MSA Respirator Filters and Cartridges

Which MSA Respirator Cartridge Should You Buy?

For most industrial painters and coating workers, the MSA 815362 Advantage GMA-P100 cartridge ($38.00 / 2-pack) covers the dominant hazard — organic vapor plus airborne particulate — on any MSA Advantage snap-on respirator. Workers running a Comfo/GM bayonet respirator or buying in bulk should start with the 815178 GMA-P100 box-pack instead. Complex multi-hazard environments step up to the GME-P100; particulate-only work uses the 815369 LP P100 at $16.76. Confirm your hazard class with our respirator cartridge selection guide before ordering.

MSA Respirator Filters and Cartridges (2026)

MSA's respirator cartridge lineup spans two distinct bayonet platforms — the Advantage snap-on system and the Comfo/GM threaded bayonet system — and covers every standard NIOSH hazard class from organic vapor to radioiodine to mercury. This collection carries 34 products: snap-on 2-packs for individual Advantage respirator users and bulk box-packs of 6 or 10 for facilities stocking full-face respirators and half-face respirators.

All MSA GM-series cartridges carry NIOSH approval under 42 CFR Part 84, with the approval number printed on the cartridge body. If you are identifying an existing cartridge by its color band, the NIOSH cartridge color chart maps color codes to protection classes. For a full explanation of how NIOSH filter classes work, see respirator filter types explained.

What This Collection Covers

• MSA Advantage Series 2-Packs — Snap-on bayonet cartridges (2 per pack) for MSA Advantage 200LS, 420, 1000, 3000, and 4000 respirators. Thirteen protection classes from organic vapor only through Mersorb mercury/chlorine/P100.
• MSA Comfo/GM Series Box-Packs — Threaded bayonet cartridges in boxes of 6 or 10 for MSA Comfo Classic, Ultra-Twin, and Ultra Elite respirators. Same hazard classes as Advantage; bulk-quantity pricing.
• MSA Advantage Prefilter Accessories — R95 snap-on prefilters (815397 20-pack), N95 snap-on prefilters (815394 10-pack and 816357 50-pack), N95 reusable snap-on cover (815392), and splash guard (10146939). Used over Advantage vapor cartridges to add particulate or splash protection.
• MSA Advantage LP P100 Bulk — 100-count bulk pack of the low-profile P100 filter for high-volume operations.
• MSA SparkFoe LP P100 — Conductive P100 filter (10153412) for electrostatic-sensitive environments; Comfo/GM bayonet mount, box of 16.

MSA Cartridge Comparison by Protection Class

All pricing shown is per-pack at current authorized distributor rates. For the OV vs. combination cartridge decision, see Organic Vapor vs P100. For the P100 vs N95 particulate class question, see P100 vs N95 — which do you need?

MSA Cartridge Quick Decision Guide

• Buy 815355 GMA if your only hazard is organic vapor (solvents, adhesives, paint fumes) and your SDS lists no airborne particulate.
• Buy 815362 GMA-P100 if you spray paint, apply coatings, or work with solvents where airborne mist or dust is also present. Most painters' first choice. (Editor's Pick)
• Buy 815364 GMC-P100 if your SDS lists both organic vapor and acid gases (chlorine, HCl, SO₂) alongside particulate — chemical plant maintenance, lab environments.
• Buy 815366 GME-P100 if you need the broadest single-cartridge coverage: OV + acid gas + ammonia + formaldehyde + P100 for complex or uncertain multi-hazard environments.
• Buy 815358 GMD if your exposure is specifically ammonia refrigerant (HVAC/refrigeration technicians) with no acid gas or organic vapor co-exposure.
• Buy 815369 LP P100 if your hazard is dust, fume, or mist only — grinding, welding, mold remediation — with no gas or vapor component. Lowest per-use cost at $16.76 / 2-pack.
• Buy 815368 Mersorb if your industrial hygienist or SDS specifies mercury vapor, inorganic mercury compound, or chlorine gas exposure.
• Choose Comfo box-packs (464031–815185 range) if your facepiece is an MSA Comfo Classic, Ultra-Twin, or Ultra Elite — the Advantage snap-on bayonet does not seat on the threaded Comfo port.

How to Choose an MSA Respirator Cartridge or Filter

Cartridge selection starts with your Safety Data Sheet (SDS), not the product listing. The SDS identifies the chemical, its OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV, the airborne state (gas, vapor, mist, particulate, or combination), and the required respiratory protection class. Once you know the hazard class, the complete cartridge selection guide narrows it to a specific NIOSH filter designation. Below is the MSA-specific logic.

