WO2014138198A1

WO2014138198A1 - Respirator having a locating feature for quantitative fit testing

Info

Publication number: WO2014138198A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/020660
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul D. Duncan
Original assignee: Scott Technologies, Inc.
Priority date: 2013-03-05
Filing date: 2014-03-05
Publication date: 2014-09-12

Abstract

Respirator including a facepiece configured to be held against a face of an individual. The facepiece has an interior surface that defines a substantially closed breathing cavity when the facepiece is held against the face. The facepiece has at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The at least one inlet configured to attach to a filter. The interior surface includes a designated placement area for attaching to a sampling assembly. The placement area is located substantially between a nose and a mouth of the individual when the facepiece is held against the face. The interior surface has a locating feature that at least one of visually identifies or physically defines the placement area.

Description

RESPIRATOR HAVING A LOCATING FEATURE FOR QUANTITATIVE

FIT TESTING

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 61/772,781, filed March 5, 2013 and entitled "LOCATING FEATURE FOR QUANTITATIVE FIT TESTF G OF RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to respirators, and, more particularly, to respirators that may undergo quantitative fit testing.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] At least some known respirators cover a portion of an individual's face and form a tight fit therewith to create a breathing cavity that is effectively sealed from the surrounding environment. The nose and mouth of the individual are positioned within the breathing cavity. The air in the breathing cavity may be delivered from an air supply and/or filtered from the surrounding environment. Such respirators may be used by individuals in challenging environments. For example, firefighting personnel often wear facepieces when extinguishing fires in order to protect against smoke inhalation.

[0004] Government regulations may require employers to develop and implement a written respiratory protection program that includes fit testing procedures for such respirators. For example, 29 C.F.R. 1910.134(c) makes it mandatory for employers in the United States to conduct fit testing using a particular procedure. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) also provides some guidance in ANSI Z88.10-2010 for fit testing respiratory equipment. Fit testing determines if a particular facepiece fits an employee and also verifies that the employee knows proper facepiece donning and wearing procedures. Also, during the quantitative fit testing, a test instrument may sample aerosol (or other particulate matter) from inside the facepiece and aerosol outside of the facepiece. A concentration of the aerosol inside the facepiece and a concentration of the aerosol outside the facepiece may be compared to determine whether the facepiece is being used properly by the individual and/or whether the facepiece is not operating correctly in some manner.

[0005] In some cases, the fit testing utilizes components that are integrated with the facepiece, such as a sample probe within the breathing cavity. More recently, manufacturers have offered removable sampling adapters to facilitate fit testing. The sampling adapter is positioned between one of the filters and an inlet into the breathing cavity. The sampling adapter permits a tube or line to be inserted through the sampling adapter and into the breathing cavity. The tube is secured to an interior surface of the facepiece using a suction cup. The suction cup may be coupled to the facepiece between the nose and mouth. During the fit testing, air from within the breathing cavity is drawn through the tube to a test instrument. The test instrument may compare the air quality within the breathing cavity to an air quality outside of the respirator. For at least some known fit testing procedures, the instructions for conducting the fit testing are not clear. For example, the instructions may not adequately describe where to secure the suction cup in the breathing cavity for proper measurement. Frequently, the surface at a preferred location for the suction cup within the breathing cavity has a texture or contour that is not suitable for attaching the suction cup. Consequently, the suction cup and the tube are located elsewhere in the breathing cavity. In such instances, measurements from the fit testing may not be compliant with regulations and/or may not be reliable.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] In an embodiment, a respirator is provided that includes a facepiece configured to be held against a face of an individual. The facepiece has an interior surface that defines a substantially closed breathing cavity when the facepiece is held against the face. The facepiece has at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The at least one inlet is configured to attach to a filter. The interior surface includes a designated placement area for attaching to a sampling assembly. The placement area is located substantially between a nose and a mouth of the individual when the facepiece is held against the face. The interior surface has a locating feature that at least one of visually identifies or physically defines the placement area.

