3M Powerflow 6800PF Face-Mounted PAPR Respirator, Full Facepiece, HEPA, APF 1000
$569.01
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EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review — the 3M Powerflow 6800PF face-mounted PAPR respirator Editorial assessment by the WC Safety Editorial Team, based on published 3M specifications and category fit. We did n...
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EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review — the 3M Powerflow 6800PF face-mounted PAPR respirator
Editorial assessment by the WC Safety Editorial Team, based on published 3M specifications and category fit. We did not laboratory-test this product.
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3M Powerflow 6800PF Face-Mounted PAPR Respirator Overview
The 3M Powerflow 6800PF face-mounted PAPR respirator is a tight-fitting full-facepiece powered air-purifying respirator with the motor, blower, and HEPA filter mounted directly on the facepiece, so there is no belt or hose. It uses a high-efficiency particulate filter and provides an OSHA assigned protection factor of up to 1000, the high end for a tight-fitting full facepiece.
As the 3M Powerflow 6800PF, this 3M 6800PF PAPR is a compact face-mounted PAPR. As a full facepiece PAPR, this 3M Powerflow PAPR also protects the eyes and face behind an optical-grade, impact-resistant shield, and it runs about 8 hours on a rechargeable battery at roughly 1.9 pounds.
Because it is tight-fitting, it requires fit testing and a clean-shaven seal. Compare the non-powered 3M 6000 Series full-face respirator, and the loose-fit MicroClimate Air3 and tight half-mask CleanSpace WORK PAPRs, and browse it in powered air-purifying respirators and full-face mask respirators.
What This Respirator Is Built For
| Use case | Fit | Buyer guidance |
|---|---|---|
| High particulate protection | Purpose-built | Tight full facepiece; APF up to 1000 with a good seal. |
| Eye and face plus respiratory | Strong | Optical-grade impact-resistant full-face shield. |
| No belt or hose wanted | Strong | Motor and filter mount on the facepiece. |
| Clean-shaven wearers | Required | Needs a fit test and clean-shaven seal. |
| Gases, vapors, or emergency air | Not suitable | Particulate only; not for emergency atmospheres. |
A respirator only protects within a complete, matched, compliant system. The Powerflow is a tight-fitting full facepiece, so it requires fit testing for each wearer, a clean-shaven seal, and a user seal check before every use; facial hair breaks the seal and voids the protection. It uses a particulate high-efficiency filter for dusts, mists, fumes, radionuclides, and radon daughters, so it does nothing for gases or vapors, which need a respirator and media rated for the hazard. Because a PAPR purifies ambient air rather than supplying it, it is not for IDLH or oxygen-deficient atmospheres, which require an SCBA or a supplied-air respirator rated for those conditions. Confirm the facepiece size by fit test, verify airflow before use, replace the filter when it is loaded or damaged, keep it charged, and run the system within a written program under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134. Learn more in our how to fit test a respirator guide and the respiratory protection complete guide.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Tight full facepiece; APF up to 1000
- Eye and face protection with an impact shield
- Motor and HEPA filter mount on the facepiece
- No belt or hose; about 1.9 lb assembled
- NIOSH approved; about 8 hr battery
Cons
- Requires fit testing and a clean-shaven seal
- Particulate only; no gas or vapor protection
- Sized facepieces; confirm size by fit test
- Not for oxygen-poor or emergency atmospheres
How It Compares
The 6800PF is the high-protection tight-fit end of the PAPR range. Weigh it against looser designs:
| Option | Fit | APF | Fit test? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3M Powerflow 6800PF (this page) | Tight full facepiece | Up to 1000 | Required |
| CleanSpace WORK | Tight half mask | 50 | Required |
| MicroClimate Air3 | Loose-fit helmet | 25 | Not required |
Choose the 6800PF for the highest particulate protection with eye and face cover, the CleanSpace WORK for a lighter tight half mask, or the MicroClimate Air3 for a no-fit-test loose helmet. See our best PAPR respirator systems guide, the best 3M full-face respirator guide, and the QLFT vs QNFT fit testing guide.
Specifications
| Brand | 3M |
| Model | Powerflow 6800PF face-mounted PAPR (medium facepiece) |
| Type / Approval | Tight-fitting full-facepiece PAPR; NIOSH approved; OSHA APF up to 1000 |
| Filter | High-efficiency particulate (dusts, mists, fumes, radionuclides, radon daughters); no gas/vapor |
| Fit | Tight-fitting; requires fit testing and a clean-shaven seal |
| Power / Weight | Rechargeable battery ~8 hr; about 1.9 lb with motor and filter; impact-resistant shield |
Related Guides
best PAPR respirator systems, best 3M full-face respirator, how to fit test a respirator, QLFT vs QNFT fit testing, OSHA 1910.134 respiratory protection.
