3M 8210 vs Honeywell DF300: Molded Cup vs Flat-Fold N95 (2026)
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Quick answer
Both are unvalved NIOSH N95s; the difference is form factor and brand. The 3M 8210 is a rigid molded cup; the Honeywell DF300 is a three-panel flat-fold that packs flat, is light on the face, and suits a range of face shapes. Choose the 8210 for bulk job-site dust and the DF300 for portability, comfort, and glasses.
3M 8210 vs Honeywell DF300: at-a-glance
| Spec | 3M 8210 | Honeywell DF300 |
|---|---|---|
| NIOSH rating | N95 (≥95% non-oil) | N95 (≥95% non-oil) |
| Exhalation valve | No | No |
| Form factor | Molded cup | 3-panel flat-fold |
| Brand | 3M | Honeywell |
| Storage | Bulky, holds shape | Folds flat |
| Fit range | One cup shape | Adapts to more faces |
| Typical pack | 20 / box | Bulk box |
| Best for | Bulk dust work | Portability, fit, eyewear |
The two respirators
3M 8210
The 3M 8210 is the rigid N95 cup standard — robust, economical in bulk, and easy to fit-test across a workforce.
Honeywell DF300
The Honeywell DF300 is a lightweight three-panel flat-fold N95. It folds flat for storage, sits low on the face, and its flexible panels adapt to more face shapes — a practical pick where portability and fit range matter.
Key differences
Cup vs flat-fold
The defining difference is shape: the 8210’s rigid cup holds form and is cheap in bulk; the DF300 folds flat, stores easily, and is lighter on the face.
Fit range
Flat-fold panels flex to the face, so the DF300 often fits contours a fixed cup can’t — helpful for raising fit-test pass rates across a mixed workforce.
Protection is identical
Both are NIOSH N95, unvalved, filtering the same. The choice is about form factor, storage, and fit — not efficiency.
Which should you buy?
| Your situation | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| High-volume job-site dust | 3M 8210 | Lower unit cost in bulk |
| Portability / carry in a kit | Honeywell DF300 | Folds flat |
| Wider range of face shapes | Honeywell DF300 | Flexible flat-fold panels |
| Worn with glasses | Honeywell DF300 | Low profile, less bulk |
| Maximize fit-test pass rate | Fit-test both | Cup vs flat-fold geometry |
| Oil mist present | Neither — use R95/P-series | N-series are not rated for oil |
Fit & compatibility
Both are unvalved N95s requiring a clean-shaven seal, an OSHA fit test, medical evaluation, and a user seal check. Flat-folds like the DF300 often complement a cup program to cover more face shapes — see cup vs flat-fold. Browse all N95 respirators.
Related guides
- Disposable respirators & N95 masks: the complete guide
- Cup vs flat-fold N95: form-factor guide
- 3M 8210 vs 9210+ Aura
- N95 vs KN95 vs P100
- P100 vs N95: the difference
- How to fit test a respirator
- Respirators & facial hair
- Respirator sizing guide
- N95 respirators
- All disposable respirators
Key takeaways
- 3M 8210: High-volume job-site dust — Lower unit cost in bulk.
- Honeywell DF300: Portability / carry in a kit — Folds flat.
- Honeywell DF300: Wider range of face shapes — Flexible flat-fold panels.
Bottom line
Both the 3M 8210 and Honeywell DF300 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 8210 vs Honeywell DF300
What is the difference between the 3M 8210 and Honeywell DF300?
The 8210 is a rigid molded cup; the DF300 is a three-panel flat-fold that packs flat and adapts to more faces. Both are unvalved NIOSH N95s with the same filtration.
Is the Honeywell DF300 as good as the 3M 8210?
Yes for protection — both are NIOSH N95. The DF300 is more portable and fits more face shapes; the 8210 is cheaper in bulk.
Are both the 8210 and DF300 NIOSH N95?
Yes. Both filter at least 95% of non-oil airborne particles and carry full NIOSH N95 approval.
Do the 8210 or DF300 have a valve?
No. Both are unvalved. Honeywell’s valved flat-fold options exist separately; 3M’s cup valve option is the 8511.
Which is easier to store, the 8210 or DF300?
The DF300 — it folds flat, so it stores and carries more easily than the rigid 8210 cup.
Which fits more face shapes?
The DF300’s flexible flat-fold panels tend to fit a wider range of faces than a fixed cup, though fit is individual.
Do the 8210 and DF300 require fit testing?
Yes. Both are tight-fitting respirators requiring fit testing, medical evaluation, and a user seal check for regulated work.
Are the 8210 and DF300 reusable?
No. Both are single-use; discard when damaged, soiled, wet, or harder to breathe through.
Which is better with glasses?
The DF300’s low-profile flat-fold design generally works better under eyewear than a bulky cup.
Do either protect against oil mists?
No. Both are N-series (non-oil). Use an R95 or P-series respirator where oil aerosols are present.
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.