Founded in 1902, 3M is a world-renowned manufacturing company with medical supplies as one of its five main product areas, and in 1967 introduced the first disposable face mask for respiratory protection. 3M is the most well-known mask brand in Chinese mainland, with a market share of more than 80%.
 
3M's strong influence has made the term N95 deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, and even become synonymous with anti-smog masks. But in fact, N95 is a particulate protection level under the NIOSH standard in the United States, "N" refers to non-oily particles, and "95" means that the mask has a particulate matter filtration efficiency of 95% or more, so masks that meet this standard can be called "N95" masks, not a specific mask model of 3M.
 
3M sells a wide range of masks in China, giving consumers a wide range of choices and convenient purchase channels. Among the products, the 93 and 95 series have the best overall performance, while the 81, 82 and 85 series adopt the American standard as classic models and are also larger in size; The highest-selling 90 series is only suitable for less polluted weather.
 
In terms of filtration effect alone, 9332 is the best performing one among 3M civilian masks. This mask, which meets the European FFP3 filtration standard, has a filtration efficiency of 99% or more for oily and non-oily particles, and is also one of the models with the highest filtration efficiency on the market. The 9332 filter uses electrostatic fiber technology, which is effective in absorbing particulate matter, but also brings a high stuffiness feeling. Even though it is equipped with a cold-flow exhalation valve to reduce the build-up of heat and moisture, the high-fiber filter still provides high breathing resistance, and is not as comfortable as the DD11V of Shigematsu Research Institute for long wear.
 
In fact, for the general population, masks with a filtration efficiency of 95% are enough to meet the needs of daily protection and maintain ideal comfort. Taking 9334 as an example, this mask with a filtration efficiency of KN95 adopts a three-sided folding design, which has more breathing space and is easier to carry. The dot-like embossing on the upper part of the hood reduces updraft, the glasses are less prone to fogging, and have a high fit for different face shapes to ensure a tight fit. As 3M's flagship models, the price of 9332 and 9334 is close to 35 yuan per piece, which is the same as the Shigematsu DD11V and Xingyan 650T of the same grade.
 
If the budget is not large, and the local PM2.5 air quality level is mostly between 150μg/m³-300μg/m³, the 9500V series is recommended as a mask for daily use. This series also meets the KN95 standard, and is equipped with an exhalation valve, sponge nose pad and skin-friendly lining, which is very cost-effective in the mask of about 10 yuan. The only difference between 9500V and 9500 is the presence or absence of a breathing valve, and the one equipped with an exhalation valve will significantly reduce the expiratory resistance of the mask and bring better breathing comfort, so it is generally recommended to choose a model with an exhalation valve.
 
The biggest feature of the classic 8576 of the 85 series is that it has reached the protection efficiency of P95 under NIOSH in the United States, which can filter more than 95% of oily and non-oily particles for a long time, and also has excellent performance in tightness, but due to the influence of the filter material, the breathing resistance is higher than that of the mask with a general filtration efficiency of more than 95%, and the price is as high as 38 yuan, so it is only recommended for people on duty traffic police, delivery men and other people who need to stay on the road for a long time.
 
9000 is 3M's highest-selling series, including 9001, 9002, 9003, 9031, 9032, etc., but the series has poor protection effect, only up to the KN90 standard, and is only recommended to be used when the PM2.5 air quality level is below 150μg/m³, plus its iron nose clip, and rubber elastic bands and other materials, it is also discounted in wearing comfort.
 
In 2015, Shanghai Quality Monitoring found that the filtration efficiency of some batches of 3M masks was less than 90%, which was lower than the minimum standard of the national standard, causing consumers to worry about the quality of 3M. However, this model of mask is not identified as an anti-smog mask on the 3M official website, but only an ordinary dust mask, and the so-called "anti-PM2.5 function" is actually added by the dealer himself, and the quality supervision department tests according to the standard of particulate matter protective masks. Generally speaking, consumers can rest assured that big-name manufacturers like 3M follow the masks purchased through formal channels, and when used correctly, the filtration efficiency is guaranteed.