3M FF-801 vs 6800: Secure Click vs Bayonet Full Facepiece (2026)
Two Full-Face Respirators, Same Eye Protection — One Clicks, One Twists.
Reviewed by the WC Safety Editorial Team — Last updated: June 2026.
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The 3M FF-801 vs 6800 comparison pits two reusable full facepieces that protect lungs and eyes the same but connect differently. The 3M FF-801 (vendor: 3M, the small FF-800 Secure Click facepiece) takes push-and-click D-series cartridges; the 3M 6800 (vendor: 3M, the medium 6000-series facepiece) takes twist-on bayonet 6000-series cartridges and 2000-series filters. Both seal over the whole face for eye and respiratory protection and reach the same NIOSH classes, so the decision is connection, comfort and filter ecosystem. This guide is for buyers choosing between the Secure Click and bayonet full-face platforms.
Key point: the cartridges don't interchange, and the sizes differ. The FF-801 takes Secure Click D-series only; the 6800 takes bayonet 6000-series only. Note FF-801 is the small FF-800 and 6800 is the medium 6000 — match the size to the wearer by fit test. For the platform overview, see Secure Click vs bayonet respirators.
📘 Browse full facepieces: the 3M full face mask respirators collection; and the 3M Filter & Cartridge Guide.
Quick Recommendations
| Pick | Facepiece | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall / Value | 3M 6800 (bayonet) | Widest filter selection, lower cost, proven 6000-series full-face workhorse. |
| Best for Workflow | 3M FF-801 (Secure Click) | Push-and-click cartridges, low profile, easier seating with gloves. |
| Best for Communication | 3M FF-801 | Integrated speaking diaphragm on some FF-800 models. |
| Best Existing-Stock Fit | 3M 6800 | If you already run bayonet cartridges and facepieces. |
FF-801 vs 6800 at a Glance
| Feature | FF-801 | 6800 |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Secure Click (FF-800) | Bayonet (6000) |
| Type | Full facepiece | Full facepiece |
| Eye / face protection | Yes | Yes |
| Cartridges | D-series | 6000/2000-series |
| Attachment | Push-and-click — winner | Twist bayonet |
| Filter selection | Focused | Widest — winner |
| Communication | Speaking diaphragm (some) | Add-on |
| Cost | Higher | Lower — winner |
FF-801 vs 6800: Side by Side
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Buyer's Guide: Full-Face Protection, Two Ecosystems
How they work: both are full facepiece negative-pressure respirators — the lens seals over the whole face, protecting eyes and skin while cartridges or filters clean the air. A full facepiece also earns a higher assigned protection factor than a half mask. Protection is set by the cartridge class, identical across both.
The major difference is the connection and catalog. The 6800 twists on bayonet cartridges from the large 6000-series and 2000-series range — the cheapest, most widely stocked, most varied option, and a long-proven full-face workhorse. The FF-801 seats D-series cartridges with a positive push-and-click, keeps the cartridges low and forward for sightlines, and offers a speaking diaphragm on some models — valuable when a full-face wearer needs to communicate.
Compatibility considerations: the cartridges don't cross over — D-series for the FF-801 (e.g. D80921, D3091), bayonet for the 6800 (e.g. 60921, 2091). Browse both in 3M full face respirators and 3M filters & cartridges.
Common mistakes and safety limitations: the biggest is buying the wrong-platform cartridges; the second is assuming one protects better — they don't. Both must be fit tested per OSHA, and facial hair along the seal fails the test. Decide on filter availability, cost, attachment and communication; see how to choose a respirator cartridge.
Sizing, Fit and Eye Protection
Both families run small, medium and large — the FF-800 as FF-801/FF-802/FF-803 and the 6000 full face as 6700/6800/6900 — so the "FF-801" (small) and "6800" (medium) labels are different sizes; pick by the wearer, not the model number. A full facepiece must be fit tested for the specific make, model and size per OSHA 1910.134, with a user seal check at every donning, and the sealing surface must be clean-shaven. Because the lens guards the eyes and face, a full facepiece doubles as splash and impact protection, which can remove the need for separate goggles in many chemical and spray tasks — confirm the lens meets your impact requirement. Keep the lens scratch-free for clear vision, and store the facepiece away from heat and sunlight so the elastomer keeps its seal.
The Two Facepieces in Practice
3M 6800 — Best Overall & Value (Bayonet)
Overview: the 3M 6800 (medium 6000-series) is the proven bayonet full facepiece.
- Best for: cost-sensitive full-face programs, the widest filter choice, and bayonet-stocked shops.
- Pros: largest cartridge catalog, lower cost, broad availability, proven design.
- Cons: twist-on can be fiddly with gloves; cartridges sit more forward.
- Key features: full-face lens, bayonet mount, 6000/2000-series compatibility.
- Important limitation: not compatible with D-series.
- Upgrade path: the FF-800 for easier attachment and comms.
- Alternative option: the silicone 7800S — see FF-802 vs 7800S.
Check 3M 6800 Price on Amazon →
3M FF-801 — Best for Workflow (Secure Click)
Overview: the 3M FF-801 (small FF-800) is the Secure Click full facepiece.
- Best for: frequent cartridge changes, gloved work, and full-face wearers needing communication.
- Pros: positive push-and-click, low profile, speaking diaphragm on some models, wide lens.
- Cons: smaller cartridge catalog; higher cost.
- Key features: Secure Click connection, D-series cartridges, full-face lens.
- Important limitation: not compatible with bayonet cartridges.
- Upgrade path: pair with the right D-series cartridge — see best cartridges for the HF-800/FF-800.
- Alternative option: the 6800 for the widest filter selection.
