Masks and filters
Extraction and ventilation come first. A mask protects you; it does not remove the hazard for people nearby.
Filtering masks and replacement filters sold in the member shop, for dust, particles and organic vapours. For air-fed equipment, see Respiratory protection.
3M 6000 half-mask fitted with 2135 P3 particle filters | 3M 6000 half-mask fitted with A2 gas cartridges and P3 particle filters | Valved FFP3 filtering facepiece sold in the member shop |
3M 6000-series half-mask with 2135 P3 filters. Particles only; no gas or vapour protection. | 3M 6000-series half-mask with 6055 A2 cartridges, 5935 P3 filters and 501 retainers. Particles plus the organic vapours the A2 cartridge covers. | Filtering facepiece for particles, no replaceable filters. Check the mask's reuse marking. |
Where to buy | Member webshop, Safety & Protection. Prices are kept low, often below retail, to encourage use. |
Mask sizes | Choose the size that seals on your face; medium does not fit everyone |
Shop listings checked | 15 October 2026 |
Replacement filters
Pair of 3M 2135 P3 particle filters | Pair of 3M 6055 A2 gas and vapour cartridges | Pair of 3M 5935 P3 particle filters |
Particle filters fitted directly to the mask. | Gas/vapour cartridges for specified organic substances. | Particle filters fitted over the A2 cartridges with 501 retainers. |
What to use for common tasks
Think about what the task puts into the air, including during cleanup. The material, its coating and the extraction all matter.
Task | Protection and notes |
|---|---|
Sawing, routing, sanding wood or MDF | Use the dust extraction. FFP3 or a half-mask with P3 filters. Fine dust is there even without a visible cloud. |
Sanding 3D prints, filler or cured resin | Extraction plus particle protection; check the safety data sheet. Particle filters don't cover uncured-resin or solvent vapours. Sanding or cutting carbon fibre, glass fibre and similar is prohibited by the material rules. |
Grinding, deburring, polishing metal | Particle protection, with dust controlled at the source. Painted, plated or unknown metal can add other hazards. |
Blast cabinet and powder coating | Follow the sandblasting and painting-room instructions and keep the extraction running. P3 covers particles only; a half-mask is not enough for open blasting or curing fumes. |
Emptying dust collectors, changing vacuum bags, dusty cleanup | Particle protection: disturbed dust gives a concentrated exposure. Use the right vacuum; don't dry-sweep or blow dust with compressed air. |
Painting, varnishing, gluing, casting resin, solvent cleaning | Read the safety data sheet and use extraction. Vapours need a matching gas filter; spraying also makes particles. A2P3 suits some products. |
Soldering | Capture the fume close to the joint and keep your head out of the plume. Rosin flux fume can cause asthma, also with lead-free solder. A dust mask does not replace extraction. |
Understanding filters
P3 is a particle filter for reusable masks; FFP3 is a disposable particle mask. Neither stops gases or vapours. Cloth and surgical masks are not substitutes.
A2 covers specified organic gases and vapours with a boiling point above 65 °C. The "2" is filter capacity, not a guarantee for a particular exposure.
A2P3 combines both.
Standard A2 filters are not rated for acetone.
Half-masks are not suitable for spraying isocyanate paints, which are not used at the makerspace.
Check the exact substance against the safety data sheet and a filter guide, and only combine parts approved for your mask.
Sizing and fit
3M 6000 sizing guide: compare nose-to-chin distance A and mouth width B to find a starting size
For 3M 6000-series masks, measure A (bridge of the nose to the bottom of the chin) and B (mouth width) and use the chart above to find a starting size. If you're between sizes, try both.
Get a fit test to confirm the model and size seal on your face.
Keep the sealing area free of beard and stubble. If you can't get a tight seal, ask about a loose-fitting powered hood instead.
Inspect the mask, valves, straps and filter connections.
Do a user seal check every time you put it on. This does not replace a fit test.
Check that goggles or a face shield don't disturb the seal.
Maintenance
Particle filters: replace when damaged, contaminated or noticeably harder to breathe through.
Gas filters: replace on a schedule based on the chemicals and exposure. Don't wait until you smell something; no smell doesn't prove protection. If you notice smell, irritation or difficulty breathing, leave the area first, then check your mask.
Clean the facepiece as instructed and store it clean and dry. Keep gas filters in a sealed bag between uses; this does not reset their service life.
R on a mask means it may be reused as instructed; NR means one shift only. Check markings and expiry dates.
Documents
Not yet documented
Where to get a fit test