Clinician wearing a filtering facepiece respirator

3M™ Surgical Filtering Facepiece Respirators

3M™ Surgical Filtering Facepiece Respirators (FFRs) are scientifically designed to make respiratory protection more comfortable. These respirators are NIOSH-approved and FDA-cleared for fluid resistance—so you can focus on caring for your patients.


How 3M™ Surgical Filtering Facepiece Respirators (FFRs) Work

  • Illustration of air flowing through a filtering facepiece respirator
    The Science Behind Respiratory Protection

    Our unique manufacturing process injects a powerful electrostatic charge into an open formation material, improving the efficiency of particle trapping while allowing more air to pass through. This results in highly effective respirators—NIOSH-approved and FDA-cleared for fluid resistance.

  • Illustration of captured particles
    Take a Closer Look at Trapping Airborne Particles

    Illustration of how 3M’s electrostatically charged microfibers—magnified 10,000 times—attract and capture particles from the air.


3M™ Surgical Filtering Facepiece Respirator Options


Frequently Asked Questions on Respirators

  • Is there a time limit to wearing standard and surgical N95 respirators?
    There is no time limit to wearing a N95 respirator. Respirators can be worn until they are dirty, damaged or difficult to breathe through.
  • To be effective, a respirator needs to be worn correctly and worn throughout the duration of the hazardous exposure.


    Don:

    1. Hold the respirator in the palm of your hand with the straps facing the floor (If using a flat fold respirator; pull open the folds into a cup shape before placing in the palm of your hand).
    2. Place the N95 respirator on your face covering your nose and mouth.
    3. Pull the bottom strap up and over the top of your head and place at the back of your head below you ears.
    4. Pull the upper strap up and over top of your head, and put it behind your head at the crown of your head.
    5. Use both hands to mold the nosepiece to fit snugly against your nose and face.
    6. Perform a user seal check according to manufacturer instructions to ensure there is a good seal against the skin.
    Doff: Do NOT touch the front of the respirator.

    1. Tilt your head forward. Then, use two hands to grab the bottom strap, pull to the sides, then over your head.
    2. Use both hands to grab the upper strap, pull to the sides, then over your head. Keep tension on the upper strap as you remove it, which will let the respirator fall forward and be removed.
  • e-Don:

    1. Wash hands per facility protocol
    2. Apply clean gloves
    3. Inspect respirator for holes, tears or other damage or soiling to surface, straps, metal nose clip and nose foam. Get a new respirator if damaged or soiled.
    4. Hold the respirator in the palm of your hand with the straps facing the floor (If using a flat fold respirator; pull open the folds into a cup shape before placing in the palm of your hand).
    5. Place the N95 respirator on your face covering your nose and mouth. Avoid touching the inside of the respirator.
    6. Pull the upper strap and put it behind your head and place at the back of your head.
    7. Pull the bottom strap up and over top of your head, and put it behind your head below your ears.
    8. Use both hands to mold the nosepiece to fit snugly against your nose and face. Perform a user seal check according to manufacturer instructions to ensure there is a good seal against the skin.
    9. Remove and discard gloves. Wash hands per facility protocol.
    Doff for storage and reuse:

    1. Wash hands per facility protocol
    2. Apply clean gloves
    3. Tilt your head forward. Then, with gloves on, use two hands to grab the bottom strap, pull to the sides, then over your head.
    4. Use both hands to grab the upper strap, pull to the sides, then over your head. Keep tension on the upper strap as you remove it, which will let the respirator fall forward and be removed.
    5. Inspect respirator for holes, tears or other damage or soiling to surface, straps, metal nose strip and nose foam. Discard respirator if damaged or soiled.
    6. Place respirator in facility approved storage for reuse* and wash hands per facility protocol.
    Tips for Using a Filtering Facepiece Respirator Video

    Learn more (PDF, 505 KB)

Tips for Use

  • Tips for using a 3M™ Flat-Fold Filtering Facepiece Respirator 1870+
    Tips for using a 3M™ Flat-Fold Filtering Facepiece Respirator 1870+
  • Tips for using a 3M™ Filtering Facepiece Respirator 1860
    Tips for using a 3M™ Filtering Facepiece Respirator 1860
  • Donning and Doffing Healthcare PPE with 3M™ Filtering Facepiece Respirators
    Donning and Doffing Healthcare PPE with 3M™ Filtering Facepiece Respirators

Additional Respiratory Protection Product Options

  • 3M™ Half Facepiece Reusable Respirators with replaceable particulate filters offer the protection of N95 filtration with the ability to be disinfected and reused.

  • This battery-operated respirator system can cover the full face and neck. When used correctly, the HEPA filter can filter 99.97% of airborne particles.


Additional Respiratory Protection Resources

  • We know you have questions related to PPE. We’re here to provide guidance on the different types of PPE, understanding proper use and helping to protect your skin from prolonged PPE use.

  • From disposable and reusable respirators to powered air-purifying respirators, explore the range of respiratory protection options that are available for use in healthcare environments.

  • Fit testing is a critical part of your respiratory protection program. Learn more about fit testing and resources available to help protect your team.

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