MSA GMA Respirator Cartridge — Organic Vapor (MSA Comfo)
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.6/5WC Safety Review — MSA GMA Respirator Cartridge Best For: organic vapor exposure with little or no dust on MSA Comfo respirators. Not For: dust, mist or acid gas, ammonia or particulate. It ...
Check Price on Amazon🔒 Amazon Associate · You pay the same price · We earn a small commission
Best For: organic vapor exposure with little or no dust on MSA Comfo respirators.
Not For: dust, mist or acid gas, ammonia or particulate. It is a gas cartridge only.
Bottom Line: the gas-only organic vapor choice for the MSA Comfo system. Add dust protection with the GMA/P100 when particulate is present.
Editorial assessment by the WC Safety Editorial Team. Scoring reflects published MSA specifications, NIOSH approval, application fit and category expertise. WC Safety did not laboratory-test this product.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON →SHOP MSA CARTRIDGES →
As an Amazon Associate, WC Safety earns from qualifying purchases. Full affiliate disclosure.
Read our hands-on MSA GMA review for field-tested buyer notes.
MSA GMA Respirator Cartridge Overview
The MSA GMA is a NIOSH-approved organic vapor cartridge for the MSA Comfo system. It adsorbs solvents, paints, degreasers and many hydrocarbon vapors and carries a black (organic vapor) band. As a Comfo cartridge it fits MSA Comfo Classic, Comfo II, Ultra-Twin and Ultra-Elite respirators. Start with our guide to choosing a respirator cartridge, confirm the band on the respirator cartridge color chart, and see MSA Comfo vs Advantage if you are unsure which system you own.
The MSA GMA belongs to the MSA respirator filters and cartridges range. It is a gas cartridge only — for dust, step up to the GMA/P100 combination cartridge, which builds a P100 filter in.
Where the MSA GMA Fits in Cartridge Selection
Confirm the hazard before the cartridge. The MSA GMA handles organic vapor gas — not particulate. If you also face dust or mist, our organic vapor vs P100 guide and filter types explained cover when to move to a combination cartridge.
Who Should Buy the MSA GMA?
Buy it if your exposure is organic vapor with no significant dust, on an MSA Comfo facepiece. Choose another cartridge if your hazard differs: for organic vapor plus dust use the GMA/P100, and for a broader gas mix see the MSA Comfo GME multi-gas cartridge.
What Does the MSA GMA Protect Against?
| Hazard | Fit | Buyer guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Organic Vapor (solvents, paints, degreasers and many hydrocarbon vapors) | Yes | The sorbent bed. |
| Dust, mist, fume (particulate) | No | Add a prefilter or use the GMA/P100 (P100) version. |
| Acid Gas, Ammonia Or Particulate | No | Use the matching MSA cartridge for that hazard. |
What the MSA GMA Does NOT Protect Against
The MSA GMA does not capture particulate or acid gas, ammonia or particulate. For dust, step up to the GMA/P100 combination cartridge, which builds a P100 filter in; for a different gas, match the MSA cartridge to the hazard.
No air-purifying cartridge makes a dangerous atmosphere safe. Never use the MSA GMA in an oxygen-deficient or IDLH (immediately dangerous to life or health) atmosphere, in unknown concentrations, or against gases with no warning properties — those conditions require a supplied-air or SCBA system, not a cartridge respirator.
Best Applications
Painting & coatings
Solvent-based paints and coatings are its core use; see MSA GMA vs 3M 6001.
Solvent handling
Degreasing and parts washing with organic solvents; pair with a prefilter if dust is present.
Pros & Cons
NIOSH-approved organic vapor protection · genuine MSA Comfo fit · black (organic vapor) band for quick ID · lighter and cheaper than a combination cartridge
gas only — no particulate protection · Comfo connection only (not cross-compatible) · one gas class
MSA GMA vs Other MSA Cartridges
| Cartridge | Protects against |
|---|---|
| MSA GMB | Acid gas |
| MSA GMC | OV + acid gas |
| MSA GME | Multi-gas |
| MSA GMA/P100 | OV + P100 |
MSA GMA vs the Alternatives
How it compares to the closest MSA options:
- GMA vs GMA/P100: same organic-vapor protection; the GMA/P100 adds a P100 filter for dust.
- GMA vs GMC: the GMC adds acid-gas protection to organic vapor. MSA vs 3M →
- GMA (Comfo) vs Advantage GMA: same chemistry, different facepiece system — match it to your respirator.
