Dräger X-plore 3300 vs 3500 vs 5500: materials, sizes, visor and APF
The three X-plore bayonet masks share the same filters and differ in the facepiece: the X-plore 3300 is a half mask in Soft-TPE (translucent grey), the X-plore 3500 a half mask in DrägerFlex (black) with a drop-down strap, both in S, M and L at about 95 g, both APF 10; the X-plore 5500 is a full face mask in hypoallergenic EPDM with a double sealing frame, a 180-degree polycarbonate or Triplex glass visor, a five-point harness, universal size, about 540 g, APF 50 (Dräger product information DMC-109820 and DMC-113276; OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 Table 1).
Draeger X-plore 3500 Premium Twin-Filter Half Mask RespiratorX-plore 3500 half mask, DrägerFlex, size M (product information)Why the 3300 and 3500 exist side by side. Dräger's product information places the 3300 as the lighter-duty mask (Soft-TPE body) and the 3500 as the version in DrägerFlex with the drop-down strap design, so the mask can be released at the neck and left hanging between uses; both take the same bayonet filters and the same sizes. The 5500 is the full face mask on the same filter connection, which is the point of the bayonet system: a crew can hold one set of filters for half masks and full face masks. The step up changes the APF from 10 to 50 and adds eye protection; it also changes the fit test pass level from 100 to 500 (1910.134(f)(7)).
Side by side
From the Dräger product information sheets.
What the sheets say about use
From the product information:
- X-plore 3300/3500: twin-filter half masks; the sheet lists them with the full bayonet filter range for gases, vapors and particles.
- X-plore 5500: double sealing frame with threefold sealing edges; polycarbonate visor version R55270 and Triplex glass version R56655 with stainless steel frame.
- A full face mask covers the eyes; the lead and cadmium standards require that where the aerosol irritates the eyes (1910.1025(f)(3)(i)(B), 1910.1027(g)(3)(i)(B)).
X-plore 3300, 3500 and 5500
7 items · prices liveEach mask, the kits, and the Bitrex fit test kit. Live prices; orders ship in 1–2 business days.
Every North and Dräger respirator, cartridge and filter we list is on the respirators hub, with a page per model and a page per hazard quoting the OSHA rule.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between the X-plore 3300 and 3500?
The facepiece material and the strap: 3300 Soft-TPE, 3500 DrägerFlex with the drop-down strap design; same sizes, weight, filters and APF (product information).
Do the 3300, 3500 and 5500 use the same filters?
Yes, X-plore bayonet filters, all NIOSH approved with the three masks (bayonet filter sheet).
What sizes do they come in?
3300 and 3500: S, M, L. 5500: universal (product information).
What is the APF of each?
10 for the 3300 and 3500 half masks, 50 for the 5500 full face mask (OSHA Table 1).
Standards and ratings on this page are as published in the documents named and by the manufacturers named. The employer’s hazard assessment and written respiratory protection program decide what applies at a given workplace. Verify a rating on the product and its approval label before use.