Mine Safety Appliances (MSA) Company has introduced the Advantage 3000 Respirator as a device designed to combine comfort and maximum versatility while allowing lower breathing resistance.

The respirator gear has a nose cup that reduces fogging and a face piece lens engineered to be optically correct for superior visibility and peripheral vision, the company said. The device meets both NIOSH and EN standards.

According to MSA, the Advantage 3000 Respirator features pre-adjustable straps that allow the user to set the position of the upper straps to always receive a consistent fit. Additionally, the preset upper straps provide a tighter, more secure seal, while preventing uncomfortable snags during donning and doffing. Alternatively, wearers may choose the new European-style Advantage harness, which can be donned with one easy back-to-front motion.

"The face piece has been engineered to allow single-, dual- and triple-port configurations. This design allows the user to easily adapt the same face piece for negative-pressure air-purifying or powered air-purifying respirator (Papr) applications as well as combinations of these applications.

"Plus, the Advantage 3000 Respirator cartridges and filters are interchangeable with those that fit the Advantage 200 LS Half-Mask Respirator, simplifying the selection process and eliminating the need to fit test individuals on many different masks," MSA said.

The Advantage 3000 Respirator is available through MSA's extensive international network of affiliates and distributors.

Key markets for MSA include general industry, the fire service, hazardous materials handling, construction, the nuclear industry and home improvement retailing.

Established in 1914, the company has annual sales of about $500 million with manufacturing operations throughout the US and 29 international affiliates.