Respiratory mask and filter cartridge therefor

A filter cartridge for a respiratory mask, the cartridge comprising a housing comprised of an inner receptacle having an open end and an outer cover mounted over said open end of said inner receptacle, said outer cover having, in a covering surface thereof at a first longitudinal end of said housing, an air intake aperture in fluid communication with said inner receptacle, said outer cover being pivotally mounted to said inner receptacle by a fixed pivot provided at an opposite second longitudinal end of said housing and configured for pivotal movement relative thereto between a first configuration in which there is a gap between said open end of said inner receptacle and said outer cover such that a respiratory airway is defined between said intake aperture and said inner receptacle, and a second configuration in which said outer cover substantially seals said open end of said inner receptacle and said respiratory airway is thereby blocked;

• wherein a further respiratory airway is defined by the gap between the open end of said inner receptacle and the cover in said first configuration;
• and wherein the inner receptacle further comprises a connecting portion adjacent the second longitudinal end of said housing configured to mount the filter cartridge over a respiratory aperture in the respiratory mask, said connecting portion and said intake aperture being located at opposing longitudinal ends of said housing.