Bushfire Smoke & Face Mask: How to Choose the Right Face Mask

November 28 2024, by Tatianna Gerard, 11 min reading time

As a nation that has long grappled with the challenges of an arid climate, bushfires have always been a part of the Australian landscape, however, the increasing frequency and severity of these wildfires are causing growing concern. Vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, face increased health risks due to smoke inhalation.

But it's not just those in the immediate vicinity of bushfires who are affected. Smoke from these wildfires can travel vast distances, blanketing entire regions in a haze of smoke and fine particulate matter. The first line of defence is often a face mask or a smoke mask, but here's the critical question: Are you wearing the right face mask for the situation? And what would be the difference between a regular face mask and a respirator?

We’re going to explore the vital factors to consider when choosing the most effective respirator for protection against smoke, including the different types of respirators available, their filtration capabilities, fit, and comfort factors, as well as guidelines for proper usage.

What is a respirator?

A respirator, is a specialised piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to shield your respiratory system from harmful airborne contaminants. Its primary purpose is to filter out hazardous particles, such as smoke, dust, chemicals, or infectious agents, from the air you breathe. In essence, a respirator acts as a barrier between your respiratory tract and the external environment, ensuring that you inhale clean and safe air.

How do respirators differ from standard face masks or cloth masks?

If you’re asking if face masks can protect from bushfire smoke, then the answer is: Not all of them. It's essential to distinguish respirators from conventional face masks, like cloth masks or surgical masks. While standard face coverings serve the primary function of reducing the spread of respiratory droplets from the wearer to others, respirators take protection a step further with:

Filtration efficiency - Respirators are engineered to offer a higher level of filtration efficiency, capable of capturing tiny particles, including smoke and harmful microorganisms.

Fit and seal - Respirators are designed to create a secure seal around the wearer's face, preventing contaminated air from seeping in.

Intended use - Respirators are intended for specific occupational or environmental hazards, such as smoke inhalation during bushfires or exposure to hazardous chemicals. Standard face masks are typically used in healthcare settings or as a general precaution.

What you should look out for when buying a respirator for smoke protection

When it comes to choosing a face mask for protection against smoke, there are some considerations that you need to keep in mind:

1. Look for high filtration ratings

Seek out respirators or face mask for smoke with a high filtration efficiency, such as N95, N99, P100 or P2 respirators. These masks are designed to capture a significant percentage of fine particles, including those found in bushfire smoke.

N95 respirator: Filters out at least 95% of airborne particles

N99 respirator: Filters out at least 99% of airborne particles

P100 respirator: Filters out at least 99.97% of airborne particles

P2 Respirator or masks (equivalent to N95): Filters out at least 94% of airborne particles and is widely used for protection against smoke and other hazards. There are some P2 masks that has a Particle Filtration Efficiency of ≥99.66% such as the AMD P2 Respirator.

2. Fit and seal

The mask should create a tight seal around your nose and mouth to prevent smoke from infiltrating. Look for respirators with adjustable straps and cushioned nose bridges to enhance the fit.

3. Consider comfort features

Comfort is essential, especially when masks need to be worn for extended periods. Look for masks made with soft inner materials, adjustable straps, and well-fitted nose pieces to reduce discomfort. Nano-fibre masks like the AMD P2 masks are a great choice for prolonged use, as their innovative material offers enhanced breathability and lightweight comfort compared to standard P2 masks made with melt-blown fibres.

Unlike melt-blown materials, which can feel denser, nano-fibres provide a finer structure that allows for easier airflow, making them more comfortable over time. Additionally, opting for a respirator with a three-panel design and ergonomic features can further improve fit and comfort during long wear.

4. Usability

Ensure that the respirator allows for easy breathing, even during strenuous activities. Comfortable breathing is essential, particularly when facing smoky conditions. Respirators made with nanofiber technology would be the most suitable for this.

5. Check for certification

Reliable respirators for smoke protection should have clear product certifications. Verify that the mask complies with recognised safety standards such as the TGA in Australia to ensure its reliability. For Australia, you can check out the list of face masks and respirators found not to be medical devices or non-compliant with the safety, quality, and performance requirements on the TGA site.