1. Match Cartridge to Hazard Class

MSA cartridges use a letter-code system that maps to NIOSH hazard categories under 42 CFR Part 84: GMA = organic vapor; GMB = acid gas; GMC = OV + acid gas; GMD = ammonia/methylamine; GME = multi-gas (OV + acid gas + ammonia + formaldehyde + others); GMT = multi-gas (alternate formulation); GMI = radioiodine; Mersorb = mercury/chlorine. The "-P100" suffix means the cartridge includes an integrated P100 particulate filter — use this when any particulate hazard is listed on the SDS alongside the gas or vapor hazard. See the filter types guide for full NIOSH class definitions.

2. Choose Platform: Advantage Snap-On vs Comfo Threaded Bayonet

Platform incompatibility is the most common MSA cartridge ordering error. The two systems are physically incompatible:

• Advantage snap-on bayonet: MSA Advantage 200LS, 420, 1000, 3000, 4000. Push-and-twist attachment; 815xxx part numbers; sold in 2-packs. Check the inside of your facepiece for "Advantage" molded into the face seal or port body.
• Comfo/GM threaded bayonet: MSA Comfo Classic, Ultra-Twin, Ultra Elite, and compatible full-face models. Threaded lug attachment; 464xxx/492xxx/815xxx box part numbers; sold in boxes of 6–16. Check for "Comfo" or "Ultra" on the facepiece label.

If you are stocking respirators for a facility, confirm the facepiece model number before ordering. See our full-face respirator collection and half-face respirator collection for facepiece listings with platform callouts.

3. Decide: 2-Pack vs Bulk Box

Individual workers buy Advantage 2-packs; facilities supplying 10+ workers evaluate Comfo box-pack economics. The GME Comfo 10-pack (492790) at $24.49 breaks down to $2.45 per cartridge, versus $17.00 each from the Advantage 815359 2-pack for the same protection class — a 7× difference per unit when running many respirators simultaneously. For Advantage-platform bulk needs, the LP P100 100-pack reduces per-filter cost significantly for particulate-only applications.

4. Add P100 Only When Particulate Is a Listed Hazard

The P100 filter class (≥99.97% efficiency against oil-based and oil-free aerosols) is the highest NIOSH particulate designation. Add it when the SDS lists any airborne particulate alongside a gas or vapor: welding fume, silica dust, isocyanate mist, paint overspray, or mold spores. For particulate-only environments, choose the standalone LP P100 filter and skip the combination cartridge — it costs less and offers the same P100 filtration. The OV vs P100 guide covers this decision in detail. For a full P100 comparison across brands, see the P100 respirator filters collection.

5. Establish a Change-Out Schedule Before Use

OSHA 1910.134(d)(3)(iii)(B) requires a written cartridge change-out schedule for all air-purifying respirators used against gases and vapors. MSA GM-series cartridges do not include an end-of-service-life indicator (ESLI) — change-out frequency must be based on service-life estimation using workplace concentration, temperature, humidity, and work rate data. In organic vapor applications with poorly-warning chemicals (e.g., methylene chloride), many programs default to shift-end replacement. Follow your employer's written respiratory protection program.

NIOSH Certification and OSHA Requirements

All MSA GM-series cartridges and LP P100 filters in this collection are NIOSH-approved under 42 CFR Part 84, the federal regulation governing performance and testing standards for all air-purifying respirator cartridges and filters sold in the United States. The NIOSH TC approval number and protection class are marked on each cartridge body. Purchasers should verify the NIOSH number against the NIOSH Certified Equipment List (CEL) before use in a compliance-required application.

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 (the Respiratory Protection Standard) mandates that employers select NIOSH-certified respirators appropriate for the chemical hazard and airborne concentration, implement a written respiratory protection program, conduct medical evaluations, perform annual fit testing (quantitative or qualitative) for tight-fitting facepieces, and maintain cartridge change-out records. All Advantage and Comfo facepieces are tight-fitting and require fit testing before first use.

The MSA Advantage R95 prefilter (815397) carries the R95 particulate class rating — ≥95% efficiency, resistant to oil-based aerosols for a single shift. Do not substitute an R95 prefilter for a P100 in applications requiring ≥99.97% efficiency or prolonged oil-mist exposure. For an overview of all NIOSH particulate filter classes, see the P100 vs N95 comparison guide.

