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We replaced our previous disposable options with two new, widely-stocked disposable N95 respirators: the 3M 8511 with valve and the 3M 8210 without valve.
Breathing masks can protect adults from wildfire smoke, air pollution, and dust and smoke from some home renovation projects. After 50 hours of research and testing, we believe that the comfortable, durable and widely used 3M 8511 and 3M 8210 disposable N95 respirators are what you need.
These masks are suitable for wildfire smoke, air pollution, and dust and smoke from some home renovation projects.
We have disposable and reusable respirators, with and without valves, which can filter 95% to 99.97% of harmful substances.
We used volunteers ranging from 5 feet 3 inches to 6 feet 1 inch, ranging from light to heavy, to verify various facial comfort.
There is only one option for coronavirus protection, but we have cloth masks and guidelines for N95, KN95 and surgical methods.
If you want a reusable respirator-you can install a filter to protect the wearer from paint fumes and other volatile gases, as well as dust and smoke-3M 6502QL/49489 strong and comfortable quick lock half The mask reusable respirator is the most comfortable model we have found
There is only one of our options, the disposable 8210, which is suitable for protecting yourself and others from coronavirus infections because it filters out the breath and incoming air. (Other models have unfiltered exhalation valves.) For information on masks designed to prevent the spread of coronavirus, please refer to our cloth mask guide and our research on KN95 masks.
This mask is relatively comfortable and can filter out 95% of airborne particles.
Like other N95 masks, the 3M 8511 N95 cold flow valve particulate respirator is certified to filter out 95% of harmful particulate matter. Due to the increase in production, it can be widely used online and in stores. In our test, it is the most comfortable breathing mask for long-term wear, because its design provides us with breathing space, and the edges will not squeeze our cheeks. It can seal the various facial shapes and sizes of our testers, whose heights range from 5 feet 3 inches to 6 feet 1 inch, from light to heavy. The straps of other disposable respirators use loosely nailed rubber bands, while the straps of the 3M 8511 are stronger, and the braided straps are less likely to break or get stuck in the hair. (According to 3M, they do not contain latex.) The exhalation valve can be used as a dehumidifier to keep your face cool and reduce the chance of glasses fogging. But again, this is different from the N95 masks you use to prevent the spread of coronavirus-we provide information about masks in the cloth mask guide and the article describing our research on KN95 masks.
In other respects, similar to the 3M 8511, this model does not have an exhalation valve, so it is suitable for coronavirus protection and particle filtration.
*At the time of publication, the price was $20.
The 3M 8210 N95 particulate respirator is another certified N95 respirator, which means it can capture at least 95% of airborne particulates, including wildfire smoke and home decoration dust. Compared with 3M 8511, it is similar in form, fit and comfort, although it uses rubber (but no latex, every 3M) belt instead of cloth belt. The main difference is that the 8210 does not have an exhalation valve, which also makes it suitable for coronavirus protection: anything you exhale will pass through the filter material, so if you are infected, you are much less likely to spread the virus to other people . The 8210 is easy to find online and in hardware stores. It is cheaper than the 8511, but it may feel a little boring to wear.
This half-mask reusable respirator is comfortable to wear and is available in a variety of sizes. It can filter a series of particles and some smoke in the air with an efficiency of more than 99%.
3M 6502QL/49489 Rugged Comfort Quick Latch half-mask reusable respirator (medium version) is suitable for all body types-our testers range from 5'3" to 6'1", from light to heavy construction-but If you are particularly petite or tall, the smaller 6501QL or the larger 6503QL may be a better choice (we hope we can be more specific). Due to its comfortable silicone mask and convenient "quick latch" mechanism, our testers gave the respirator the highest overall rating, which allows you to remove the respirator from your face without removing the entire hood. Unlike the other models we tested, it has an adjustable crown and a downward-facing exhalation valve to keep your face cool (and make sure you don't fog up any glasses you are wearing). To use it, you also need to purchase a filter; we recommend using the 3M 2097 filter, which can capture at least 99.97% of airborne particles, including smoke, and can also prevent petrochemical smoke and some corrosive vapors.
This mask is relatively comfortable and can filter out 95% of airborne particles.