[0007] In certain embodiments, the locating feature may include a change in contour of the interior surface. The change in contour may form a contour line that defines the placement area. Optionally, the placement area is substantially flat, and the contour line is formed at an intersection between the placement area and one or more slopes that surround the placement area. In some instances, the locating feature may include a plateau having the placement area and the one or more slopes or a recess having the placement area and the one or more slopes.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the locating feature may include a ridge that circumscribes the placement area.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the locating feature may include a visible indicator on the interior surface that visually identifies the placement area. Optionally, the visible indicator may include at least one of: (a) a visual outline that defines a perimeter of the placement area; (b) at least one arrow that points to the placement area; (c) a difference in color between the placement area and a surrounding area; or (d) written text that identifies the placement area.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the placement area includes a circular area. In other embodiments, the placement area may have different shapes.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the respirator includes the sampling assembly having a sampling tube with an inlet. The sampling assembly may also include an attachment mechanism having a surface that directly engages the interior surface and a connector that couples the inlet of the sampling tube to the attachment mechanism. Optionally, the attachment mechanism includes a suction cup that couples to the placement area.

[0012] In an embodiment, a fit test system is provided that includes a test instrument and a respirator having a facepiece configured to be held against a face of an individual. The facepiece has an interior surface that defines a breathing cavity where a nose and mouth of an individual are positioned. The respirator has at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The respirator also includes a filter coupled to the at least one inlet of the facepiece. The filter is configured to remove particulate matter during operation of the respirator. The interior surface includes a designated placement area for attaching to a sampling tube assembly. The placement area being located substantially between the nose and the mouth of the individual. The interior surface has a locating feature that at least one of visually identifies or physically defines the placement area. [0013] In an embodiment, a method is provided that includes providing a respirator that includes a facepiece configured to be held against a face of an individual. The facepiece has an interior surface that defines a substantially closed breathing cavity when the facepiece is held against the face. The interior surface includes a designated placement area for attaching to a sampling assembly. The placement area is located substantially between a nose and a mouth of the individual when the facepiece is held against the face. The interior surface has a locating feature that at least one of visually identifies or physically defines the placement area. The method also includes performing a fit test while the sampling assembly is secured to the placement area. The sampling assembly including a tube that draws air from proximate the placement area. The method also includes analyzing the air from within the breathing cavity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 illustrates a front view of a respirator formed in accordance with an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 illustrates a rear view of a facepiece formed in accordance with an embodiment before a suction cup is attached to an interior surface of the facepiece.

[0016] Figure 3 illustrates the rear view of the facepiece after the suction cup is attached to the interior surface of the facepiece.

[0017] Figure 4 illustrates a locating feature that may be used with a facepiece in accordance with an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 illustrates a locating feature that may be used with a facepiece in accordance with an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 illustrates a locating feature that may be used with a facepiece in accordance with an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 illustrates a locating feature that may be used with a facepiece in accordance with an embodiment. [0021] Figure 8 illustrates a locating feature that may be used with a facepiece in accordance with an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 9 illustrates a locating feature that may be used with a facepiece in accordance with an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 10 illustrates a locating feature that may be used with a facepiece in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0024] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural of the elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Further, references to "one embodiment" or "an exemplary embodiment" are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional elements not having that property.

[0025] Figure 1 illustrates a front view or an exterior of a respirator 100 formed in accordance with an embodiment. The respirator 100 includes a facepiece or mask 102, first and second filters 104, 106, and an outlet 108. The first and second filters 104, 106 are coupled in flow communication with first and second inlets 114, 116, respectively, of the facepiece 102. The facepiece 102 is configured to form an oro-nasal seal such that an effectively sealed breathing cavity (not shown) from which a nose and/or mouth may breath exists within the facepiece 102. In Figure 1, the respirator 100 has been assembled for quantitative fit testing. More specifically, the second filter 106 has been detached and a sampling adapter 110 has been coupled to the second inlet 106. The second filter 106 is secured to the sampling adapter 110 such that air flowing through the second filter 106 flows through the sampling adapter 110 and the second inlet 116 into the breathing cavity of the facepiece 102. [0026] Also shown in Figure 1, a sampling line or tube 112 extends through the sampling adapter 110. The sampling line 112 has a tube inlet (not shown) that is configured to be attached at a designated location within the breathing cavity and a tube outlet 124 that is coupled to a test instrument 118. The sampling line 112 and the sampling adapter 110 may constitute a sampling assembly 120. Collectively, the test instrument 118, the sampling assembly 120, and the respirator 100 may constitute a fit test system 122.

