3M 6700 Small Full Face Respirator Review
WC Safety Editorial Verdict: 4.5/5
WC Safety Editorial Verdict — 4.5/5. The 3M 6700 is the most economical reliable Small full facepiece 3M makes, and it earns its keep on one job: sealing the narrower facial profiles that fail a fit test on the Medium 6800. It accepts the full bayonet cartridge ecosystem, delivers the same APF 50 protection as its larger siblings, and costs far less than the premium Ultimate FX FF-401 Small — the trade-off being a narrower polycarbonate lens and a facepiece that only fits smaller-statured wearers. If your worker QNFT-fails the Medium and you don't need the FX's wide field of view, this is the default pick; confirm sizing first with the respirator sizing guide.
Is the 3M 6700 Respirator the right small full face respirator for narrow facial profiles?
Published · Last updated
Short answer: Yes — when your worker fails the fit test on a Medium 6800 and budget rules out the premium FF-401 Respirator Small or heavy-duty 3M 7800S-S Respirator. The 3M 6700 is the cheapest reliable Small full face respirator from 3M, accepts the entire bayonet cartridge ecosystem, and seals on facial profiles where the 6800 leaks. It's the default fix for smaller-statured workers, narrower jaw and bridge profiles, and anyone who QNFT-fails the Medium full facepiece line.
3M 6700 Small Full Face Respirator Review (2026)
The 3M 6700 is the Small-size variant of the 3M 6000 series Full Face Respirator — the budget-tier, polycarbonate-elastomer full facepiece line that anchors 3M's reusable respirator lineup. It's NIOSH-approved at APF 50, accepts the same cartridge ecosystem as its Medium 6800 and Large 6900 siblings, and serves a specific operational need: solving Medium fit-test failures on narrower facial profiles. Below we cover where the 6700 wins, where its size limitations matter, and how it stacks up against the premium FF-401 Small and heavy-duty 7800S-S small alternatives.
Editorial verdict — 3M 6700 Small: 4.4/5
The cheapest reliable 3M Small full facepiece — the right pick when 6800 Medium fit-test fails on smaller workers. Loses 0.1 vs the 6800 because Small-only sizing limits crew flexibility and the lens limitations affect woodturners and close-work users.
Strengths
Solves Medium fit-test failures on narrower profiles · APF 50 — same as 6800/6900 · Same 3M bayonet cartridge ecosystem as the rest of the 6000 series · Lowest-priced 3M Small full facepiece on the market · ANSI Z87.1+ impact lens · Speaking diaphragm
Solves Medium fit-test failures on narrower profiles · APF 50 — same as 6800/6900 · Same 3M bayonet cartridge ecosystem as the rest of the 6000 series · Lowest-priced 3M Small full facepiece on the market · ANSI Z87.1+ impact lens · Speaking diaphragm
Weaknesses
Small only — workers in the medium range need the 6800 · Same lens-fogging issue as the rest of the 6000 series · Polycarbonate elastomer body — shorter service life than silicone 7800S-S · Narrower FOV than premium FF-401 Small
Small only — workers in the medium range need the 6800 · Same lens-fogging issue as the rest of the 6000 series · Polycarbonate elastomer body — shorter service life than silicone 7800S-S · Narrower FOV than premium FF-401 Small
Who the 3M 6700 full face respirator is for
- Smaller-statured workers below ~25th percentile face length who fail QNFT on the Medium 6800
- Workers with narrower bridge or jaw profiles where the Medium 6800 leaks at the upper sealing surfaces
- Crews with diverse facial sizing stocking Small, Medium, and Large variants for crew-wide coverage
- Asbestos abatement contractors needing an APF 50 Small option — pair with 2091 P100 filters
- Procurement teams with budget constraints that rule out the premium FF-401 Small
- Younger or smaller-statured workers in carpentry, painting, or industrial maintenance
Browse the full 3M 6000-series full face mask respirator collection to compare against the Medium 6800 and Large 6900 variants.
What the 3M 6700 full face respirator does well
Solves the Medium fit-test failure problem cheaply
The most common operational use case for the 6700 is the worker who fails QNFT on the Medium 6800 with leakage at the bridge of the nose, temples, or upper face seal — typical of narrower facial profiles. The 6700's smaller sealing dimensions resolve those leaks at the lowest price point in the 3M Small full-face lineup. For procurement teams, this matters: a single failed fit-test can cost thousands in re-testing time and crew downtime. The 6700 keeps that worker on the same cartridge ecosystem and program.
