How to choose your N95 mask respirator of 3M 8210 and 3M8210v

3M is a world famous American manufacturing company, formerly known as the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Corporation, its production is of high quality especially in the aspect of industrial products, as well as medical supplies and household items. I believe that most of you used a few 3M products before. And 3M is also a corporation which is famous for mask making. Here, I will briefly show you some different types of 3M mask.

N95-8210

It is the most common N95 respirator models on the market, which can filter at least 95% particles (0.3 microns in diameter). To allow the wearer to breathe more smoothly, it adopts advanced technology for electrostatic medium, which can enhance the capacity of particle capture and lower respiratory resistance at the same time. Elastic adopts welded connection, which will be more durable. The design of bubble nose pad makes wearer feel more comfortable.

N95-8210V

On the basis of 8210, 3M Cool Flow breathing valve is added to 8210V, which makes out-breathing more easily and can keep face cool as well as reducing the accumulation of moisture inside the mask. With such a valve, N95 respirator will be more comfortable under hot and humid circumstances, it meets the need of the guys who have to wear a mask for a long time.

One interesting thing I want to share is that in the FAQ of N95 mask concerning whether medical institutions can use N95 mask with breather valve, CDC believes that when institutions do not need to maintain a sterile environment, they can use it. However, the valve may allow unfiltered air flow out, sterile environment can be polluted, so it should not be used for invasive surgical aseptic environment such as the operating room.

So I can understand the meaning of the CDC as, N95 respirators with breather valve are the same in terms of protection, which may follow N95 standards, but actually is not a two-way protection.