Respirator Filters and Cartridges for Reusable Respirators
Respirator filters and cartridges for hospitals, laboratories, surgery centers and facility maintenance respiratory programs. Particulate filters (N95, P100), chemical cartridges (organic vapor, acid gas, multi-gas) and combination cartridges for half-mask, full-facepiece and PAPR units from the 3M and Moldex series. Bayonet and threaded mounts matched to elastomeric facepiece families. Color-coded to the contaminant class they filter. Case quantities for respiratory protection programs. Wholesale case pricing for infection prevention and procurement.
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Filters and Cartridges for Reusable Respirators
Filters and cartridges are the replaceable media that feed elastomeric and powered respirators. Particulate filters capture airborne particles, chemical cartridges adsorb gases and vapors, and combination units do both. The media attaches to the facepiece by a mount matched to its family, and is color-coded to the contaminant class it is approved against. This page covers the filter and cartridge formats stocked for reusable respirator programs.
Filter and Cartridge Types Stocked
- Particulate filters - N95, N99, R95 and P100 particulate filters and pancake-style P100s for half-mask and full-facepiece units. 3M and Moldex series are widely stocked.
- Organic vapor cartridges - Cartridges that adsorb organic vapors for use around solvents and disinfectant vapors in labs and facilities.
- Acid gas and multi-gas cartridges - Cartridges rated against acid gases or a combination of gas classes for maintenance and laboratory tasks.
- Combination cartridges - Cartridges that pair a chemical adsorbent with a particulate filter so one unit handles both a gas and a particulate hazard.
- PAPR filters - High-efficiency and combination filters matched to PAPR blower families such as 3M Versaflo.
Cartridge Classes and Color Coding
| Media | Filters Against | Color Code | Representative Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| Particulate P100 | Airborne particulates | Magenta | 3M 2000 / 7000 series, Moldex |
| Organic vapor | Organic vapors | Black | 3M 6001, Moldex |
| Acid gas | Acid gases | White | 3M 6003 (OV/AG) |
| Multi-gas combination | Multiple gas classes plus particulate | Multiple | 3M 60900 series |
Mount Compatibility
Filters and cartridges attach to elastomeric facepieces by a mount specific to the facepiece family - a bayonet mount on 3M 6000 and 7000 series facepieces, and the corresponding mounts on Moldex and Honeywell families. A cartridge is approved in a NIOSH combination with the facepiece it mounts to, so matching the cartridge series to the facepiece line keeps the assembly in approved configuration. Color coding follows the standard so a facility can confirm the contaminant class at a glance. These are descriptive compatibility and regulatory notes; the facility selects media per its own program and hazard assessment.
Filters and cartridges are a recurring consumable in any elastomeric or PAPR program, replaced on a schedule as media loads and service life is reached. Standardizing the facepiece line lets a facility stock one cartridge series across its reusable respirators, and sourcing media on one wholesale account keeps mounts matched and case pricing steady. Order at the best Wholesale Prices with MAP Medical.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a particulate filter and a chemical cartridge?
A particulate filter captures airborne particles such as dust, mists and aerosols and is rated N95 through P100. A chemical cartridge contains an adsorbent that captures gases and vapors, such as organic vapor or acid gas. A combination cartridge pairs both. Facilities match the media to the hazard: particulate filters for aerosol hazards, cartridges for gas and vapor hazards, and combinations where both are present.
What do the cartridge color codes mean?
Respirator cartridges follow a standardized color code that identifies the contaminant class the cartridge is approved against - magenta for P100 particulate, black for organic vapor, white for acid gas, and multi-band codes for multi-gas combinations. The color lets staff confirm the correct class at a glance. The facility selects the class per its own hazard assessment; the color code confirms what is mounted.
Are filters and cartridges interchangeable across respirator brands?
No. Filters and cartridges use a mount specific to each facepiece family, such as the 3M 6000 and 7000 series bayonet mount, and the media is NIOSH-approved in combination with the facepiece it mounts to. Matching the cartridge series to the facepiece line keeps the assembly in approved configuration. Contact the team with the facepiece model to match compatible media.
Can hospitals order respirator filters and cartridges in bulk?
Yes. Particulate filters, chemical cartridges and combination and PAPR filters are stocked in case quantities for hospitals, laboratories, surgery centers and licensed distributors. Standing order programs are available for the high-velocity P100 and organic vapor media used in an active program. Contact the procurement team for tiered case pricing and standing order setup.
What filters and cartridges should be in a facility formulary?
A filter and cartridge formulary typically covers a P100 particulate filter for the facility elastomeric line, an organic vapor cartridge for solvent and disinfectant tasks, a combination organic vapor and acid gas cartridge for mixed hazards, and PAPR filters matched to any deployed blower family. Standardizing the facepiece line keeps one cartridge series in stock. MAP Medical builds consolidated media packages - contact the team for an assessment.