MSA GME-P100 vs 3M 60926: Multi-Gas/P100 Cartridge Comparison (2026)
Comparison GuideMulti-GasP100
Both the MSA 815182 GME-P100 and the 3M 60926 are the broadest non-specialty combination cartridges in their respective brand lineups — covering organic vapors, acid gases, ammonia/methylamine, formaldehyde, and P100 particulates in a single cartridge. If you need maximum chemical coverage without moving to a supplied-air or SCBA system, these are the cartridges to evaluate.
The comparison is straightforward: the cartridges deliver equivalent NIOSH protection classes, but their bayonet systems are completely incompatible. Your facepiece platform — not the cartridge specs — determines which one you buy.
Affiliate Disclosure: WC Safety is an Amazon Associate. Links marked "Buy on Amazon" earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. We stock both products directly — Amazon links are provided as an alternative purchasing option only.
Quick Answer
If you're running MSA Comfo-platform facepieces (Comfo Classic, Comfo II, Ultra-Twin, Ultra Elite half-mask), buy the MSA GME-P100 (815182). If you're running 3M 6000, 6500, or 7500-series facepieces, buy the 3M 60926. These cartridges are not interchangeable — the bayonet systems are physically incompatible. Do not attempt to cross-fit them. If you're building a new respirator program and haven't committed to a platform, see the Which Should You Buy section below.
MSA 815182 GME-P100 Multi-Gas/P100 Cartridge
3M 60926 P100 Multi-Gas and Vapor Cartridge
At a Glance — Spec Comparison
| Specification | MSA 815182 GME-P100 | 3M 60926 |
|---|---|---|
| NIOSH Approval | OV / AG / AM / FM / P100 | OV / AG / AM / FM / P100 |
| Organic Vapor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Acid Gas | ✓ (Cl₂, HCl, SO₂, H₂S) | ✓ (Cl₂, HCl, SO₂, H₂S) |
| Ammonia / Methylamine | ✓ | ✓ |
| Formaldehyde | ✓ | ✓ |
| P100 Particulate | ✓ ≥99.97% | ✓ ≥99.97% |
| Filter Class | P100 (oil-proof) | P100 (oil-proof) |
| Mount Type | MSA Comfo threaded bayonet | 3M bayonet (standard) |
| Quantity per Package | 6 cartridges/box | 1 pair (2 cartridges) |
| MSA Part Number | 815182 | N/A (3M product) |
| Compatible Platforms | MSA Comfo only | 3M 6000/6500/7500 HM; 3M 6000 FF |
| ESLI Included | No | No |
| Color Code | Multiple (per ANSI Z88.7) | Multiple (per ANSI Z88.7) |
Product Profiles
MSA 815182 GME-P100 Multi-Gas/P100 Cartridge
The MSA GME-P100 (part number 815182) is the top-tier combination cartridge in MSA's Comfo-platform lineup. It uses MSA's threaded bayonet mount — the same system used across the Comfo Classic, Comfo II, Ultra-Twin, and Ultra Elite half-mask facepieces. The "GME" designation in MSA's nomenclature indicates the broadest multi-gas formulation: organic vapor, acid gas, ammonia/methylamine, and formaldehyde protection, with an integrated P100 filter layer.
Sold in boxes of 6, the GME-P100 is positioned for industrial applications where a wide-spectrum chemical hazard exists and workers are already deployed on Comfo-platform equipment. The Comfo platform has been an MSA staple in heavy industry, utilities, and chemical processing for decades — users who have invested in Comfo facepieces will find the GME-P100 the logical high-coverage cartridge choice.
MSA's Comfo cartridge line also includes specialty options — including the GMI for radioactive iodine and MERSORB for mercury vapor — not available in the equivalent 3M bayonet lineup, which is a relevant factor for nuclear or mercury-exposure environments on the Comfo platform.
3M 60926 P100 Multi-Gas and Vapor Cartridge
The 3M 60926 occupies the same position in 3M's bayonet lineup — it is the maximum-coverage combination cartridge for the 3M platform, covering OV, acid gas, ammonia/methylamine, formaldehyde, and P100 filtration. It is compatible with 3M's 6000, 6500, and 7500 half-mask series, as well as 3M 6000-series full-face respirators — giving it a broader facepiece compatibility range than the MSA GME-P100 within its own platform ecosystem.
The 3M 60926 is sold by the pair (2 cartridges per package), a smaller unit of purchase than the MSA box-of-6 format. For safety managers making initial orders or evaluating the product before committing to volume, the 2-pack format reduces upfront spend. For high-volume industrial procurement, the per-cartridge economics should be compared at current distributor pricing.
