3M Particulate Respirator 8511 N95 with 3M Cool Flow™ Exhalation Valve

These masks are excellent. We're renovating a very old barn with dirt floors and decades of dust and grime. The other week, we spent a maskless hour cleaning out one section of this barn and had to stop because my husband and I both had asthma attacks and were struggling to breathe until the next day. I immediately ordered these masks. Yesterday, we went back out to work and wow do these masks make a HUGE difference. No asthma attacks or dust/manure in our noses or lungs. We worked for a few hours without any issues. They're also much cooler than most masks I've worn. I didn't feel like my face was sweating off. Due to the elastic bands, they also fit well - neither too tight nor too loose on my husband's larger head or my smaller one. Overall, I'm incredibly glad I bought these and won't be doing any renovation work without them ever again.

In terms of fit, dust leakage around the side of the mask, and durability this is a better quality filter mask than the ones I have used in the past. The construction of this mask is a bit different from others of this general type. Most masks of this type have little depth. This mask is thick and has two part construction in depth. The surface of the mask is rigid on the outside. The interior of the mask is softly compliant. The springy exterior of the mask keeps the straps from pulling out, keeps the valve where it needs to be and holds the mask shape. The interior of the mask is soft, follows the curves of your face and wicks away sweat. The compliant, soft surface of the interior is perhaps the most important feature of the design both in terms of the fit and in preventing from dust from working its way around the side of the mask into your nose and mouth. The breather valve has been added to reduce the effort in breathing through the mask. This is not the only function the valve has. The valve is positioned to guide your breath away from your glasses. This means that on cooler mornings that my glasses do not fog up. If you do work which routinely requires masks you will recognize this problem. Heat rises. With a mask without a valve my warm breath rises from the mask and fogs my glasses. The valve exhaust is positioned to prevent that. On all sorts of levels this mask has been carefully thought through both in design and construction. By the way I have no relationship with 3M or any of its distributors. No one paid me to write this product evaluation. I appreciate the reviews written by others which guide me to better tools and more durable products, and help me separate good tools from cleverly packaged junk. I am returning the favor.

3M dust masks are made very well, the elastic band does not break as on cheaper n95 masks.

Review of 3M N95 Respirator 8511 with Cool Flow Valve – A Lifesaver During the LA Fires The 3M N95 Respirator 8511 with the Cool Flow Valve was an absolute game-changer during the recent LA fires. With the air thick with smoke and ash, this mask provided reliable protection, filtering out harmful particles and making it much easier to breathe safely. One of the standout features is the Cool Flow Valve, which significantly reduces heat and moisture buildup inside the mask. Unlike other respirators that can become stifling after extended wear, this one remained comfortable even during long hours outdoors or while navigating smoky conditions. The adjustable nose clip and soft inner lining also ensured a secure and snug fit, minimizing gaps and preventing smoke infiltration. Another major plus was the durability—even with frequent use, the mask held up well without losing its shape or filtration efficiency. Whether driving through the worst of the smoke or simply trying to go about daily tasks in the hazardous air, this respirator provided peace of mind and essential protection. If you live in a wildfire-prone area, work in construction, or need solid protection against airborne particles, the 3M 8511 N95 is an excellent investment. It’s comfortable, effective, and truly a lifesaver when air quality takes a turn for the worse.

seem to have done the job well, I'm still alive

These masks are wonderful. We are cleaning up after a trailer house burnt to the ground. We don't smell any of the toxic fumes, get any dust, and they are comfortable. Thank you for having these masks available.

The rubber band straps are annoying but works great at keeping out the dust while running a power sander.

Great product obviously original from 3M

Lo compre para mis trabajos de hobby de carpintería, altamente recomendable, protege y es cómodo, con el prácticamente no respiras nada del polvo o particular de los cortes en las maderas

3M is a very known respirator manufacturer. As usual it's quality is non comparable in local market

I much prefer this style of "dust mask" over the cheaper ones that fold flat. These one fit my face much better and the central valve makes it much easier to exhale (without your breath escaping out the sides of the cheaper mask) These are real 95 masks

Used a mask for sweeping up after the drywall mudders were done sanding and these masks filtered out the fine dust and ventilated perfectly

perfecto!