MSA Safety Advantage 900 Half-Mask Respirator Instructions
- June 4, 2024
- MSA Safety
Table of Contents
MSA Safety Advantage 900 Half-Mask Respirator
If I have successfully fit-tested on an Advantage 200LS or Advantage 400,
will a new fit test be required if I move to the Advantage 900 Half-Mask
Respirator?
Yes—although the respirator facepiece has the same contours as the other
respirators, there is a different head harness, yoke, and attachment method.
Further, since this is a different respirator model number, a new fit test
would be required. Fit testing is mandatory in some countries. Please check
local regulations.
Can the Advantage 900 Half-Mask be used with a chemical (such as ABEK) or a
combination (such as ABEK P3) cartridges or Flexi Filters?
The Advantage 900 Respirators are approved with the P2 filter cartridges that
are in current production. It is NOT approved for use with chemical filters.
The use of chemical or combined cartridges creates an increased breathing
resistance as there is no exhalation valve. The Advantage 900 only meets EN
requirements for breathing resistance with Advantage P2 filters.
Does the speech diaphragm in the Advantage 900 Half-Mask make it unsafe or
problematic for use around MRI devices?
No—our speech diaphragm is composed of anodized aluminum. The magnetic
field(s) imposed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) devices do not interact
with non-magnetic/non-ferromagnetic materials such as aluminum and titanium.
The Advantage 900 Respirator can be considered safe for use in MRI suites. All
other items on the Advantage 900 represent no risk of MRI interference.
Does the lack of an exhalation valve result in increased breathing
resistance?
The Advantage 900 Respirator, with P2 filters, meet EN requirements for
breathing resistance. For inhalation resistance, the Advantage 900 used with
P2 filters achieves similar performance to that of similar half-mask
respirators with exhalation valves. Since the filters are being used to filter
both inhaled and exhaled breath, does any increased
Does moisture buildup affects the filtration performance or service life of
the filters?
This is unlikely. Filtration efficiency is not impacted by normal condensing
moisture buildup. Filtration penetration performance would only be impacted
when filter media reaches near saturation (>8 ml per cartridge), such as
following direct splash or immersion with water. In these conditions,
breathing resistance would increase substantially which is an indicator to
change filters, per the user’s instructions.
Since the filters are being used to filter both inhaled and exhaled breath,
is there a risk that viral particulates that were captured in the filter
through inhalation can be dislodged and reintroduced into the atmosphere on
exhale?
Although filters without exhalation valves are already used throughout
healthcare in the form of filtering facepiece/FFP2 respirators, MSA conducted
screening tests on our P2 filters during the development of the Advantage 900
Respirator. Filters were saturated with up to 115 mg of aerosolized
particulate test solution (DOP). Once fully loaded, filters were flipped and
tested in the exhalation direction with airflow rates as called out in the EN
Standard Test Protocols for filter efficiency testing. During the testing, MSA
did not observe the re-release of particulates. MSA has not conducted
evaluations of particulate release using biological agents.
What is the required changeout schedule for particulate cartridges or
filters?
Filter replacement schedules are typically determined by a couple of factors
including filter loading (increased breathing resistance) and a facility’s
established infection control policy. Generally, in industrial settings,
filters are replaced when soiled or contaminated, damaged, and when breathing
resistance increases. However, in healthcare settings breathing resistance
will unlikely be a reason for filter replacement since filters should seldom
if ever, become loaded with heavy concentrations of dust. In the European
Standard EN 1827:1999+A1:2009, particle filters are intended for a single
shift use only. The maximum service time depends on the conditions of use.
Increased breathing resistance indicates the end of the service time. The
filters must then be replaced at the latest. Always exchange both particle
filters. Testing according to EN 143:2021, which includes the reusability of
particle filters, and additional field tests have given evidence that if used
in environments with low particle concentration, e.g., medical applications,
the Advantage P2 particle filters can be used for more than one shift. This
requires that the filters are clean and undamaged and that there is no
indication of increased breathing resistance. Advantage P2 particle filters
shall be exchanged after one year after the first use, at the latest. CDC and
ECDC (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and European Centre for
Disease Prevention and Control) have provided guidance for healthcare settings
regarding cartridge reuse during the pandemic:
https://msa.webdamdb.com/embeddables/download.php?token=JWBoKOaEBzs83eFLo1
Filter cartridges (except for unprotected disc type, i.e., pancake style) may
be used for an extended period if the cartridge is disinfected after each
patient interaction provided the disinfectant or cleaning agent does not come
in contact with the filter media; and Filter cartridges must not be dipped or
immersed in a cleaning or disinfection solution because this may damage or
render the filter material ineffective. When using a cleaning or disinfectant
wipe on the external surface of a filter cartridge, users should avoid contact
with the filter media on the inside of the cartridge.
