3M Interview with Nikki McCullough

We answer some of your common questions about 3M respirators. Like can you re-use them? What are the differences? Aaron Collins has a lengthy chat with Nikki McCullough from 3M about all things respirators!
For more information about 3M N95's - www.3m.com/3M/...
Big thanks to Joshua Land for helping edit this! Also I did not receive any compensation from 3M for making this video, I just wanted to talk to them as they make great masks/respirators.

[@MsRedsphere]

3M needs to sell a variety pack to determine sizing. It would be so helpful. Our family has different sizing needs. I have wasted money on masks that fit no one. 3M definitely needs to have traveling and public fit labs. Family are health care workers and immune compromised and the famous health care centers they work for only provides surgical masks. Thanks Aaron for your dedication.

[@gerardhughes]

Not only 3M, I think every manufacturer should offer a sizing pack. It's really expensive trying to find the best fitting mask when they come in 10 packs.

[@fibromyalgianational]

@@gerardhughes Great idea on a sizing pack!

[@mabryt453]

If you had watched the video, you would have found there are few 3M masks that come in sizes. The different models are mostly for different purposes. As described in the interview, the Aura is one-size-fits-most. It comes in a 3-pack if you want a trial, or ask someone that uses them for a hand-out. That said, the mask with the highest Quality score in Aaron Collins' data is the Savewo Ultra 3D Medium which has sizes. Supplier 2 offers a sample set (see supplier's FAQ).

[@gerardhughes]

@@mabryt453 The filtration quality of the Savewo is irrelevant if it doesn't have a superior fit. So, yes, we really could use fit test packs from the various manufacturers.

[@NOT-FINANCIAL-ADVICE.]

I think it was really big and brave of 3M to come and do an interview they didn't have to do. Please join him again.

[@Frankie_Lee2]

That was great. Thanks, Aaron and Nikki. Aaron, I wish we had a way of calculating how many lives your service and dedication has saved throughout the pandemic. Unimaginable. You weren’t looking for it, but you really are a hero, a COVID MVP. Good job!

[@mariebrown9415]

I’m a health care provider and I’ve worn most 3 M masks you’ve spoken about over the last 3 years. I wish you would make a holder or case to store your cup shaped masks for travel and or when in the hospital. I’ve used the brown paper bag, and or a Tupperware with a lid . Something like this, with a desiccant would be helpful. Great discussion with much information . Many thanks Aaron for testing all these masks and for saving lives because of this!

[@xymzk]

Add holes to the Tupperware

[@xymzk]

A hole punch might work if it's nimble enough

[@mariebrown9415]

Great idea!

[@emaconutube]

I just wore my 1st N95 3M mask today (5/5/2022) - free at CVS - and was shocked at how breathable and comfortable they are. Then, I just happen to listen to all this wonderful geek speak about the masks. In listening I now realize how blessed I am to have gotten the very one (Nikki’s favorite) for free and the benefit of wearing it the correct way - thanks to previous videos from this channel. Thanks for all you do Aaron … it is greatly appreciated. You’ve come a long way and I encourage you to keep going!

[@xymzk]

Duckbills can be even more breathable and comfortable. :)

[@ytkyla]

Thank you 3M keeping my lungs clean 1996-2016, That era I was a collision technician.

[@Aidan_Au]

Thanks Nikki and Arron for sharing this convo! I first found Arron from the WSJ interview. After listening to a dozen of Arron's videos, I found out about the 3M Aura and Vflex masks. Thank you so much!

[@davidkot3056]

I think 3M making a black version of the aura would be a successful product.

[@reality-basedfitnessrehab3611]

Fantastic synopsis of how to choose and use N95 respirators.

[@zinnialady5153]

Thank you Aaron and Nikki. Very informative.

[@Uchenna-jd8iy]

Another GREAT video!!! To be sure, was Nikki saying that earloop n95 respirators were NOT the way to go. I purchased some from Masklab N94with loops), that were listed as NIOSH approved. And before I restock I want to be sure

[@coll0412]

Mask Labs are not NIOSH approved, but are FFP2 certified which is an EU standard. In general with earloop masks is that they offer less protection due to leakage than a headband mask(N95), but still significantly better than a cloth mask or surgical mask.

