# WellBefore 3M™ NIOSH N95 Masks Since their founding in 1902, 3M grew from the humble Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company to a Fortune 500 dedicated to innovation in the personal protective equipment sector. Today, 3M leads the charge on innovative, comfortable, and effective N95 disposable respirator masks. ## The Innovation and Protection of 3M N95 Respirator Masks A basic cloth or paper mask can reduce the spread of airborne bacteria, viruses, and other aerosolized particles. For true protection, you need the expert design from 3M. [3M masks](https://wellbefore.com/collections/3m-niosh-n95-masks) are made using a process called [melt blowing](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/melt-blown-process), which uses high-velocity air to blow superfine fibers. This creates a powerful filter that can catch large contaminant particles while still allowing air particles to filter through. 3M masks build on that process with a design made for maximum comfort and performance. The distinctive "ducks bill" design keeps the wearer comfortable without compromising air filtration or air flow, and the patented Cool Flow Exhalation Valves help the wearer breathe with ease. You get the same lightweight, fitted design with a nose clip and head loops that make the mask custom-fitted to a single user. ## Protective Ratings You Can Trust N95 is a rating standard created by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). When a mask receives an N95 rating, it's certified by NIOSH and the FDA to filter out [95% of airborne non-sticky particles](https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2009/10/14/n95/). This provides the same amount of protection as a KN95 mask, but an N95 mask is approved for use in a medical setting. 3M N95 respirators are the gold standard for personal protective equipment in healthcare, industrial settings, frontline and emergency services, and other high-risk settings. ## The Popularity of 3M N95 Masks During COVID-19, N95 masks allowed essential workers—especially healthcare workers—to do their jobs safely. Even with vaccines available, 3M N95 respirators remain the gold standard for respiratory protection in hospitals, schools, or any location where only the best respiratory protection will suffice. ## The Benefits of 3M Disposable Respirators While 3M masks may look like standard surgical masks, they offer far more protection. Standard masks do not filter the air to protect you and those around you, and they are not uniquely fitted. 3M masks form tight suction around the mouth and nose area, and each one is made to fit a single user perfectly. WellBefore 3M N95 masks take comfort to the next level: - Soft inner material for extra comfort - Nose foam and a fitted, adjustable nose clip for the best possible seal - Three-panel flat fold design is collapse resistant All N95 masks undergo extensive testing and certification from NIOSH, and some undergo additional testing and approval with the FDA. Documentation is available to customers upon request. If 95% protection isn't enough, we also stock N99 respirators certified for 99% filtration efficiency. ## Why Buy 3M NIOSH N95 Masks from WellBefore WellBefore is a family-owned, US-based online supplier of personal protective equipment. We offer multiple [3M N95 medical respirator masks](https://wellbefore.com/collections/3m-niosh-n95-masks) to fit your unique needs, available in small quantities and in bulk (with a wholesale discount). We offer 48-hour shipping on all masks in stock, along with automated restock notifications. ### Sources: - [N95 Respirators and Surgical Masks | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)](https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2009/10/14/n95/) - [N95 Respirators, Surgical Masks, and Face Masks | FDA](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/personal-protective-equipment-infection-control/n95-respirators-surgical-masks-and-face-masks) - [History of Masks | The Nonwovens Institute](https://thenonwovensinstitute.com/history-of-masks/) ## Products in this collection - [3M™ Aura Particulate Respirator 9205+ Plus N95 - NIOSH Approved - Repacked](/products/3m-aura-n95-respirator-masks) - [3M™ 1870+ Aura N95 Surgical Mask - FDA Cleared NIOSH Approved](/products/3m-1870-aura-fda-niosh-n95-surgical-mask) - [3M™ 1860 N95 Respirator Surgical Masks - FDA Cleared NIOSH Approved](/products/3m-1860-fda-niosh-n95-respirator-surgical-masks) - [3M 8210 N95 Particulate Respirator Mask](/products/3m-particulate-respirator-mask) - [3M™ 8511 N95 Respirator Masks - NIOSH Approved](/products/3m-8511-niosh-n95-respirator-masks) - [3M™ Aura Particulate Respirator 9205+ Plus N95 - NIOSH Approved](/products/3m-9205-aura-n95-particulate-respirator-mask) - [3M Aura Particulate Respirator Mask](/products/3m-aura-particulate-respirator-mask) - [3M Particulate Respirator / Surgical Mask](/products/3m-particulate-respirator-surgical-mask) - [3M N95 Particulate Respirator Mask](/products/3m-n95-particulate-respirator-mask) - [3M VFlex Particulate Respirator / Surgical Mask](/products/3m-vflex-particulate-respirator-surgical-mask) - [3M Aura HealthCare Particulate Respirator 1870+](/products/3m-aura-healthcare-particulate-respirator-1870) - [3M Particulate Respiratory Mask - Single Unit](/products/3m-particulate-respiratory-mask-single-unit) - [3M Exhalation Valve Filter Model 604](/products/3m-exhalation-valve-filter-model-604)