- FFP3: filters at least 99% of particles
Select the appropriate FFP mask with valve depending on the area of application, desired valve type and individual requirements.
What standards apply to masks with valves (e.g. FFP2, FFP3)?
Respirators with valves are subject to strict European standards, in particular EN 149. This standard regulates requirements for filter performance, tightness, breathing resistance and valve function. In addition, CE certification is mandatory, which proves that the product has been successfully tested and is approved for use in occupational safety.
If you would like to learn more about the approval bodies, you can deepen your knowledge with our article Respirators and their certification.
How long/often can respirators with valves be used?
The use and application of respirators with valves depends on the model and the area of application. In principle, most FFP respirators with valves are disposable products. Some models are certified as "reusable" with an "R". Important:
- The mask should be replaced if breathing becomes difficult or if the mask is damaged, contaminated or damp.
- As a general rule, FFP half masks with valves should be worn for a maximum of two hours. After this, a minimum recovery period of 30 minutes is necessary to allow the respiratory system and the heart and circulation to recover. This applies to moderately strenuous work under normal climatic conditions. Note: for respirators without valves, the wearing time is reduced to 75 minutes.
- Observe the manufacturer's instructions on the maximum wearing time.