Related Resources
powered air-purifying respirators full-face mask respirators respiratory protection 3M 6000 Series full-face respirator
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3M Powerflow 6800PF face-mounted PAPR respirator?
It is a tight-fitting full-facepiece powered air-purifying respirator with the motor, blower, and HEPA filter mounted on the facepiece, so there is no belt or hose. It gives respiratory protection plus eye and face protection behind a full-face shield.
What assigned protection factor does it provide?
As a tight-fitting full facepiece PAPR it provides an OSHA assigned protection factor of up to 1000 with the appropriate high-efficiency filter, the high end of the PAPR range. Achieving that protection depends on a correct fit and a good seal.
Does it require fit testing?
Yes. Because it is a tight-fitting full facepiece, it requires fit testing for each wearer under OSHA and a user seal check before each use, plus a clean-shaven seal area. Facial hair breaks the seal and voids the protection.
What filter does it use?
It uses a high-efficiency (HEPA) particulate filter that protects against dusts, mists, fumes, radionuclides, and radon daughters. It is a particulate respirator only, so it does not protect against gases or vapors.
Where is the blower mounted?
The Powerflow mounts the motor, blower, and filter directly on the facepiece rather than on a belt, which removes the hose and waist unit of a traditional PAPR. The assembly weighs about 1.9 pounds with the motor and filter.
How long does the battery last?
The rechargeable battery runs about 8 hours per charge. Charge it fully before use, verify airflow before each shift, and respond to any low-airflow warning, since protection depends on adequate airflow to the facepiece.
Does the full facepiece add eye protection?
Yes. The full facepiece has an optical-grade, impact-resistant shield that protects the eyes and face along with the respiratory protection, which suits work with splash or flying-particle hazards. Confirm the shield rating for your task.
Does it protect against gases or vapors?
No. The Powerflow uses a particulate filter only. It does not protect against solvent vapors or acid gases. If your work involves those exposures, you need a respirator and cartridge rated for them, matched to your specific hazard.
Can I use it in an oxygen-poor or emergency atmosphere?
No. Because a PAPR filters ambient air rather than supplying it, it is not for oxygen-poor or immediately dangerous atmospheres. Those require respiratory protection rated for such conditions, and you must confirm the environment first.
What size is this kit?
This kit is the medium facepiece. 3M offers other sizes, so select the size that passes a fit test for the wearer. A facepiece that does not fit will not seal, so confirm the size through fit testing rather than guessing.
Do I need a written respiratory program?
Yes. Powered air-purifying respirators are used within a written respiratory protection program under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134, including training, medical evaluation, fit testing, and maintenance. Follow the 3M manual for use and filter replacement.
How do I maintain it?
Inspect the facepiece, shield, valves, seal, motor, filter, and battery before each use, run a seal check, replace the filter when breathing is harder or it is damaged, and keep the unit clean and charged. Follow the 3M manual for intervals and parts.
Written by Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial. Specifications sourced from 3M published data. Compare the range in powered air-purifying respirators.
WC Safety is an independent PPE retailer; no paid placement. Use respirators only within a compliant program and follow the 3M manual, NIOSH approval, and OSHA requirements.
⭐ Rated 4★ on Amazon across 81 verified ratings (Amazon.com, Jun 2026)
Brand / Vendor
3M
Model / SKU
6800PF
Product Type
Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR)
Price
$569.01 (Amazon)
Rating
3.9 / 5 — 10 reviews
Availability
Check current availability on Amazon
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Verified Buyer Reviews
Customer Reviews
★★★★☆4.0 / 5· 81 ratings on Amazon
★★★★★
Great value, suboptimal UX
This is probably the cheapest reliable PAPR one can obtain, especially when it goes on discount, outside of scoring an especially lucky deal on some military surplus; I seriously do not trust the random unbranded blower motors elsewhere on Amazon that're allegedly a fraction of this price. Anyhow, the fit and seal on the mask are excellent, the airflow is very sufficient, and the filtering performance is as effective as you'd want if you're looking into buying something like this.This PAPR comes with a particulates-only filter out of the box, and you're theoretically not supposed to use non-3M-Versaflo filters with it; it does, however, take a standard 40mm NATO threaded filter, as opposed to 3M's other PAPR systems which take incredibly-proprietary cartridges.The single sacrifice one is making for all this value is, unfortunately, comfort. 3M's own filter is, as pictured, incredibly thin and light. This helps a lot, given that you have it and the blower motor hanging off of your face in a cantilevered manner. Unfortunately, if you ever pick up a heavier filter, especially one with broader capabilities than what 3M officially supplies, you now have to carry that weight, directly on your face. The four-point harness does its best to help with this, but fundamentally there's only so much it *can* do.Ultimately, though, I don't think that's a criticism worth knocking off a star for. For my particular use case, this is the best option that this amount of money can buy.