Compatible MSA Respirators and Platform Guide

MSA Advantage Platform (Snap-On Bayonet)

All 815xxx Advantage 2-packs and prefilter accessories in this collection snap onto any MSA Advantage bayonet port: the Advantage 200LS (low-profile half-face), Advantage 420 (half-face), Advantage 1000 (half-face), Advantage 3000 (full-face), and Advantage 4000 (full-face with wide visor). Browse available MSA respirators in our full-face respirator collection and half-face respirator collection.

MSA Comfo/GM Bayonet Platform (Threaded)

The 464xxx, 492xxx, and 815xxx box-pack cartridges fit MSA respirators that use the threaded GM bayonet: Comfo Classic, Ultra-Twin, Ultra Elite, and compatible MSA full-face models. The Comfo bayonet thread pitch and lug count differ from the Advantage system — these cartridges will not seat on an Advantage facepiece and vice versa.

Cross-Brand Compatibility

MSA Advantage cartridges use a proprietary snap-on bayonet geometry that is not compatible with 3M bayonet respirators, Honeywell North bayonet respirators, or any other manufacturer's cartridge port. Only MSA-branded Advantage cartridges will form a proper sealed connection on MSA Advantage facepieces. For cross-brand cartridge options, see the all-brand respirator cartridge collection.

Total Cost of Ownership

A worker replacing one pair of MSA 815362 GMA-P100 cartridges at shift end (8-hour OV/particulate shifts) spends $19.00 per shift in cartridge cost. Over 250 work shifts that is approximately $4,750 per worker annually in cartridges alone, before accounting for extended service life at lower exposure concentrations. Facilities running multiple Comfo-platform workers should evaluate the 815182 GME-P100 Comfo 6-pack at $189.43 ($31.57 per pair) to reduce per-shift cost for the same broad protection class. The cheapest per-unit option in this collection for particulate-only applications remains the LP P100 100-pack, at roughly $0.15 per filter at bulk quantity.

MSA Respirator Cartridge — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between MSA Advantage and Comfo cartridges?

MSA Advantage cartridges use a snap-on bayonet attachment and are sold in 2-packs (815355 through 815397). They fit only MSA Advantage respirators: Advantage 200LS, 420, 1000, 3000, and 4000. MSA Comfo/GM cartridges use a threaded bayonet and are sold in boxes of 6 or 10 (464031, 492790, 815178, etc.). They fit Comfo Classic, Ultra-Twin, and Ultra Elite respirators. The two systems are physically incompatible — an Advantage cartridge will not seat on a Comfo port and vice versa.

Which MSA cartridge do I need for spray painting?

The MSA 815362 Advantage GMA-P100 is the standard cartridge for spray painting and coating application. It provides organic vapor protection for solvent vapors plus P100 particulate filtration (≥99.97%) for paint mist and overspray — both hazards present in a typical spray environment — in a single snap-on unit. If you only need vapor protection without particulate (e.g., brush or roll application with no mist), the 815355 GMA organic vapor cartridge is sufficient and lower-cost.

Can I use MSA Advantage cartridges on a Comfo respirator?

No. The MSA Advantage snap-on bayonet and the Comfo threaded bayonet have different attachment geometry. An Advantage cartridge pushed onto a Comfo port will not lock and will not form a sealed airstream path. Using the wrong cartridge system on a facepiece provides no reliable respiratory protection — always confirm facepiece model and matching cartridge system before ordering.

How often do I need to replace MSA respirator cartridges?

MSA GM-series cartridges do not include an end-of-service-life indicator (ESLI). OSHA 1910.134(d)(3)(iii)(B) requires a written change-out schedule based on objective data: cartridge service-life models using workplace concentration, temperature, and relative humidity, or time-based replacement. In high-concentration organic vapor environments or with chemicals that have poor odor warning (e.g., methylene chloride), shift-end replacement is standard practice. Follow the change-out schedule established in your employer's written respiratory protection program.

What does the MSA GME-P100 cartridge protect against?

The MSA GME-P100 (815366 Advantage 2-pack; 815182 Comfo 6-pack) provides protection against organic vapors, acid gases (chlorine, hydrogen chloride, sulfur dioxide), ammonia, formaldehyde, hydrogen fluoride, and other multi-gas class vapors — plus P100 particulate filtration at ≥99.97% efficiency. It is the broadest single-cartridge gas class in the MSA lineup. Use it when your industrial hygienist cannot isolate a single hazard class or when simultaneous exposure to multiple gas families is documented in your hazard assessment.

