Particulate Filtering Facepiece Respirators
Particulate Filtering Facepiece Respirators
Particulate Filtering Facepiece Respirators (FFRs) are designed to reduce inhalation exposure to contaminants by filtering out airborne particles. Unlike face masks, FFRs are approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and have an Assigned Protection Factor (APF) of 10. They are equipped with two straps and must display appropriate NIOSH markings on the mask itself.
Particulate FFRs are made with a multi-layer, non-woven polypropylene material and are available with or without an exhalation valve. They come in a variety of shapes, including:
- Semi-hard, molded dome or cup
- Folded or flat-fold
- Pouch or duckbill, with an extended breathing chamber
Particulate FFRs are intended for one-time use. They are not washable and therefore do not have a long life cycle. Ideally, they should be discarded when they become damaged or deformed, wet or visibly dirty, contaminated with bodily fluids, or are no longer able to form an effective seal to the face.
While particulate FFRs are NIOSH tested and certified, NIOSH does not approve KN95, KF94, or any other respiratory products that may have international certifications. Regulatory compliance details for these devices are available at the individual product level.
All NIOSH-approved particulate FFRs are classified by a two-part system to indicate the filter’s functionality. Letter designations of N, R, and P refer to oil resistance. Number designations refer to the minimum filter efficiency level.
N-Series Filters – Not Resistant to Oil
- N95 – Filters at least 95% of airborne particles
- Surgical N95 – A NIOSH-approved N95 respirator cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a surgical mask
- N99 – Filters at least 99% of airborne particles
- N100 – Filters at least 99.97% of airborne particles
R-Series Filters – Resistant to Oil
- R95 – Filters at least 95% of airborne particles
P-Series Filters – Strongly Resistant to Oil
- P95 – Filters at least 95% of airborne particles
- P99 – Filters at least 99% of airborne particles
- P100 – Filters at least 99.97% of airborne particles
3M™ Aura™ Specialty Respirator, Series 9300
Lightweight and foldable. The 3M Aura Particulate Respirator uses a unique three-panel design for greater comfort and easy communication.
3M™ Disposable Particulate Respirator, 8000 Series
Ensures comfortable wear over a range of face sizes. The 3M 8000 Series Particulate Respirator has a convex shape.

3M™ Particulate Respirators
To help improve fit to wearer’s individual face shape and size. 3M™ Particulate Respirators are reusable and can be used for more than one shift.
3M™ Aura™ 9300+ Series Particulate Respirator
3M™ Aura™ Particulate Respirators 9300+ Series has an ergonomic, flat-fold, 3-panel design featuring a low breathing resistance filter media. Available in FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 protection levels, and with valved and unvalved models.
3M™ Aura™ FFP1-FFP3 Particulate Respirators
3M™ Aura™ Particulate Respirator provides breathing protection with a flat-fold, 3-panel design, low breathing resistance and an embossed, sculpted top panel that can help reduce eyewear fogging.
3M™ Premium Particulate Respirator
Provides exceptional comfort because of its lightweight, off-the-face design. The 3M Premium Particulate Respirator has high performance filter material for effective filtration with easy breathing.
Sperian™ Honeywell™ 4000 Premium Series Respirators
Reduces the risk of contamination and leakage, prevents irritation and allergies and increases safety. Sperian™ Honeywell™ 4000 Premium Series Respirators are easy to store and transport.
Sperian™ Honeywell™ 2000 Comfort Series Respirators
With an ergonomic design to deliver outstanding levels of comfort and adjustment. Sperian™ Honeywell™ 2000 Comfort Series Respirators have a cut-out shape to provide excellent compatibility with goggles.