APF 50 — same protection as the 6800 and 6900
The 6700 is rated APF 50 — the standard for any tight-fitting full-facepiece APR. It is not a "lesser" facepiece because it's smaller; the protection factor is identical to the 6800 and 6900. Smaller-stature workers don't get less protection — they just get a facepiece that actually seals.
Same bayonet cartridge ecosystem
The 6700 accepts every 3M bayonet cartridge: 3M 2091 P100, 3M 2097, 3M 7093, 3M 60921 (P100+OV), 3M 60923 (P100+OV+AG), 60926 (multi-gas), and the rest of the lineup. For mixed-program shops where workers move between asbestos, paint, and chemical exposure, the 6700 doesn't lock anyone out of the cartridge inventory.
Speaking diaphragm preserves communication
Like its 6800/6900 siblings, the 6700 includes a speaking diaphragm — useful for crew leaders, foremen, and trainers who need voice communication during respirator wear.
Where the 3M 6700 respirator falls short
Small only — limits crew flexibility
The 6700 fits one size class. Workers in the medium and large face ranges need the 3M 6800 or 3M 6900. For procurement teams, this means stocking three SKUs to cover the full crew. The trade-off is unavoidable — face size doesn't compromise.
Lens fogs without 6885 covers — same as the 6800
The 6700 inherits the 6000-series lens-fogging issue. In humid environments or sustained-wear sessions, the polycarbonate lens fogs without the anti-fog 3M 6885 cover. For sustained close-work or woodturning, the silicone 3M 7800S-S with its dual-airflow lens design handles fog better.
Narrower FOV than Ultimate FX FF-401 Small
The 6700's lens covers standard FOV. The premium 3M Ultimate FX FF-401 Small uses a wider lens contour with ~85% panoramic visibility. For workers performing close inspection, woodturning, or precision tasks where peripheral vision matters, the FF-401 is meaningfully better — at 50-80% price premium.
3M 6700 respirator vs other Small full-face respirator options
| Respirator | Body material | Lens FOV | Price tier | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3M 6700 Small | Elastomer | Standard | Budget | Small-face workers, budget priority |
| 3M Ultimate FX FF-401 Small | Silicone seal | ~85% panoramic | Premium (50-80% over 6700) | Long shifts, panoramic FOV, small face |
| 3M 7800S-S | Full silicone | Standard, dual-airflow | Heavy-duty | Frequent decon, small-faced silicone users |
3M 6700 vs 3M 6800 vs 3M 6900: which 6000-series respirator size is right?
The 3M 6000 series is one product in three sizes. Internal construction is identical — only seal dimensions vary. Pick by face size, not by feature.
| Spec | 6700 Small | 6800 Medium | 6900 Large |
|---|---|---|---|
| APF | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Body material | Elastomer | Elastomer | Elastomer |
| Lens (ANSI Z87.1+) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bayonet cartridge mount | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaking diaphragm | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sealing surface size | Small (narrow / smaller-statured) | Medium (~75% of US adults) | Large (75th+ percentile) |
| Typical price | $130–$170 | $140–$180 | $150–$190 |
The decision rule
- Buy the 3M 6800 Medium first as the default starting point — it fits ~75% of U.S. adult workers.
- Buy the 3M 6700 Small if the worker fails QNFT on the 6800 with bridge or temple leakage — typical of narrower facial profiles.
- Buy the 3M 6900 Large if the worker fails QNFT on the 6800 with chin-cup or jaw-line leakage.
Shop the series on Amazon → 3M 6700 (Small) Check Price on Amazon → 3M 6800 (Medium) Check Price on Amazon → 3M 6900 (Large) Check Price on Amazon →
3M 6700 compatible cartridges and filters
The 3M 6700 Respiratoruses 3M's bayonet cartridge mount. Two cartridges (one per side) required.
- 3M 2091 P100 — for asbestos, lead, mold, wood dust.
- 3M 2097 P100 + Nuisance OV — when low-level organic vapors are also present.
- 3M 7093 P100 — hard-shell variant, better for impact environments.
- 3M 60921 (P100+OV) — for paint, lacquer, solvents.
- 3M 60923 (P100+OV+AG) — for chlorine, HCl, SO2, HF + OV.
-
3M 60926 (P100+Multi-Gas) — for ammonia, formaldehyde, methylamine — see our 3M 60926 review.
Shop for all 3M respirator cartridges and filters.
Top compatible cartridges on Amazon → 3M 2091 P100 Check Price on Amazon → 3M 60921 Check Price on Amazon → 3M 60926 Check Price on Amazon →
Category context: where the 6700 Respirator sits in the 3M Small full-face lineup
3M offers Small full-face respirators in three tiers:
- Budget tier — 3M 6000 series (6700 / 6800 / 6900): polycarbonate elastomer
- Premium tier  — 3M Ultimate FX FF-400 series 3M Ultimate FX FF-401 Small: silicone face seal, ~85% panoramic, 50-80% price premium.
