Face Coverings & Disposable Respirators
Understand the key differences between face coverings, surgical masks, and N95 Respirators
 | Non-medical reusable cloth face coveringsNon-medical face coverings are convenient for wearing in everyday situations such as grocery shopping. Cloth face coverings may help block large-particle droplets expelled by you from reaching others when you speak, cough, or sneeze. Generally constructed of multiple layers, these face coverings are washable. |
 | Non-medical disposable face masksLike cloth face coverings, single-use disposable face masks may also assist in helping protect others from germs you might spread. They do not create a seal around the face. Unlike reusable cloth coverings, single-use masks are intended to be thrown away after one use. |
 | Surgical masksSurgical masks comply with recognized performance standards and are used by healthcare workers as a barrier to help protect them from liquid splashes and sprays, such as blood, that they may be exposed to during certain medical procedures. Surgical masks can also help capture some particles and droplets expelled by the wearer. Because surgical masks fit loosely on the face, they do not provide respiratory protection from germs or contaminants transmitted by coughs, sneezes, or certain medical procedures since those fine particles in the air can leak in around the edges. |
 | N95 standard disposable respiratorsAn N95 respirator or similar respirator is intended to seal tightly to the face, covering the mouth and nose, and can filter at least 95% of airborne particles. The entire surface of the respirator is a filter, which makes it very efficient at capturing airborne particles. Shop Now » |
 | N95 surgical disposable respiratorsAn N95 surgical disposable respirator is like a standard N95 respirator, but also meets other specific standards, such as fluid resistance, and is FDA-regulated. They are specifically for healthcare workers conducting certain tasks. A surgical N95 respirator is intended to seal tightly to the face, covering the mouth and nose, and can filter at least 95% of airborne particles. The entire surface of the respirator is a filter, which makes it very efficient at capturing airborne particles. A surgical N95 respirator is NIOSH-approved to help reduce exposure to airborne particulate hazards and is FDA-regulated to help protect against splashes and sprays of blood or body fluids. |
Which mask fits your needs?
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| Cloth Face Covering | Single-Use Face Mask | Single-Use Surgical Mask | N95 Standard Disposable Respirator | N95 Surgical Disposable Respirator | |
| Applications/Users: | General public to help cover mouth and nose. Reusable | General public to help cover mouth and nose while in public. Single-Use | Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers and medical professionals to help protect against splashes or sprays of blood and/or bodily fluids or, to helo reduce the spread of respiratory droplets to others. | Professional contractors, construction workers, and other employees including healthcare professionals to help protect against airborne particulate hazards not requiring protection against blood or bodily fluids. Also for homeowners conducting DIY projects. | Healthcare professionals to help protect against airborne particulate hazards while also helping to protect against high-velocity streams of blood or body fluids. |
| May help protect others from particles expelled by the wearer: | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Designed to help protect the wearer from exposure to airborne particles: | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Designed to fit tightly on the face and create a seal on the face: | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| NIOSH N95 Approved: | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Fluid Resistant: | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Washable: | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Shop Disposable Respirators:
Pick your protection essentials below
or, shop all disposable particle respirators.
Classics | Alternative Designs | Enhanced Functionality | |
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| 3M™ Respirator 8210 ◘ Advanced Electrostatic Media technology enhances particulate capture while reducing breathing resistance ◘ Designed with welded strap attachment, soft nose foam, and adjustable noseclip to help ensure a secure custom seal 160/Case View Product | 3M™ VFlex™ Respirator 9105 ◘ Economical ◘ Proprietary V-shaped pleats help make breathing easier and flex with mouth movement for easier talking 400/Case View Product | 3M™ Respirator 8210V ◘ Economical ◘ Valved respirator ◘ Proprietary 3M™ Cool Flow™ Exhalation Valve to help reduce heat build-up inside the respirator 80/Case View Product | 3M™ Respirator 8515 ◘ Economical ◘ For welders ◘ Welding web ◘ Adjustable M-Noseclip helps provide a custom fit and secure seal ◘ Braided headbands 80/Case View Product |
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| 3M™ Respirator 8511 ◘ Proprietary 3M™ Cool Flow™ Exhalation Valve to help reduce heat build-up inside the respirator ◘ Suited for hot, humid environments, or for long periods of wear 80/Case View Product | 3M™ Aura™ Respirator 9210+ ◘ Three-panel respirator helps deliver comfortable, reliable worker protection against non-oil based particles 240/Case View Product | 3M™ Respirator 8577 ◘ For protection against certain oil and non-oil based particles - including those with nuisance levels of organic vapors such as certain solvents, degreasers and resins* 80/Case View Product | |
The technology behind disposable respirators
How do I wear a respirator?
Here are some tips for correctly positioning the respirator on the face and head
 | Always follow the appropriate user and donning instructions for the specific model. -- Upper strap should be positioned on the crown of the head -- Lower strap should be positioned around the neck and below the ears -- Noseclip should be completely molded to the shape of the nose using two hands -- Always conduct a user seal check prior to each wearing |