3M Aura Particulate Respirator 9205+ N95

Overall Result

Filtration

Breathability

Standard

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Why did this mask fail?

Review

Video Transcript

Hey, everyone. Welcome back to the place where we were testing every single mask that we can find in the world. Talking today about one of the most highly requested masks that we get to review. And I've actually reviewed 10 of them, but they were all user submissions. People were like, "I think this mask is fake. Can you please review it?" So I went ahead. I saw this at Home Depot, and so I bought it. And we'll talk more about that in a second, but let's get it in our clamper and get going. This is the 9210 Aura. Probably the surgeon's favorite. This is the consumer version of the consumer's favorite or the surgeon's favorite mask.

And I should know, not because I'm a surgeon, but because I'm in a lab coat and that's what they tell people. I'm on the inside track is what I'm trying to say. And let's let her rip. This is a PFE machine, particulate filtration efficiency machine. I am doing the N95 tests here because this is the preeminent N95. I mean, 3M is the giant that every mask manufacturer is basically copying in the world. We're all copying 3M in some way. They invented most of this tech. And this is their top mask. This is the one that they adapted for consumers. Let's take a look at the listing real quick. This is on three... This is on Home Depot's website. You can buy the 10 pack of masks. It's $2 a piece for $20.47. Insane.

I love this little box design. I'll show you why in a second. These are available. You go to your 3M. Remember, at the peak of the pandemic, this is the mask that people wanted. This mask. There's one that's made for healthcare, but it's the same mask. The 9205 is the mask of choice and I'll show you why. So it comes in a 10 pack, definitely made for consumers, individually packaged. It's what they call a fish or a bow tie design, but it's basically a KF94. So for once, 3M was ripping off somebody else. The only difference is that it has head straps on the back, and that's because all N95s have to have head straps.

Couple things unique to 3M is this nose foam. It is insane, the amount of nose foam. And I'm just going to jump over here real quick. Look at this, 99.8, and the airflow resistance is beautiful. Not the most breathable mask that we've tested, but it's up there for sure. All right. I'm going to put this on. And yes, I'm distracting you at the PFE machine, so you can't see how horribly I don on these masks. Okay. Goes over the top of the head. Nose wires, amazing. The seal, even with... I mean, it's the KF94 design. It's really good. Even with my beard, I'm getting a great seal on this. And the great thing about this bow tie design is I'm getting all this extra breathable space.

So that 124 we saw, it's actually not accurate because I'm only testing an area that big. Actually, you get all this area to breathe in. So it makes it super easy to breathe. I actually prefer the duck bill style aisle more now, but this is super breathable. It's a great mask. The one thing I don't like about it, I mean, it looks great. It's got a great head strap. Construction's amazing, phenomenal. But the nose foam smells horrible. It smells absolutely horrible. For me, whatever glue they're using for this is like it's... I mean, I'll tell you because we actually made a KF90 or a KN95, because it was highly requested from our customers. This is a 3M nose foam.

Now it's a little bit different, but the glue smell is tiny. I can smell it, it annoys me. It's the only mask we have that has a slight smell to it. But this is unbearable for me. I cannot wear this mask. That's me. Protect the hell out of you though. Let's look at the final numbers here. 99.868, breathability off the charts. You can get this thing for two bucks. Oh, by the way, it's made in the United States. So allegedly, the 3M used something like $160 million that they got from the US government to stand up operations here. And they claim to be able to make 90 million of these per month. We don't know where, 3M is very secretive. But that's insane, 90 million of these things per month.

The fabric, which is also their fabric, because they are vertically integrated, but the fabric and the foam and all the pieces of the mask, those are actually made in China. And then they ship that over, and then they assemble it here. So it's assembled in the United States, but is not wholly made. And it says that right on the box, they're not trying to hide that or anything. 3M, great product. I mean, from a manufacturing standpoint, hard to beat 3M at that game. I question some of their political motives, but it is a good mask. All right. Thank you guys so much for watching. I appreciate your time and attention. We did it. We reviewed the 9205. Were you excited? Don't send me any more, people. I don't want any more 9205s. I refuse to review them and tell you if they're fake or not. I don't know. Figure it out for yourself. All right, guys. Thank you so much for watching and I will catch you on that next test.

Description

The 3M Aura particulate respirator 9205+ boat-style mask passed our particulate filtration efficiency machine test with a score of 99.86%. A defining characteristic of N95 masks is they have either head straps or head ties (no ear loops).

Mask breathability is determined by airflow resistance, which we measure in pascals. The target for adults should be around 150, and the target for children should be close to 100. The airflow resistance of this mask is 123.

This mask has a strong glue smell. It is otherwise very well constructed. It offers a tight seal and plenty of room to breathe.

We found this mask on The Home Depot's website after being asked to verify the authenticity. Its country of origin is the USA. Check out our video review for more details.

Mask Construction

Mask Smell

Details

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Blue

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