Mask Reviews
While some of these masks are N95 and/or NIOSH approved, this does not mean they are suitable or safe for all environments or situations. Even the masks that have N95 filters, NIOSH certifications and proper seal, have a one-way exhalation valve. This could be used in a controlled environment such as a private office or agricultural setting where everyone is wearing the same mask. While tape can be used to cover the valves, this is not a lab tested or approved fix.
3M
Model
P95
Cerification
NIOSH
Filters
Sold Separately
Seal
Great
Reusable
Yes
This is a P95 NIOSH certified mask with an exhalation valve which is not suitable for protecting others.
"According to the United States Department of Labor, healthcare workers who are unable to obtain N95 respirators may use R95, R99, P95, P99, P100 and others respirators. Like N95 masks, these are expected to filter out a minimum of 95% of particles of the most penetrating size, and those ending in a "99" or "100" filter out at least 99% or 99.97%, respectively, of such particles but can be more difficult to breathe through. R95 and P95 masks are typically used for protection when working with oil-based substances like fuel, paints, solvents, or pesticides. N95s are not resistant to oil, R95s are "somewhat resistant" and P95s are "strongly resistant to oil or oil proof," as shown in the CDC's infographic about these types of masks."- Tod Cooperman, MD.
Soft Seal
Model
N95
Certification
NIOSH
Filters
Built in
Seal
Good
Silicone Seal
Reusable
Yes*
This is a N95 NIOSH certified mask. Soft Seal has several different masks within two categories, the silicone seal line has a good seal. Within the silicone seal line, they have four different options which all have an exhalation valve which is not suitable for protecting others.
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* "After taking it off, wash your hands again so that anything transferred to your hands won’t be transferred to your nose, mouth or eyes. When you take your mask off, you should place it in an open container/box/bag to let the humidity from your breath captured on the inside of your mask evaporate. Do not put it in a sealed container. We suggest always placing it in the container with the front of the mask facing up so the contaminated side of the mask is not against the container surface. Although we have performed no specific studies, recommendations in the literature suggest after 3-4 days, there is likely no living viruses on the surface. Some healthcare workers rotate three masks so that each mask is allowed to dry out for two days, potentially reduce viral load, and extend the useful life of their masks. However, this does not suggest you do not wash your hands after every time you touch the mask. Also, using disinfecting solutions or wipes containing alcohol have been shown to damage the non-woven filter media and should not be used." - Soft Seal website