10-Pack 3M 8511 N95 Multi-Purpose Respirator Cool Flow Valve Masks Expired

If you can get used to the tight fit, these probably are the best long-term masks to wear over several hours because they are super durable. The nose clip is *extremely* stiff, which is a good thing to get a good nose seal. My glasses do not fog up. Because of the valve, these are easier to breathe out of, but it is still obvious that youre wearing a mask.

Of all the N95s, these 3m valved ones seem the best for the old-school "mask" purposes, like doing yardwork or being around sawdust. As they get dirty, youll still be able to breathe easily.

Ive tried out several n95s now and can give a general impression of them:

The Kimberly-Clark "duck" masks are my favorite n95 by far right now. As breathable as these valved ones, but with two-way protection, and so lightweight that you forget you are wearing them. There is the minor issue of the nose clip flipping inside-out if you wear them a second time...These are my go-to for using at the gym and while running errands. They are nearly impossible to reuse, however, because the straps are basically made of Coban stretchy tape. Around $1 a piece.

The 3m auras are the most durable and portable masks, and looser fitting than these valved ones...the main weakness is that the nose part uses a soft foam pad to form the seal...which gets absolutely disgusting once you sweat into them. They filter VERY well, however...so much so that I cant even smell food through them. They do clog quicky, however, and youll know it because it gets harder to breathe if you reuse these more than twice. I will wear these while traveling because they are individually wrapped, fold up easily, and the lack of a valve make them friendly in every environment. These are $$ compared to the others.

I dont recommend the honeywell Dc300s for any purpose because those straps come off of the mask very easily and the masks themselves bend and collapse. Ive been left in several situations where I just have to toss the mask because the strap snaps off of the mask. This is similar to what happened with the black Powecom KN95 head strap masks. The good part is that they are literally giving these away at CVS (3 per customer I believe), and you cant beat free.

I know it seems strange, but that's pretty much how these always have come. I bought boxes a couple of times during the pandemic.

I use these masks, they're a bit tight fitting -- but you **want** that in an N95.

I also have a sizeable beard -- yes, I know that lowers the effectiveness of a mask. However, most masks tend to bunch up since I have no "chin" for a traditional mask to sit over -- just straight beard hair. These N95s have enough form & tightness that they don't work their way upwards annoyingly. I suppose the same issues would apply to those with a flatter/double chin -- so if you have a larger face & neck -- and normal masks just don't work well, try these out.

There's an air valve on the front, so for "two way protection", you'll need to cover it up with a surgical mask. Which honestly only adds more protection for you by double masking. But in today's environment, "masking is entirely optional and only for YOUR protection". Under those guidelines, if someone doesn't like your air valve, they can wear a protective N95 themselves or go pound sand.

I get about 12-16 hours of use out of each one before they're gnarly (usually funky near the vent as moisture collects there).