A surgical N95 is dual-certified: NIOSH N95 for airborne particles and FDA-cleared for fluid resistance against splash and spray. It is always unvalved so it also contains the wearer’s breath. Examples include the 3M 1860/1860S, 3M 1870+ Aura, and the Gerson 3230+.
A molded-cup N95 holds a fixed dome shape: durable, simple, and the cheapest option in bulk boxes. It’s the workhorse for steady dust where masks are donned and worn through a task. Examples include the 3M 8210, Moldex 2200N95, and Gerson 1730.
An unvalved N95 filters the air you breathe in and out, so it protects the wearer and contains the wearer’s exhaled breath. That makes it the required choice for source control and sterile areas, and it’s usually cheaper. Common examples include the 3M 8210, Moldex 2200N95, Gerson 1730, and SAS…