[0027] During the fit testing, air may be drawn from within the breathing cavity to the test instrument 118. The test instrument 118 is configured to measure a concentration of microscopic particles within the breathing cavity and a concentration of microscopic particles outside of the respirator 100. The test instrument 118 may compare the concentrations to determine a ratio of the concentrations. The ratio of these two concentrations may be referenced as a fit factor. A fit factor of 100 means that the air inside the respirator is 100 times as clean as the air outside. By way of example only, the test instrument 118 may be the PortaCount® Pro+ Respirator Fit Tester available through TSI Inc.

[0028] Also shown in Figure 1, the respirator 100 may include a strap or band 126 that holds the respirator 100 to the head of the individual in a tight-fitting manner. Although not shown, the respirator 100 may include additional fasteners that facilitate holding the facepiece 102 against the face of the individual. In Figure 1, the respirator 100 or the facepiece 102 constitutes a half mask. In other embodiments, the respirator 100 may be any respirator that can be fit tested. Such respirators may form an oro-nasal seal. By way of example only, the respirator 100 may be a full-face mask, a gas mask, a powered air purifying respirator (PAPR), a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), a welding head top, or the like. Respirators that may include locating features as set forth herein are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,051,732; 8,402,966; and 8,584,672, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some instances, the respirator 100 may include a transparent protective visor (not shown). Accordingly, it is understood that embodiments set forth herein include various types of respirators that are capable of undergoing fit testing.

[0029] Figure 2 illustrates a rear view of a facepiece 200 formed in accordance with an embodiment before a suction cup 242 (Figure 3) is attached to an interior surface 202 of the facepiece 200. The facepiece 200 may be used with a respirator, such as the respirator 100 (Figure 1). The interior surface 202 defines a breathing cavity 204 where a nose and mouth (not shown) of an individual will be disposed. The facepiece 200 includes a body rim 206 that is configured to directly engage the face of the individual and may be formed from a soft, compliant material, such as elastomer or foam. The body rim 206 is shaped to conform to the face of the individual. For example, the body rim 206 includes a nose portion 208 that defines a nose region 210 of the breathing cavity 204. The nose portion 208 of the body rim 206 is shaped to engage a bridge of the nose of the individual. The nose region 210 is dimensioned to receive the nose. The body rim 206 also includes a chin portion 212 and opposite ear portions 214, 216. The chin portion 212 is shaped to define a mouth region 218 of the breathing cavity 204 that is sized and shaped to receive the mouth of the individual.

[0030] The interior surface 202 includes a designated placement area 224 that is configured to engage a sampling assembly 240 (shown in Figure 3). The placement area 224 may be substantially centered within the interior surface 202. In particular embodiments, the placement area 224 represents a substantially continuous surface that is configured to engage a suction cup 242 (Figure 3) of the sampling assembly 240. The placement area 224 may have a designated location along the interior surface 202. The designated location may be determined by regulations or guidelines for fit testing. For example, the placement area 224 may be located centered generally between the nose and the mouth of the individual. More specifically, the facepiece 200 may be oriented with respect to a first midplane 220 that extends across the facepiece 200 between the ear portions 214, 216 of the body rim 206, and a second midplane 222 that extends across the facepiece 200 between the nose portion 208 and the chin portion 212. The first and second midplanes 220, 222 may intersect each other at the placement area 224.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the placement area 224 is a substantially flat surface that has a circular shape. The placement area 224 may be a smooth or polished surface that enables a suction cup to remain adhered to the placement area over the duration of the fit testing. The placement area 224 may have a smoother surface than surrounding areas of the interior surface 202. Although the placement area 224 is circular in Figure 2, the placement area 224 may have other geometric shapes. For example, the placement area 224 may be semi-circular, triangular, square-shaped, rectangular, other polygon, and the like. The placement area 224 may include some contour or curvature provided that the sampling assembly 240 is capable of attaching or adhering to the placement area 224. In alternative embodiments, the placement area 224 may not be substantially continuous. For example, the placement area 224 may include wells or holes that disrupt the continuity of the placement area 224.

[0032] In certain embodiments, the facepiece 200 includes a locating feature 230 that at least one of visually identifies or physically defines the placement area 224 on the interior surface 202. In some embodiments, the locating feature 230 may be formed by the interior surface 202. For example, the locating feature 230 may be a change in contour of the interior surface 202. In other embodiments, the locating feature 230 may be attached to the interior surface 202. For example, the locating feature 230 may be a ridge or rim that is adhered to the interior surface 202.

