How to Choose the Right Respirator Filter

When it comes to workplace safety, the right respirator filter can mean the difference between protection and dangerous exposure. Dentec Safety Specialists offers the Comfort-Air® Series filter assemblies, designed for a wide range of applications that can be interchanged between any Dentec Comfort-Air® Series half mask and full-face respirators. Dentec Safety offers three main types: Silicone (100 Series), Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPR) (300 Series), and Standard Elastomeric (generic rubber blend) (400 & 400NX Series. This guide explains each filter type, what it protects against, and where it’s commonly used—so you can make the right choice for your job.

*Not sure which half mask respirator is right for you? Be sure to check out: Choosing the Right Respirator for the Job: Silicone, TPR, or Elastomeric Half Masks – Dentec Safety Specialists | Canada

Why Filter Selection Matters

Not every filter protects against the same hazards. Some are designed for dust, mist, fumes, oil based and non-oil based particulate aerosols, while others deal with vapors or gases.  In Canada, filters must meet NIOSH requirements and match your exposure risk.

 Always check your Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and consult with your safety officer or industrial hygienist before choosing a filter.

Comparison of Dentec Comfort-Air® Filters

N95 Filter Assembly

• Protects Against: Non-oil particulates aerosols such as silica, welding fume, sawdust, grain dust, and viruses such as COVID-19
• Applications: Construction, welding, woodworking, manufacturing
• Notes: Lightweight and economical

N95 Filters

R95 Filter Assembly

• Protects Against: Oil and non-oil particulates aerosols (up to 8 hours)
• Applications: Oil & gas, metalworking, painting, maintenance
• Notes: Best for short-term oil exposure

P100 Filter Assembly

• Protects Against: Oil and non-oil particulate aerosols, toxic dusts, asbestos, lead, brake dust, viruses such as COVID-19
• Applications: Asbestos/lead abatement, mining, pharma, biotech
• Notes: Highest level of particulate protection

Diskit® P100 Filter Assembly

• Protects Against: Same as P100 with a compact profile
• Applications: Glass fiber work, exotic welding, odor-prone tasks
• Notes: Slim design for better visibility and comfort

OV/N95 Filter Assembly

• Protects Against: Organic vapors + non-oil particulates
• Applications: Spray painting, pesticides, light welding

OV/R95 Filter Assembly

• Protects Against: Organic vapors + oil/non-oil particulates (up to 8 hours)
• Applications: Refining, agriculture, automotive

Diskit® P100/OV Filter Assembly

• Protects Against: Oil and non-oil particulate aerosols, toxic dusts, nuisance levels of organic vapor nuisance odors and ozone
• Applications: Glass fiber, exotic welding, odor-heavy environments

Cartridge Options

For custom configurations, cartridges and filters are available:

• Particulate only: N95, R95, P100, Diskit® P100
• Gas & Vapor only: Organic Vapor (black), Acid Gas (white), Ammonia/Methylamine (green), Acid Gas + OV (yellow), Multi-gas (olive)

What Are Combination Filters/ Cartridges?

Combination filters protect against both airborne particulate aerosols (dust, mist, fumes) and gases or vapors. Each combination filter joins a particulate filter (like N95, R95, or P100) with a chemical cartridge (examples; organic vapors, acid gases, or ammonia).

These filters are used when you face mixed hazards—for example, during spray painting, pesticide handling, or welding—where both dangerous particles and toxic vapors are present at the same time.

Common combination assemblies include OV/N95 (Organic Vapor + N95), OV/R95 (Organic Vapor + R95), and P100/OV (P100 + Organic Vapor). Many Dentec Comfort-Air®  combination cartridge options offer this type of protection for tough environments.

When to Use Combination Filters:

• Tasks produce both dust/fumes/mists, oil based and non oil based particulate aerosols and chemical vapors or gases.
• Labels (like SDS or pesticide instructions) say you need dual protection
• Occupations: painting, agricultural spraying, exotic welding, maintenance in odor-heavy or chemical-rich places

Combination filters keep you safe when hazards aren’t just one type—so they’re often required in jobs with mixed exposure.

• Combination filters: OV/P100, AG/P100, Ammonia/P100, OV/AG/P100, Multi-gas/P100

How to Choose the Right Filter

1. Identify the hazard: Is it particulate, vapor, gas, or a combination?
2. Check for oil or non oil based particulate aerosol exposure: This determines N95, R95, or P100 
3. Use SDS sheets: Confirm chemical or dust hazards.
4. Consider task duration: R95 is limited to 8 hours; P100 lasts longer for oil based particulate aerosol
5. Fit test your respirator: Must comply with CSA Z94.4 (Canada).
6. Set change-out schedules: Based on exposure and breathing resistance.

FAQ: Dentec Comfort-Air® Respirator Filters

What’s the main difference between N95 and P100 filters?

N95 filters catch at least 95% of non-oil particulates. P100 filters trap at least 99.97% of all types of particulates—including oil-based—making them better for high-risk work. For a detailed breakdown, see Dentec’s guide on filter ratings.
Read more: Difference Between N95 and P100 Filters – Dentec Safety

How long does an N95 filter last?

N95 filters, filter non-oil based particle aerosols. The indicator to change the filter is when breathing resistance occurs, it becomes difficult to breathe.

Learn more: Dentec N95 Filter Pads

How long does an R95 filter last?

R95 filters block oil- and non-oil based particle aerosols for one work shift (up to eight hours). After eight hours or if breathing becomes difficult, replace the filter.
Learn more: Dentec R95 Filter Pads

When should you change your respirator filter or cartridge?

Use P100 filters when working with toxic dust, lead, asbestos, or viruses. Combination filters are for mixed hazards, like painting or exotic welding, where you face both particulates and vapors.
Explore options: Dentec Comfort-Air® Series 100 P100 Mask

How do you choose the right respirator filter in Canada?

Start by identifying your exposure (particulate, vapor, gas) by conducting a hazard analysis. Check the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). For any oil based particle aerosols exposure, choose R95 or P100. Fit testing is required under CSA Z94.4. Set filter change-out based on usage and resistance.
Download: Dentec’s Guide to Choosing the Right Respiratory Filters

Are Dentec Comfort-Air® half masks compatible with other cartridge brands?

No. Use only Dentec cartridges and filters for a secure fit and certified safety—the “Saf-Twist” design is exclusive to Dentec products.

Conclusion

Filter selection is not just about compliance—it’s about safety. Dentec’s Comfort-Air® filters give you options for every exposure type, from dust to toxic vapors. Choosing the right filter ensures that your respiratory protection truly protects you.

Need help selecting the right filter?

Visit contact us directly to speak to one of our safety specialists.