This technology overcomes many of the drawbacks of known respirators in that, few parts are employed in securing the filter to the respirator face piece, the filter is replaceable and lightweight, and it can be mounted to the retainer in a single motion without excessive manipulation. Also, the filter attains a firm air-tight seal to the face piece without use of a permanent adhesive.

Chromatographic absorption media comprising a polymerized vinyl-silane-coated particle are more stable and less susceptible to hydrolysis than conventional siloxane-coated particles.