Each healthcare organization should follow its established infection
control policy and replace the filter cartridges when
It becomes difficult to breathe comfortably (will vary from individual to
individual). The filter becomes dirty or physical damage occurs. The filter is
wet or submerged.
Are alternate cleaning and disinfection methods available?
MSA has provided detailed cleaning instructions in the product manual. Certain
settings in healthcare and pandemic situations may present the need to employ
alternate procedures which may have variations to this instruction. If such
actions are deemed necessary by the provider or as part of that program, the
following alternate instruction is provided.
Remove cartridges and disassemble the facepiece. Inspect the facepiece and filter cartridges per User Instructions for wear or damage, and remove from service or replace parts, as necessary. To remove debris and soil, manually clean the facepiece by immersing it in warm water with neutral detergent, and scrub with a soft brush until clean. Rinse thoroughly with fresh warm water.
Disinfect by soaking, wiping, or spraying the facepiece according to facility
protocol and User Instructions. Rinse thoroughly with fresh warm water. Air
dry in a non-contaminated area. Inspect and reassemble the respirator, as
described in the User Instructions. On an interim basis, wipe-cleaning of the
facepiece and cartridge filters can be employed, but should not be the only
method of cleaning and disinfection. Wipe all components with an appropriate
cleaning solution, including the interior and exterior of the facepiece and
head harness, as well as the outside of hard plastic cartridges. Allow drying
prior to the next use in a non-contaminated area. Inspect prior to use as
described in the User Instructions.
Recommended disinfectant for the half mask: Neoform K Plus/Dr. Weigert or
Oxivir Excel. Follow the instructions on the cleaner for contact time and
concentration for
disinfection.
If I am already cleaning and sanitizing my PPE in accordance with CDC
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and manufacturer guidelines, can
the exterior of a particulate cartridge be sanitized using the same or similar
solution or method?
For filter cartridges, the outside surface of the hard-plastic case should be
wiped down for cleaning and disinfection using a clean damp cloth soaked in
the solution. For disinfecting solution, apply until visibly wet for
appropriate contact time, and then remove the disinfecting solution with a
clean, water-soaked cloth and air dry. Do not allow the cleaning or
disinfecting solution to reach the internal filter media. Never submerge
cartridge filters in any liquid.
What is the shelf life of MSA particulate respirator cartridges?
Low Profile P2 filter cartridges employ mechanical filtration and are composed
of micro-glass filtering materials which have an inherent resistance and/or
are formulated to have resistance to atmospheric storage conditions. These
products have a proven shelf life of 10 years. Filters should not be used if
their age is greater than ten years from the date of manufacture. Respirator
masks may be deployed, regardless of age, provided that pre-use inspections
and tests outlined in the instruction manual are successfully passed at the
time of deployment. It is recommended that respirator masks and filters be
stored indoors, free from temperature and humidity extremes, with filter
cartridges in their original packaging.
Where to store the used filter after use?
Each user will need to be individually supplied with a pair of filters and
will write the 1st day of use on the filters pair + his name. He will have to
clean the filters as per cleaning instructions and store them in the advantage
pouch in his locker. The mask can be cleaned in depth so the mask can be
supplied individually or not.
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world.
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Note: This Bulletin contains only a general description of the products shown. While product uses and performance capabilities are generally described, the products shall not, under any circumstances, be used by untrained or unqualified individuals. The products shall not be used until the product instructions/user manual, which contains detailed information concerning the proper use and care of the products, including any warnings or cautions, has been thoroughly read and understood. Specifications are subject to change without prior notice. MSA operates in over 40 countries worldwide. To find an MSA office near you, please visit MSAsafety.com/offices.