R95 Respirators
WC Safety Editor's Pick
3M 8247 R95 Disposable Respirator — Oil-resistant R95 with nuisance-level organic vapor relief. Cuts through oil mist and light solvent odors in one mask. Best choice for spray finishing, automotive paint, and light metalworking where N95 is insufficient.
R95 disposable respirators carry NIOSH's oil-resistant rating: the filter holds 95% efficiency even in oil-aerosol environments for up to 8 hours of use. Use R95 when your hazard includes oil mist from metalworking, automotive spray, milling, or lubricant-heavy machining — situations where an N95 will degrade and lose its rated efficiency. For maximum oil protection beyond 8 hours or for toxic oil-mist hazards, step up to a reusable half-mask with P100 cartridges.
R95 Respirator Comparison
| Model | Brand | Nuisance Relief | Valve | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3M 8247 | 3M | OV | No | Spray finishing, automotive paint |
| 3M 8246 | 3M | Acid Gas | No | Metal fume, acid gas nuisance |
| Moldex 2740 | Moldex | None | No | Oil-mist only, basic R95 |
| Moldex 2840 | Moldex | OV | Yes | Spray + heat, OV odor comfort |
| Moldex 2940 | Moldex | Acid Gas | Yes | Metalworking + acid gas nuisance |
| SAS 8620 | SAS | None | No | Value R95, 20-pack |
| SAS 8621 | SAS | None | Yes | Oil mist + heat comfort |
Which R95 Respirator Do You Need?
- Oil mist only, no vapor odor concern → Moldex 2740 R95 or SAS 8620 — straightforward oil-resistant R95
- Spray finishing or automotive paint with OV odors → 3M 8247 R95 + OV nuisance or Moldex 2840 R95 + OV valve
- Metalworking with acid gas fumes → 3M 8246 R95 + Acid Gas or Moldex 2940 R95 + AG valve
- Hot environment, need valve for comfort → Moldex 2840, 2940, or SAS 8621 (all valved)
- Oil mist beyond 8 hours OR toxic oil hazards → Upgrade to a reusable half-mask with P100 cartridges — P-rated filters have no time limit on oil
R95 Respirator Reviews
- 3M 8247 R95 OV Nuisance Relief Review
- 3M 8246 R95 Acid Gas Nuisance Relief Review
- Moldex 2740 R95 Review
- Moldex 2840 R95 OV Valve Review
- Moldex 2940 R95 Acid Gas Valve Review
- SAS Safety 8620 R95 Review
- SAS Safety 8621 R95 Valved Review
- Gerson 1840 R95 Review
- Gerson 1845 R95 Review
- Gerson 1940 R95 Review
Related Collections & Guides
- All Disposable Respirators
- N95 Respirators
- Nuisance Relief Respirators
- P100 Disposable Respirators
- Valved Respirators
- Disposable Respirators: Complete Buyer's Guide
- Respirator Sizing Guide
- How to Fit Test a Respirator
Frequently Asked Questions
What does R95 mean on a respirator?
R95 is a NIOSH filter class under 42 CFR Part 84. The "R" means oil-resistant (maintains rated efficiency in oil-aerosol environments for up to 8 hours), and "95" means 95% minimum filtration of non-oil aerosol particles. Compare to N95 (not oil-resistant) and P95 (oil-proof, no time limit).
When should I use R95 instead of N95?
Use R95 when your work environment contains oil aerosols — metalworking coolant mist, spray finishing, automotive lubrication, or milling operations. Oil particles clog N-rated filter fibers and reduce efficiency below the rated 95%. R95 maintains its efficiency in these environments for a single shift (up to 8 hours).
Can R95 respirators be reused?
R95 disposable respirators are rated for a single shift (up to 8 hours of use in oil-aerosol environments). They may be reused between shifts if stored properly and not contaminated, soiled, or damaged — but the oil-resistance rating begins degrading after the first oil-aerosol exposure. For multi-day use in oil mist, a reusable half-mask with P100 cartridges is more economical.
