10 Best Half Mask Respirators
for October 2023

The North by Honeywell 7700 Series Niosh-Approved Half Mask Silicone Respirator is an outstanding choice for workers who need respiratory protection but don't want to wear a full-face mask. The 7700 Series respirator incorporates a sealed, moisture-proof face seal made from 100% medical grade silicone. The contoured face seal is comfortable and fits most face shapes, and the 7700 Series respirator's dual-elasticity straps hold the face seal in place. The respirator's contoured face seal is softer than other half masks we tested, so it doesn't press into the face as tightly, and this results in greater comfort. The 7700 Series respirator's face seal is also slightly thicker at the cheek and nose areas, which helps prevent leaks around these sensitive areas. The 7700 Series respirator's dual-elasticity straps also make it comfortable to wear, and the straps' secure fit allows the 7700 Series respirator to be worn over eyeglasses or a hat. The 7700 Series respirator's adjustable exhalation valve makes it easy to adjust the respirator's airflow, and it's easy to operate. The 7700 Series respirator is very easy to fit and remove, and it keeps the wearer's face clean, too. The 7700 Series respirator's long, slim cartridges are easy to fill and empty, and they run for a long time on a single cartridge. The 7700 Series respirator's hard-shell case stores the respirator and its cartridges, and the case helps protect the respirator from damage. The 7700 Series respirator's NIOSH approval makes it suitable for workers who need respiratory protection, but who also don't want to wear a full-face mask. The 7700 Series respirator's NIOSH approval also makes the 7700 Series respirator suitable for workers who need respiratory protection but who also don't want to wear full-face masks, such as welders, electricians, painters, and other workers who use grinders. However, the 7700 Series respirator is not suitable for use with powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs).

The STEALTH/ML Stealth Air APF10 reusable respirator half mask from Trend is our top recommendation to anyone looking for an inexpensive, lightweight, and versatile dust mask. This mask comfortably covers your entire face, with two soft silicone face seals that gently press against your cheeks and chin. The airflow in the mask is remarkably airy and breathable, thanks to the transparent mesh face covering, which allows for good visibility. It filters out solid and liquid particles as small as 0.3 microns, preventing exposure to most household dust (including asbestos), cement dust, wood chips, sawdust, and lead dust. The mask is lightweight, comfortable to wear, and easy to clean. The mask is easy to clean by either washing it with soap and water or cleaning it with an industrial-strength disinfecting spray. The face seal is replaceable, and the mask comes with a replacement face seal, two filters, and a warranty card. The mask is available in two sizes: large (for face sizes 6 to 13 inches) and medium (for face sizes 4 to 9 inches). The large mask covers a larger face area, so if you have a large face, we recommend the large mask. The mask comes in red or blue, but the medium and large masks only come in blue.

This North by Honeywell half mask respirator is inexpensive, comfortable, and easy to wear. The cradle suspension makes it easy for workers to wear, and the soft foam lining on the headband is a nice touch. The facepiece has a soft, flexible seal, and the adjustable nosepiece helps seal out dust, dirt, and germs. The half mask uses a three-stage air filtration system, which includes a pre-filter, a pleated paper filter, and a HEPA filter. The pre-filter catches large particles, and the other two filters trap smaller particles. The mask is lightweight and has an adjustable head strap, which is a great feature. The mask comes with a Ziploc bag to store the mask in when it's not being used. The mask doesn't come with a facepiece cover, but North sells them separately. This North by Honeywell half mask respirator has all the features you need, and it's comfortable to wear.

The Honeywell North 5500 Series half mask respirator is a reliable, economical alternative to higher-priced competitors. Its face piece provides a comfortable fit, and the ratcheting strap keeps the mask in place--even though it's quite a big man's mask. The 5500 Series' face piece is also interchangeable with our other North mask series, so as the face shape or size of the wearer changes, the 5500 Series can be easily changed as well. The 5500 Series is also compatible with our 5700 Series and 5900 Series respirator cartridges. The 5500 Series' selection of 6-color cartridges makes it easy to find a mask that best matches the wearer's needs. The 5500 Series' face piece also comes in three sizes, so it's suitable for a wide range of users. The only drawback to the 5500 Series is its limited cartridge selection; it doesn't offer the same variety of cartridges as the 3M 8100 Series or the 3M 9100 Series.

