3M 8293 P100 Disposable Respirator with Face Seal and Cool Flow Valve

Short answer: The 3M 8293 is the highest-efficiency disposable respirator in the 3M 8200-series — NIOSH P100 rated at 99.97% filtration efficiency, with a Cool Flow exhalation valve that reduces heat and moisture buildup during extended use. It's the right disposable choice when P100 protection is required and you want the convenience of a cup-style disposable rather than a reusable half-mask with filter cartridges.

P100 Disposable vs Half-Mask Respirator — Which to Choose

Regulated Environments Where P100 Is Required

• Lead: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1025 / 1926.62 — P100 required for many tasks above the action level
• Asbestos: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1001 / 1926.1101 — P100 required for Class I and II work
• Silica: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1153 — N95 minimum but P100 recommended for high-exposure tasks
• Welding fume: OSHA PELs for manganese and hexavalent chromium often drive P100 selection
• Isocyanates: Spray painting, foam manufacturing — P100 for particle component

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 8293 protect against gases or vapors?

No. The 8293 is a particulate-only respirator. The P100 rating means it captures 99.97% of airborne particles — it contains no sorbent for gas or vapor protection. For environments with both particles and vapor hazards, use a reusable half-mask respirator with combination cartridges such as the 3M 60923.

Can I use the 8293 for lead abatement?

Yes — the 8293 meets OSHA's minimum P100 requirement for lead work at many exposure levels. However, lead abatement may also require supplied-air respirators at higher concentrations. Consult your industrial hygienist and refer to 29 CFR 1910.1025 or 1926.62 for task-specific requirements.

How is the face seal different from a standard cup respirator?

The 8293 has a soft foam face seal that conforms to the contours of the face for improved fit, particularly along the cheek and jaw line. This reduces gapping that can occur with hard-shell cup respirators on non-standard face shapes, though it is not a substitute for proper fit testing.

Is fit testing required for the 8293?

Yes. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 requires annual fit testing for all tight-fitting respirators, including disposable cup-style respirators. Fit test results are model-specific — testing on a different respirator model does not apply to the 8293.

How many come in a box?

The 3M 8293 is sold in boxes of 20 respirators.