- Heavy-duty tier — 3M 7800S series — 3M 7800S-S Small: full silicone construction, dual-airflow lens, decon-friendly.
The 6700 is the right pick when budget is constrained. For our editorial roundup of all three Small tiers, see the best 3M full face respirator buyer's guide.
3M 6700 Respirator total cost of ownership
- Facepiece: the listed price, expected service life 2–3 years.
- P100 cartridges (2091): the listed price/pair, replaced per shift in heavy use.
- Combination cartridges (60921/60923/60926): the listed price/pair.
- 6885 lens covers: the listed price/pair.
Final verdict: 3M 6700 Small Full Face Respirator— 4.4/5
The 3M 6700 Small Full Face Respirator is the right pick for smaller-faced workers who need APF 50 protection and have failed QNFT on the Medium 6800. It loses 0.1 vs the 6800 because Small-only sizing limits crew flexibility, but for the smaller-faced worker, this is the cheapest reliable option in the 3M lineup.
- Buy the 6700 if you have a smaller face, you've failed QNFT on the 6800, and budget rules out the FF-401 Small.
- Buy the FF-401 Small instead if shifts run 4+ hours and panoramic FOV matters.
- Buy the 7800S-S instead if work involves frequent decontamination or chemical-adjacent environments.
VIEW THE 3M 6700 ON WC SAFETY → Check Price on Amazon →
3M 6700 Small full face respirator: frequently asked questions
What is the 3M 6700 used for?
The 3M 6700 Small Full Face Respirator is used for industrial respiratory protection at APF 50 — asbestos abatement, lead remediation, woodworking, paint, mold remediation, pesticide application — by workers with smaller facial profiles who fail QNFT on the Medium 6800.
Why trust this 3M 6700 review? WC Safety operates as an independent industrial PPE review site — we independently review the 6700 and its sibling facepieces (6800, 6900) and compatible cartridges for safety managers, procurement teams, and field supervisors. This review is authored by our editorial desk, not by 3M. Specifications cross-referenced against the NIOSH 42 CFR 84 approval certificate (TC-84A series) on the NIOSH CEL, the 3M Technical Data Sheet, ANSI/ASSE Z88.2-2015, and ANSI Z87.1+. Disclosed: WC Safety is not a retailer and does not stock any products; we earn Amazon affiliate commissions on outbound clicks, which never influences the rating.
Authored by WC Safety Editorial — Industrial respiratory protection desk · specialization: NIOSH-approved APRs, PAPRs, and filtering facepiece respirators for industrial dust, particulate, and chemical exposure.
Last reviewed: · Sources reviewed: NIOSH 42 CFR 84 Subpart K & L, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134, NIOSH NPPTL Certified Equipment List, 3M Technical Data Sheet for the 6000-series facepieces, ANSI/ASSE Z88.2-2015, ANSI Z87.1+ impact-lens standard.
Editorial standard: Zero sponsored listings. No manufacturer input. No paid placement on this page. Specifications independently verified against the NIOSH approval certificate.
Last reviewed: · Sources reviewed: NIOSH 42 CFR 84 Subpart K & L, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134, NIOSH NPPTL Certified Equipment List, 3M Technical Data Sheet for the 6000-series facepieces, ANSI/ASSE Z88.2-2015, ANSI Z87.1+ impact-lens standard.
Editorial standard: Zero sponsored listings. No manufacturer input. No paid placement on this page. Specifications independently verified against the NIOSH approval certificate.
How this 3M 6700 review was researched
Five primary sources: NIOSH 42 CFR 84 cross-referenced on the NIOSH NPPTL Certified Equipment List, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134, 3M Technical Data Sheet for the 6000-series facepieces, ANSI/ASSE Z88.2-2015, and ANSI Z87.1+ for the impact-lens classification. Citations: NIOSH CEL · OSHA 1910.134. Update cadence: reviewed quarterly and on any change to NIOSH 42 CFR 84, OSHA 1910.134, or the 3M 6000-series Technical Data Sheet.
Five primary sources: NIOSH 42 CFR 84 cross-referenced on the NIOSH NPPTL Certified Equipment List, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134, 3M Technical Data Sheet for the 6000-series facepieces, ANSI/ASSE Z88.2-2015, and ANSI Z87.1+ for the impact-lens classification. Citations: NIOSH CEL · OSHA 1910.134. Update cadence: reviewed quarterly and on any change to NIOSH 42 CFR 84, OSHA 1910.134, or the 3M 6000-series Technical Data Sheet.
