The MIRA Safety ParticleMax P3 Virus Respirator Filters are ULPA-grade biofilter cartridges rated to P3 certification under EN 143 standards, engineered to fit any 40 mm NATO-threaded gas mask or PAPR unit. Each filter removes 99.9999+% of airborne biological threats — including viral and bacterial aerosols as small as 0.2 microns — with a penetration rate of less than 0.05% at airflows up to 95 l/min. This listing includes six (6) sealed P3 filters, each with a 20-year shelf life.

Who this is for

• Pandemic and biological threat preparedness: Anyone building a long-term emergency supply who needs the highest-rated particulate filtration compatible with a full-face gas mask seal.
• Healthcare and first-response professionals: Workers requiring P3-certified protection from airborne pathogens — including COVID-19, H1N1, and Ebola-class threats — in environments where surgical masks are inadequate.
• Existing MIRA Safety gas mask owners: Users of the CM-6M, CM-7M, or any 40 mm NATO-threaded full-face respirator looking to extend their mask's protective capability to airborne viral and bacterial threats.

Ballistic performance

Filtration performance and certification

The ParticleMax P3 filter carries P3 R certification under EN 143:2000 and meets TH3 P R SL under EN 12941 and TM3 P R SL under EN 12942. These ratings represent the highest particulate filtration class in the European standard framework. The filter media achieves a MERV 20 rating — the highest attainable for air filtration — using U16 ULPA-grade, specially manufactured fiberglass filter paper. At this level, the filter captures particles down to 0.2 microns at a penetration rate of less than 0.05% at airflows up to 95 l/min, proven effective in aerosol concentrations of up to 20 ± 5 mg/m³.

Viruses themselves range from approximately 0.004 to 0.1 microns in size, smaller than the filter's capture threshold. The protection mechanism works by intercepting the aerosol particles and droplet nuclei that carry viral agents — not the viral particles directly. The filter's hydrophobic construction allows use during decontamination showers without compromising filtration integrity, and the filter is incinerable for safe disposal after contact with live agents.

These filters are designed exclusively for biological and particulate threats. They do not contain activated carbon and provide no protection against chemical gases, riot control agents (CS, OC, CA, CN, CR, PS), or other CBRN chemical threats. A multi-gas or combined filter is required for those threat profiles.

Compatibility and threading

The ParticleMax P3 uses 40 mm × 1/7" NATO threading conforming to EN 148-1:1999 and STANAG 4155. This threading standard is also compatible with GOST (new standard, equivalent to EN 148-1/NATO 40 mm). The filter works with all MIRA Safety full-face gas masks, all compatible half-masks, and any 40 mm NATO-threaded PAPR unit. It is rated for use with powered air-purifying respirators under EN 12941 and EN 12942. Note that this threading is not compatible with older Soviet-standard GP-5 masks, which use the legacy GOST thread profile.

The CM-6M and CM-7M masks accept one or two filters simultaneously. Running a single filter is standard practice for most applications; running two filters simultaneously reduces breathing resistance and extends filter rotation intervals at the cost of added bulk. For rifle use, single-filter mounting on the left or right port allows the shooter to clear the stock without obstruction.

Construction and dimensions

Each filter measures 110 × 55 mm and weighs 100 g. The filter body uses grade 16 filter paper handcrafted from fiberglass filtration media and passes a rigorous quality-control process to ensure consistency across every unit. The hydrophobic outer construction resists water intrusion from rain or decontamination showers; the filter is not designed for full submersion. After contact with live viral agents, filters are classified as toxic waste and must be incinerated or disposed of per local regulations.

Storage and shelf life

Each filter carries a 20-year shelf life from manufacture, printed on the individual filter. Store in original sealed packaging in a cool, dry location, away from hazardous substances, at temperatures between −58°F and 122°F (−50°C to +50°C). Maximum storage humidity is 98%. Because this filter contains no activated carbon, an opened filter stored under ideal conditions retains its full 20-year shelf life. Storage outside the specified conditions — including a vehicle exposed to seasonal temperature swings — can reduce shelf life.

Reuse and replacement guidance

Filter lifespan in service depends on atmospheric particle concentration, airflow rate, and use environment. The filter is reusable for standard particulate applications; replace when breathing resistance increases noticeably. After any confirmed or suspected contact with live viral or biological agents, the filter is a single-use item and must be disposed of. The inner filter paper cannot be decontaminated; only the outer housing surfaces can be wiped down. For biological threat scenarios, rotating a set of filters — quarantining each for three weeks after use — reduces the risk of secondary contact with live agents on a used filter.

Specifications

Frequently asked questions

What does this filter work with?

It works with any 40 mm NATO-threaded full-face gas mask, half-mask, or PAPR unit conforming to EN 148-1:1999 / STANAG 4155. This includes all MIRA Safety gas masks, Israeli-standard masks, and compatible PAPR systems. It does not fit older Soviet-standard GP-5 masks, which use a legacy GOST thread profile incompatible with the current NATO 40 mm standard.

Will this filter stop COVID-19, Ebola, or H1N1?

Yes — with an important clarification. Viruses themselves (0.004–0.1 microns) are smaller than the filter's 0.2-micron capture threshold, but viruses travel on aerosol particles and droplet nuclei that are within the filter's capture range. By intercepting those carrier particles at 99.9999+% efficiency, the filter prevents viral agents from reaching the mask's interior. A correct full-face seal is required for this protection to be effective.

Does this filter protect against chemical threats, tear gas, or nuclear fallout?

It depends on the threat type. The filter will capture radioactive fallout particles, as those are solid particulates within its filtration range. It does not filter chemical gases of any kind — including riot control agents (CS, OC, CA, CN), industrial gases, or battlefield chemical agents — because it contains no activated carbon. For those threats, a combined NBC or multi-gas filter is required.

Can I reuse this filter, or is it one-time use?

It depends on what the filter was exposed to. For standard particulates (dust, rust, metal fumes, smoke particles, cerakote aerosol), the filter is reusable until breathing resistance increases. After any contact with live viral or biological agents, treat the filter as single-use toxic waste. The outer housing can be surface-decontaminated, but the inner filter paper cannot — making re-use unsafe after confirmed biological exposure.

How long does one filter last during continuous use?

Filter service life varies by particle concentration, ambient conditions, and breathing rate. Replace the filter when breathing resistance increases noticeably. For biological threat environments where live agents are present, each filter is a single-use item regardless of how long it was worn. A pack of six provides a rotation supply for one user across multiple exposure events or daily deployment cycles.

Is this filter NIOSH approved?

No. The ParticleMax P3 is not NIOSH approved. It is certified under European standards — EN 143:2000 (P3 R), EN 12941 (TH3 P R SL), and EN 12942 (TM3 P R SL) — which represent the highest particulate filtration class in the European framework. Contact us if you have questions about regulatory requirements for your specific application.