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Gerson 3230+ Surgical N95 Respirator – FDA Cleared, NIOSH Approved (Box of 50)
$34.20
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Short answer: the gerson 3230+ surgical n95 respirator is covered below on the specifications its own listing publishes, the standards it is certified to, and who it suits. WC Safety Editorial Pick — Gerson 3230 Surg...
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Short answer: the gerson 3230+ surgical n95 respirator is covered below on the specifications its own listing publishes, the standards it is certified to, and who it suits.
WC Safety Editorial Pick — Gerson 3230 Surgical N95 — FDA 510(k)-cleared surgical mask and NIOSH N95, 50-count box. Read our full review → | Browse all Gerson disposable respirators →
gerson 3230+ surgical n95 respirator — what the listing actually specifies
Gerson 3230 Surgical N95 Respirator — Box of 50 — NIOSH-Approved N95 Disposable Respirator
An air-purifying respirator filters air, it does not supply any. Under 29 CFR 1910.134 no air-purifying respirator may be worn in an atmosphere that is IDLH or oxygen-deficient (below 19.5% oxygen). Those conditions require a supplied-air respirator or an SCBA, and no filter or cartridge rating changes that.
Gerson 3230 Surgical N95 Respirator — Box of 50 carries both NIOSH N95 approval and FDA 510(k) surgical mask clearance — the dual classification required for healthcare settings where both fluid-resistance and airborne particulate filtration are mandated — offered in a 50-count box for departmental and facility stocking.
Jump to: Key Features · Specs · Hazard Coverage · Compare · FAQ
The Gerson 3230 Surgical N95 Respirator — Box of 50 is a NIOSH-approved N95 filtering facepiece respirator from Gerson, listed on the NIOSH Certified Equipment List. Read the complete disposable respirator guide to compare NIOSH filter classes before ordering.
Key Features — 3230 Surgical N95
- FDA 510(k)-cleared surgical mask AND NIOSH N95-approved — required dual classification for healthcare
- Fluid-resistant outer layer per ASTM F1862 for blood and body fluid splash protection
- Flat-fold design for compact storage in clinical supply carts and pocket carry
- Dual elastic headbands and adjustable nose clip for extended clinical-shift wear
- 50-count box for facility and departmental volume stocking
Pros
- 50-count box for volume healthcare purchasing
- Dual FDA/NIOSH classification
- Fluid-resistant outer surface
- Flat-fold for compact clinical storage
Cons
- No exhalation valve (required for surgical N95)
- Flat-fold — some prefer cup fit
- Not for industrial-only programs (higher cost than pure industrial N95)
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Gerson |
| Model | 3230 Surgical N95 |
| NIOSH Class | N95 |
| Exhalation Valve | No |
| Nuisance Relief | None |
| Shell Shape | Flat-fold |
| Headstraps | Dual elastic |
| Pack Size | 50/Box |
Typical Applications
- Hospital procedure rooms and ORs requiring surgical N95 PPE; see all surgical N95s
- Aerosol-generating medical procedures in clinical settings
- Healthcare facility stocking programs; read the disposable respirator guide
- Check sizing in our respirator sizing guide before ordering for a full team
Hazard Coverage — Gerson 3230 Surgical N95 Respirator — Box of 50
The Gerson 3230 Surgical N95 Respirator — Box of 50 is NIOSH-approved under 42 CFR 84 Subpart K for non-oil-based particulates at ≥95% efficiency. Approved hazards include construction and masonry dust, pollen, mold spores, smoke particulates, grain and wood dust, and certain biological aerosols. The 3230 Surgical N95 is NOT rated for oil-based particles — spray paint mist, cutting fluid aerosols, and lubricant mist degrade N-class electret media faster than rated. For oil environments choose an R95 (oil-resistant, one shift) or P100 (oil-proof). Compare classes in our N95 vs P100 guide and the complete disposable respirator guide.
Compare 3230 Surgical N95 vs 3230 EZ-Go vs 3230
| Model | Filter | Valve | Pack | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3230 Surgical N95 (this page) | N95 | No | This product | |
| 3230 EZ-Go | N95 | No | 20/Box | Industrial, 20-pack |
| 3230 | N95 | No | 50/Box | Industrial N95 50-pack |
More from our Disposable Respirator reviews
The trade-offs behind this choice are worked through in 3m 2091 vs 2097 filter, 3m 2091 vs honeywell north 7580p100, 3m 6000 vs 6500 respirator, 3m 6000 vs 6500 vs 7500 series half mask respirator compared, 3m 6001 vs 6003 cartridge.
The rest of the range sits in 3m 6000 series full face mask respirator, 3m 60921 vs 60923 vs 60926 respirator cartridges, 3m 7800 series full face mask respirator.
Written by Steven Eaton, WC Safety editor. WC Safety is an independent PPE review site, holds no inventory and sells nothing directly; Amazon links are affiliate links that earn a commission at no cost to you and never affect the assessment. This page is not medical, legal or regulatory advice.
Further reading that bears directly on this choice: 3m 6003 vs honeywell north 7583p100l, 3m 60921 vs 60923 cartridge, 3m 60921 vs 60923 vs 60926 cartridge, 3m 60921 vs 60926 cartridge.
