NIOSH approves MSA’s elastomeric respirator without exhalation valve

The US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has approved MSA Safety’s elastomeric half-mask device, Advantage 290 LS Air-Purifying Respirator (APR).

The first-of-its-kind respirator, designed without an exhalation valve, provides personal protection and source control.

It provides a reusable and alternative PPE option for Covid frontline workers.

Covering the wearer’s nose and mouth, Advantage 290 LS Respirator uses twin filters to provide respiratory protection.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), NIOSH-approved elastomeric half-mask respirators (EHMRs) are suitable for use against Covid-19 in healthcare settings.

MSA Product Strategy and Development vice-president Greg Martin said: “Given the reusable design and nature of elastomeric respirators, there are many benefits of deploying a respiratory protection programme that incorporates EHMRs, including cost-efficiency, reduced space requirements for PPE warehousing, and fewer concerns associated with PPE insecurities during a pandemic.”

“With the Advantage 290 model, our team went a step further and developed a respirator that has the potential to be an even more appealing option – today and down the road – for healthcare systems everywhere as they assess plans for the future and their own pandemic preparedness.”

Mitigating product expiration concerns, EHMRs have additional benefits like environmental sustainability as they provide extended use and reuse capability.

Available for pre-order in December, the Advantage 290 Respirator will be manufactured at MSA Safety’s subsidiary operation in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

In addition, the device provides healthcare facilities more options and flexibility in developing their respiratory protection programmes according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards.

The respirator is approved for use with either P95 or P100 particulate filters.