What is the MSA Mersorb cartridge and when is it required?

The MSA Mersorb (815368 Advantage 2-pack; 815185 Comfo 6-pack) contains a hopcalite-based mercury sorbent plus P100 particulate filtration. It is specified — and NIOSH-approved — specifically for mercury vapor, inorganic mercury compound aerosols, and chlorine gas. Required applications include: thermostat and fluorescent lamp recycling, mercury-cell chlor-alkali plant operations, and dental amalgam work with elevated mercury air concentrations. A standard GMA organic vapor cartridge is NOT NIOSH-approved for mercury vapor and cannot be substituted.

What MSA cartridge do I need for ammonia refrigerant?

Use the MSA 815358 Advantage GMD or 464033 Comfo GMD for ammonia refrigerant (R-717) service work. The GMD class is NIOSH-approved for ammonia and methylamine vapors. If particulate is co-present, the GMD-P100 (815181 Comfo 6-pack) adds P100 filtration. Before using any air-purifying respirator for ammonia, confirm that the concentration is below IDLH (300 ppm for ammonia per NIOSH). Concentrations at or above IDLH require a supplied-air or SCBA respirator, not an APR.

What is the MSA GMI radioiodine cartridge used for?

The MSA 815641 Advantage GMI (and 815184 Comfo GMI) is an impregnated activated carbon cartridge with P100 filtration, carrying a separate NIOSH approval for radioactive iodine (RI) and radioiodine compound (methyl iodide, CH₃I) protection. Primary applications: nuclear power plant maintenance, medical isotope production, and radiopharmaceutical manufacturing. The GMI approval is distinct from standard OV approval — do not substitute a GMA organic vapor cartridge for a GMI-rated radioiodine application.

Can I stack an R95 prefilter on top of an MSA Advantage vapor cartridge?

Yes — MSA Advantage snap-on prefilters (N95 and R95 pads) are designed to snap over an installed Advantage vapor cartridge to add particulate protection. However, stacking increases static breathing resistance beyond the cartridge-only baseline and the assembled combination has not been tested as a unit. For most applications requiring dual vapor-plus-particulate protection, a factory combination cartridge (e.g., GMA-P100, GMC-P100) is the engineered and NIOSH-tested solution. The R95 snap-on prefilter (815397) is suited for short-duration, low-concentration particulate supplementation where a combination cartridge is not available.

What is the MSA SparkFoe filter?

The MSA SparkFoe (10153412) is a conductive P100 low-profile filter for environments where standard non-conductive filter materials present an electrostatic discharge (ESD) risk — semiconductor fabrication, electronics assembly, and other ESD-controlled cleanrooms. It mounts on Comfo/GM threaded bayonet respirators and is sold in boxes of 16. The SparkFoe is a particulate filter; it does not protect against gases, vapors, or flammable atmospheres, and is not rated for incendiary spark protection.

Are all MSA cartridges in this collection NIOSH-certified?

Yes. All MSA GM-series cartridges and LP P100 filters listed in this collection carry NIOSH approval under 42 CFR Part 84. The NIOSH TC number is printed on each cartridge body. NIOSH certification means the cartridge has been independently tested by NIOSH to meet minimum performance requirements for its rated protection class — not all third-party or aftermarket cartridges labeled for MSA respirators meet this standard. Purchase only MSA-branded, NIOSH-approved cartridges for use in workplace respiratory protection programs.

What is the difference between the MSA GMC and GME cartridges?

The MSA GMC (815357 Advantage; 464046 Comfo box of 10) covers organic vapors and acid gases — two classes. The MSA GME (815359 Advantage; 492790 Comfo box of 10) adds ammonia, formaldehyde, and hydrogen fluoride to those, making it a broader multi-gas class. If your SDS lists only OV and acid gas hazards, the GMC is sufficient at a lower per-cartridge cost. If the SDS also lists ammonia, formaldehyde, or HF, select the GME or GME-P100. Do not use the GMC as a substitute for the GME when the additional gas classes are present — it is not rated for them.

Do MSA Advantage 2-pack cartridges fit MSA full-face respirators?

Yes. All 815xxx Advantage 2-pack cartridges are compatible with MSA Advantage full-face respirators — the Advantage 3000 and Advantage 4000 — as well as the Advantage 200LS, 420, and 1000 half-face respirators. All models share the same snap-on bayonet port. Confirm the facepiece model number on the inside of the face seal before ordering if you are uncertain of your respirator platform.