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Respirator:
 
A respirator is a filtration device. It filters the surrounding atmosphere for known particulate/contaminants. There are many different styles and sizes of respirators available. The most common half mask respirator is designed with replaceable cartridges creating a variety of protection levels.
Half mask respirator
Deciding if a half mask respirator will protect you depends on your environment. Half mask respirators will only protect you if the atmosphere contains 20% oxygen. Respirators DO NOT produce oxygen. Respirators just filter out the particulate/contaminants. Other factors depend on particulate/contaminant concentrations. Called the permissible exposure limit (PEL). The cartridge is designed with absorbent material to catch specific particulate/contaminants and is rated for a specific PEL. A prefilter can be used on some models to catch larger particles. This can give the cartridge a little longer life. ALWAYS refer to the manufactures recommendation when selecting the cartridge.
cartridge and prefilter
Fitting a respirator to the face is the most important thing next to the correct cartridge choice. You need to have an air tight seal or the respirator will leak. That means no: Facial Hair Eyewear Deep Facial Scars Missing Teeth Jewelry or anything that breaks the seal
Sizing chart Chart is not a substitute for fit testing as required by OSHA in 29 CFR 1910.134 and CSA Z94.4-02
Following the chart above will give you sizing information. Take the measurements: From the chin to the bridge of the nose (A). Then the length of the lips (B). Intersect the measurements on the chart to get the sizing information
Fit test Once sized for the respirator you'll need to perform a fit test. This should be performed in an uncontaminated area.
Positive Pressure Check: Put on the mask. Tighten straps evenly to get a snug fit. Place palm of hand over exhalation valve opening. Breathe out alittle. Mask should swell and not leak. Positive pressure fit test
Negative pressure fit test Negative Pressure Check: With the mask still on. Cover the inhalation valves with the palms of both hands Breathe in alittle. Mask should collapse and hold the seal.
If either test produces a leak, tighten straps evenly and perform test again. If you can not get a satisfactory test try a different size mask.
Once you have a satisfactory test, install cartridges that will filter out ammonia smelling salts. The kind you find in a first aid kit.
Vapor Check: Put on the respirator (cartridges installed). Perform positive and negative pressure checks. With satisfactory tests break open the smelling salts. Move the smelling salts around the face to mask seal. You should not smell the salts. Move your head left-right-up-down while moving smelling salts around face to mask seal. You should not smell the salts. If you do not smell the salts the seal is good. Remove the respirator and pass the smelling salts under your nose. It should make you pull away. If the test is satisfactory you're good to go. If not check respirator for defects and try again. Vapor test
NEVER USE A RESPIRATOR IF YOU CAN'T PASS ALL THREE TESTS!!!
As with any tool proper maintenance and cleaning is necessary.  
Hlaf mask respirator in use Life of the cartridge will depend on the PEL. Higher particulate/contaminants = shorter life. Before each use you should disassemble and clean the respirator while inspecting for defects. I use a cotton ball with isopropyl alcohol to clean mine. A positive and negative pressure check should be accomplished prior to entering a hazardous area.
You are now ready to filter out the chili vapors!  
 
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