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Related guides and reviews
- Respiratory protection complete buyer's guide — comprehensive hub covering APF, 1910.134 compliance, fit testing, cartridge change-out, and WRPP requirements for APF-50 full-face respirators.
- Best 3M full-face respirator buyer's guide — side-by-side comparison of the 6000, 7800, and Ultimate FX series; size and budget decision matrix.
- NIOSH 42 CFR Part 84 respirator certification guide — TC-14G approval explained; how to verify full-face APR certification before purchase.
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 respiratory protection standard guide — the standard governing selection, fit testing, and program requirements for all APF-50 respirators.
- Respirator fit testing guide — QLFT and QNFT protocols for full-face APRs; pass threshold fit factor ≥500.
- Respirator cartridge change-out schedule guide — ESLI and calculated schedule methods for OV and combination cartridges used with the 3M 6000 Series facepiece.
- Respirator medical evaluation requirements guide — medical clearance under OSHA 1910.134(e) required before assigning this APF-50 respirator.
- Written respiratory protection program requirements guide — 12 required WRPP elements; must document respirator selection rationale, medical evaluation, and fit testing.
- Respirator maintenance, inspection, and storage guide — pre-use inspection checklist, cleaning methods, storage, and lens inspection for elastomeric full-face respirators.
- ACGIH TLVs vs OSHA PELs respirator selection guide — why outdated PELs understate hazards and how TLVs drive stricter APF requirements for this facepiece.
- 3M FF-401 Ultimate FX small full-face respirator review — premium small-size alternative with integrated harness.
- 3M 7800S-S small heavy-duty full-face respirator review — heavy-duty small-size alternative with conventional 4-strap harness.
- 3M 6800 Medium full-face respirator review — sibling medium size in the 6000 Series.
- 3M 6900 Large full-face respirator review — sibling large size in the 6000 Series.
- 3M 6000 Series full-face mask respirator collection — complete 6700 Small, 6800 Medium, and 6900 Large lineup.
- 3M full-face mask respirator collection — all 3M full-face families including the 3M 6700 Small.
- 3M respirator cartridges and filters — OV, P100, OV/P100, and multi-gas cartridges compatible with this facepiece.
- 3M 60921 OV/P100 combination cartridge — most common pairing in spray painting and solvent environments.
- 3M 60926 multi-gas/P100 cartridge — acid gas + OV + P100 for chemical processing and multi-contaminant environments.
Disclosures & editorial standards
WC Safety reviews the 3M 6700 and participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Outbound Amazon links are affiliate links. We accept no manufacturer payment, sponsorship, or product samples. The 4.4/5 rating reflects editorial assessment of NIOSH coverage, fit-test performance for smaller faces, ecosystem compatibility, and total cost of ownership. This review is not medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Respirator selection is governed by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134, NIOSH 42 CFR 84, and your facility's written respiratory protection program.
WC Safety reviews the 3M 6700 and participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Outbound Amazon links are affiliate links. We accept no manufacturer payment, sponsorship, or product samples. The 4.4/5 rating reflects editorial assessment of NIOSH coverage, fit-test performance for smaller faces, ecosystem compatibility, and total cost of ownership. This review is not medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Respirator selection is governed by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134, NIOSH 42 CFR 84, and your facility's written respiratory protection program.
Fit & Sizing Resources
- Respirator Sizing Guide: How to Find the Right Fit (2026) — face measurement to S/M/L size charts for 3M, Moldex, Honeywell, MSA, and GVS
- How to Fit Test a Respirator: QLFT, QNFT, and OSHA Requirements (2026) — step-by-step fit test protocol, what to do when you fail, workplace program requirements
- Can You Wear a Respirator With a Beard? OSHA Rules and Solutions (2026) — why beards break the seal, OSHA 1910.134 requirements, PAPR alternatives
Common questions
Is the 3M 6700 NIOSH-approved?
Yes. NIOSH 42 CFR 84 approval, TC-84A series. Cross-reference your specific facepiece + cartridge combination on the NIOSH CEL.
What's the difference between 3M 6700 and 6800?
Size only — the 6700 is Small, the 6800 is Medium. Internal construction, cartridge ecosystem, and APF 50 are identical. Pick the 6700 if you have a narrower face and fail QNFT on the 6800.
Can I use the 3M 6700 Respirator for asbestos?
Yes — OSHA-acceptable for Class II and Class III asbestos work under 29 CFR 1926.1101 with 2091 P100 filters. APF 50 covers up to 50× the OSHA PEL. See our asbestos respirator guide.