In other respects, similar to the 3M 8511, this model does not have an exhalation valve, so it is suitable for coronavirus protection and particle filtration.
*At the time of publication, the price was $20.
This half-mask reusable respirator is comfortable to wear and is available in a variety of sizes. It can filter a series of particles and some smoke in the air with an efficiency of more than 99%.
To find out which respirator is most effective in emergency situations, we spoke with Nura Sadeghpour, a spokesperson for the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a federal agency that certifies respirator masks. We also consulted with Dale Schornack, spokesperson for the California Department of Public Health; Venessa Vidovich, the supervising public health nurse of the Shasta County (California) Department of Health and Human Services; 3M spokesperson Jennifer Ehrlich and Honeywell representatives; and operating The Prepared John Ramey, this is a website that reviews emergency preparedness supplies. In addition, we also reviewed educational materials from NIOSH, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
When outdoor air quality is affected by particulate matter (small solid and liquid debris that can be inhaled and cause health problems), staying indoors as much as possible is the best thing you can do. Use a portable HEPA filter air purifier at home Can have a great impact on indoor air quality. However, if you must go out, wearing a breathing mask that seals your face firmly and filters out particles will help ensure your safety. The CDC has guidelines on how to keep fit (this is especially important if you have a beard, because facial hair prevents the mask from sticking to the skin, allowing particles to sneak in).
People who travel frequently to places with poor air quality or severe pollution may also find breathing masks useful, as do people dealing with mold infections at home. For example, people who have impaired lung function due to asthma or emphysema should consult a doctor before using any respirator, because respirators can make breathing a little more difficult.
If you are not sure whether you need to wear a breathing mask in the surrounding air, please consult the health department of your county. To check your local air quality more precisely, enter your zip code in AirNow, which is an EPA resource that provides a national map of current fires and useful fact sheets.
Like many emergency preparedness supplies, respirators may be sold out or otherwise unavailable when demand increases, such as after a natural disaster. When you increase your emergency supplies inventory, it is wise to include a reusable mask and replacement filter or a box of disposable masks. Most disposable respirators can be used for about 8 hours before you should discard them, while reusable masks can be used indefinitely, provided you follow the manufacturer’s instructions to change the filter. "We recommend using a half face mask or full face mask [respirator] and a few boxes of disposable items," said John Lamy of The Prepared. (The reusable respirator we chose is a half-mask, which means it can cover the nose and mouth, but not the eyes.)
To check your local air quality more precisely, enter your zip code in AirNow, which is an EPA resource that provides a national map of current fires and useful fact sheets.
NIOSH does not approve any respirator masks for use by children. Although you can find smaller-sized masks, they are still the most suitable for adult faces, and may be too large for children to form the tight seal necessary to ensure protection. In addition, respirators obstruct the airflow, so while they make breathing safer, they also make breathing more difficult, which is more risky for children than adults. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, because children’s lungs are still developing, they are also particularly vulnerable to wildfire smoke and ashes. A better way is to keep children indoors and away from dangerous air environments as much as possible, rather than putting them on breathing masks. Although this may be more difficult and inconvenient, it is much better.
We only considered NIOSH approved (PDF) respirators, which were evaluated as approved by the agency’s National Personal Protection Technology Laboratory. If the respirator meets the minimum construction, performance and protection standards, the laboratory will approve it. Although filters have different efficiency levels, such as N95 or P100, NIOSH filters do not have a better or worse ranking-they are either approved or not. When you are looking for quality respirators, NIOSH approval is the most important factor. You can find hundreds of counterfeit products on the Internet that lack this important government certification. We avoided these completely, and you should do the same. Brian X. Chen of The New York Times wrote a guide to find genuine N95 and KN95 masks online and avoid counterfeiting.
We consulted editor reviews and customer reviews from Amazon and other retailers. Most respirator masks you can buy online are manufactured by 3M or Honeywell. As Venesa Vidovich of the Shasta County (California) Department of Health and Human Services pointed out, public health officials are usually not related to brands. "We don't have any preferences," she said. If it is an N95 or P100 mask approved by NIOSH, "This is what we care about."
