3M N95 Mask

Good masks
We bought these masks at the beginning of the summer because we planned to take a trip and swine flu was at its first peak.

I called the local pharmacy that stocks these types of things and they were out, but told me if I ordered online to make sure it was the N-95 mask as it is the only one recommended by Medicare and Health Dept. to be strong enough to filter out the H1N1 virus. Also bought some disposable gloves so we wouldn't be touching bathroom doors bare-handed.

I don't like to wear masks because I get hot from them, but this is the mask recommended to help prevent H1N1 and we plan to use them again if the situation gets as bad as WHO and HHS claim.

Best Swine Flu Mask Around!!!
After all my reviews of masks - I found this one to best the best around!! A must have for prevention!!

Disappointed with fit and filtration.
We purchased a box of these for employees to use in an environment using peat, soil mixes and a lot of fine particle plant chaff. After half a day, we noticed scratchy throats. By the end of the day when we completely removed these masks, each had a 1/2" wide line of fine brown dust INSIDE the mask around the exhalation valve, as well as the edges of the masks. The mask edges we could understand, but the exhalation valve concerned us.

In addition, these were a poor fit for women and men with small to medium faces. The masks rode high on the nose and around the eyes. The bottom of the mask continually jabbed the neck. Although worn according to the instructions, they were ill-fitting. There was little improvement over the regular non-valve masks for those with glasses. Glasses still fogged and, thus, needed to be perched farther out on the mask.

A disappointing purchase.

N95 Dust Masks with Exhalation Valve Respirators/Flu
I have purchase this price point of mask before and was happy, but this latest order is terrible. The two bands are not elastic as usual, but are rubber. They are tight, uncomfortable and cut into you face. Very poorly made.

Great for mowing the LAWN -- allergies
Son uses these when Mowing-- the VENT helps here in Florida as the un-vented masks get sweat soaked... he says it myst feel like being water-boarded.... impossible to breathe through the un-vented ---- worth the extra $

Mask for safety not prevention
Like the previous reviewer, I also bought this box of 10 vented face masks in case of emergency for me and my family. The vented mask does allow those of us who wear glasses to breath without fogging up the lenses. It is NIOSH approved (Nati'l Institute for Occupational Safety & Health) and it is classified as N95, meaning that the mask will filter out at least 95% of the airforne particles. (N95 is the minimum level of filtration that NIOSH will approve.) The box warns that it "does not protect against the risk of contracting disease of infection." Still, if there's a flu outbreak, I rather have this mask on my face than nothing at all. If you are debating about this purchase, I'd suggest that you go for it. Right now, the price is still reasonable at .99. If there's a shortage of masks, the price will likely jump to a ridiculous level...that is, if you can find one. I can also use this mask for household chores. It's a win-win purchase all around.

Great Mask for the Price!
We had to get something for our emergency prep, and these are great for those of us who have to wear glasses. The vent stopped all that fogging up so I can see what I am doing, which is a good thing. We were told we needed the N95 rated masks for the flu. They all have to go through same testing, we didn't want to pay more for a "fancy" brand. They worked out great, and the price is fair.