[0033] The locating feature 230 may visually identify and/or physically define the placement area 224. In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 2, the locating feature 230 is a change in contour of the interior surface 202. The change in contour forms a ridge 232 that projects from the interior surface 202 and circumscribes the placement area 224. The ridge 232 may define a recess that includes the placement area 224 therein. Other locating features that may be used as the locating feature 230 are described with reference to Figures 4-10.

[0034] Figure 3 shows the rear view of the facepiece 200 after the suction cup 242 is attached to the interior surface 202 of the facepiece 200. The facepiece 200 is configured to form an oro-nasal seal for an individual. The facepiece 200 includes a first inlet 250, a second inlet 252, and an outlet 254. The first and second inlets 250, 252 are configured to removably couple in flow communication to filters (not shown), such as the filters 104, 106 (Figure 1). In certain embodiments, either or both of the filters may be removed to allow a sampling adapter (not shown) to be coupled to the corresponding inlet. The sampling assembly 240 may include an attachment mechanism, which is illustrated as a suction cup 242 in Figure 3, a sampling line or tube 244, and a connector 246.

[0035] To prepare for a fit test, the sampling line 244 is inserted through the first inlet 250. Before or after inserting the sampling line 244 through the first inlet 250, the sampling line 244 is attached to the suction cup 242 through the connector 246. The connector 246 may be, for example, a spade connector having two fingers that grip a portion of the suction cup 242 therebetween. In other embodiments, the connector 246 may include one or more of a fastener, adhesive strip, hook, clip, screw, latch, and the like. The connector 246 is also secured to an end 254 of the sampling line 244. The end 254 of the sampling line 244 may include an inlet (not shown). The suction cup 242 may then be attached to the placement area 224. To facilitate a technician in identifying the placement area 224, the locating feature 230 visually identifies or physically defines the placement area 224. In the illustrated embodiment, the suction cup 242 may have a diameter that is substantially equal to or slightly less than a diameter of the placement area 224. The diameter may be, for example, about one inch (or about 2.54 centimeters).

[0036] The user may then put on the facepiece 200 or the associated respirator (not shown) to begin the fit test. During the fit test, air samples may be measured at different stages or different activities while the individual wears the respirator. More specifically, when coupled in fluid communication to a test instrument (not shown), the sampling line 244 permits air to be drawn from within the breathing cavity 204 to the test instrument. The test instrument may compare measurements taken from the breathing cavity 204 with measurements from outside the breathing cavity 204.

[0037] Figures 4-10 are isolated views of different locating features that may be used with one or more embodiments. For example, Figure 4 illustrates a locating feature 300 that is defined by a contour line 302 along an interior surface 304 of a facepiece (not shown). The contour line 302 is substantially formed at an intersection between changing slopes of the interior surface 304. More specifically, the contour line 302 defines a placement area 306 that is configured to receive an attachment mechanism, such as a suction cup. The placement area 306 is a continuous surface (e.g., void of gaps, wells, or cracks that disrupt a continuity of the surface). The continuous surface may be polished or treated in a manner to render the continuous surface smoother than surrounding surfaces. The placement area 306 may be substantially flat or have a small curvature that is sufficient for a suction cup to adhere to. In Figure 4, the placement area 306 is substantially circular, but may have other shapes in other embodiments. [0038] The contour line 302 is formed at an intersection between the placement area 306 and the surrounding slopes 308-311. More specifically, the slopes 308-311 may cause an abrupt change in the shape or contour of the interior surface 304 relative to the placement area 306, which may be substantially flat or slightly curved. The abrupt changes in contour around the placement area 306 may form the contour line 302. In some embodiments, the contour line 302 coincides with a plane.

[0039] The arrows in Figure 4 represent the slopes 308-311 of the interior surface 304. The arrows point in a direction of increasing slope. The longer the arrow the greater the increase in slope. As shown in Figure 4, the slopes 308-311 increase away from the placement area 306 such that the placement area 306 is located a depth within the interior surface 304. The interior surface 304 may form a recess 312 in which a bottom of the recess 312 is defined by the placement area 306. As such, a suction cup (or other attachment mechanism) may be disposed within the recess 312 and directly engage the placement area 306. In some embodiments, the surface of the placement area 306 is smoother than the surface along the slopes 308-311.