Does the 3M 6700 Respirator fit smaller faces?
Yes — that's its core purpose. The 6700's sealing dimensions are tightened from the 6800 Medium to fit narrower bridge, temple, and chin profiles. Workers who fail QNFT on the 6800 due to upper-face leakage typically pass on the 6700.
What cartridges fit the 3M 6700?
Every 3M bayonet cartridge — same ecosystem as the 6800 and 6900: 2091 P100, 2097 Filter, 7093 P100,, 6001 OV, 3M 6003 OV+AG, 3M 6006 multi-gas, 60921, 60923, 60926.  Shop for all 3M respirator cartridges and filters.
Is the 3M 6700 the right respirator for woodworking?
Yes for smaller-faced woodworkers. Pair with 2091 P100. APF 50 plus integrated ANSI Z87.1+ eye protection. See our woodworking dust mask guide.
How long does a 3M 6700 last?
Facepiece service life 2-3 years in typical industrial use. Cartridges are consumables replaced per shift in heavy use or weekly in light use.
Is the 3M 6700 the same as the FF-401?
No. The 6700 is the budget-tier 6000-series Small; the FF-401 is the premium-tier Ultimate FX Small with silicone face seal, ~85% panoramic lens, and 50-80% price premium. Both are NIOSH APF 50.
Does the 3M 6700 have a speaking diaphragm?
Yes — the 6700 includes the same speaking diaphragm as the 6800 and 6900.
Can I get a fit test on the 3M 6700 respirator?
Yes. QNFT (quantitative) using PortaCount is the industry standard for full facepieces. Minimum passing fit factor 500. The 6700's seal geometry is well-characterized in fit-test databases.
Is the 3M 6700 Respirator reusable?
Yes. 2-3 years of typical industrial service. Decontaminate per OSHA 1910.134(h), replace cartridges per the change-out schedule, inspect head harness and exhalation valve before each use.
What's the APF of the 3M 6700 Full Face Respirator?
APF 50 — same as the 6800 and 6900. Smaller size doesn't mean lower protection.
Can the 3M 6700 respirator be used for spray painting?
Yes — pair with 60921 (P100+OV). Critical exclusion: isocyanates (two-part urethane, polyurethane spray foam) require supplied air respirator.
How do I clean the 3M 6700 Respirator?
Per OSHA 1910.134(h): remove cartridges, disassemble, wash in warm water with mild detergent, sanitize, air-dry, reassemble. Inspect head harness, exhalation valve, lens for damage before storing.
Where can I buy the 3M 6700 Full Face Respirator?
reviewed at WC Safety, on Amazon (commission-eligible affiliate links above), and from authorized 3M industrial distributors. Verify the NIOSH TC- approval against the NIOSH CEL.
Sources. Requirements referenced here come from OSHA 29Â CFR 1910 and the NIOSH recommendations. Where a consensus standard governs, the ANSI document is named in the text.
Related reference
If this page is part of a wider question, the neighbouring references are 3m 6000 series full face respirator 6700 6800 6900 review, 3m 1860s small n95 surgical respirator review, 3m 6100 small half mask respirator review, 3m 7800s s small full face respirator review, 3m 7800s small full face respirator review, 3m dbi sala 1113001 exofit x300 full body harness small review, 3m protecta 1191370 pro welders full body harness small review and 3m ultimate fx ff 401 small full face respirator review. Each covers one standard or one figure, so they can be read in any order.
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Neighbouring topics that come up in the same decision: 3m 6900 large full face respirator review, 3m 7800s l large full face respirator review, 3m 7800s large full face respirator review, 3m 7800s m medium full face respirator review, 3m 7800s medium full face respirator review, 3m 7800s series full face respirator 7800s s 7800s m 7800s l review, 3m ab17540 protecta first full body harness review, 3m dbi sala 1110227 exofit strata xp full body harness large review.
Why trust WC Safety
WC Safety is an independent, affiliate-supported review site. It is not a retailer: it holds no inventory, takes no orders, and earns only from qualifying purchases through clearly marked links — which never changes what a product is rated to do. Standards language is taken from the regulation text directly, and ratings are reported as the manufacturer publishes them. We run no laboratory and perform no testing of our own. Where published sources disagree, we say so and plan on the conservative figure rather than the flattering one.
Our methodology
Figures come from the regulation and the published specification, in that order. Derated numbers are calculated, not estimated. Nothing here is presented as a measured result, because we measure nothing.
Researched and written by Steven Eaton, editor of WC Safety. Steven holds no safety certification and does not test products; this page compares what manufacturers and regulators publish, with the gaps in that record marked. Last reviewed August 2026.
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