[@LoveABun]

@@coll0412 So does NIOSH approval equate to FFP2 EU standard approval? In other words, are NIOSH certification standards more stringent than those of the European Union’s FFP2?

[@utubepunk]

A-A-RON landing the big interviews!

[@Fussybug1]

Thank you AGAIN Aaron, you led an easy-to-follow discussion touching on the answers to questions we all have had the past 2 years. As always, you did this interview in an easy to understand manner for a layperson. While you have educated us on 90% of the info prior, it is fantastic to have a 3M representative state the facts and science. Also enormous thanks to 3M Communications Dept for approving and endorsing this important, evidence-based, fact-based interview. I see 3M supported this effort further by publishing a press release on their news.3M webpage. Nikki did a fantastic job answering the questions and made the information so easy to digest. I have already been passing it along. From a very grateful, immune-compromised, 3M Aura wearer.

[@MarshaMood]

Thank you, Aaron, for interviewing Nikki McCullough! You covered a wide range of important topics and I learned a lot of new information. I appreciated your question about different colors of masks. Maybe there will be some in the future!! Thanks again!

[@jedlogin3982]

Excellent video! Great questions. Terrific answers that are relevant to the average consumer who needs to protect themselves in a variety of situations including outbreaks. Understanding the history, the difference between medical grade and general use. I learned how to better protect my respirator while having more confidence on when to replace it. Thank you for all you do especially for people with higher health risks.

[@lynnmillerhandbells]

Great video with good information. Thank you so much.

[@williampate3846]

Best Mask video Ever! Great Authoritative Information.

[@March_Laziness]

Thank you for all your hard work as always, Aaron!!

[@MakuLabs]

The interview was over within the first minute when she said 3M Aura ❤️. I still watched all of it. Great content! Thanks for this interview 👍

[@LoveABun]

Why??

[@imacanuck1]

Such a great video Aaron!!!! Thanks

[@michaelowens772]

Wow ! Super Nerdy ! Thanks Arron. Good stuff !

[@michaelowens772]

Ahhh…..Aaron. Fixed it.

[@NYAudioGuru]

I was so glad to find this video! Such great information that too many people don't know. I've shared it with my family and friends.

[@BlakeSuperior_Beats]

So informative. Thank you Aaron!

[@sunnypoohbear]

Thank you! This was so awesome.

[@cockatoodays]

Great presentation, thanks Aaron and Nikki! I'm in Australia (with the P2 equivalent N95 standard), and the 3M Aura has been recommended to me a few times. But I haven't been able to find any 3M Auras available for sale locally to non-medical staff. Only the 3M 9123. Any thoughts about how to get the Auras in AU or are they only approved for medical staff here? Thanks!

[@xymzk]

Typically you want to look into industrial suppliers. Search for Australia 3m masks and the 3M website should come up with different models. Click on a model for a link(s) to sourcing. You can make a list of sellers to check based on the different dealers on the site as they are authorized distributors and go directly to their sites for a full selection. Not all of them have supplies in stock, so it's good to check multiple sites and prices including shipping can vary so it's good to compare anyway. It's def more expensive than in the US. 3M usually uses separate suppliers for the medical, dental, etc industries, and supplies are generally prioritized for them when there are surges. If you are having trouble finding a particular model, you can do a general search for a model then fill out the 3M respirator fraud form for Australia to ask if the seller is authorized. You can find the form by searching for 3M respirator fraud, there should be a main page with a link to Australia at the bottom. Another way would be via an authorized distributor on Gmarket. I would include more info/links, but KZbin won't let me.

[@cockatoodays]

@@xymzk That JJ! That helps, I'll look into industrial suppliers.

[@Serehfas]

How come they won't sell the braided strap 9210+ in Australia? The red and blue poly straps break too soon and mean you can't reuse the respirators for personal use.