3M's bayonet system is the most widely distributed respirator platform in North America, which generally means broader distributor availability and more facepiece options at multiple price points.
Protection and Feature Comparison
| Protection Category | MSA GME-P100 | 3M 60926 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Organic Vapor (OV) | ✓ | ✓ | Activated carbon sorbent bed |
| Acid Gas (AG) | ✓ | ✓ | Cl₂, HCl, SO₂, H₂S |
| Ammonia / Methylamine | ✓ | ✓ | Both carry AM approval |
| Formaldehyde (FM) | ✓ | ✓ | Both carry FM approval |
| P100 Particulate | ✓ | ✓ | ≥99.97%, oil-proof |
| Specialty: Radioiodine | GMI model (separate) | No equivalent | Comfo platform advantage |
| Specialty: Mercury Vapor | MERSORB (separate) | No direct equivalent | Comfo platform advantage |
| Full-Face Compatible | Ultra Elite FF (Comfo mount) | ✓ 3M 6000 FF series | Both platforms offer FF options |
| Built-in ESLI | No | No | Written change schedule required |
| Pack Quantity | 6/box | 2/pack | Box-of-6 advantages bulk ordering |
Key Differences
At the protection level, there are no meaningful differences — both cartridges carry the same NIOSH combination approval classes (OV/AG/AM/FM/P100). The decision factors are operational and logistical, not performance-based.
- Platform lock-in: This is the only factor that matters for most buyers. MSA GME-P100 fits MSA Comfo-platform facepieces only. 3M 60926 fits 3M bayonet facepieces only. These mounts are not compatible — do not attempt to cross-use them.
- Package quantity: MSA sells in boxes of 6; 3M sells in pairs of 2. For high-consumption industrial operations, the box-of-6 format can simplify inventory management. For low-volume or evaluation purchases, the 2-pack is more accessible.
- Full-face range: The 3M 60926 is compatible with 3M's broader full-face lineup. If your program includes both half-mask and full-face respirators on the 3M platform, 60926 cartridges serve both. On the MSA side, the Ultra Elite is the full-face Comfo option, and it accepts GME-P100 cartridges.
- Specialty cartridge availability (Comfo platform advantage): MSA's Comfo platform includes the GMI (radioiodine) and MERSORB (mercury) cartridges that have no 3M bayonet equivalents. If your hazard profile includes these contaminants, Comfo platform is the stronger choice.
- Distributor network: 3M safety products are distributed through a larger network of industrial suppliers. MSA distribution is strong in heavy industry, utilities, and mining sectors. WC Safety stocks both.
Which Should You Buy
You already have MSA Comfo-platform facepieces
Buy the MSA GME-P100 (815182). There is no choice here — Comfo-mount cartridges are the only option for your respirators. The GME-P100 is the correct SKU when you need full multi-gas + P100 coverage on that platform.
You already have 3M 6000/6500/7500 or 3M full-face facepieces
Buy the 3M 60926. Same logic — your facepiece bayonet determines your cartridge. The 60926 is the correct maximum-coverage SKU for your 3M platform.
You're building a new respirator program from scratch
If your hazard profile does not include radioiodine or mercury vapor, either platform works technically. Practical considerations: 3M facepieces are available at more price points and through more distributors. If your facility already uses other MSA equipment (hard hats, gas detection), a single-vendor safety supply relationship may favor MSA. Assess fit-test results across your workforce — no facepiece is universal.
Your hazard profile includes radioiodine or mercury vapor
Go MSA Comfo platform. The GMI and MERSORB cartridges are not available in the 3M bayonet lineup. Building on Comfo means you can address those specialty hazards with the same facepiece.
You need to cover both half-mask and full-face respirators with one cartridge SKU
3M 60926 is compatible with 3M half-mask and 3M 6000-series full-face. If your program includes both form factors on the 3M platform, you maintain a single cartridge SKU. On the MSA side, the Comfo-mount GME-P100 also fits the Ultra Elite full-face, so both platforms offer that consolidation — verify your specific facepiece models before ordering.
Compatibility
MSA GME-P100 Compatible Facepieces (Comfo Platform Only)
- MSA Comfo Classic half-mask
- MSA Comfo II half-mask
- MSA Ultra-Twin half-mask
- MSA Ultra Elite half-mask
Not compatible with: MSA Advantage 200 LS, Advantage 420, Advantage 1000, Advantage 3000, Advantage 4000, or any other snap-on platform facepiece. Never attempt to fit Comfo-mount cartridges to Advantage facepieces.