6. Read product reviews

Prior to purchasing, read reviews from other users to gain insights into the respirator's performance, comfort, and durability. Real-world experiences can provide valuable information, helping you make an informed choice.

7. Compatibility with eyewear

If you wear glasses or protective eyewear, choose a mask that accommodates these accessories without compromising the seal. Otherwise, you can always purchase a mask extender to improve the fit and comfort when wearing face masks.

Which respirator is the best for bushfire smoke: NIOSH rated respirators vs. AU/NZ standard respirators?

When selecting a respirator for bushfire smoke protection, you’ll encounter two primary standards: NIOSH-rated respirators (common in the United States) and AU/NZ standard respirators (used in Australia and New Zealand).

Both NIOSH-rated and AU/NZ standard respirators offer high filtration efficiencies. N95 and P2 respirators, for instance, have similar filtration capabilities, capturing at least 95% of airborne particles.

Our recommendations:

If you are in the United States or have access to NIOSH-rated respirators, they are an excellent choice for bushfire smoke protection due to their well-established performance.

If you reside in Australia or New Zealand, AU/NZ standard respirators (P2 masks) are both suitable and convenient options for bushfire smoke protection, given their local availability and compliance with regional standards.

For an excellent option in Australia, AMD P2 masks meet the AS/NZS 1716:2012 certification, confirming their high-quality filtration and suitability for local conditions.

Regardless of the type of respirator you choose, ensure that it fits snugly on your face, provides a secure seal, and is comfortable for extended wear.

How to use the respirator for effective protection?

Using a face mask, especially a respirator, correctly is crucial to ensure maximum effectiveness in protecting yourself against bushfire smoke and other airborne hazards. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to properly use a respirator:

Donning the respirator

Begin by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water or using hand sanitiser.
Examine the respirator for any visible damage, such as tears or deformities. Ensure that the straps and nosepiece are in good condition.
Grasp the respirator by the edges or straps, avoiding contact with the filter material.
Place the respirator over your nose and mouth, ensuring it covers both adequately.
Pull the straps gently towards your ears. Adjust the straps to achieve a secure and comfortable fit.

Performing a seal check

Cover the filter area - Sanitise your hands first. With both hands, cover the entire filter area of the respirator. Ensure that there are no gaps between your hands and the respirator.
Inhale gently - Inhale gently to create a slight negative pressure inside the respirator. You should feel the respirator collapse slightly onto your face, indicating a good seal.
Exhale gently - Exhale gently to ensure that there is no leakage around the edges of the respirator. If you feel air escaping, readjust the fit and straps until the seal is secure.

Check out our video guide on How to Self Test the Fit of AMD P2 Respirator Masks.

Additional tips

Always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines for proper use, maintenance, and disposal of the respirator.
Keep in mind that facial hair, especially a beard, may interfere with the respirator's seal. Consider shaving or trimming facial hair to ensure a secure fit.
Fit checks - Perform user seal checks each time you put on the respirator to ensure a proper seal.

The best way to protect yourself against smoke? Staying indoors

When faced with the threat of bushfire smoke, one of the most effective preventive measures you can take to protect yourself is simple yet profoundly impactful: stay indoors.

Here are some of the main reasons why staying indoors are safer:

Reduced smoke exposure - Indoors act as a barrier between you and the outdoor air, including bushfire smoke. The walls, roof, and closed doors and windows help to keep smoke particles, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and toxic gases outside. This reduces your exposure to these pollutants and minimises the risk of adverse health effects, especially for vulnerable individuals such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

Filtration systems - Many indoor spaces are equipped with ventilation and air conditioning systems that include air filters. These filters can effectively capture and remove smoke particles from the indoor air, resulting in cleaner and safer indoor air quality. If you need additional air filtration, you can always consider getting an air purifier.

Avoid visibility issues - Dense smoke can reduce visibility to near zero, making outdoor navigation hazardous. Staying indoors eliminates the need to travel through low-visibility conditions.

In general, the best defence against bushfire smoke begins with knowledge and preparedness. By selecting appropriate face masks, following safety guidelines, and staying informed about local conditions, we can navigate the challenges of bushfire season with greater resilience and safety.

Disclaimer

The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is based on research conducted by our team using credible medical and relevant sources. While we strive to ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date, it should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health professional regarding any medical condition or concerns.