[0040] As shown in Figure 4, the slopes 308-311 have different sizes, shapes, and/or inclines. More specifically, the interior surface of 304 of the facepiece may be non-planar. For example, the portion of the interior surface 304 located between the nose and mouth of the individual wearing the facepiece may not have a uniform contour. As such, the slopes 308-311 that define the contour line 302 with the placement area 306 may have different sizes, shapes, and/or inclines. In the illustrated embodiment, the slope 308 has a deeper incline than the slope 309.

[0041] Figure 5 illustrates a locating feature 320 that is defined by a contour line 322 along an interior surface 324 of a facepiece (not shown). Unlike the locating feature 300 (Figure 4), which defines the recess 312 (Figure 4), the locating feature 320 defines a plateau 332. The plateau 332 includes a placement area 326 and slopes 328-330. The direction of the arrows indicated increasing slope. The placement area 326 and the slopes 328-330 intersect each other at the contour line 322. The contour line 322 may define the placement area 326 and, in some embodiments, may coincide with a plane. In the embodiment of Figure 5, the slopes 328-330 project from a surrounding portion of the interior surface 324 toward the face of the individual. As such, the plateau 332 protrudes from the interior surface 324. In some embodiments, the placement area 326 may have smoother surface than the surface of the slopes 328-330.

[0042] Figure 6 illustrates a locating feature 340 that is defined by a contour line 342 along an interior surface 344 of a facepiece (not shown). The locating feature 340 may be a combination of the recess 312 (Figure 4) and the plateau 332 (Figure 5). For example, a lower half 346 of the locating feature 340 may be a plateau 348 and an upper half 350 of the locating feature 340 may be a well 352. The contour line 342 defines a placement area 354 that is square- shaped in the illustrated embodiment, but may have other shapes in other embodiments. As such, a first portion (e.g., corresponding to the upper half 350) of the placement area 354 may be located a depth into the interior surface 344 and a second portion (e.g., corresponding to the lower half 346) of the placement area 354 may be located a height away from the interior surface 344.

[0043] Figure 7 illustrates a locating feature 360 along an interior surface 362 of a facepiece (not shown). The locating feature 360 is a partial ridge 364. The partial ridge 364 may be defined by the interior surface 362, such as a change in contour of the interior surface 362, or the partial ridge 364 may be a distinct element that is attached to the interior surface 362. As shown, the partial ridge 364 defines a placement area 366. The partial ridge 364 is C-shaped and includes an opening 368. The opening 368 may permit an individual to access an edge of the suction cup (not shown) when attempting to remove the suction cup.

[0044] Figure 8 illustrates a locating feature 370 along an interior surface 372 of a facepiece (not shown). In some embodiments, a locating feature does not include a change in contour of the interior surface. Instead, the locating feature may be a visible indicator. For example, the locating feature 370 may be visually identified by a change in color along the interior surface 372. By way of example only, the locating feature 370 may be a circle that is darker colored than the surrounding interior surface 372. The darker colored circle represents a visible indicator that identifies a placement area 374 for receiving the suction cup. The change in color may form a visual outline of the placement area 374 that defines a perimeter of the placement area 374. An individual viewing the interior surface 372 may quickly identify the placement area 374 due to the change in color. [0045] Figure 9 illustrates a locating feature 380 along an interior surface 382 of a facepiece (not shown). The locating feature 380 is identified by visible indicators 384. More specifically, the visible indicators 384 may be lines that project toward or away from a placement area 386. As shown, although the visible indicators 384 are circumferentially spaced apart from one another and extend radially outward (or radially inward), the visible indicators 384 collectively define the placement area 386. An individual viewing the interior surface 382 may quickly identify the placement area 386 due to the visible indicators 384.

[0046] Figure 10 illustrates a locating feature 390 along an interior surface 392 of a facepiece (not shown). The locating feature 390 may be a visible indicator that includes written text 394 (e.g., written instructions) and an arrow 396. The locating feature 390 may also include a dashed line 398 that encircles a placement area 399. The dashed line 398 represents a visual outline of the placement area 399 that defines a perimeter of the placement area. An individual viewing the interior surface 392 may quickly identify the placement area 399 due to the locating feature 390.

