Honeywell North 5500 Series Half Mask Respirator

The Honeywell North 5500 Series: Full NIOSH TC-23C Protection at the Lowest Half-Mask Cost

NIOSH TC-23C | APF 10 | TPE Facepiece | North Bayonet Cartridge | Fit Test Required

The North 550030M is the best-value Honeywell North half-mask — NIOSH TC-23C, APF 10, and full North bayonet cartridge compatibility for under $18, at roughly half the cost of the silicone 7700 series. The 550030L is the same facepiece for large fits at ~$16. The 550030S covers smaller facial profiles at ~$28. All three deliver the same NIOSH-approved APF 10 protection and accept every North 75-series cartridge without adapters. The trade-off compared to the 7700 is facepiece material (TPE vs. silicone), a single exhalation valve instead of dual, and a shorter service life under daily chemical and UV exposure. For high-headcount programs, scheduled replacement intervals, or budget-controlled facilities where per-unit cost determines purchasing decisions, the 5500 series is the rational choice. Two decisions apply: size (S, M, or L — confirmed by fit test) and whether TPE serves your specific program better than silicone.

→ Expert Rankings: Best Honeywell North Half Mask Respirators 2026 — 5500 & 7700 Series Compared

All Three 5500 Series Models

All three: NIOSH TC-23C | APF 10 | TPE facepiece | Single exhalation valve | North bayonet dual cartridge | Fit test required.

Decision 1 — When to Choose 5500 TPE Over 7700 Silicone

Both the 5500 and the 7700 series carry identical NIOSH TC-23C approval, APF 10 protection, and full North bayonet cartridge compatibility. The 5500 costs roughly half as much per unit. The difference is facepiece material and exhalation valve count:

Choose the 5500 series when: per-unit cost controls purchasing decisions; facepieces are replaced on a scheduled interval rather than cleaned and reused indefinitely; the work environment does not involve daily solvent or UV exposure that would degrade TPE faster than the replacement schedule accounts for; or you are outfitting a large workforce where the price difference per unit is a meaningful program budget line. Protection level and cartridge compatibility are identical to the 7700 — the savings come entirely from facepiece material and the single-valve design.

Decision 2 — Size: Which 5500 Model Do You Need?

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134(f)(2) requires a successful fit test before any worker uses a tight-fitting respirator occupationally — size is confirmed through qualitative (QLFT) or quantitative (QNFT) fit testing, not appearance or body build. The protocol:

• Start with 550030M (medium) — fits the majority of adult workers; the most commonly stocked size and the correct first choice for a new worker entering the North respirator platform.
• Move to 550030L (large) if medium fails fit testing or the worker reports the facepiece riding too high on the chin.
• Move to 550030S (small) if medium is loose at the chin and temples — common for many women workers, younger adults, and workers with shorter or narrower facial profiles.

Annual retesting is required under OSHA 1910.134(f)(2), along with retesting after dental work, facial surgery, or significant weight change. Employers must complete a medical evaluation (1910.134(e)) and maintain a written respiratory protection program (1910.134(c)) before any worker uses a respirator.

Decision 3 — Cartridges and the North Bayonet System

All three 5500 models use the North bayonet dual-cartridge mount — the same system on every Honeywell North half-mask and full-face respirator. Every North 75-series cartridge and filter fits the 550030S, 550030M, and 550030L without adapters. If your facility already stocks North cartridges for any other North respirator, those same cartridges work in the 5500 series without modification.

North bayonet cartridges are not compatible with 3M, MSA, Moldex, or any other manufacturer. Full selection at Honeywell North Respirator Cartridges & Filters.

When APF 10 Is Not Enough: All 5500 series half-masks are rated APF 10. When airborne concentrations reach 11–50× the OEL, when simultaneous eye or face splash hazards exist, or when OSHA mandates full-face (Class I asbestos per 1926.1101), upgrade to the Honeywell North Full Face Respirators (NIOSH TC-14C, APF 50). All 5500 series cartridges transfer directly via the North bayonet mount — no cartridge program changes required.

Frequently Asked Questions — North 5500 Series Half-Mask Respirators