3M 2091 vs 3M 2097

What is the difference between the 3M 2091 respirator filter and the 3M 2097 respirator filter?

Both the 3M 2091 and the 3M 2097 respirator filters are P100 filters used for the following respirators

3M Half Mask Respirators

3M 6000 series respirators (Elastomeric)

3M 6500 series respirators (Silicone with Cool-Flow Valve)

3M 7500 series respirators (Advanced Silicon with Cool-Flow Valve)

3M Full Face Respirators

3M 6000 series respirators (Silicone/Elastomeric)

3M 7800 series respirators (Silicone)

The 3M 2091 respirator filter and the 3M 2097 respirator filter are both NIOSH rated P100 particulate filters, which means that they filter out 99.97 of the particulates and are oil proof against oil based particulates.

The difference between the 3M 2091 respirator filter and the 3M 2097 respirator filter is that the 3M 2097 filters out nuisance levels of organic vapor.  (organic vapors are carbon based vapors, like oils and molds)  Nuisance levels are defined as vapors that are below the PEL. Nuisance level refers to concentrations not exceeding OSHA PEL or other applicable government exposure limits, whichever is lower.  For higher levels of organic vapor protection choose the 3M 6001 respirator cartridge or the 3M 60921 P100 Respirator Cartridge.

The 3M 2091 is less expensive than the 3M 2097.