Good filters
These filters will fit any standard NATO 40MM masks. They're lightweight and will work as good particle filters. They are NOT gas filters.
Please note that the P3 designation is the European equivalent of the US NIOSH P100 standard. These Scott PF10 filters are effective at filtering out 99.97% of airborne particulates, including aerosolized oils. Yes that includes biological particulates and viruses.
Dedicated 40mm particulate filters have the advantage of being light weight and compact. At 3.5 oz and 2.3" tall, the Scott PF10 is no exception. It is also low burden---in that it is significantly easier to breathe through. This is especially true in comparison to CBRN type cartridges which include multiple layers of charcoal and other filter media.
Each PF10 filter is new from 3M Scott Safety. And while they do require some care once out of the package, PF10s have the advantage of containing no expiring chemical component. They are in essence HEPA filters with an indefinite shelf life---fully reusable until clogged with particulate.
Care and Expiration
These particulate filters can be reused indefinitely provided that best practice donning and doffing procedures are adhered to. First and foremost the filter should be left inside the mask until all exterior surfaces of the filter casing and host mask are adequately decontaminated. This can be accomplished with standard alcohol wipes. Note that no alcohol or other liquids should be allowed to flow into the filter itself, only the external surfaces. The filter is moisture tolerant, but should not be used if soiled.
Note that once unscrewed from the mask the previously unexposed mask facing side of the of the filter (the threads and filter interior) should be protected against contamination. If contamination of the user side of the filter is suspected, it should be left to set aside until all active virus is dead.
For more information on reuse please see this excellent summary of Texas CID guidelines.
Usable lifespan depends on the concentration of particulates in the air. If the filter becomes hard to breath through, wet, or damaged, it's time to change it. It will filter out most odors, but molecular gasses will still get through. In short, some bad smells will still be bad.
Return Policy
Once the seal on the filter bag is punctured we cannot accept a return on this item. The filters are consumables and once consumed void warranty. If left in the poly packaging, regular return policy applies.
Specs
Protections
In addition to AS/NZS 1716 certification, Scott Safety’s filter material has been independently tested using a series of aerosols with a very narrow size distribution. This measures efficiency against specific particle sizes. The average efficiency for each test aerosol is the following: