When choosing a respirator, you’ll have many different considerations ranging from mask efficacy to filter type to reusability. A common feature on many respirator masks is the exhalation valve. Available on both disposable and reusable respirators, the exhalation valve can make masks more comfortable for prolonged use but are not right for every working environment. Read on to learn if exhalation valves are the right choice for your team’s respirators!

What is an Exhalation Valve?

Respirators filter air, removing contaminants or pathogens in order to protect workers in sites with poor air quality. Some filter not only the air that you breathe in, but also the air that you breathe out. Exhalation valves, however, open to let the air escape when you breathe out.

What are the Benefits of an Exhalation Valve?

Comfort is the most obvious benefit. Breathing out becomes much easier with an exhalation valve, as the air can escape without the resistance of a filter. Many workers find it easier to wear a respirator with an exhalation valve for extended periods of time.

Respirators with exhalation valves also accumulate less moisture inside. When moisture from exhalation or sweat accumulates, it can intensify the friction already caused by the mask’s tight seal around the face, causing and worsening skin irritation.

Exhalation valves also diffuse the heat that can build up inside a respirator. This heat can be generally uncomfortable during prolonged respirator use, and it can also exacerbate friction and skin irritation.

Finally, less carbon dioxide (CO₂) accumulates inside respirators with a valve. Rebreathing exhaled air that’s high in CO₂ can lead to symptoms like dizziness, headache, and shortness of breath.

What are the Drawbacks of an Exhalation Valve?

The most obvious concern with an exhalation valve is that your own unfiltered breathing is being released into the air around you. This means that can’t be used in sterilized factory environments like a clean room. It also means that they would likely be a poor choice in health care settings or any situation where there’s potential for spreading an airborne respiratory disease. When using a respirator with an inhalation valve, everyone in the environment must also be wearing one to ensure protection; this can particularly be a concern if immunocompromised people are present.

Do Masks with an Exhalation Valve Offer Less Protection?

While an exhalation valve allows unfiltered particulates back into the air around you, your respirator will still filter incoming air. Anyone wearing a particle-filtering respirator should expect the level of protection guaranteed by its designation and efficacy rating.