3M 60926 Compatible Facepieces (3M Bayonet Platform)
- 3M 6000 series half-mask (6100, 6200, 6300)
- 3M 6500 series half-mask (6501, 6502, 6503)
- 3M 7500 series half-mask (7501, 7502, 7503)
- 3M 6000 series full-face
Not compatible with: 3M 7800S full-face (uses different cartridge size), 3M FF-400 series. Always verify compatibility with the specific facepiece model in the manufacturer's current documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the MSA GME-P100 and 3M 60926 interchangeable?
No. They use completely different bayonet mounting systems and are not interchangeable. MSA GME-P100 cartridges fit only MSA Comfo-platform facepieces (Comfo Classic, Comfo II, Ultra-Twin, Ultra Elite half-mask). The 3M 60926 fits only 3M bayonet-mount facepieces (6000, 6500, 7500 series half-masks and 6000-series full-face).
What contaminants do both cartridges protect against?
Both cover organic vapors, acid gases (chlorine, hydrogen chloride, sulfur dioxide), ammonia/methylamine, formaldehyde, and P100 particulates. Always verify your specific workplace contaminants against the SDS and the cartridge's NIOSH approval label before use.
Does the MSA GME-P100 come with an end-of-service-life indicator (ESLI)?
No. Neither the MSA GME-P100 nor the 3M 60926 include a built-in ESLI. Cartridge change-out schedules must be based on a written change schedule per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134(d)(3)(iii)(B).
How many cartridges are in a box of MSA GME-P100?
MSA 815182 GME-P100 cartridges are sold in boxes of 6. The 3M 60926 is typically sold in packs of 1 pair (2 cartridges).
Can I use MSA GME-P100 cartridges on the MSA Advantage platform?
No. MSA Comfo-platform cartridges (GME-P100 and all other GM-series) use a threaded bayonet fitting that is physically incompatible with MSA Advantage-platform facepieces, which use a snap-on connection. They cannot be mixed.
Can I use the 3M 60926 on a full-face respirator?
Yes. The 3M 60926 is compatible with 3M 6000-series full-face respirators in addition to the 6000, 6500, and 7500 half-mask series. Verify compatibility with the specific facepiece model before use.
What is the NIOSH approval class for both cartridges?
Both the MSA GME-P100 and the 3M 60926 carry NIOSH approval for combination organic vapor, acid gas, ammonia, formaldehyde, and P100 protection. Always verify the current NIOSH approval number on the product label.
Which cartridge is better for paint spray booths?
Both provide OV + P100 coverage appropriate for spray painting. However, a dedicated OV/P100 cartridge (MSA GMA-P100 or 3M 60921) is typically specified for paint applications — the full multi-gas formulation adds acid gas and ammonia capacity you may not need, potentially at higher cost. Check your safety data sheets.
Do these cartridges have an expiration date?
Sealed, unopened respirator cartridges carry a manufacturer shelf life. Once opened and exposed to the work environment, a written change schedule per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 is required. Consult each manufacturer's documentation for specific shelf life data.
Which cartridge is easier to find in stock?
Both are available through industrial safety distributors. 3M products generally have broader distributor networks in North America. MSA availability depends on your regional distributor relationships. WC Safety stocks both — see product pages for current availability.
Can I mix brands — use 3M cartridges on an MSA facepiece?
No. NIOSH approvals are issued for complete respirator assemblies. Using a 3M cartridge on an MSA facepiece (or vice versa) voids the NIOSH approval and OSHA compliance for the respirator. Use only manufacturer-approved cartridge/facepiece combinations.
What does P100 mean on these cartridges?
P100 is a NIOSH filter class indicating oil-proof particulate filtration at ≥99.97% efficiency. It is the highest particulate efficiency available for half-mask combination cartridges and is suitable for environments with oil aerosols.
Is MSA or 3M a better brand for respirator cartridges?
Both MSA and 3M manufacture NIOSH-approved cartridges that meet the same federal efficiency standards. Brand choice is largely determined by which facepiece platform you have already deployed. Neither brand has a documented performance advantage over the other at the same approval class.
Are these cartridges approved for asbestos work?
P100 filtration meets the OSHA requirement for asbestos exposure above the PEL when used in a properly fit-tested respirator. Verify the complete NIOSH approval and consult your industrial hygienist for asbestos program compliance.
What is the MSA part number for the GME-P100?
The MSA GME-P100 multi-gas/P100 cartridge sold in a box of 6 carries MSA part number 815182.