Alternatives at the same protection level are listed in 3m disposable respirators, 3m full face mask respirators.
Related standards and selection guidance: 3m 60921 vs honeywell north 7581p100l, 3m 60923 vs 60926 cartridge, 3m 60926 vs honeywell north 75scp100l, 3m 6500 vs 7500 respirator.
To see what else meets the same specification, start with 3m half mask respirators, 3m respirator filters and cartridges.
Brand / Vendor
Gerson
Model / SKU
083230
Product Type
Disposable Respirator
Price
$34.20 (Amazon)
Rating
3.4 / 5 — 101 Amazon ratings
Availability
Check current availability on Amazon
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Industrial Grade Only
Coverage focuses on equipment built for professional use in manufacturing, construction, and industrial environments.
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Product information is compiled from manufacturer specifications, published standards information, compatibility data, and other cited sources.
Affiliate Disclosure
WC Safety may earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links. Affiliate relationships never change the specifications presented.
Verified Buyer Reviews
Customer Reviews
★★★☆☆3.4 / 5· 101 ratings on Amazon
★★★★★
Finicky to handle but excellent
The pros:* Incredible breathability* The softest material of just about any N95 mask I've ever tried* Long, flexible nosepiece makes it easy to conform to any face shape (I have a flat-ish face with almost no nose bridge, which makes most KN95s a non-starter)* Excellent fit and seal overall* Duckbill style means the mask doesn't ever collapse or touch your lips* Comes individually sealed, which makes stuffing extras into my satchel convenient and easyThe con, and there's really only one: they're incredibly delicate and finicky. I've seen the reviews about them breaking, and that's because you need to approach them slowly with care and delicacy, like they're a high-strung horse that'll bolt given half a chance. The heat seal on either side is prone to cracking if you force the mask open abruptly or pull on the top or bottom half too hard while adjusting the mask on your face. Pro tip: hold the mask by the edges to the left and right if you need to adjust to avoid putting stress on the heat seal, and gently pre-form the nose piece before pulling the mask over your head.Otherwise, this is my favorite N95 mask. The 3M V-Flex masks are also very good (I've used the 1804 and the universally beloved 9105) and they are much much sturdier--you'll see that there are burly staples holding the seals together where the straps are attached--but the material for those masks have started making my face itch, so I've transitioned over to the Gerson entirely.
Verified Purchaser · September · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★☆☆☆☆
Straps break unexpectedly
Comfortable mask, but I can no longer recommend this mask because the straps break unexpectedly, and expose the wearer to risk.
Verified Purchaser · June 1, 20 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★☆
A solid N95 option
These masks fit well and provide breathing room too. I have a relatively small face, my husband a large one, yet these work for both of us. My only issue is with the two straps: they tend to break easily and can pull out hair. But overall a solid option for the duckbill type of N95.
Verified Purchaser · February 5 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Comfortable and a good seal
These are awesome masks / respirators! Once you get used to how to fit them they are really easy and comfortable to wear and have a good seal. It may take a few tries to get a perfect fit, so be patient and you will get great results. I've been using these for years in medical settings as well as dusty and fume situations. Highly effective. I added photos of one I wore only to show how you have to pinch the bridge of the nose to get a good fit. (Very few of us humans are symmetrical!)
Verified Purchaser · January 17 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★☆☆☆
good mask / bad batch
I love this mask, but I wonder if these were stored at bad temperatures. The elastic bands often snap while I'm wearing them. In a box of 50 this has happened for the majority of the masks.
Verified Purchaser · June 18, 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★☆☆
Comfortable, but quality control issues
These are my go-to masks now that the Blox duckbill N95 has been discontinued. They're comfortable and I imagine I'll be using them for the foreseeable future.However, the quality control is not great. In a box of 50, several will have elastic bands that break almost immediately after donning, so I always have to carry extras. Additionally, the nose wire is a bit short. A longer nose wire would provide a better seal.
Verified Purchaser · November 5 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
High quality, effective and comfortable N95 masks
I live with someone who is immunocompromised. As a result, I have to be very careful not to catch any respiratory infections and always wear a mask in public places. These N95 masks are great! They are so comfortable that I can keep them on for hours at a time without them irritating my skin or becoming uncomfortable. They fit my face well, so there is minimal air leak and they provide great protection. They are a good value for the money.
Verified Purchaser · August 17, · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★☆☆☆☆
Don't fulfill through Amazon
Product is normally fine, I like Gerson duckbill N95s, but the fulfillment of this product was not done intelligently. The 2 boxes were already halfway open on the perforation, and they were shipped in a paper bag that 1. did not protect the boxes and the contents from damage during shipment and they arrived half smushed, and 2. would not have protected the product from precipitation had it been raining/snowing/etc. These are expensive PPE and damage & exposure can comprise their effectiveness and the end user's health and life. Would not recommend fulfillment through Amazon who doesn't seem to understand these basic concepts about PPE.
