MSA R95 Particulate Filter for Comfo Respirators — Box of 20

MSA R95 Particulate Filter — Oil-Resistant NIOSH Particulate Protection for Comfo Respirators

The MSA R95 Particulate Filter (SKU 816287) provides NIOSH R95-rated protection — 95% minimum filtration efficiency with oil-resistance — for the MSA Comfo half-mask respirator platform. The R95 designation distinguishes it from N-series filters (not oil-resistant) by maintaining rated efficiency in oil-mist environments. Sold in a box of 20, the R95 filter offers a cost-effective particulate protection option for Comfo users whose applications do not require the higher 99.97% efficiency of P100 filtration. Compatible with the Advantage 200 LS, Comfo Classic, and Comfo II half-mask respirators.

Construction and Filter Media

The R95 filter uses electrostatic filter media rated to at least 95% efficiency against the most penetrating particle size. The "R" designation indicates oil-resistant — the filter has been tested for performance in oil-based aerosol environments and maintains rated 95% efficiency in those conditions. Unlike P100 filters (oil-proof), R-series filters have a time limitation in oily environments per NIOSH guidance: typically a single shift or 8 hours of use in oil-containing aerosols before replacement. The filter attaches to the Comfo facepiece via the bayonet mount in the same manner as chemical cartridges and combination cartridges.

NIOSH Approval and Compliance

The R95 is NIOSH-approved under 42 CFR Part 84 for R95 particulate service: at least 95% efficiency, oil-resistant. When used with a properly fitted MSA Comfo half-mask, the system delivers an APF of 10 per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134. For environments with the highest-hazard particulates — silica, lead, beryllium, hexavalent chromium, asbestos — P100 (99.97%) filtration is the appropriate standard. The R95 is appropriate where the applicable OEL can be met with 95% filtration efficiency at the concentrations present in the work environment.

Performance in Industrial Environments

The R95 filter performs effectively in general industrial particulate environments including woodworking dust, nuisance dusts, some metal dusts, and aerosol environments where 95% efficiency is sufficient for the applicable OEL. In oily environments, the filter should be replaced at the end of each shift per NIOSH R-series guidance, rather than solely on the basis of breathing resistance. Box of 20 provides a cost-effective supply for high-filter-turnover operations where per-filter cost is a meaningful procurement consideration.

Strengths

• Oil-resistant rating maintains 95% efficiency in machining, metalworking, and other oil mist environments where N-series filters would degrade
• Box of 20 provides lower per-filter cost than P100 options — practical for high-turnover operations
• 95% efficiency is adequate for many general industrial particulate applications where OELs do not require P100
• Compatible with all MSA Comfo half-mask respirators via the standard bayonet mount

Limitations

• 95% efficiency is lower than P100 (99.97%) — for silica, lead, beryllium, hexavalent chromium, or substances with very low OELs, P100 is the appropriate selection
• R-series filters are limited to single-shift use in oily environments per NIOSH guidance — not suitable for extended reuse in oil mist applications
• No chemical vapor protection — combination cartridges are required for environments with concurrent chemical hazards

Recommended Use Cases

The R95 is suited for general woodworking and carpentry dust, metalworking operations with oil mist where 95% efficiency meets the applicable OEL, agricultural dusts, nuisance particulate environments, and applications where the cost savings of R95 over P100 are meaningful for high-volume filter use. It is not appropriate for silica, lead, beryllium, hexavalent chromium, or other high-hazard particulates where P100 filtration efficiency is required by the applicable OEL and exposure scenario.

Verdict

The MSA R95 Particulate Filter provides cost-effective oil-resistant particulate filtration for Comfo respirator users in applications where 95% efficiency is appropriate and hazard characterization confirms it is sufficient to maintain exposures below the applicable OEL. For higher-hazard applications requiring maximum filtration efficiency, the MSA Low-Profile P100 (SKU 815177) provides 99.97% protection. For hot work environments additionally requiring a flame-resistant filter cover, the MSA Low-Profile P100 Sparkfoe (SKU 10153412) is the correct selection.

Frequently Asked Questions