3M Marketing Research

Top three respirator user issues that need to be addressed

for half facepiece respirators

1.) Heat & moisture build-up

2.) Comfort
Tension on face

3.)Breatheability
Ease of inhaling and exhaling
 3M Next Generation Half Facepiece
prototype
3MTM Cool FlowTM Exh. Valve
Concerns: Patented valve dramatically improves ease of exhaling
Reduces heat build-up in mask
Central positioning of exhale valve ensures heat/humidity escape of breathe
allows wearer to breathe out the respirator

Heat and Moisture Valve design allows moisture build up to be exited without removing facepiece
Exhalation valve cover
designed to funnel air downward away from face
Build up prevents fogging of shields that may be worn with respirator
Inhalation valves

Breatheability thinner wall design makes breathing easier

Thermal Photography Comparison

Without Valve With 3MTM cool flow valve

red = hot
blue = cool
 Concern:
Comfort = Tension on the face
Head harness & yoke
Adjustable Cradle Suspension
-Can be sized to individual head
-Does not interfere with hardhats
and safety glasses
Innovative Yoke Design
-Increased stability on face
-Greatly reduced tension on nose
Strap Adjustment located near
cradle suspension
-Reduces added tension from
tightening of facepiece
Liquid Silicone Facepiece Material
-Allows for a thinner wall design
-Softer overall feel on the face
-Soft seal design around nose
fits more faces and increase
comfort around nose
 3M Next Generation Half Facepiece
prototype
Fit and Sizing
Improved sizing to fit a wider variety of
face sizes
Larger large
Medium fits more people
each size color coded

Less spare parts

only 4 replacement parts

Utilizes 6000 series swept back

cartridge design and 2000 series
disc designs
commonality of parts reduces inventory
Approved in both negative pressure
and positive pressure
dual airline with combination escape
Field Test results to date
26 out of 28 wearers preferred design over
current product
Comments:
easier breathing (battery plant)
much softer on the nose, didnt leave any red
marks (smelter)
good stability on the face (in a hot condition)
(auto body painting)
like the way it adjusts (battery plant)