The 3M Aura series 9211+ is something of a standout among all other masks reviewed to date. The Beijing-based US physician and noted pollution mask blogger, Dr. Richard Saint Cyr, presented fit testing data carried out in China on a number of masks, and it was the 3M Aura line which rated very significantly above all other N95 masks. The fit achievable with the Aura line is industry leading. In contrast to older cup-style N95s, the 3M Aura line features a more sophisticated three-panel design which can provide an excellent fit and face seal. Since a less-than-ideal face seal will always preclude the effectiveness of any mask, the Aura line's design appears to stand head and shoulders above the rest. Additionally, the 9211+ significantly bests many other masks by the inclusion of an exhale valve, an essential feature for N95s used for any lengthier period of time. The valve greatly enhances the potential for wearer compliance by avoiding heat and moisture buildup and allowing exhaled CO2 to escape from the mask. Conversely, the lack of any degree of a proper seal such as in common surgical masks, with their large air gaps along the sides and nose, are precisely why they're perceived as comfortable as well as a major reason why they're ineffective. For an N95 is to work properly, face fit and an air tight seal are imperative, yet once this is achieved, comfort tends to drops dramatically with the resultant buildup of heat, moisture, and trapped CO2. Therefore, it's all the more necessary with a proper seal to include an air exhale valve. Lastly, the 3M Aura 9211+ also scores higher marks for its durable braided elastic headbands. These extend the usable life of the mask over those with thin rubber straps which typically tend to break after a few days. A month of daily use can generally be expected. This is a significant improvement over the original 9211's rubber straps, and is signified by the "+" designation to the model. All in all, an excellent mask that provides comfortable protection from fine particle pollution (PM2.5) and additional value through some of its more durable construction features. A benchmark from 3M.
Price: 110NT$ Rating (1-10 scale): 8
7 Comments
Tony
11/10/2015 08:43:31 am
I commented on a previous review you wrote, but I'm also curious about where you can find these sort of masks in Taiwan. Is this one available in Taiwan too?
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Pollution Mask Review
11/10/2015 09:36:27 am
Hi Tony, no, this specific model is unfortunately not available in Taiwan at present, however, a very similar model with less durable rubber straps is. Contact the 3M distributor in Taipei to inquire about obtaining the non "+" version of this mask, the standard 9211, which they do stock. It's very affordable but the straps will not last long. You may find a way to hack it and attach new straps.
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Tony
11/10/2015 11:44:44 pm
Thanks for the information! I've been referring Taiwanese friends to this website as I find it to be the most reliable source of information regarding mask effectiveness against pollution. Keep up the great work!
Pollution Mask Review
11/10/2015 09:47:27 am
3M distributor in Taipei:
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Maru
11/10/2015 10:51:51 pm
Hi, thank you for your helpful reviews of pollution masks.
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Pollution Mask Review
11/11/2015 09:19:20 am
Hi, yes, we have a sample of that very mask here and will be doing a review of it in the future, so do watch for it . For now, there are some concerns quite worth mentioning about it. It may be just the manufacturer's claim, and not that of a proper certifying body (like the NIOSH in the US, responsible for N95 certification) that the mask's MATERIAL and not the mask itself, filters and protects from PM2.5. We will require independent testing with equipment to verify this, but there have been scandals in the news lately, here in Taiwan, around mask manufacturers making unsubstantiated claims. This particular manufacturer appears to offer models with and without a nose clip, which is essential to have and use. The one you've linked to appears to be without. Without a nose clip on a mask design like this, there's almost no possible way it could offer N95 level protection. So be careful! If you care to investigate the manufacturer and make inquiries personally, please share any info you come to gain. Thank you.
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Maru
11/11/2015 06:56:43 pm
Thank you very much for your fast reply and I'll watch out for your review. Leave a Reply. |
AuthorTaipei resident since 2012, I strive to draw attention to air quality, clean tech, and sustainable mobility solutions. Archives
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