MSA Advantage 420 vs 900 vs 3200: two half masks and a twin-port full facepiece compared from the MSA sheets
The three share the Advantage bayonet cartridge line but differ in type and construction. The Advantage 420 is a silicone half mask with a four-point harness that switches between lock-down and drop-down modes, three sizes, 0.331 lb for the small (MSA data sheet; us.msasafety.com). The Advantage 900 is a half mask MSA describes as having no exhalation valve so that exhaled breath is filtered (source control), with a mechanical speaking diaphragm and protection up to the P100 level (MSA twin-cartridge data sheet); it is not stocked here, though MSA's 2025 sheet prints the 815696/815692/815700 two-piece-neckstrap part numbers under the 900 name while the 2020 sheet calls them the 200 LS. The Advantage 3200 is a twin-port full facepiece: wraparound polycarbonate lens to ANSI Z87.1+ high impact, integrated nose cup, rubber or European-style harness, three sizes (MSA data sheets). Half masks carry an OSHA APF of 10, full facepieces 50.
MSA Advantage 420 Half Mask RespiratorAdvantage 420 half mask, silicone, lock-down and drop-down harness (MSA data sheet)Why type matters more than brand name. Under 29 CFR 1910.134 Table 1 a half mask air-purifying respirator carries an APF of 10 and a full facepiece 50, so the 3200 sits in a different class from the 420 and 900 before any feature is compared; the full facepiece also covers the eyes. Within the half masks, MSA's own descriptions separate them by the exhalation path: the 420 has an exhalation valve in a liquid silicone facepiece with a yoke and ComforTop harness, while the 900 omits the exhalation valve so that exhaled air passes back through the cartridges, which MSA presents for essential workers, first responders and healthcare settings. All three take the Advantage cartridges and Flexi-Filter pads, and the 420 and the 3200 can take threaded Comfo cartridges with the 809999 adapter (MSA chart and data sheets).
Side by side, from the MSA documents
What the 200 LS adds to the picture
The Advantage 200 LS is the economy half mask in the same family:
- 815448/815444/815452 single neckstrap and 815696/815692/815700 two-piece neckstrap, small, medium, large.
- Thermoplastic rubber facepiece that MSA states subtracts a quarter of the weight; soft blue facepiece; MultiFlex system (twin-cartridge data sheet).
- The 2025 twin-cartridge sheet prints the two-piece-neckstrap row as "Advantage 900 Respirator"; the 2020 sheet and the 2006 chart call it the 200 LS. Both readings are recorded on the 200 LS page.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between the Advantage 420 and the 900?
MSA: the 420 is a silicone half mask with an exhalation valve, yoke and lock-down/drop-down harness; the 900 has no exhalation valve so exhaled breath is filtered through the cartridges, and adds a speaking diaphragm (data sheets). The 900 is not stocked here.
Is the Advantage 3200 a half mask?
No; it is a twin-port full facepiece with a polycarbonate lens to ANSI Z87.1+ high impact and a nose cup (MSA data sheet). OSHA Table 1 gives a full facepiece an APF of 50.
Do all three take the same cartridges?
Yes; the MSA chart lists the Advantage cartridges and Flexi-Filter pads for the 200 LS and 420 half masks and the 1000, 3000 and 4000 Series full facepieces.
Which parts fit the Advantage 420?
MSA lists three major components, head harness, facepiece blank and four-point yoke (data sheet); the 809999 adapter adds threaded Comfo cartridges.
Why do some MSA sheets call the 200 LS the 900?
The 2025 Advantage twin-cartridge data sheet prints 815696/815692/815700 as "Advantage 900 Respirator, with 2-piece neckstrap", while the 2020 sheet and the 2006 chart call the same numbers the 200 LS; both readings are recorded on the 200 LS page.
The ratings, test results and standards shown here are the manufacturers' published values, reproduced as published. Nothing on this page is a recommendation by Bayshore Safety that any product is suitable for a particular task, hazard or workplace. Selecting safety products and protective equipment is the responsibility of the end user and the employer, based on their own hazard assessment and the regulations that apply to their work. Confirm every value on the manufacturer's own documentation before use.