About this item
- NIOSH approved N95 for at least 95% filtration efficiency against certain non-oil based particles and aerosols
- 3M cool flow valve helps reduce heat buildup inside the respirator
- Breathe 30% easier compared to 3M 8200, breathe easier is defined as an initial pressure drop
- Adjustable M nose-clip helps ensure a custom, secure seal with fewer pressure points
- May not be appropriate for use in certain locations, such as those that do not permit valved respirators
- Recommended for relief from dusts and certain particles encountered during sanding projects (bare wood, non lead painted surfaces, or drywall), grinding, sawing, sweeping, installation of fiberglass insulation.
Tom Foley. (SC, United States) –
I am glad these are available again now that the pandemic is easing up. These are great dust masks that I wear a lot while cutting and sanding the hardwood. The mask sits close to my face, the nose clip is firm and holds its shape, which is important to me because I wear glasses and have had no problem with my glasses fogging up while wearing these masks. These are the only masks I used that do not fog up my glasses. The exhale valve makes it easier to breathe and prevents heat build-up under the mask. Definitely worth the money.
kang. (CO, United States) –
This is the standard 3M N-95 mask and it works just as expected.
I’ve used this model for years, and here’s why:
– it’s actually comfortable
– it’s very breathable. I can bike with it and breath quite hard before it becomes a hindrance.
– it’s rated N95, i.e. this is good against particles like PM2.5 (filters 95% of them)
– the seal is very good regardless of your face shape and that’s important
LBoogie. (AZ. United States) –
I needed something to wear when I cut the grass bc I would get so sick with another mask, this along with my 3m Virtua CCS protective eyewear works miracles for me! Highly recommend them both
icelion. (GA, United States) –
I have been using these masks for years. They are well made, comfortable, and highly effective. They don’t irritate your skin. They make breathing easier in hostile environments and stay cool in hot conditions.
They can be re-used if you are careful … I don’t suggest this but I know people want to know. If you are using these to mow your lawn under dusty conditions and there was no exposure to toxic/harmful pollutants I’d say you are ok to carefully reuse them again. Take to keep the inside clean between use and to not touch the outside and spread any dust/debris to the inner part of the mask. That said, these are disposable … they are truly meant to be worn and tossed. If you are looking for a reusable mask 3M has great respirators that can be reused with confidence.
Regena Pauketat. (LA, United States) –
Having lived through multiple wildfire seasons, and now the pandemic, these masks have been very important for helping filter smoke particles in particular while dealing with ongoing environmental disasters. While they do still get somewhat stuffy, they have also been comfortable to wear at work for 8 hours a day during the pandemic, with a cloth mask over the top.
Ciyzen. (OR, United States) –
These fit well to my face and the elastic is good quality. They are 95_type but, are not approved for medical use because the valve allows exhaling outward. Medical masks prevent exhaling germs out and perhaps taking them in.
Kfilly. (NM, United States) –
I bought these in the event coronavirus (or any other one) starts spreading in the US. I do not believe our government has a plan to deal with an outbreak. Another worry about that particular disease is that more and more cases are popping up outside of China. I would also prefer to have these masks and not need them than to need them and not have them. It is just a little extra peace of mind.
Andie. (MT, United States) –
These are EXCELLENT N95 Respirator masks. They’re the same I used when I took care of infectious patients. The 2 bands provide a snug fit and the valve allows easier, safer breathing than the cloth masks we’ve become accustomed to. Sadly, in about another month, this type of mask will be necessary.
Grampa. (FL, United States) –
Worked well with the terrible smoke and other junk in the air after the recent big fires in Florida.
My wife has short hair, and she had some problems getting the mask over her head and to fit.
I have a large head and had no problems besides getting it on the first time.
With even moderate time exposure to the smoke and whatever, the masks had to be replaced. Which might be good news as the smoke and whatever was blocked by the mask.
I ordered an extra box to have as an emergency backup.
AuntMary. (MS, United States) –
I usually wear these types of masks but without the additional vent in the front. I decided I would give these a try because all of the other masks usually make me feel like I’m suffocating and can’t catch my breath.
I am happy to say, this mask didn’t make me feel that way. I used them around construction dirt, sheetrock dust, etc. Now here’s the trick to not feeling suffocated. You need to plan on using two masks on the same day. So, whenever a mask starts to get to where it’s hard to breathe through because it’s filled with sweat since you’re a hard-working man but you still care about your lungs, you need to take that makes off and let it dry in the sun. Seriously, take it off otherwise you will try to breathe but will feel like you’re being waterboarded. Put another new mask on, and swap them out throughout the day as they dry. You WILL NOT need more than two in a day and the mask usually lasted me at least in heavy, dirty conditions.
