3M 8271 vs 8293: P95 vs P100 Disposable Respirator — Which Do You Need? (2026)
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Quick answer
Both are 3M valved P-series (oil-proof) disposable respirators — usable against oil and non-oil particulate. The 8271 is P95 (≥95%); the 8293 is P100 (≥99.97%) with a face seal for the highest disposable filtration. Choose the 8271 for general oil mists and particulate at lower cost, the 8293 for maximum protection in high or prolonged exposure (lead, fine particulate).
3M 8271 vs 3M 8293: at-a-glance
| Spec | 3M 8271 | 3M 8293 |
|---|---|---|
| NIOSH rating | P95 (≥95%, oil-proof) | P100 (≥99.97%, oil-proof) |
| Oil resistance | Oil-proof (P) | Oil-proof (P) |
| Exhalation valve | Yes — 3M Cool Flow | Yes — 3M Cool Flow |
| Face seal | Standard | Yes — added face seal |
| Filtration efficiency | ≥95% | ≥99.97% |
| Form factor | Molded cup | Molded cup |
| Best for | General oil mist + dust | High-hazard, max filtration |
The two respirators
3M 8271
The 3M 8271 is a P95 valved cup — oil-proof and rated for at least 95% of all particulates, oil or not. It’s the cost-effective pick for oil mists, paints, and general particulate where P100 isn’t required.
3M 8293
The 3M 8293 is a P100 valved cup with an added face seal, filtering at least 99.97% of all particulates including oil — the highest filtration available in a disposable, suited to high or prolonged exposure such as lead or fine particulate.
Key differences
Filtration level is the difference
Both are oil-proof P-series; the gap is efficiency — P95 (≥95%) on the 8271 versus P100 (≥99.97%) on the 8293. Step up when exposure is high, prolonged, or regulated.
The 8293’s face seal
The 8293 adds a face seal that improves the fit margin around the perimeter — helpful for the demanding tasks that justify P100.
Cost and comfort
P100 filtration and the face seal raise breathing resistance and cost; the 8271 is lighter and cheaper for everyday oil-mist work where ≥95% is sufficient.
Which should you buy?
| Your situation | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| General oil mist, paint overspray, dust | 3M 8271 | P95 is sufficient and lower-cost |
| Lead, cadmium, fine or high particulate | 3M 8293 | P100 max filtration |
| Prolonged or regulated high exposure | 3M 8293 | ≥99.97% efficiency + face seal |
| Budget for routine particulate | 3M 8271 | Lower cost, lower breathing resistance |
| Need maximum disposable protection | 3M 8293 | Highest available FFR filtration |
| Non-oil only and cost-driven | Consider N-series | N95/N100 are cheaper where no oil is present |
Fit & compatibility
Both are valved P-series cups requiring a clean-shaven seal, an OSHA fit test, medical evaluation, and a user seal check. Not sure whether you even need a P-rating? See P95 vs R95 vs P100 and P100 vs N100 vs N95. Browse all valved respirators.
Related guides
- Disposable respirators & N95 masks: the complete guide
- P95 vs R95 vs P100 filter classes
- P100 vs N100 vs N95 industrial guide
- 3M 8210 vs 8233: N95 vs N100
- 3M 8210 vs 8511
- N95 vs KN95 vs P100
- How to fit test a respirator
- Valved respirators
- N95 respirators
- All disposable respirators
Key takeaways
- 3M 8271: General oil mist, paint overspray, dust — P95 is sufficient and lower-cost.
- 3M 8293: Lead, cadmium, fine or high particulate — P100 max filtration.
- 3M 8293: Prolonged or regulated high exposure — ≥99.97% efficiency + face seal.
Bottom line
Both the 3M 8271 and 3M 8293 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 8271 vs 3M 8293
What is the difference between the 3M 8271 and 8293?
Both are oil-proof P-series valved respirators. The 8271 is P95 (≥95%); the 8293 is P100 (≥99.97%) with an added face seal for higher filtration.
Is the 8293 better than the 8271?
It filters more (P100 vs P95) and adds a face seal, so it offers more protection for high-hazard work — at higher cost and breathing resistance. For routine oil mist, the 8271 is sufficient.
Are both the 8271 and 8293 oil-proof?
Yes. Both are P-series, which is strongly oil-resistant (oil-proof), so they handle oil-based aerosols as well as non-oil particulate.
Do the 8271 and 8293 have valves?
Yes. Both have 3M’s Cool Flow exhalation valve for cooler, easier breathing.
When do I need the P100 8293 instead of the P95 8271?
Step up to the 8293 for high or prolonged exposure, fine particulate, or regulated contaminants like lead, where ≥99.97% filtration is warranted.
Can I use the 8271 or 8293 for lead?
P100 (the 8293) is generally the right choice for lead and similar regulated metals; confirm against your exposure assessment and OSHA standard.
Do the 8271 and 8293 require fit testing?
Yes. Both are tight-fitting respirators requiring fit testing, medical evaluation, and a user seal check for regulated work.
Are the 8271 and 8293 reusable?
No. Both are single-use; discard when damaged, soiled, wet, or harder to breathe through.
Can these be used in sterile settings?
No. Both are valved, so they release unfiltered exhaled air and aren’t used for source control or in sterile fields.
Which is more comfortable to breathe through?
The P95 8271 has lower breathing resistance than the P100 8293; both use a valve to ease exhalation.
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.