3M 6800 Reusable Respirator, Full Facepiece, Medium

Breathe Easy & See Clearly: An Honest Review of the 3M 6800 Reusable Full Facepiece Respirator

In a world where air quality and workplace hazards are constant concerns, having reliable personal protective equipment (PPE) isn’t just a recommendation – it’s a necessity. From tackling dusty DIY projects to professional painting, welding, or handling chemicals, safeguarding your lungs and eyes is paramount. That’s where a product like the 3M 6800 Reusable Respirator, Full Facepiece, Medium truly shines.

We’ve put this popular respirator to the test to bring you an in-depth, honest review, covering everything you need to know before investing in your safety.

What Makes the 3M 6800 Stand Out?

The 3M 6800 Reusable Respirator is designed as a complete solution for respiratory and eye protection. It’s not just a mask; it’s a full facepiece system built for comfort and durability.

Key Features:

Full Facepiece Design: This is perhaps its most defining feature. Unlike half-mask respirators, the 3M 6800 offers comprehensive protection for your eyes, face, and respiratory system. The large lens provides an expansive field of vision, crucial for precision work.
Medium Size: This review specifically focuses on the medium size, which generally fits a wide range of adults. The sizing is crucial for ensuring a proper, secure seal.
Reusable Nature: Crafted from durable silicone material, this respirator is built to last. Its reusability means that with proper care and filter replacement, it’s a cost-effective long-term safety investment.
Dual Cartridge System: The respirator utilizes a dual-cartridge system, allowing for a wide variety of 3M filters and cartridges (sold separately) to be attached. This versatility means it can be adapted for protection against particulates, gases, vapors, and more.
Lightweight & Balanced: Despite its full-face design, the 3M 6800 is surprisingly lightweight and well-balanced, thanks to its unique four-strap suspension.
Cool Flow™ Valve: 3M’s patented Cool Flow™ Exhalation Valve helps reduce heat and moisture buildup inside the mask, making it more comfortable for extended wear.

Our Hands-On Impressions: Comfort Meets Protection

Upon first wearing the 3M 6800, the immediate impression is one of solid construction and thoughtful design. The silicone face seal feels soft against the skin, yet creates a remarkably firm and secure seal. This seal is paramount for effective protection, and the 6800 delivers. The four-strap harness is easy to adjust, allowing you to achieve a snug fit without excessive pressure points.

Visibility is often a concern with full face masks, but the 6800’s large, clear polycarbonate lens provides an excellent, unobstructed view. Whether you’re painting a ceiling or welding intricate parts, your line of sight remains clear. We found the Cool Flow™ valve genuinely makes a difference, significantly reducing the “stuffiness” often associated with respirators, especially during active work.

Connecting and disconnecting filters is a breeze with 3M’s bayonet attachment system – a simple twist and click. While the filters themselves aren’t included with the 3M 6800 Reusable Respirator, Full Facepiece, Medium, the wide range of compatible options (P100, organic vapor, etc.) means you can tailor your protection to the specific hazards of your task.

One minor point to note is communication. Like most full face masks, your voice can be slightly muffled, which might require a bit more effort when talking to colleagues. However, this is a small trade-off for the comprehensive protection it offers.

The Good, The Bad, and The Essential

Every product has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s our breakdown:

Pros:

Superior Protection: When paired with the correct filters, this respirator offers top-tier protection for both your respiratory system and your eyes/face against a wide array of hazards.
Exceptional Comfort: The soft silicone seal and balanced design make it comfortable for extended periods of wear, a crucial factor for productivity and compliance.
Unobstructed Vision: The large lens provides an excellent field of view, enhancing safety and precision.
Highly Durable: Built with robust materials, this mask is designed to withstand demanding work environments and provide years of reliable service.
Versatile: Compatibility with numerous 3M filters means it can be used for diverse applications, from dusty construction sites to chemical handling.
Economical in the Long Run: Being reusable, you only need to replace filters and occasionally parts, making it more cost-effective than disposable options over time.

Cons:

Filters Not Included: This is the most important point – you must purchase filters/cartridges separately based on your specific needs. The mask itself offers no protection without them.
Initial Cost: The upfront cost is higher than disposable masks, but this is offset by its reusability and superior protection.
Communication Can Be Muffled: As with most full face respirators, speaking clearly can be a challenge.
Requires Maintenance: Like any reusable PPE, it needs regular cleaning and inspection to maintain effectiveness and hygiene.

Who is the 3M 6800 Best For?