Everyone else around me without a mask was busy getting respiratory illnesses and chronic coughs so these masks are well worth the money.
Elc. (NE, United States) –
This is the only N95 mask that I will wear. I keep them around the house and use them when I do volunteer demolition and construction work. Like all masks, they can fog up your glasses, but they do it for less than any other mask, I have ever used. And most importantly, they work. I wear these masks all day and they are filthy on the outside and visually clean on the inside. The elastic bands are just the right amount of stretch and they don’t break during the life of the mask. The nose piece is easily bent to form to your nose and prevent mask bypass.
Cascade. (ME, United States) –
I can assure you that the mask feels the same, visually are the same compare to the pre-pandemic masks that I still have.
Edward P. Owen. (NJ, United States) –
Originally bought to help with my COPD. So glad I bought 10 of them when I did. Because you cannot find them anywhere now. I only have two left that have not been used. And I had to stretch them to make them last this long. And yes I would buy them again if I could find them.
Jay D. Anderson. (NE, United States) –
Surprised to see so many reviews about people who couldn’t figure out how to wear these. The elastic bands are attached in a way so you slip them over your head, NOT around your ears. This method of wearing makes the mask more secure and tightly fitted to your face, and there is no ear strain. They worked great for me as I cleaned my new house; the previous owner had a cat and I’m extremely allergic. No dander got in my lungs with this mask on. Breathing was easy and smelled fresh the whole time.
V. W. (OR, United States) –
I purchased these because of the wildfire season we had last summer. I live in Southern Oregon and the air quality was horrible during the fires. These are the masks they say to get, the particulate N95. Some places were giving them out for free, but the free ones were way too small and the pharmacies ran out of them. The price on Amazon is great. These are not cheap in the stores. I have a lot leftover and plan to use them again this year if need be. I also had enough to give to a couple of friends who needed them. If you live in an area that has wildfires in the summer, these are great to have on hand. They can be a bit difficult to breathe through if you wear them too long. I used mine to go to my car and back or from the car into the store or Dr.’s office or wherever. When I worked at the hospital,l we were told not to wear these more than 15 minutes at a time.
Bob Smith. (NJ, United States) –
Thank the deities that we can get these again. I need them for home improvement/yard work and not being able to get them in time for pollen season was making me a bit nervous.
The woven headbands are much nicer than the rubber bands on other models. They don’t pull your hair when donning and doffing.
For seasonal allergy sufferers, n95’s are a necessary expense to save your body and your sanity.
Now if only the compact versions would become available, it would be perfect.
M&L. (MT, United States) –
Excellent mask for Corona. Like everything, if you are late and buy during a global shortage you’re going to pay more. When everyone was stocking up on these masks as preppers the masses were making fun of them. Well, who is laughing now?
Soon the day of reckoning will be here and preppers will be the ones who thanks to these 8511 masks and other gear will be the ones who make it.
We are lucky we have people selling these nice masks out of their personal supplies. No mommy or daddy is going to save you now!
Reva James-Frye. (WA, United States) –
I sent these to my brother after his hospital stay and to assist with his pollen allergy problems, he loves them and uses them daily on his walks, it has helped with his recuperation and much-needed exercise to build up his lungs, I could not be more pleased that this fits the bill.
Mtuail. (OR, United States) –
These masks, together with a Tyvek coverall suit, work perfectly for me. I wear them for a couple of hours every two or three weeks while I pick up all the leaves and Jacaranda flower petals in my back yard. I appreciate the cool flow valve. Also the metal strip in the nose area helps me to get a good seal making the mask more effective.
Thanks for taking the tears, red eyes, sneezing and worse stuff out of picking up leaves!
Some Guy. (NY, United States) –
I’m glad I got these when I did as they’re hard to get now (and people who are selling them are ripping you off). They work great, are relatively comfortable to wear, and filter out dust and other garbage in the air when cleaning.
Now people are using them to block out the coronavirus when it attaches to airborne particles. I will warn you that, after wearing it for hours, your ears may bug you (unless you’re used to wearing these masks). Other than that, they’re great!
Velly. (NE, United States) –
I use this respirator under very dusty conditions, (power air sweeping/blowing of the yard, street, driveways, etc. as well as sawdust, sanding, etc.). Breathing in is good. The “check valve” design makes exhaling is great! Also, this valve minimizes (and usually eliminates) the “fogging” of my eyewear/glasses. The metal stiffener at the bridge of the nose nicely facilitates a snug fit. The dual elastic bands afford a firm but reasonably comfortable sealed fit to the face. With this respirator, my nasal passages have no evidence of dust/dirt accumulation, even though the accumulation on the outside of the respirator often proves that the work environment was extremely dusty. I am completely sold on this product. I keep a large number on standby for not only myself but those who work along with me.