All the disposable masks we tested are government-certified to filter out 95 percent of harmful particulate matter, but the 3M 8516 N95 Particulate Respirator stood out as the most comfortable mask for long-term wear, as its design gives you space to breathe and has edges that don't push against your cheeks.
An N95 respirator is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles. Note that the edges of the respirator are designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth.
The aptly named N95 Mask Co. has both types of masks available for the public to purchase. The masks are comfortable to wear and can be adjusted to fit snug against your face, per FDA recommendations.
A. 3M offers two models of respirators approved by NIOSH as an N95 respirator: the 1860 model (also available as 1860S small) and the 1870 model.
The 3M 2091 P100 (HEPA) Filter is sold by the pair and features extremely fine filtration that traps all but the most minuscule particles. HEPA filtration is rated to remove 99.9% of particles . 3 microns and larger.
Signs that a respirator may be counterfeit:
- No markings at all on the filtering facepiece respirator.
- No approval (TC) number on filtering facepiece respirator or headband.
- No NIOSH markings.
- NIOSH spelled incorrectly.
- Presence of decorative fabric or other decorative add-ons (e.g., sequins)
95-rated masks can filter out 95% of particulate matter. Thus, the “weakest” respirator that still receives a classification is N95, which filters 95% of non-oil particulates. The strongest is P100, which filters 99.97% of oil and non-oil particulate.
A P100 rating is the highest for personal respiratory protection. As long as your mask fits properly a P100 filter will block 99.9% of particles . 3 microns or larger. (If you're interested in the nitty-gritty the CDC has a comprehensive and fairly unreadable guide to particulate respirators.)
Respirator Extended Use RecommendationsWorkers in other industries routinely use N95 respirators for several hours uninterrupted. Experience in these settings indicates that respirators can function within their design specifications for 8 hours of continuous or intermittent use.
Filters for painting are often rated R95, or higher to handle oil-based particles. If you're looking for the highest level of protection in the widest variety of situations, go for P100, which will filter out 100% of both oil-based and non-oil-based particles.
3M makes organic vapor respirator cartridges to help reduce user exposure to many different organic vapors. To achieve this objective, respirator cartridges are filled with a material called activated carbon. Activated carbon is typically made from coal or renewable resources like wood or coconut shells.
Clean facepiece (excluding filters and cartridges) by immersing in warm cleaning solution, water temperature not to exceed 120º F (49º C), and scrub with soft brush until clean. Add neutral detergent if necessary. Do not use cleaners containing lanolin or other oils.
Signs that a respirator may be counterfeit:
- No markings at all on the filtering facepiece respirator.
- No approval (TC) number on filtering facepiece respirator or headband.
- No NIOSH markings.
- NIOSH spelled incorrectly.
- Presence of decorative fabric or other decorative add-ons (e.g., sequins)
Turn cartridge one quarter turn back towards the side of the face until you feel resistance. Do not turn any further or you may damage the facepiece and/or cartridge. Turn cartridge one quarter turn towards front of the facepiece. Cartridge should easily come away from face piece.
Mold is a type of fungus that can grow and live in organic matter including many building materials, especially when elevated moisture levels are present. Fungi can also release low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are thought to be the source of odors associated with mold and mildew.
All smoke is a mixture of carbon dioxide, water vapor, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, hydrocarbons and other organic chemicals.
While a P95 can also filter out 95% of small particles, it has the additional ability to strongly protect the wearer from oil particles. In the same way an N95 filters out 95% of small particles, an N99, R99, or P99 filters out 99% of small particles, and an N100, R100, or P100 filters out 99.97%.
Best Overall Respirators Reviewed
- NASUM Half Face Cover (best overall respirator)
- 3M Full Facepiece Reusable Respirator (best full face respirator)
- PD-100 Full Face Organic Vapor Respirator & Gas Mask.
- HXMY Respirator.
- NASUM 8200.
Not resistant to oil. N100 – Filters at least 99.97% of airborne particles. P100 – Filters at least 99.97% of airborne particles. Strongly resistant to oil.
Is the N95 mask washable? Washability of the N95 mask primarily depends on the design. There are some masks that cannot be washed as it may damage the filter. The outer layers of some masks can be washed but only after removing the middle filter layer.
There is no set life on respirator filters and cartridges. It largely depends on what you're trying to filter out of the breathing zone. Filters work like a strainer, trapping particles out of the air you breathe through them. When it fills up with debris, it's time to replace your filter.