Do R95 respirators require fit testing?
Yes. R95 respirators are tight-fitting facepieces and require an annual fit test under OSHA 1910.134 when used for regulated workplace hazards. See our respirator sizing guide to confirm correct size before fit testing.
SAS Safety 8621 R95 Valved Particulate Respirator — 10-Pack
SAS SafetySAS Safety 8621 R95 Valved Particulate Respirator Review The SAS Safety 8621 is a NIOSH-approved R95 disposable particulate respirator with an exh...
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SAS Safety 8620 R95 Particulate Respirator — 20-Pack
SAS SafetySAS Safety 8620 R95 Particulate Respirator Review The SAS Safety 8620 is a NIOSH-approved R95 disposable particulate respirator sold in a 20-count...
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Moldex 2940R95 HandyStrap R95 Respirator — Nuisance Acid Gas + Valve
Moldex
Original price
$78.58
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$78.58
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$78.58
$78.58
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$78.58
Current price
$78.58
The Moldex 2940R95 HandyStrap Disposable Respirator is a NIOSH-approved R95 disposable particulate respirator with added nuisance-level acid gas pr...
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Moldex 2840R95 HandyStrap R95 Respirator — Nuisance OV + Valve
Moldex
Original price
$97.15
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Original price
$97.15
Original price
$97.15
$97.15
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$97.15
Current price
$97.15
The Moldex 2840R95 HandyStrap Disposable Respirator is a NIOSH-approved R95 disposable particulate respirator with added nuisance-level organic vap...
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Moldex 2740R95 HandyStrap R95 Disposable Particulate Respirator
Moldex
Original price
$39.00
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Original price
$39.00
Original price
$39.00
$39.00
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$39.00
Current price
$39.00
The Moldex 2740R95 HandyStrap Disposable Particulate Respirator is a NIOSH-approved R95 disposable particulate respirator with an integrated Ventex...
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Gerson 1940 R95 Particulate Respirator with Exhalation Valve – Flame Resistant, Made in USA (Box of 10)
Gerson
Original price
$15.70
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$15.70
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$15.70
$15.70
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$15.70
Current price
$15.70
The Gerson 1940 R95 Particulate Respirator is a NIOSH-approved, flame-resistant disposable respirator designed for welding, foundry, and metalworki...
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Gerson 1845 R95 Particulate Respirator with Valve, Gasket, and Nuisance Vapor Relief (Box of 5)
Gerson
Original price
$31.99
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Original price
$31.99
Original price
$31.99
$31.99
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$31.99
Current price
$31.99
The Gerson 1845 R95 Particulate Respirator is the specialty combination variant in Gerson's R95 line, adding an activated carbon layer that provide...
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Gerson 1840 R95 Particulate Respirator with Valve, Full Gasket, Adjustable Straps (Bag of 5)
Gerson
Original price
$24.99
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Original price
$24.99
Original price
$24.99
$24.99
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$24.99
Current price
$24.99
The Gerson 1840 R95 Particulate Respirator is a NIOSH-approved, oil-resistant disposable mask designed for welding, grinding, foundry operations, a...
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3M 8247 R95 Disposable Respirator Nuisance Level Organic Vapor Relief
3M
Original price
$109.67
Original price
$109.67
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Original price
$109.67
Original price
$109.67
Current price
$75.05
$75.05
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$75.05
Current price
$75.05
WC Safety editorial noteThe 3M 8247 R95 Disposable Respirator Nuisance is the industry-standard choice for R95 disposable respiratory protection. ...
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3M 8246 R95 Disposable Respirator Nuisance Level Acid Gas Relief
3M
Original price
$109.67
Original price
$109.67
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Original price
$109.67
Original price
$109.67
Current price
$102.22
$102.22
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$102.22
Current price
$102.22
WC Safety editorial noteThe 3M 8246 R95 Disposable Respirator Nuisance is the industry-standard choice for R95 disposable respiratory protection. ...
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