When you are looking for quality respirators, NIOSH approval is the most important factor. You can find hundreds of counterfeit products on the Internet that lack this important government certification.
In addition to NIOSH approval, we also considered ease of use and comfort. For reusable masks, we also considered the available sizes-the more choices the better. Disposable masks are usually one size fits all. Since a tight seal is essential to the proper function of the respirator, a good quality mask should stay in place and feel comfortable on exposed skin. If the respirator rubs against your skin (causing you to adjust your skin) or your breathing fogs up any glasses you may be wearing, the respirator will immediately lose its benefits. We prioritized some functions, such as an adjustable cord that fits the bridge of the nose.
A group of 10 people-male and female, ranging in height from 5 feet 3 inches to 6 feet 1 inch, light to strong in size-tested 12 disposable and reusable half-face respirators, and evaluated The following factors:
This mask is relatively comfortable and can filter out 95% of airborne particles.
The 3M 8511 N95 cold flow valve particulate respirator is ubiquitous and is approved by NIOSH to filter out at least 95% of most airborne particles, including wildfire smoke. We think this is the gas mask you should get. Long-term wear is more comfortable than other disposable products, and easier to use than a respirator with a separate filter. Its single size can seal the faces of 10 male and female testers, and the height ranges from 5'3" to 6' 1 does not wait". It has an exhalation valve, which helps prevent it from fogging on the glasses and making your face a mess, but this function also makes it impossible to effectively prevent the spread of the coronavirus, because the valve does not filter the air you exhale. If you are looking for virus protection measures, please refer to our cloth mask guide.
Unlike other more expensive disposable masks that we have tested, the 8511 has an elastic fabric strap and does not require any unintuitive tightening through a plastic mechanism. Its malleable metal nose bridge helps to ensure a good seal around the complex and variable curves of the face. Most importantly, this mask can be taken out of the packaging directly and can be worn where it should be on the face, which is different from the 3M 9211 Aura particulate respirator (the previous choice in our guide to emergency preparedness and insect bags) , Which is more difficult to unfold and place. The 8511 replaces the other same 3M 8516 we previously selected and is now hard to find; it lacks the 8516's extra protection against acid gases, but these are only common in industrial environments.
Our testers liked that the soft inner part of this mask did not stick to their skin too tightly, and left enough space for them to breathe comfortably. Although some testers found that the strap was too tight to wear for a long time, the expert group concluded that the 8511 woven strap may be more durable than the rubber band strap on the similarly designed 3M 8210. This is another choice of ours ( See the next section).
In other respects, similar to the 3M 8511, this model does not have an exhalation valve, so it is suitable for coronavirus protection and particle filtration.
*At the time of publication, the price was $20.
The 3M 8210 N95 particulate respirator is similar to the 3M 8511 in all important aspects: it is NIOSH approved, can filter 95% of airborne particles, is suitable for all types of faces, has a metal nose bridge to form a tight seal, and is comfortable to wear. However, it has no valves. This means that it is an effective coronavirus protective mask because it can protect the wearer and the people around it. On the contrary, the absence of a valve may make wearing it a bit boring, even though the guide author Tim Heffernan wears it while riding a bicycle with glasses, and there is no fogging problem or any feeling of excessive humidity in the mask. The 8210 is also cheaper than the 8511, so if you need a bunch of respirators, it is a more economical choice.
The 8210 does not provide a fabric strap like the 8511, but a strap made of rubber. They may not be as durable-but then again, these disposable masks can only be worn for eight hours, so maximum durability is not very important. Recent buyer reviews did show some complaints, indicating that the shoulder straps are too tight for larger wearers. Tim's head is very big (hat size is 7⅝), he finds them very close to the body, but not uncomfortable. Some wearers say that pre-stretching the shoulder straps before putting on the mask for the first time can help.
This half-mask reusable respirator is comfortable to wear and is available in a variety of sizes. It can filter a series of particles and some smoke in the air with an efficiency of more than 99%.
3M 6502QL/49489 Sturdy and comfortable quick-lock half-mask reusable respirator is our favorite reusable respirator mask. Compared to any disposable products we tested, it provides a tighter and more comfortable fit, making it a better choice for long-term wear.