MSA GMA Quick Answers
Does the MSA GMA filter dust?
No — it is gas-only; for particulate use the GMA/P100 or add a prefilter.
Does the MSA GMA fit my MSA respirator?
It fits the MSA Comfo family. Check your facepiece against the MSA half-mask and full-face ranges.
Is the MSA GMA reusable?
The cartridge is used until its service life is reached; the respirator is reusable across many cartridge changes.
MSA GMA Specifications
| Gas class | Organic Vapor |
| Particulate | None (gas cartridge) |
| NIOSH band | Black (organic vapor) band |
| Connection | MSA Comfo |
| Sold as | Each |
Compatible MSA Respirators
The MSA GMA uses the MSA Comfo threaded-bayonet connection, so it mounts on the Comfo Classic half-mask and Ultra-Elite full-face respirators (and the Comfo II and Ultra-Twin). It is not interchangeable with the MSA Advantage series, and does not fit 3M, Honeywell North or other brands.
| Respirator | Type | Compatible? |
|---|---|---|
| MSA Comfo Classic | Half mask | Yes — Comfo bayonet |
| MSA Comfo II | Half mask | Yes — Comfo bayonet |
| MSA Ultra-Elite | Full face | Yes — Comfo bayonet |
| MSA Ultra-Twin | Full face | Yes — Comfo bayonet |
| MSA Advantage series | Half / full | No — different connection |
| 3M / Honeywell North | Half / full | No (not compatible) |
Helpful Buying Guides
- MSA Comfo vs Advantage
- How to choose a respirator cartridge
- MSA vs 3M respirator cartridges
- MSA vs Honeywell North cartridges
- organic vapor vs P100
- respirator cartridge color chart
- respirator filter types explained
MSA GMA Frequently Asked Questions
What does the MSA GMA protect against?
The MSA GMA is a organic vapor cartridge. It adsorbs solvents, paints, degreasers and many hydrocarbon vapors. It is gas-only and does not filter particulate; it does not protect against acid gas, ammonia or particulate.
Does the MSA GMA filter dust?
No. It is a gas cartridge. For dust or mist, step up to the GMA/P100 combination cartridge, which builds a P100 filter in.
Which respirators does the MSA GMA fit?
It uses the MSA Comfo threaded-bayonet connection and fits the Comfo Classic, Comfo II, Ultra-Twin and Ultra-Elite. It does not fit the Advantage series.
What color band is the MSA GMA?
The MSA GMA carries a black (organic vapor) band; confirm it on the cartridge color chart before use.
Is the MSA GMA NIOSH-approved?
Yes. The MSA GMA is NIOSH-approved under 42 CFR Part 84 for organic vapor. Verify any cartridge against the NIOSH Certified Equipment List.
How is the MSA GMA sold?
This listing is the Each. Use Request a Quote for case pricing on volume orders.
How often should I replace the MSA GMA?
Replace the cartridge on a documented change-out schedule, when you detect gas or odor breakthrough, or when it is damaged.
Can I add a P100 filter to the MSA GMA?
Yes — the easiest route is the GMA/P100, which builds a P100 particulate filter into the same gas cartridge.
Is the MSA GMA the same as the Advantage version?
No. The chemistry is equivalent, but the connection differs — Comfo and Advantage cartridges are not interchangeable. Match the cartridge to your facepiece.
Is this the genuine MSA GMA cartridge?
Yes. WC Safety sells authentic, NIOSH-approved MSA GMA cartridges through legitimate supply channels.
What is the difference between the MSA GMA and a multi-gas cartridge?
A single-class cartridge is tuned to its listed gases; a multi-gas cartridge covers a broader mix at the cost of a shorter service life against any one gas.
How should I store the MSA GMA?
Store it sealed in its original packaging, away from gases and dust, so the sorbent is not used up before you wear it.
Written by Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial — industrial respiratory protection desk. Reviewed by the WC Safety Editorial Team. Specifications sourced from MSA Safety published data and verified against the NIOSH Certified Equipment List. Compare the range in MSA respirator filters & cartridges or read MSA Comfo vs Advantage.
WC Safety is an independent PPE retailer and Amazon Associate; no paid placement. Always verify cartridge compatibility and follow your written respiratory protection program. General information, not medical or regulatory advice.
Customer Reviews
Write a Review
Thank you for your review!
Your submission has been received and will be published after verification.