I see almost no significant reason for anyone (with a few exceptions such as people with speech issues) to use disposable N95s instead of elastomeric respirators. As I pointed out in the comment I linked to, N95s generally provide a poor seal. Another problem is that the straps N95s use are more difficult to put on and take off. The straps also lack adjustability and a head harness. Compared to elastomerics, differences in weight and bulkiness (while wearing) aren’t that significant. Muffled speech is noticeable with elastomerics but can be compensated for by speaking louder or using an electronic voice amplifier.
Here are some technical notes about elastomerics: 1) Elastomerics should not be referred to as “P100s,” because that just refers to a filter standard and most elastomerics can use different types of filters including N95. 2) The 3M 2291 filter is better than the 3M 2091 due to its lower pressure drop (that means it takes less effort to inhale). 3) Another alternative (for people with breathing difficulties, for instance) is to use an N95 filter which probably has an even lower pressure drop. 4) The N95 cartridge filters (3M 603 adapter, 3M 501 retainer, and 3M 5N11/5N71 filter pads) don’t weigh significantly more than the P100 pancakes. 5) I’ve seen some anecdotal reports that the 7500 series is more comfortable than the 6500 series due to the (supposedly) slightly more pliable silicone. 6) You reported on counterfeiting on Amazon, yet still linked to Amazon without offering verified vendors for the filters.
I agree with most of your points, especially about poor seal for typical N95s, but in my personal experience, I am often wearing a mask intermittently, not wearing it for the whole day, and in that context I typically prefer to use a N95 which I can fold and put in my pocket—that convenience is very important for me. I definitely do recommend an elastomeric P100 for long-duration wear where the convenience factor is not an issue. And I found it basically impossible to make myself audible in a loud crowded environment, although it’s fine in quieter environments.
I have not done a lot of detailed research into different P100 filters, my cursory reading suggested that they were generally “good enough” for my purposes (N95->P100 being a large difference, while different P100 filters having only a relatively small difference, as far as I know), but I appreciate your info and suggestions.
The counterfeiting issues I’ve heard of mostly apply to N95s/KN95s/etc. I had not previously heard of it in the context of elastomeric respirators and their filters, although it wouldn’t surprise me. My experience with a couple other vendors I tried has been unpleasant (issues with long delays and no stock etc), so I ended up just going with Amazon. Do you have recommended vendors?
Thanks! I didn’t realize that Zoro was owned by Grainger, that makes me feel much better about them. I also had a decent experience buying from them, it was still much slower than Amazon but not too bad. I’ll add a recommended link to them.
And to add to my last comment, just to explain why I wrote things the way I did, I think the more important thing in terms of recommendations to a general audience is that in my personal experience, most people I’ve talked to have indeed upgraded to an N95, but extremely few people I’ve talked to have actually ended up wearing a P100 elastomeric. They have a ton of advantages, but most people simply don’t want to use them. So in my mask article I explain the advantages, but in my general advice article I feel like it’s more useful to simply say upgrade to a N95 or P100.
They upgraded to N95s because that’s what the media and public health experts have talked about. You’ve started to right this wrong, but you could go a little further.
Wearing a respirator such as an N95 is mostly about risk reduction rather than convenience. While there’s no reason not to mention convenience, any recommendations should be ordered mostly by risk reduction.
I see almost no significant reason for anyone (with a few exceptions such as people with speech issues) to use disposable N95s instead of elastomeric respirators. As I pointed out in the comment I linked to, N95s generally provide a poor seal. Another problem is that the straps N95s use are more difficult to put on and take off. The straps also lack adjustability and a head harness. Compared to elastomerics, differences in weight and bulkiness (while wearing) aren’t that significant. Muffled speech is noticeable with elastomerics but can be compensated for by speaking louder or using an electronic voice amplifier.
Here are some technical notes about elastomerics: 1) Elastomerics should not be referred to as “P100s,” because that just refers to a filter standard and most elastomerics can use different types of filters including N95. 2) The 3M 2291 filter is better than the 3M 2091 due to its lower pressure drop (that means it takes less effort to inhale). 3) Another alternative (for people with breathing difficulties, for instance) is to use an N95 filter which probably has an even lower pressure drop. 4) The N95 cartridge filters (3M 603 adapter, 3M 501 retainer, and 3M 5N11/5N71 filter pads) don’t weigh significantly more than the P100 pancakes. 5) I’ve seen some anecdotal reports that the 7500 series is more comfortable than the 6500 series due to the (supposedly) slightly more pliable silicone. 6) You reported on counterfeiting on Amazon, yet still linked to Amazon without offering verified vendors for the filters.
I agree with most of your points, especially about poor seal for typical N95s, but in my personal experience, I am often wearing a mask intermittently, not wearing it for the whole day, and in that context I typically prefer to use a N95 which I can fold and put in my pocket—that convenience is very important for me. I definitely do recommend an elastomeric P100 for long-duration wear where the convenience factor is not an issue. And I found it basically impossible to make myself audible in a loud crowded environment, although it’s fine in quieter environments.
I have not done a lot of detailed research into different P100 filters, my cursory reading suggested that they were generally “good enough” for my purposes (N95->P100 being a large difference, while different P100 filters having only a relatively small difference, as far as I know), but I appreciate your info and suggestions.
The counterfeiting issues I’ve heard of mostly apply to N95s/KN95s/etc. I had not previously heard of it in the context of elastomeric respirators and their filters, although it wouldn’t surprise me. My experience with a couple other vendors I tried has been unpleasant (issues with long delays and no stock etc), so I ended up just going with Amazon. Do you have recommended vendors?
I’m not sure about the level of counterfeiting, but there does seem to be at least some of it going on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQinLD3sXzQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPhdshC6Yew
Zoro.com (owned by Grainger) is a reliable and reputable vendor.
I’ve made several updates to my guide to incorporate your input. I’ll be trying the 7500 and 2291s next. Thanks again!
Thanks! I didn’t realize that Zoro was owned by Grainger, that makes me feel much better about them. I also had a decent experience buying from them, it was still much slower than Amazon but not too bad. I’ll add a recommended link to them.
And to add to my last comment, just to explain why I wrote things the way I did, I think the more important thing in terms of recommendations to a general audience is that in my personal experience, most people I’ve talked to have indeed upgraded to an N95, but extremely few people I’ve talked to have actually ended up wearing a P100 elastomeric. They have a ton of advantages, but most people simply don’t want to use them. So in my mask article I explain the advantages, but in my general advice article I feel like it’s more useful to simply say upgrade to a N95 or P100.
They upgraded to N95s because that’s what the media and public health experts have talked about. You’ve started to right this wrong, but you could go a little further.
Wearing a respirator such as an N95 is mostly about risk reduction rather than convenience. While there’s no reason not to mention convenience, any recommendations should be ordered mostly by risk reduction.