[0047] Various types of locating features have been described herein. It is understood that the locating features may be combined to visually identify and/or physically define the placement area. For example, the recess 312 (Figure 4) may be used with visible indicators 384 (Figure 9) to indicate a placement area.

[0048] While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like may be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations may be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and the like.

[0049] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various embodiments of the disclosure without departing from their scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various embodiments of the disclosure, the embodiments are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain- English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein." Moreover, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase "means for" followed by a statement of function void of further structure.

[0050] This written description uses examples to disclose the various embodiments of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if the examples have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if the examples include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A respirator comprising: a facepiece configured to be held against a face of an individual, the facepiece having an interior surface that defines a substantially closed breathing cavity when the facepiece is held against the face, the facepiece having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the at least one inlet configured to attach to a filter; wherein the interior surface includes a designated placement area for attaching a sampling assembly thereto, the placement area being located substantially between a nose and a mouth of the individual when the facepiece is held against the face, the interior surface having a locating feature that at least one of visually identifies or physically defines the placement area.

2. The respirator of claim 1, wherein the locating feature includes a change in contour of the interior surface, the change in contour forming a contour line that defines the placement area.

3. The respirator of claim 2, wherein the placement area is substantially flat and the contour line is formed at an intersection between the placement area and one or more slopes that surround the placement area.

4. The respirator of claim 3, wherein the locating feature includes a plateau having the placement area and the one or more slopes or a recess having the placement area and the one or more slopes.

5. The respirator of claim 1, wherein the locating feature includes a ridge that circumscribes the placement area.

6. The respirator of claim 1, wherein the locating feature includes a visible indicator on the interior surface that visually identifies the placement area.

7. The respirator of claim 6, wherein the visible indicator includes at least one of: (a) a visual outline that defines a perimeter of the placement area; (b) at least one arrow that points to the placement area; (c) a difference in color between the placement area and a surrounding area; or (d) written text that identifies the placement area.

8. The respirator of claim 1, wherein the placement area includes a circular area.

9. The respirator of claim 1, further comprising the sampling assembly, wherein the sampling assembly includes a sampling tube having an inlet, an attachment mechanism having a surface that directly engages the interior surface, and a connector that couples the inlet of the sampling tube to the attachment mechanism.

10. The respirator of claim 9, wherein the attachment mechanism includes a suction cup that couples to the placement area.

11. The respirator of claim 9, wherein the sampling assembly further comprises a sampling adapter configured to be positioned between the filter and the at least one inlet.

12. A fit test system: a test instrument; and a respirator including a facepiece configured to be held against a face of an individual, the facepiece having an interior surface that defines a breathing cavity where a nose and mouth of the individual are positioned, the respirator having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the respirator also including a filter coupled to the at least one inlet of the facepiece, wherein the interior surface includes a designated placement area for attaching a sampling assembly thereto, the placement area being located substantially between a nose and a mouth of the individual when the facepiece is held against the face, the interior surface having a locating feature that at least one of visually identifies or physically defines the placement area.

13. The fit test system of claim 12, wherein the locating feature includes a change in contour of the interior surface, the change in contour forming a contour line that defines the placement area.

14. The fit test system of claim 13, wherein the placement area is substantially flat and the contour line is formed at an intersection between the placement area and one or more slopes that surround the placement area.

15. The fit test system of claim 14, wherein the locating feature includes a plateau having the placement area and the one or more slopes or a recess having the placement area and the one or more slopes.

16. The fit test system of claim 12, wherein the locating feature includes a ridge that circumscribes the placement area.

17. The fit test system of claim 12, wherein the locating feature includes a visible indicator on the interior surface that visually identifies the placement area.

18. The fit test system of claim 17, wherein the visible indicator includes at least one of: (a) a visual outline that defines a perimeter of the placement area; (b) at least one arrow that points to the placement area; (c) a difference in color between the placement area and a surrounding area; or (d) written text that identifies the placement area.

19. The fit test system of claim 12, further comprising the sampling assembly, wherein the sampling assembly includes a sampling tube having an inlet, an attachment mechanism having a surface that directly engages the interior surface, and a connector that couples the inlet of the sampling tube to the attachment mechanism.

20. The fit test system of claim 19, wherein the sampling assembly further comprises a sampling adapter configured to be positioned between the filter and the at least one inlet.