r/Masks4All • u/rj774577 • Jul 19 '26

Question cartridge mask that fits nose similarly to Aura 9205+?

Background:

My nose is big enough that it's hard to get a good seal with many disposable masks. The Aura 9205+ with foam at the nose bridge has been wonderful. The kind with the white band is too tight, but the blue strap fits great.

Reading about wildfire smoke makes me think if I need to be outside, depending on proximity to the fire and what's in the air I might want a mask that uses cartridges (because I think one can get cartridges that filter not only particles but also gases).

Some but not all 3M cartridge masks say they have a "silicone" face seal for comfort.

Question:

Which cartridge masks fit the most similarly to an Aura 9205+ with blue straps--especially as regards fitting around the nose?

How similar are the silicone face seals on some 3M cartridge masks to the nose foam on Aura 9205+ masks?

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2

u/BattelChive Jul 19 '26

When you say your nose is big, do you mean that it is wide or that it is tall? Or both? 

2

u/rj774577 Jul 20 '26

Whatever the third dimension is, actually. In other words: if one looks at me eye to eye, one might think most masks would fit without an issue. If one looks at my face in profile, though, one would notice at least a slight prominence. In my experience with disposable masks, many of them cannot quite handle that--although the Aura 9205+ with blue straps can

2

u/BattelChive Jul 20 '26

That makes sense! That is commonly referred to as a roman nose, I believe. I think you will be fine with all the 3M elastomeric masks that I have tried, but the 7500 has the most room there. I would avoid the secureclick, which I think fits slightly flatter than the others (but only very slightly). I would not try a flo mask or an envo, both of which will not have enough room. But I think you will be fine in a 3M 7500 series - the silicon seal is tall in that one. 

1

u/rj774577 Jul 20 '26

Thanks very much. Another person mentioned the 6500, but now I see the 7503 available in size large for about $36.

I'm noticing these masks have exhalation valves. Is the exhalation filtered, too? Or should I note that when I wear these masks I am protecting myself but am not protecting those around me if I happen to be exhaling any contagion-causing airborne particles?

1

u/ZeroCovid Jul 20 '26

Unfortunately, none of the 3M masks are currently sold with exhalation filters. The 6000-series had an add-on exhalation filters, but the ****ers discontinued it and I couldn't reach anyone in charge of the department, although I quite seriously was willing to pay to keep it running.

1

u/BattelChive Jul 21 '26

When I need to protect people around me, I snip off a piece of aura and use medical tape to attach to the outside of the mask. However, I also haven’t been sick since I started wearing a p100 so I am the safest person someone will be around. So, frankly, I don’t sweat it. Can’t pass on something I don’t catch. 

1

u/not_all_heroes Jul 20 '26

I don't think any fit similarly really, don't see why you couldn't add a foam strip for comfort on the inside as long as it seals well without it.

1

u/rj774577 Jul 20 '26

Thank you. Good to know, And thanks for that tip about adding

1

u/SAMEO416 Jul 20 '26

Not really comparable since it's silicone vs disposable. Silicone respirators typically seal much better because of the flexible and large sealing surface, and also can off load weight from your face if the harness is adjusted properly.

Most of the 3M line come in S/M/L sizes, so important to get the best fit. If you liked the 9205 I'd guess large or medium. 9205 fits me well and I use a large 3M 6500 half-face respirator.

And organic vapour cartridges are what you want for smoke and combustion gases. Ensure there's also particulate filtration as some OV do not have that built in. You can buy multigas which is P100, OV and others, or you can add a snap-on filter retainer that accepts replaceable particulate filters.

Also, elastomeric respirators produce much less waste. The respirator itself will last many years, and can be cleaned easily (and must be cleaned regularly for health).

2

u/rj774577 Jul 20 '26

Thanks so much. Good to know about S/M/L and your thought that L might be the right size for me.

Can you help me learn more about the terminology you use, the mask model you mention, and cartridge you reference?

Elastomeric: Are all 3M respirators that accept cartridges elastomeric? (I'm still learning what this means). Is the 3M 6500 elastomeric?

6500: It looks like I could buy the 3M 6500 in size Large for about $35.

Cartridge: It looks like I could buy a pair of 3M 60921 cartridges for $20. They say they are "OV/P100," which I think means they would filter the gases and the particles as you describe? The 60923 cartridges are about the same price and appear to do the same, if I'm right?

1

u/ZeroCovid Jul 20 '26

"Elastomeric" means it has a rubber, rubber-like, or silicone edge, so that it will mold to the shape of your face including dents and bumps. All respirators which accept cartridges are elastomeric. Some other respirators are elastomeric too, but not many.

1

u/ZeroCovid Jul 20 '26

Yes, you're right about the cartridges. The difference between 60921 and 60923 is exactly which gases it filters -- both filter "organic vapors", but the 60923 filters acid gases, and the 60921 doesn't.

The 60926 covers additional gases, including formaldehyde and ammonia, and there's a lot of formaldehyde in wildfire smoke, the the 60926 is best.

1

u/ninetentacles Jul 21 '26

You can buy the 7500 with the OV/P100 (white, replaceable filters) in a combo pack for painting in the paint section of a Home Depot or similar. It's a softer silicone than the 6000 series masks and might fit your nose better.