Face-mask respirators of this type are usually used by industrial or agricultural workers, but they are also useful for people who have to deal with bad air quality on a regular basis and those who are serious about emergency preparedness. Compared to other reusable models we have tested, Rugged Comfort Quick Latch is easier to breathe, and its soft silicone seal is less likely to scratch the skin. When you adjust the fit, its straps are also easier to adjust. In general, it is more comfortable to wear and has a more reasonable structure.
This is the medium version of the 3M 6500 series respirator. We found it suitable for all face shapes and physiques-our testers ranged from 5 feet 3 inches to 6 feet 1 inch-but if you are much less than 5 feet 3 inches tall and lighter, you may Hope to consider 6501QL (small) If you are over 6 feet tall or have a big head, you may find 6503QL (large) slightly more comfortable. (In terms of hat size, it is usually considered anything from 7¼ to 7⅜ or more.) We hope that 3M will provide more detailed sizing guidance.
You need to purchase the filter of the mask separately; 3M's 2097 filter is a P100 type filter that can capture almost all particles in the air, including smoke, and prevent petrochemical smoke and some corrosive vapors.
Rugged Comfort Quick Latch has an adjustable, crown-like seat belt (3M 7502 is the only other model we have seen that provides this feature) and a unique "quick latch" mechanism, so you don’t need to remove the mask. Put the mask off the face and lower the headband. You should remove the mask only when you are safely away from the contaminated area.
The tester said that the silicone mask did not emit an unpleasant smell, while the Honeywell 770030L and 550030M models did. The downward exhalation valve of the Rugged Comfort Quick Latch also prevents fogging of the glasses.
As with all reusable respirators, you need to purchase the filter separately. For the medium 6502QL, the smaller 6501QL, and the larger 6503QL, this means any filter made by 3M or any 6000 series cartridge filter or 2000, 2200, 5000 or 7000 series pancake type listed as "Bayonet" filter.
These lightweight pancake filters are our first choice for reusable respirators and can capture 99.97% of airborne particles such as smoke and oil vapor.
These cartridge filters perform well and are protected by a plastic casing, but their half-pound weight is uncomfortable, making them our second choice.
*At the time of publication, the price was $24.
The P100 filter is the most widely used filter that meets this standard. The "100" mark means that they can capture 99.97% of fine particles, such as wildfire smoke. As P-designated filters, they can also prevent oil-based substances in the air, such as paint fumes and some corrosive vapors. NIOSH approval means that, at the same level (P100 in this case), our recommended pancake filters such as 3M 2097 filters are as effective as hard plastic cartridge filters such as 3M 60926 to protect you. Pancake filters weigh only half an ounce per pair, and they are our first recommendation for typical use outdoors and around homes. These cartridges are more expensive and heavier-our scales are 8.6 ounces per pair-but they are also stronger, and if you do heavy physical work while wearing them, such as kitchen removal, they may be a better choice for you Respirator. 3M recommends that the pancake and cartridge filter (PDF) be replaced within six months after opening the package, or in an environment with oil mist, after the total use time is only 40 hours or 30 days after the first use, whichever comes first Prevail.
3M lacks size guidance for its reusable respirators, so it is difficult to determine which size you should buy before ordering. We have provided the general guidance we can provide based on our tests on 10 people of different sizes, but it will be much easier to refer to the size chart. Some retailers provide detailed respirator size guidelines, which are helpful, but we hope to see similar things from manufacturers. According to retailer Enviro Safety Products, 80% of adults should be moderate. This is roughly in line with our observations, and interestingly, we found that few people would choose the small size-according to Enviro Safety, this version should be suitable for 5% of adults.
If you have a thick beard, the respirator will not work-the silicone seal must be close to the bare skin. The CDC has guidelines on facial hair styles that can be used with respirators, and a comparison table of respirator types, including those with P100 filters.
We have already mentioned that the filter is sold separately and can be used for up to six months after opening, so at best you will face ongoing costs (at worst, the filter expires in an emergency). And we need to reiterate the weight issue involving hard plastic cartridge filters (such as 3M 60926)-the full 8.6 oz filter hanging on your face is a significant extra weight, so please keep this in mind.