Verified Purchaser · December 1 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Best IT tool for dusty hospital computers
Perfect for when I dust out hospital PCs and laptops. Fits great over glasses and the positive pressure in the mask keeps out dust.Pros:Fits great over glasses.Positive pressure inside the mask.Straps adjust to fit nice and snug.Lower straps can be quickly released and top straps can be left alone to take off, and put on the mask.Mask can be used with or without the fan.Comes with a protective film for the mask's visor.Cons:Battery belt clip is difficult to use.Mask power cable can easily be damaged at the battery connection, needs better stress relief.No fully charged battery indicator.
Verified Purchaser · April 1, 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★☆☆☆☆
Bad battery design
Battery connection went bad after 3 months of use. Had to tape down the cord to make it work, then it eventually just wouldn’t work or charge anymore. Really bad design for something so expensive. I loved it when it worked.
Verified Purchaser · November 1 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
This is a game changer
I'm a woodworker and discovered that I'm highly allergic to ziricote. If you're not familiar, it's a type of rosewood. I had been using a 3m half face respirator with organic vapor cartridges, but I soon discovered that simply getting the dust on my face was causing the bulk of my problems.I looked at a lot of positive pressure systems, and this one seemed to be the best quality for the lowest price. If you go higher than this, you're into belt mounted systems at three times the cost.Long story short, it worked. I take extra precautions by wearing gloves, lab coat and a cloth painters head covering. When combined with this unit I don't exhibit any symptoms at all. These measures may sound extreme, but when you consider that all of the skin peeled off of my face when this started, wearing the extra gear is a minor inconvenience.As others have noted, there is extra weight on your neck from the blower. You also need to re-learn your "clearances"... I banged into a number of cabinet doors, etc., when I first started using it.It works well with glasses and because it is positive pressure, it keeps foreign particles from entering at any gaps. Would I trust this theory when around airborne diseases?? Of course not, I only need to keep fine sawdust from getting on my face and into my lungs.As for the poor reviews about the unit not shipping with a battery charger... this kit INCLUDES the battery charger. If you don't receive a charger, return it, don't leave a bad review!
Verified Purchaser · July 8, 20 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
yeah. you want this. you can't get it anymore.
it's excellent if you wear glasses.the entire point of this is it's a positive pressure,and the airflow is probably 6CFM, so filtered airis constantly pushed OUTWARD from everyplace like around eyeglass frames that might be leaky.you can't inhale unfiltered air.i got a complete one delivered yesterday. i've usedsimilar stuff from 3M in the past, while working aroundasbestos abatement crews. 3M doesn't make anythingthat is not excellent.the marked price was stupid low, and i didn't care if it wasa mistake or not, i bought it. comes with a charger, nicad,facemask, 450-01-10 filter, instruction manual,in a factory sealed box.device is intrinsically safe. if you know what that is, youknow it's important. if you don't it doesn't matter to you.it doesn't matter to me any more. i don't do refineries.got a case of filters with it. they come in boxes of 20.in clean air, they will last a stupid level of time.450 filter and hood is good for SARS and MERV. thefilter is listed for Ebola, but the faceplate isn't . thatneeds a full hood. so it's good for what you are buyingit for.i got lucky on getting one. they sold out in an hour or two,and now are only going to accredited healthcare providers.if you are looking for one, ebay has them at gouging prices.a full face, powered or not, isn't' a bad idea right now.we are all gonna be here for quite a while. when you climbinto the cage with the gorilla, you aren't done till the gorillais done.
Verified Purchaser · April 4, 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Fits better than the ff400
While expensive, the protection level here is quite high to make a person comfortable being in a hazardous environment.Pita to clean cuz electronicsReal comfortable fits chin like glove.CoolNot super heavyFilters usually come in packs of 20, so 20 filters at 20 each is 400 so its and investment to say the least.Cheaper than cancer copd and emphizima lolLive long and prosper
Verified Purchaser · January 11 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★☆
Works fine. It has no nose cup which is good ...