The 3M 6800 Reusable Respirator, Full Facepiece, Medium is an ideal choice for:

Professional Tradespeople: Painters, welders, carpenters, construction workers, asbestos/lead abatement specialists, and anyone exposed to significant dust, fumes, or hazardous chemicals.
Serious DIY Enthusiasts: If you’re tackling projects like home renovations, sanding, spray painting, or working with strong adhesives, this respirator offers a level of protection far beyond simple dust masks.
Individuals with Allergies or Sensitivities: For those particularly sensitive to airborne irritants, this full face mask can provide much-needed relief and protection in compromised environments.
Emergency Preparedness: A versatile piece of equipment to have for various unforeseen circumstances requiring respiratory and eye protection.

If your work or hobbies involve regular exposure to airborne contaminants where both your lungs and eyes are at risk, the 3M 6800 is an investment you won’t regret.

Final Verdict: Invest in Your Protection

The 3M 6800 Reusable Respirator, Full Facepiece, Medium is more than just a piece of safety gear; it’s a guardian for your health and well-being. Its robust design, comfortable fit, excellent visibility, and sheer versatility make it a standout product in the personal protective equipment category. While you need to remember to purchase the correct filters separately, this adaptability is also its strength.

For serious protection and long-term value, the 3M 6800 is a highly recommended choice. Don’t compromise on your safety when such effective solutions are available.

Ready to Breathe Easier and Work Safer?

Don’t wait for an accident to realize the importance of proper protection. Take control of your safety today!

Click here to learn more and purchase your 3M 6800 Reusable Respirator, Full Facepiece, Medium on Amazon: Get Your 3M 6800 Respirator Now!

FAQ

Q. What does ‘Medium’ size signify for the 3M 6800, and how do I ensure it fits properly?
A. The ‘Medium’ size refers to the facepiece dimensions, designed to fit a wide range of adult faces. To ensure a proper fit, you must perform a user seal check (positive and/or negative pressure check) every time you don the respirator. 3M also offers small (6700) and large (6900) sizes; if you cannot achieve an adequate seal with the medium, you may need a different size. A proper, airtight seal is crucial for the respirator’s effectiveness and your protection.

Q. Are filters included with the 3M 6800 Reusable Respirator, and what types of filters are compatible?
A. No, the 3M 6800 Full Facepiece typically does not come with filters or cartridges. These are sold separately, allowing users to choose the appropriate protection for their specific hazards. It is compatible with a wide range of 3M bayonet-style filters and cartridges, including particulate filters (like P100), gas/vapor cartridges (like OV/AG), or combination filters. Always select filters that are NIOSH-approved for the specific contaminants you expect to encounter.

Q. How do I clean and maintain my 3M 6800 Full Facepiece respirator to ensure its longevity and effectiveness?
A. After each use, the 3M 6800 should be cleaned. Disassemble the facepiece by removing filters/cartridges, and then wash the facepiece, head harness, and other parts (excluding filters) with warm water and a mild, non-abrasive soap. Rinse thoroughly with clean water, and air dry in a clean, non-contaminated area. Store the clean, dry respirator in a sealed bag or container away from dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, and chemicals. Regularly inspect all components for wear, damage, or degradation.

Q. What level of protection does the 3M 6800 Full Facepiece offer, and for what applications is it suitable?
A. The 3M 6800, when paired with appropriate filters/cartridges, provides comprehensive respiratory and eye/face protection against a variety of airborne hazards, including particulates (dust, mists, fumes), gases, and vapors. It’s suitable for applications in industries such as painting, chemical handling, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and general industrial maintenance, provided the correct filter combination is used for the specific contaminants present. It meets relevant safety standards like NIOSH 42 CFR 84 when used with NIOSH-approved cartridges and filters.

Q. Is the 3M 6800 comfortable for extended wear, and how is the field of vision?
A. The 3M 6800 is designed with user comfort in mind for extended periods. It features a lightweight, balanced design and a soft, silicone face seal for comfort and durability. The large, impact-resistant polycarbonate lens provides a wide field of view, minimizing distortion and enhancing visibility, which is critical for safety and productivity in various work environments. It also has a unique center adapter that directs exhaled breath downward, helping to reduce fogging of the lens.

Q. When should I consider replacing the entire 3M 6800 Full Facepiece respirator, and not just the filters?
A. The 3M 6800 is a reusable respirator, and its lifespan depends on usage, cleaning, storage, and the environment. You should consider replacing the entire facepiece if you notice any signs of degradation such as cracking, tearing, warping, loss of elasticity in the silicone face seal, or damage to the head harness or lens that compromises its integrity or ability to form a proper seal. If replacement parts (like head harness or lens) are available and can rectify the issue, that might be an option, but a compromised facepiece should always be replaced to ensure continued protection. There is no fixed expiry date, but regular, thorough inspection is key.