Verified Purchaser · May 16, 20 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★☆☆
Great masks, questionable packaging
Fine masks, and honestly the most comfortable ones I've found. I have a very pronounced nose, and with a little work I can get a near-perfect seal. I've used them every day at work (grocery store cashier, so I encounter a LOT of people daily) for over 7 months and haven't gotten sick once.However, the last box I bought arrived already opened. The cardboard is almost comically flimsy, but I was shocked to see the entire seal broken. Additionally, although the masks are individually packaged (a positive) none of them were actually *sealed shut* - they all had holes in the seams of the plastic, potentially exposing them to who knows what. Call me overly cautious, but this makes the entire box of 50 unusable for me.TL;DR Great masks, but the potentially faulty packaging is a major downside.
Verified Purchaser · March 29, · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★☆☆
Good N95 mask for the price
For the price these are the best N95 mask that I've found. The straps break away from the mask very easily so you have to staple the straps to the mask prior to using (minus one star). The box was destroyed on shipping because it was shipped in a plastic bag (minus one star). If you don't mind stapling the straps to the mask prior to using and just accept the mask won't come in a functional box, these are a good value for N95 mask.
Verified Purchaser · February 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 3230 Surgical N95 FDA-cleared as a surgical mask?
Yes. The 3230 Surgical N95 is FDA 510(k)-cleared as a surgical mask in addition to its NIOSH N95 classification — meaning it meets both the fluid-resistance and filtration requirements for surgical environments. This dual clearance is what distinguishes a surgical N95 from a standard industrial N95.
What is the difference between a surgical N95 and a standard N95?
A surgical N95 like the 3230 Surgical N95 carries both NIOSH N95 approval (particulate filtration) AND FDA 510(k) clearance (fluid resistance, biocompatibility for clinical use). Standard industrial N95s are NIOSH-approved but not FDA-cleared. Both provide N95 filtration; only the surgical version is cleared for use in environments where fluid resistance matters.
Is the 3230 Surgical N95 NIOSH-approved?
Yes. The 3230 Surgical N95 is NIOSH-approved under 42 CFR 84 Subpart K as an N95 filtering facepiece respirator. Confirm the TC approval number on the NIOSH Certified Equipment List .
Does the 3230 Surgical N95 require a fit test for healthcare use?
Yes. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 and CDC/NIOSH guidelines require fit testing before healthcare workers use N95 respirators for protection against airborne pathogens. See our fit testing guide for protocols specific to cup-shaped and flat-fold surgical N95s.
Can the 3230 Surgical N95 be reused in a healthcare setting?
Standard guidance is single-use or limited reuse per CDC crisis standards of care. In non-crisis conditions, the 3230 Surgical N95 is designed for single-use per manufacturer labeling. CDC contingency and crisis guidance allows limited reuse; consult your facility's infection control policy.
How does the 3230 Surgical N95 compare to KN95 masks?
The 3230 Surgical N95 is NIOSH N95-approved and FDA 510(k)-cleared under U.S. federal standards; KN95 is a Chinese standard that is not interchangeable with NIOSH approval. For regulated healthcare environments, a NIOSH-approved surgical N95 is the appropriate choice, not a KN95.
What size is the 3230 Surgical N95?
See the product title and specifications table for size. 3M offers both standard and small (1860S) sizes in this surgical N95 line. Our respirator sizing guide helps identify the right fit for your face dimensions.
Can non-healthcare workers use the 3230 Surgical N95?
Yes. There is no restriction on industrial workers or general public using a surgical N95 — it provides the same or higher protection than a standard industrial N95 and adds fluid resistance. Browse all surgical N95 respirators .
How many 3230 Surgical N95 respirators come in a box?
See the product title for pack count. Browse all surgical N95 respirators .
What is the shelf life of the 3230 Surgical N95?
3M lists a 5-year shelf life for the 1860 series from production date in original sealed packaging stored in a controlled environment. FDA and NIOSH may extend shelf life under emergency authorization; always check the lot expiration date before use.
Does the 3230 Surgical N95 protect against gases or vapors?
No. The 3230 Surgical N95 is a particulate filter only — it does not capture organic vapors, chemical gases, or other gaseous hazards. It is designed for healthcare aerosol protection and compatible non-oil particle environments.
What fluid resistance rating does the 3230 Surgical N95 carry?
FDA-cleared surgical N95s must meet ASTM F1862 fluid resistance testing. The 3M 1860-series masks are rated for blood and body fluid splash. Check the product's 510(k) summary for the specific ASTM F1862 pressure rating. See full review Amazon purchases via WC Safety links earn us an affiliate commission at no extra cost. Why trust this 3230 Surgical N95 page? WC Safety operates as an independent industrial PPE review site stocking the Gerson 3230 Surgical N95 Respirator — Box of 50 and its siblings for safety managers, procurement teams, and field supervisors. Specifications are cross-referenced against the NIOSH 42 CFR 84 approval certificate on the NIOSH Certified Equipment List and the Gerson Technical Data Sheet. Disclosed: WC Safety earns Amazon affiliate commissions on outbound clicks; this does not influence the specs or recommendations shown. By Steven Eaton — WC Safety Editoria