3M 1860 vs 1870+ Aura: Surgical N95 Cup vs Flat-Fold for Healthcare (2026)
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Quick answer
Both the 3M 1860 and 1870+ are surgical N95 respirators — dual-certified NIOSH N95 and FDA-cleared for fluid resistance — built for healthcare. The 1860 is a rigid molded cup (and comes in a small size, the 1860S); the 1870+ Aura is a three-panel flat-fold with a soft nose foam that many clinicians find more comfortable and easier to fit across face shapes. Choose by fit, comfort, and sizing — protection is equivalent.
3M 1860 vs 3M 1870+ Aura: at-a-glance
| Spec | 3M 1860 | 3M 1870+ Aura |
|---|---|---|
| NIOSH rating | N95 (≥95% non-oil) | N95 (≥95% non-oil) |
| FDA surgical clearance | Yes — fluid resistant | Yes — fluid resistant |
| Form factor | Molded cup | 3-panel flat-fold |
| Exhalation valve | No (never on surgical) | No (never on surgical) |
| Sizes | Regular + 1860S (small) | One size |
| Nose comfort | Firm foam | Soft foam cushion |
| Packaging | Bulk (e.g. 120/case) | Individually wrapped, 20/box |
| Best for | Standard cup programs | Comfort, fit range, glasses |
The two respirators
3M 1860
The 3M 1860 is the long-standing surgical N95 cup in healthcare — NIOSH N95 plus FDA fluid resistance for splash and spray. It holds a firm dome shape and is available in a small size (the 1860S), which matters for staff who fail the regular fit.
3M 1870+ Aura
The 3M 1870+ Aura is the flat-fold surgical N95. It carries the same NIOSH + FDA dual certification but adds a soft nose-foam cushion and flexible panels that conform to more face shapes, fold flat for storage, and direct exhaled air away from the eyes to reduce fogging.
Key differences
Both are true surgical N95s
Each is dual-certified: NIOSH N95 for airborne particles and FDA-cleared fluid resistance against splash and spray. Neither is valved, because surgical respirators must also contain the wearer’s exhaled air.
Form factor and comfort
The 1860’s rigid cup is familiar and robust; the 1870+ Aura’s flexible panels and soft nose foam are widely reported as more comfortable for long shifts and better at fitting narrow or angular faces.
Sizing and fit-test pass rates
The 1860 offers a dedicated small size (1860S), which can rescue a fit-test failure on a smaller face. The 1870+ is one size but its adaptable panels often fit a broad range, so facilities frequently stock both to maximize fit-test pass rates.
Storage and eyewear
The Aura folds flat, is individually wrapped for clean storage, and reduces eyewear fogging — useful where staff wear glasses or face shields.
Which should you buy?
| Your situation | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Established cup-based fit-test program | 3M 1860 | Familiar rigid cup, proven in healthcare |
| Smaller faces / fit-test failures on regular | 3M 1860S | Dedicated small size |
| Comfort on long clinical shifts | 3M 1870+ Aura | Soft foam + flexible panels |
| Staff who wear glasses or face shields | 3M 1870+ Aura | Reduced fogging, low profile |
| Flat, individually wrapped storage | 3M 1870+ Aura | Folds flat, sealed each |
| Both splash and airborne protection | Either | Both are NIOSH N95 + FDA fluid-resistant |
Fit & compatibility
Both are tight-fitting respirators that require a clean-shaven seal, an annual OSHA fit test, medical evaluation, and a user seal check — standard for any healthcare respiratory-protection program. Because fit varies by face, many facilities qualify staff on both models. For the difference between surgical and industrial N95s, see our surgical vs industrial N95 guide, or browse all surgical N95 respirators.
Related guides
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- Surgical N95 vs industrial N95
- Surgical N95 respirators
- N95 vs KN95 vs P100
- How to fit test a respirator
- Respirators & facial hair
- Respirator sizing guide
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Key takeaways
- 3M 1860: Established cup-based fit-test program — Familiar rigid cup, proven in healthcare.
- 3M 1860S: Smaller faces / fit-test failures on regular — Dedicated small size.
- 3M 1870+ Aura: Comfort on long clinical shifts — Soft foam + flexible panels.
Bottom line
Both the 3M 1860 and 3M 1870+ Aura meet their NIOSH rating, so the choice is about matching the respirator to the task, the wearer’s fit, and your budget — not whether you are protected. Work through the at-a-glance table and the scenarios above, then fit-test your pick before relying on it in a hazardous atmosphere. For the full selection framework across every rating and form factor, see our complete disposable respirator & N95 mask guide, or browse all disposable respirators to check current pricing and availability.
Frequently asked questions: 3M 1860 vs 3M 1870+ Aura
What is the difference between the 3M 1860 and 1870+?
The 1860 is a rigid molded-cup surgical N95 (with a small 1860S size); the 1870+ Aura is a flat-fold surgical N95 with a soft nose foam. Both are NIOSH N95 and FDA fluid-resistant.
Are both the 1860 and 1870+ surgical N95s?
Yes. Both are dual-certified — NIOSH N95 for particles and FDA-cleared for fluid resistance — making them true surgical N95 respirators.
Do the 1860 or 1870+ have a valve?
No. Surgical N95s are never valved, because they must also contain the wearer’s exhaled air for source control.
Which is more comfortable, the 1860 or 1870+?
Most clinicians find the 1870+ Aura more comfortable on long shifts thanks to its soft nose foam and flexible panels, though fit is individual.
Does the 3M 1860 come in a small size?
Yes — the 1860S is the small version, useful for smaller faces or staff who fail the regular fit test.
Are the 1860 and 1870+ fluid resistant?
Yes. Both are FDA-cleared as surgical masks with tested fluid resistance against splash and spray, in addition to NIOSH N95 filtration.
Do the 1860 and 1870+ require fit testing?
Yes. Both require an initial and annual fit test, a medical evaluation, and a user seal check under OSHA 1910.134.
Are the 1860 and 1870+ reusable?
They are single-use by design; extended use or limited reuse may be permitted under a facility’s policy during shortages, but discard when soiled, damaged, or no longer sealing.
Which is better for TB or airborne isolation?
Either — both are NIOSH N95 and acceptable for airborne precautions; choose whichever passes the wearer’s fit test and is most comfortable.
Which is better with glasses, the 1860 or 1870+?
The 1870+ Aura, whose top panel directs exhaled air away from the eyes to reduce fogging.
About this guide. Written by Steven Eaton, founder of WC Safety, drawing on published NIOSH approvals and manufacturer datasheets for each respirator. WC Safety is an independent industrial-PPE retailer; we do not accept payment for rankings. Reviewed by the WC Safety Editorial team. Always follow your employer’s written respiratory-protection program and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134.