The GVS ELIPSE P100 is a lightweight, compact, and low-profile half mask respirator that fits comfortably over most prescription eyeglasses and face shields. It delivers good levels of protection for healthcare environments where airborne contaminants such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and mold are present. Its front-mounted P100 filter media is easy to clean and sanitize, and the ELIPSE's durable construction ensures years of reliable service. Importantly, it's the only mask we tested that can be worn without an exhalation valve, which helps to protect patients and prevent the spread of airborne contaminants. The ELIPSE's tight seal also makes it comfortable to wear, and the filter cartridge can be replaced without having to remove the mask. The ELIPSE is one of the lightest masks we tested, which makes it ideal for healthcare environments where workers need to move around frequently. It's $30 cheaper, however, than the CERTI-MASK Series 4, which has better fit and a wider range of fit options.

The Lincoln Electric XLR P100 is a well-featured half mask respirator that rivals the best brands we've tested, and it beats out all of the masks we tested in our previous guide, with the exception of one. The mask is comfortable, with an adjustable head strap, and the soft, pliable material conforms to your face. The straps and buckles are easy to use, and the filter cartridge is large and comes with a protective cover. The respirator is easy to put on, and once you put on the filter cartridge, it compresses, making the seal and keeping the face seal from slipping. The respirator's integrated exhalation valve is easy to operate, and the mask's filter cartridges are easy to replace, with replacement filters sold separately. The respirator is quieter than some competitors, and it has good airflow, though it's not as quiet as others. The mask's exhalation valve opens automatically when the respirator is put on, but some users may find this feature annoying. The mask's exhalation valve also stays open when you take it off, and some users may find that annoying.

The GVS ELIPSE P100 respirators are some of the best masks that keep users comfortable and protected while breathing in dust and other small particles. These masks are lightweight and compact, with comfortable rubber nosepieces and exhalation valves that are easy to operate. The ELIPSE P100 respirators also feature replaceable and reusable filters, so users don't have to replace the entire mask whenever they need to change the filters. These respirators cost more than our former top choice, the P100P from MSA, but are a great choice for medical professionals who wear masks on a regular basis. These respirators are also commonly used by firefighters; their extra-wide field of vision makes them popular with firefighters and other people who work in tight spaces, such as rescue workers, pilots, and police officers.

The Miller LPR-100 half mask respirator is made with soft PVC and is lightweight, comfortable, and easy to wear. The headgear is adjustable and fits all head sizes. The mask features a small air inlet tube, which allows the wearer to breathe easily without sucking in too much air, and easily hides in hair or clothing. The LPR-100 is also easy to fit, and it comes with three sizes of nose pieces and three sizes of filters, so users can choose the correct fit. The respirator's mask is translucent, so wearers can clearly view their surroundings. The Miller LPR-100 is also quiet, which makes it a good choice for anyone who needs to work in a noisy environment. The respirator's lanyard is extra long, making it easy for wearers to hold on to it. The Miller LPR-100's price and performance make it a good, affordable choice for healthcare professionals, technicians, and anyone else who needs to wear a half mask respirator.

The STEALTH Respirator Mask with Filters is one of the best dust masks you can buy, and it's comfortable enough to wear all day long. It's well built, super easy to use, and it's comfortable to wear. The mask's construction is pretty basic, but it's sturdy, and the filters are replaceable, which is a great feature. The mask's performance is also good. The dust filters are a pretty tight fit, and you might get some blowback, but it's well controlled, and the mask does an excellent job of filtering out the dust. The mask's performance is great, but it's awkward to use. The breathing valve is hidden behind a tab, and it's fairly tough to press. The mask is also pretty heavy, which makes it difficult to wear for long periods of time. The mask also doesn't offer much protection for other particles, such as smoke or acid. However, it's an excellent dust mask, and it's well built and comfortable.

The 6200 mask from 6200mask is an updated version of the popular 6200 series. The new model features more ventilation, more comfortable fit, and improved seal. The mask also fits a wider range of head sizes, so it's more comfortable for a wider range of people. The mask's seal is strong enough to protect your face from splashes, but it's flexible enough to let you move your head freely. The mask's field of vision is large enough for you to see everything you need to, and you can cycle through different lens colors. The mask is comfortable to wear, and the long, adjustable face strap makes it easy to put it on and take it off. The mask's silicone seal is able to keep out dust, debris, and mist. It's suitable for a wide range of jobs, including spraying, cleaning, and blasting. The face mask's lens is also coated with anti-fog material, so mist doesn't accumulate around the lens, and your vision isn't obscured.