3M 8293 Mask

3M 8233 & 8293 HEPA Respirator

When it comes to personal filtration of particles, there is no higher standard than a HEPA rated mask. The 3M 8293 HEPA respirator meets and exceeds this with a full P100 NIOSH rating. What does that mean for you? Not only does it remove 99.97% of particles but it also captures oil-based particulate. This filtration makes it an ideal mask for anyone dealing with particle allergies, asthma, COPD, or workplace air pollution. I've used this mask off and on throughout the years, and here is how it fares.

What I like about the 3M 8293 HEPA Mask

First and foremost, the filtration is on par with masks that could cost three times as much. The HEPA filtration means particles like dust, mold spores, pollen, and pet dander are filtered out. This also means viruses and pathogens are block, as the 8293 exceeds the CDC recommended N95 filtration level. Lastly, the "P" NIOSH rating means it will also remove oil based particulates that can often pass through a traditional N100 or R100 rated mask. So whether you're doing chores around the house, traveling, working on a home renovation project, or simply work in an environment that has a high amount of air particulate, the 3M 8293 has you covered.

This mask is what I consider "semi-disposable". While it doesn't have replaceable filters like the 6291 Respirator, it's not a single use mask like a traditional N95. Instead it occupies this middle ground. Most people can get well over 120 hours of use of this mask. Typically, it should be replaced after 150 hours or when there's a noticeable drop in filtration or increase in difficulty to breath through the mask - whichever comes first. So while it's more expensive than a standard N95 mask, it offers far superior filtration and has a longer use life.

The 8293 does is a valved mask, which is why most consider it a respirator. The valve allows for some heat and moisture to escape, though in warm conditions or if you're doing something physically rigorous, it will build up heat. It's fully adjustable, with a pliable nose piece and two sets of straps that can be lengthened or shortened to suit your needs. In terms of comfort, a soft foam ring encircles the edge of the mask, so it seals well around the face. By having three points of adjustment and the foam seal, it's likely one of the most comfortable masks you'll wear.

What I did not like about the 3M 8293 HEPA Mask

The warmth is likely to add up. If you're traveling or using it indoors, the extra warmth isn't much to speak of. If you're in a warm environment or doing somthing physically tasking, you're likely to notice the warmth in relatively short order. This is common with mask, particularly those with better filtration.

There isn't much downside to this mask. The filtration is as good as any out there. The cost is inexpensive, and the lifespan far outpaces cheap masks. The fit and comfort levels are solid. As a final note, I will say that if you do not need the additional protection of oil based particles, you may want to consider the 3M 8233 HEPA respirator. It offers the same level of particle filtration (without the ability to filter oil-based particles) but costs a couple bucks less. Overall, there are no better masks for particles. Everything else is either rated the same (P100) as the 8293 or lower.

3M 8233 & 8293 HEPA Respirator

When it comes to personal filtration of particles, there is no higher standard than a HEPA rated mask. The 3M 8293 HEPA respirator meets and exceeds this with a full P100 NIOSH rating. What does that mean for you? Not only does it remove 99.97% of particles but it also captures oil-based particulate. This filtration makes it an ideal mask for anyone dealing with particle allergies, asthma, COPD, or workplace air pollution. I've used this mask off and on throughout the years, and here is how it fares.

What I like about the 3M 8293 HEPA Mask

First and foremost, the filtration is on par with masks that could cost three times as much. The HEPA filtration means particles like dust, mold spores, pollen, and pet dander are filtered out. This also means viruses and pathogens are block, as the 8293 exceeds the CDC recommended N95 filtration level. Lastly, the "P" NIOSH rating means it will also remove oil based particulates that can often pass through a traditional N100 or R100 rated mask. So whether you're doing chores around the house, traveling, working on a home renovation project, or simply work in an environment that has a high amount of air particulate, the 3M 8293 has you covered.

This mask is what I consider "semi-disposable". While it doesn't have replaceable filters like the 6291 Respirator, it's not a single use mask like a traditional N95. Instead it occupies this middle ground. Most people can get well over 120 hours of use of this mask. Typically, it should be replaced after 150 hours or when there's a noticeable drop in filtration or increase in difficulty to breath through the mask - whichever comes first. So while it's more expensive than a standard N95 mask, it offers far superior filtration and has a longer use life.

The 8293 does is a valved mask, which is why most consider it a respirator. The valve allows for some heat and moisture to escape, though in warm conditions or if you're doing something physically rigorous, it will build up heat. It's fully adjustable, with a pliable nose piece and two sets of straps that can be lengthened or shortened to suit your needs. In terms of comfort, a soft foam ring encircles the edge of the mask, so it seals well around the face. By having three points of adjustment and the foam seal, it's likely one of the most comfortable masks you'll wear.

What I did not like about the 3M 8293 HEPA Mask

The warmth is likely to add up. If you're traveling or using it indoors, the extra warmth isn't much to speak of. If you're in a warm environment or doing somthing physically tasking, you're likely to notice the warmth in relatively short order. This is common with mask, particularly those with better filtration.

There isn't much downside to this mask. The filtration is as good as any out there. The cost is inexpensive, and the lifespan far outpaces cheap masks. The fit and comfort levels are solid. As a final note, I will say that if you do not need the additional protection of oil based particles, you may want to consider the 3M 8233 HEPA respirator. It offers the same level of particle filtration (without the ability to filter oil-based particles) but costs a couple bucks less. Overall, there are no better masks for particles. Everything else is either rated the same (P100) as the 8293 or lower.