e-breathe respiratory protection
Test heads
High-precision test heads for standardised testing, research and quality control of breathing apparatus and PPE
Respiratory protection test heads are specialised test specimens for the standard-compliant evaluation of respiratory protection systems such as
masks, bonnets, helmets or protective suits. They can be connected to ventilators, lung simulators or mask testing devices, creating realistic test conditions for testing tightness, breathing resistance and other safety parameters.
The test heads can be connected to ventilators, lung simulators or mask testers via integrated connections. This creates realistic test conditions, enabling a reliable assessment of leak tightness, breathing resistance and other safety-related parameters.
There are two types of test heads:
- Sheffield test head: A standardised test head for respiratory protective equipment that is widely used in Europe. It represents a standard head size and is used as a reference in tests carried out in accordance with European standards.
- ISO test head in accordance with ISO 16900-5: A standardised test head specifically designed for testing respiratory protective equipment. Unlike the Sheffield test head (which represents only one standard size), the ISO standard comprises a set of five different head sizes based on real anthropometric data from the global population. Manufacturers must test their respiratory protection products in all relevant sizes to ensure compliance with the standard.
Product description & technical specifications
e-breathe respiratory protection Test heads
Product description & technical specifications e-breathe respiratory protection Test heads
The ISO test heads developed by e-breathe Safety fulfil the requirements of ISO 16900-5 Respiratory protective devices. Test methods and are available in five head sizes: Small (S), Short-Wide (SW), Medium (M), Long-Narrow (LN) and Large (L).
The ISO probes offer practical functions for research, development and quality control:
Connections & sensors
- Air tube with EN 148-1 round thread connection for test devices
- Two measuring connections in the mouth/air tube area (e.g. for CO₂ and pressure measurement)
- Two additional pressure measuring points in the eyes
LED field of vision test
Integrated, replaceable LED eyes as standard, which can be individually controlled – for the field of vision test in accordance with ISO 16900-11.
Realistic material properties
- Front side with skin-like elastomer skin (Shore hardness 20, other hardnesses on request)
- Back side made of resistant, dense resin, split in two and screwed together - easy to open for repair and extensions
Extension & customisation options
- Connection options for optional hearing aids in the ears for hearing tests in accordance with ISO 16900-14
- Soft sealing surface on the neck with optional additional seal for bonnet tests
- Interchangeable platform for mounting on movable or immovable test torsos
Leakage and tightness tests
The fully sealed design also makes the heads suitable for tests in leakage chambers.
Technical highlights
e-breathe respiratory protection
Test heads
Technical highlights
e-breathe respiratory protection
Test heads
- 5 sizes: S, SW, M, LN, L
- EN-148-1 round thread connection
- Measuring points for CO₂ and pressure measurement in the mouth/air tube area
- Pressure measurement on both eyes
- Interchangeable LED eyes can be controlled separately
- Elastomer skin available in various degrees of hardness
- Interchangeable ears with option for integrated hearing aids
- Sealing option on the neck for testing bonnets
- Compatibility with test torsos in accordance with ISO 16900-5
Application areas
e-breathe respiratory protection
Test heads
Application areas
e-breathe respiratory protection
Test heads
- Test laboratories & certification institutes
- Research & development
- Production & quality control
- Maintenance & service
Standards & guidelines
e-breathe Atemschutzprüfköpfe
Standards & guidelines e-breathe Atemschutzprüfköpfe
- ISO 16900-5 – Test probes
- ISO 16900-11 – Field of view test
- ISO 16900-14 – Noise emission / Hearing tests
- Other standardised tests: ISO 16900-2, -8, -9 as well as EN 13274-1 and EN 136
Features & Applications in Detail
e-breathe respiratory protection Test heads
Features & Applications in Detail e-breathe respiratory protection Test heads
Visual field test (ISO 16900-11)
Thanks to the integrated LED eyes, visual field tests can be carried out precisely in accordance with ISO 16900-11. The LEDs can be controlled individually, allowing different viewing angles to be simulated. During testing, the so-called Visual Field Score (VFS) is determined, i.e. the effective field of vision provided by a respirator or hood.
Hearing test / noise emission (ISO 16900-14)
The test heads can be fitted, as an option, with interchangeable ears incorporating integrated hearing aids. This makes it possible to measure the noise emissions from respiratory protection systems precisely at the test head itself. At the same time, it is possible to check whether acoustic warning signals are reliably detected – a crucial aspect for safety in practical use.
Leakage test (ISO 16900-1 / EN 13274-1)
Thanks to their fully sealed design, the test heads are also suitable for use in leakage chambers. They are mounted on a test torso, which realistically simulates human breathing with the aid of a ventilator. During the test, inward leakage is measured – that is, the amount of ambient air that can penetrate the respiratory protection system. This measurement is a key factor in determining the protection class of masks and hoods.
Tightness test (EN 136)
The test heads can be connected directly to mask testers, thereby enabling full-face masks to be tested for airtightness in accordance with EN 136. This procedure ensures that the respiratory protection system forms a reliable seal and that no outside air can enter the mask through leaks.
CO₂ test, breathing resistance & Volume flow
The test heads feature precision-integrated measurement points in the oral and tracheal regions. This enables a number of safety-critical functional tests to be carried out:
-
CO₂ content of inhaled air (ISO 16900-9)
Assessment of air quality for the user -
Respiratory resistance measurement (ISO 16900-2)
Determining the extent to which the respiratory protection system affects breathing -
Volume flow measurement (ISO 16900-8)
Checking the air flow rate and efficiency of the respirator