Check FF-801 Price on Amazon →
Comparison Table
| Facepiece | Protection Type | Compatibility | Best Use Cases | Strengths | Weaknesses | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3M 6800 | Full NIOSH range + eye | Bayonet 6000/2000 | Cost, selection | Widest filters, proven | Twist mount | $$–$$$ |
| 3M FF-801 | Full NIOSH range + eye | Secure Click D-series | Swaps, gloves, comms | Easy attach, low profile | Smaller catalog, pricier | $$$ |
Common Buying Mistakes
- Buying cartridges for the wrong platform. D-series fit the FF-801; bayonet fit the 6800 — never mix.
- Assuming one facepiece protects better. Protection is the cartridge class, identical on both.
- Confusing the sizes. FF-801 is small, 6800 is medium — match by the wearer, not the number.
- Skipping the fit test. Full facepieces require fit testing per OSHA 1910.134 and a clean-shaven seal.
- Forgetting eye protection is built in. A full facepiece can replace goggles for splash — confirm the lens impact rating for your task.
- Switching platforms without counting the cartridge change. New filters and re-fit-testing come with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the 3M FF-801 and 6800?
Both are reusable full facepiece respirators that protect the lungs and eyes and reach the same NIOSH classes, but they use different cartridge systems. The FF-801 is a Secure Click FF-800 facepiece, taking push-and-click D-series cartridges. The 6800 is the medium 6000-series facepiece, taking twist-on bayonet 6000-series cartridges and 2000-series filters. The protection is equivalent; the connection and filter ecosystem differ.
Do full facepieces protect the eyes?
Yes. Both the FF-801 and 6800 seal over the whole face, so the lens protects the eyes and face from splash, dust and irritants in addition to the respiratory protection. That makes a full facepiece a good choice where eye irritation or splash is a concern, or where a higher assigned protection factor is needed.
Do the FF-801 and 6800 use the same cartridges?
No. The FF-801 uses Secure Click D-series cartridges and filters; the 6800 uses bayonet 6000-series cartridges and 2000-series filters. They are not interchangeable, so the facepiece you choose locks your cartridge inventory.
Which full facepiece has more filter options?
The 6800 (bayonet), thanks to the large 6000-series and 2000-series catalog. The FF-801's D-series covers the same major classes with a smaller selection. If you need an unusual cartridge, bayonet is more likely to have it.
What sizes do the FF-800 and 6000 full facepieces come in?
Both come in small, medium and large — the FF-800 as FF-801 (small), FF-802 (medium) and FF-803 (large), and the 6000 full face as 6700 (small), 6800 (medium) and 6900 (large). Fit test to confirm the correct size; the FF-801 small and 6800 medium are different sizes, so match by the wearer.
Why choose the FF-801 Secure Click?
Choose the FF-801 for the positive push-and-click cartridge attachment, the low-profile cartridges that keep the load forward and out of the sightline, and integrated communication on some FF-800 models — useful for full-face wearers who need to be heard.
Why choose the 6800 bayonet?
Choose the 6800 for the widest cartridge and filter selection, lower cost, broad availability and compatibility with the large installed base of bayonet cartridges. For a cost-sensitive full-face program with common hazards, the 6000 series is a proven workhorse.
Are the FF-801 and 6800 NIOSH approved?
Yes, both are NIOSH-approved full facepiece respirators when used with their matching cartridges and filters. Verify the approval label for your specific combination and fit test per OSHA 1910.134.
Which is better for spray painting or chemical splash?
Both protect lungs and eyes and can be configured for paint (OV/P100) or chemical work via the appropriate cartridge. The full-face seal guards the eyes from splash on either. The facepiece choice comes down to ecosystem, comfort and communication, not the task.
Do I need a full facepiece or a half mask?
Choose a full facepiece like the FF-801 or 6800 when you need eye protection, face protection from splash, or a higher assigned protection factor than a half mask provides. If only respiratory protection is required and eye protection is handled separately, a half mask may be enough.
Final Recommendation
- Best Overall & Value — 3M 6800: widest filters, lower cost, proven full-face.
- Best for Workflow — 3M FF-801: easy attachment, low profile, communication.
- Best Existing-Stock Fit: stay on the 6800 if you already run bayonet.
- Best Premium Full-Face: consider the silicone 7800S — see FF-802 vs 7800S.
Verdict: protection ties, so pick the ecosystem — the 6800 for selection and cost, the FF-801 for attachment and comms — match the size to the wearer, and fit test. See the platform view in Secure Click vs bayonet respirators.
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Why Trust WC Safety
WC Safety is an independent safety-equipment resource. We do not accept manufacturer payment, sponsorship, or free samples in exchange for coverage. Our respirator comparisons are built from NIOSH approval data, 3M technical data sheets and real workflow requirements, mapped to the hazard and ecosystem — not to advertising spend.
Methodology: We compared the 3M FF-801 (Secure Click) and 6800 (bayonet) full facepieces on cartridge connection, NIOSH protection classes, eye protection, filter ecosystem, sizing and cost. Specifications reflect 3M published data current as of June 2026; always confirm the NIOSH approval label, fit test per OSHA 1910.134, and follow your employer's written respiratory protection program.
Disclosures & editorial standards
As an Amazon Associate, WC Safety may earn from qualifying purchases. WC Safety participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program; outbound Amazon links are affiliate links. We accept no manufacturer payment, sponsorship, or product samples. This content is not medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Safety equipment selection is governed by applicable OSHA standards and your facility's safety program.
As an Amazon Associate, WC Safety may earn from qualifying purchases. WC Safety participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program; outbound Amazon links are affiliate links. We accept no manufacturer payment, sponsorship, or product samples. This content is not medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Safety equipment selection is governed by applicable OSHA standards and your facility's safety program.