Finally, a tester pointed out that the model was used with glasses, but pushed it up "a little bit". However, this slight criticism is not unique to this half-face respirator mask.
The 3M 7502/37082 (AAD) mid-size half-mask reusable respirator is similar in structure to the Rugged Comfort Quick Latch, but lacks the "quick latch" mechanism that our testers found useful. Both 3M models are compatible with 3M brand filter elements with various NIOSH grades (such as N95 or P100).
Among all the masks we tested, the testers had the highest cumulative scores for the ease of use, comfort and structural quality of the GVS SPR451 Elipse P100 half-mask respirator. However, its strap does not feel as safe as the strap on the 3M Rugged Comfort Quick Latch, and at the time of writing, the SPR451 Elipse P100 is more difficult to find online. This mask can be worn at any time with a replaceable P100 filter, but only for those specific filters. We prefer the versatility of Rugged Comfort Quick Latch and other 3M and Honeywell masks that we have considered, which allow you to connect a series of protective filters and filter elements.
More than half of the testers complained that Honeywell's North Safety 770030L 7700 series silicone half-face respirator had an unpleasant smell. Compared with Rugged Comfort Quick Latch or SPR451 Elipse P100, it is also inferior in safety and comfort. In addition, members of our expert team stated that Honeywell North 550030M half-face respirators provide less safety than Rugged Comfort Quick Latch, and feel lower manufacturing costs. Like 3M's masks, Honeywell's masks also have "bayonet" connectors, but the Honeywell models we tested are only applicable to the company's 7700 series adaptive filters and filter elements.
Many of the following masks were reserved for medical and other important personnel during the pandemic and are currently not available to the public. However, we tested them before the pandemic, and we list our results here for comparison purposes and as a reference for anyone shopping in this category once the wider availability is restored.
We previously recommended the 3M 9211 Aura particulate respirator in our version of our emergency preparedness supplies and insect bag guide, but it is no longer available. Other Aura models (such as 9205) are similar, but they all have the same folding design. Our 2019 test panel found that it is not as easy to use as the ready-to-wear 8511 and 8210.
Although the 3M 8293 P100 particulate respirator has an unusually sturdy strap, most members of our test team were unable to figure out how to pass them through the plastic regulator. This model is not compatible with glasses.
Testers rated Honeywell's Sperian RWS-54006 Saf-T-Fit Plus N95 disposable respirator with exhalation valve the highest, because it is easy to set up, but they don't like its thin rubber band.
Honeywell North Sperian 14110445 One-Fit N95 Molded Cup Mask with Valve is used in conjunction with glasses, and the nose area is more spacious than 3M 8511. However, it does not have an adjustable nose clip, so we found it more difficult to fit snugly.
Although we like the interesting patterns and appearance of the popular Vogmask models, they are not approved by NIOSH, despite the company's claims that these masks "comply with NIOSH standards." They have been certified by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. We also disqualified Debrief Me cloth masks because they were also not approved by NIOSH. If their approval status changes, we hope to test the masks of the two companies in the future.
Christina Colizza and Sabrina Imbler reported on this guide.
Dale Schornack, spokesperson for the California Department of Public Health, email interview, February 28, 2019
Nura Sadeghpour, spokesperson for the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, email interview, March 5, 2019
John Ramey, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, The Prepared, email interview, March 29, 2019
Venessa Vidovich, Director of Public Health Nurses, Shasta County Health and Human Services Bureau, telephone interview, April 22, 2019
Michael Guarnieri, MD and John R. Balmes, MD, Outdoor Air Pollution and Asthma, The Lancet, May 3, 2014
Respirator fact sheet, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, January 20, 2012
Jennifer Ehrlich, 3M spokesperson, telephone interview, July 21, 2021
Tim Heffernan is a senior staff writer for Wirecutter and a former writer and editor for The Atlantic, Esquire, and other companies. Since 2015, he has been working on our unparalleled coverage of air purifiers and water filters. In 2018, he established a continuous partnership with Wirecutter with Smarter Living of The New York Times. When he is not here, he will ride a bicycle.
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