Top 5 Best 3M Respirator Mask (2021 Review)

The ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic is taking its toll on us. Daily cases and deaths are still on the rise. To prevent the transmission of such highly infectious airborne diseases, a 3m respirator mask can be your first line of defense.

A 3m mask is a type of respiratory mask that can filter up to 90% of 0.3 micron fine particles. They are designed to seal the face of the wearer and prevent exposure to airborne elements like viruses and fine dust particles. Where a normal mask just prevents droplets and splashes from spitting out. Read further to find out the best 3m respirator that we recommend.

Different types of respirators

Respirators can be classified based on many parameters. Such as their intended usage, hazard protection, work process, build, substance resistance, etc. But they are often broadly classified into the following types.

Air-purifying respirators

The most common type of respirator out there. Also known as negative pressure respirators. Depends on the inhalation of the user. While breathing, the dust particles, microorganisms, droplets, etc get filtered by the cartridges or filters. They are sub-classified into several groups such as:

• Disposable:

Also known as filtering facepieces. They provide moderate protection against some particles and levels of exposure. They are lightweight, disposable, and require no maintenance. For example, the N95 3m respirator mask.

• Reusable:

These masks are equipped with cartridges that filter out dust particles and droplets. Change the cartridges after every once in a while to keep them functional. No need to completely dispose of them unless broken or malfunctioning. Some of these offer full face protection as well. Typical gas mask for example.

But these respirators depend solely on the user’s inhalation. May be difficult to breathe in.

Air-supplying respirators

Also known as positive pressure respirators. They pump cleaner air inside the mask. A great choice if you have breathing difficulties. Requires clean air source and may require additional power.

The Best 3m Respirator

Selecting the best 3m respirator is nothing short of tricky. Your work environment, comfort, materials you’re exposed to are some of the key factors for making the best possible choice. But if you’re short on time, then, by all means, take a look at our filtered selection of respirators below.

3M Respirator: Buying Guide

A 3m respirator is designed to cling closely to your face and keep harmful airborne particles out of your lungs. Aside from the coronavirus pandemic, they are used in various other fields where people are exposed to dust, microorganisms, and other fine particles. So it’s recommended that you weigh your options first before finalizing the purchase. Take a look at our best 3m respirator buying guide to understand how to smartly filter out your choices.

Types of 3m respirators

As mentioned earlier, 3m respirators can be classified into several categories depending on the base of classifications. But broadly there are two types. The air-purifying negative pressure type and air-supplying positive pressure type.

Negative pressure respirators are the most common ones. They are usually 3m half face respirators. Depends solely on the user’s inhalation. So your lungs do the main work here. As you inhale, small harmful particles are caught on the filters, letting a cleaner air pass through your nostrils. One downside is they require regular changes. After a certain amount of time, you need to change the filters or dispose of the mask entirely. Whichever is recommended. Also if you have medical issues, these may create breathing problems due to insufficient air inlets. Consult with your doctor if such is the case.

Positive pressure masks assist your breathing. They pump air inside the mask from a cleaner source. A great choice if you have breathing difficulties. They do not require frequent replacement, however, regular maintenance is necessary. Also, an air tank and possible power source make them quite a handful to carry around.

Uses of 3m respirator masks in Industries

3m masks are used on plenty of industrial works nowadays. As industries have grown larger and complicated over the years, the types of exposures have also diversified. So 3m respirators also evolved to cope up with the increasing field variations.

3m respirator for Dust control

For example, 3m respirator for dust is generally good for all kinds of dusty situations like excavation, mining, pavement working, grinding, bike riding, etc. Choose for working in desert areas and during sandstorms. Preferable with safety goggles in the latter case.

3m respirators for Fire and Smoke

3m respirator for smoke and 3m respirator for fire is excellent for firefighting. They can also be used while working near chimneys, industrial furnaces, bituminous pavement works, and other sources of smoke and fire. Although 3m half face respirators won’t protect your eyes. Goggles are recommended.

Woodworking, crafting, painting, workshop, and construction works generate a lot of infinitesimal particles and aerosols. Breathing them in can be dangerous, if not downright lethal sometimes.

3m respirator for Woodworking

Particles generated from woodworking are usually termed as sawdusts and they can be coarse as well as fine. 3m respirator for woodworking will keep sawdusts out of your lungs.

3m respirators for Paints and Crafts

Many can’t stand the smell of fresh paint as it makes them nauseous and may provoke vomiting. Use a 3m paint respirator for comfortable painting works. In the case of workshop jobs and crafting, you could use a barrier against chemicals. 3m respirator for resin and 3m respirator for bleach may come in handy.

3m respirators in Agriculture

Pesticides are not the healthiest of materials. They are as harmful to you as they are to pests. But for an increased harvest, their involvement is inevitable. Don’t worry though, 3m respirator for pesticides can be a good choice for minimizing health hazards. Also, the agro environment and bio labs require a special type of 3m respirator for mold control. They ensure an improved, sterile environment for working.

Filter cartridges in 3m respirators

A wide range of 3m respirator masks require additional cartridges. So it’s no wonder there are various types of cartridges available in the market. The main types of filters and cartridges available are:

3m Particulate filters

Specializes in filtering dust, mist, fumes, mold, bacteria, smoke, etc aerosol particles. Electrostatically charged fibers trap particles within the filter. The more particles trapped, the more efficient the filter becomes. But breathing through becomes difficult as well. Can’t stop gas or vapor invasion though. Requires regular replacement.

3m Gas & Vapor cartridges

Just as the name suggests, they specialize in blocking gaseous substances. The filter is made out of sorbent materials such as activated carbon. When the capacity is reached, the gaseous substances will start to leak in. This is called a ‘breakthrough’. Better if you can replace them before this happens. These are marked with different colors for different elements

3m Combination cartridges

Filters particles, gases, and vapors alike. The filter material chooses the gaseous substance to block alongside with particulates. Good for environments exposed to aerosols and gaseous materials simultaneously.

For more classified information, click here.

The 3m respirators are usually a combination of masks and filters. Consult your work environment, duration, and health before purchasing the mask and cartridges. For a more detailed study, click here.

Verdict

3M respirators are safety gears so choose wisely. Prioritize your work environment and exposure. Full face and half face masks will trigger different impacts and experiences. Buying the exact type of filter cartridge is crucial. Weigh your options between negative and positive air pressure respirators. In any case, consult with an expert.