I should have gotten this years ago. Works very well. I just removed about 12 cubic yards of old attic insulation using this mask and have these observations for you.Pros:I can wear it over my glasses even though, technically, you're not supposed to. Works fine.It has no nose cup which is good because I can use this over my glasses and the nose cup, if present, would have pushed my glasses around.Full protection of the eyes as well.Comes with an air flow checking device which is very helpful.When a filter gets clogged, you can simply vacuum it out from the intake side. This works best if you're also simultaneously running the mask's fan. You can then check the flow to make sure you're good to go.I didn't use the mask for an eight hour shift, but the battery held fine for at least four hours at a time.The mask is comfortable.You can use the mask with a hat or a headlamp. The mask does get in the way some, but it's possible. I used a headlamp in the attic and a wide brimmed hat outdoors.The straps for tightening and taking off the mask work very well and are easily handled even when your hands are in oversized rubber gloves.Appears to be all quality, professional grade construction.There are disposable face shields to protect the mask which seem to work well.Having powered air is excellent. The air is cool and it's easy to breathe. I can be asthmatic at times and conventional masks are uncomfortable and make breathing more difficult. Psychologically, for me, having any constriction on breathing is really uncomfortable. With a powered air supply, it's just not an issue. You breath normally.Not too loud. I can deal with the drone of the motor and still hear people and talk to people.Cons:It's expensive.It comes with a standard battery charger so you have to remember to disconnect the charger after about 12 to 16 hours without really knowing when you should.A smart charger exists, but the price is ridiculously high at over $200.The replacement filters are not easy to get promptly. They're not the sort of thing you can just pick up at a box store and they aren't available on Amazon Prime for next day delivery.The mask is somewhat heavy, even with the battery on the belt.The battery is large and heavy.The cord from the battery to the mask can sometimes get in the way.The intake hole for the filter is small and dust seems to accumulate there quickly and constrict further flow. I found that I needed to stop at least every hour to vacuum out the filter.As the filter clogs slowly, you may not be aware there's a problem. You should press the mask in tight against the face and breathe in hard and fast. If you feel any suction going on at all, the amount of air coming into the mask is insufficient. It's better to regularly check the filter with the flow meter.
Verified Purchaser · June 18, 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★☆☆☆☆
Una mascara de muy mala calidad yo compre dos y una se daño el motor y el vendedor no quiso reponer el motor y pienso que también amazon no respalda al comprador porque el vendedor de especificar que no da garantía en ninguna de sus partes y yo creo que la garantía que yo reclame es motor y es un aparato eléctrico y siempre cualquier aparato eléctrico tiene minimo un año no la recomiendo muy malo vendedor y parece algo muy caro para dañarse muy rápido compren con otro vendedor
Verified Purchaser · December 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★☆
THIS MASK ACTUALLY COSTS $650.00 BECAUSE THE BATTERY CHARGER IS NOT INCLUDED
I'll start out with my review of this respirator.It seals very well on my face, it's well made, air flow is VERY good, I don't like the battery, Its a NI CAD and heavy. I had to wear a coat and put the battery in the coat pocket. Can't say how long the battery last because I'm still waiting for the charger to be delivered.So the following is why I was willing to pay $650 (after adding the $105 for the battery charger)If you have a narrow nose bridge like I do, non of the disposable filter masks work and working in a dusty environment you need a respirator that seals well. I've have found even the rubber masks when I take them off have been leaking. My face under the mask will be all dirty from the dust. I've considered the full face mask many times but I always gag at the price. Well after I finally got rid of a long lasting sinus infection and I had a yard full long grass and tall weeds to cleanup I decided to bite the bullet and buy this 3m powered respirator. If I had more use for it then just occasional jobs around the house it wouldn't bother me so much how much it costs.After it arrived I discovered the battery charger is sold separately. It's not even mentioned on the product page the you usually see below saying "OFTEN BOUGHT TOGETHER". I did my own search for the charger and I couldn't find it. I had to call Amazon. It took them a while to find the charger.Here's the charger for this respirator: 3M Battery Charger 521-01-43R01
Verified Purchaser · June 10, 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★☆
APRIL FRESH CLEAN AIR!
Getting into wood working in a big way purchasing a 100 year old town hall for my home. Milling wood taken out of my "Back yard" and the American Beechwood creates a LOT of dust. I needed to protect my lungs in a way that was beyond just a paper mask and I also needed to have fresh air flow because I tend to sweat a LOT and wanted to prevent fogging. This unit is quiet enough that by wearing hearing protection (Koss full ear cup headphones and a mp3 player on moderate level) that I can wear it for 8 hours and not be a problem. Weight is not a concern if your work is looking downward, and becomes very noticeable if doing anything beyond looking straight forward. Easy on/off. And for those that have a beard, I sport a FULL one and find this unit seals without much problem other than occasional caught hair in the cinch... Battery pack can easily go 8 hours, charges overnight. Rather than replacing the filter after each use, I use the shop vac to clean out the unit. A dream to have, Battery clip for the belt works GREAT! Nice feature to check for flow or low battery, 3M has made a great unit here! 4 star for overall because of weight for anything other than looking down. Highly recommend for wood working.
Verified Purchaser · February 1 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
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