[@stevethevlogger]

Thanks! I was able to order 50 pack of 9105 vflex so they seem available now to the consumer. I want to compare it with the Aura which I really liked. It’s also for pollen and mold that I’m wearing n95’s and running Filterete on my box fans. I have not started my Spring allergy meds due to expense and side effects…the masks seem to help w my allergies.

[@xymzk]

A well sealing and filtering mask absolutely should help with seasonal allergies as they are typically caused by particles. Sealed eye protection can further help, and HEPA filters can help as well. It's interesting to see an anti-masker have a bad time with seasonal allergies.

[@xymzk]

Great interview!! Great job with playing a member of the public. Clips of this could be so useful for the public, including for 3M to release. One huge pet peeve I have with 3M is that they took down their list of authorized distributors on their site in the name of fighting fraud at the start of the pandemic. Having a list with direct links on their site would be a great tool for the public and it would actually tell to fight fraud because people can use and refer to the list. They have suppliers on the pages for each mask, but it's usually incomplete when it comes to the suppliers and quantities offered so it's only semi-useful. With the exception of a big online seller based in China that sells fakes, under priced N95s seem to be relatively rare, unauthorized distributors usually over-price them and many of them do a great job with marketing so people end up trusting them. So I don't get the explanation about using a "trusted" supplier. It's all about using an authorized supplier that you confirm via the very helpful hotline she mentioned or via their fraud email. Another thing is the whole respirators aren't masks thing that I understand because they are trying differentiate them, but it's silly imo. They don't cease to be masks because they meet certain standards/get certified. 3M has a lot of donning vids, perhaps there can be more general public ones along with other types of media as PSAs. And it's def not only needed for the general public. Nearly every medical professional I've seen wearing an N95 or another sort of respirator mask does so incorrectly in person and online. Same goes with other workers such as construction. The lack of training was and still is a big argument for why the public shouldn't use them, yet you don't see people calling for professionals to stop using them despite common misuse. One strap is super common along with not bending the nose wire properly. Though I have to wonder if they are doing it on purpose to increase breathability if let's say they are required to wear them in a surge/as per hospital policy but aren't personally concerned about having proper personal protection. Medical education definitely needs a huge update and many additions when it comes to respiratory protection and how many illnesses are primarily spread. I have heard so much false info from medical professionals during the pandemic and over the years pre-pandemic. So I'm not a fan of saying things like trust doctors on this topic (not in reference to this vid) - they are learning alongside everyone else nearly all the time or learned info that is false. It's interesting to hear the reasoning for why fit testing is not involved in the testing process in the US - because the employer would need to do it. Something that needs to be addressed are female faces and faces with different (ethnicity based) features which tend to pass fit tests at much lower rates. She didn't answer the fundamental question around the 9502, that mask along with an ear loop version could do even better than it did here imo, especially with updated labeling. I saw so many people using them despite being kinda obscure and people tend to like them once they try it. Though it could have a better nose clip/wire imo. Thanks for doing this! It actually mainly confirmed much of what you've been saying all along. :P

[@xymzk]

PS I forgot to mention. There are a lot of ads on this video and they are pretty loud compared to the vid volume. Considering what you've said before, I'm not sure if you intended that or not. Just letting you know.

[@mariebrown9415]

Yes, I agree with a lot of your comments about masks and doctors. Remember pre- pandemic most docs practicing in an office had few uses for masks ( but should have) except during flu season . Hospitals and Surgery Centers in the USA were the largest purchasers . Dentists- always. Most of us had no “ trusted and or authorized supplier” . I think Nikki from 3 M was using the words synonymously. Remember isolation rooms in hospitals ( this is a designated order placed by an MD more specifically Infectious Disease MD) that tells everyone entering that room the precautions to use( gloves, masks, gowns single use equip) etc. Spec both Bacterial , Viral, and the “ unknown” are treated this way. In the OR / Surgery center, Dialysis etc and in other settings various certified N95 masks because of body fluids ( blood , fecal, urine, respiratory secretions) are needed and to be certified as meeting those standards for protection of health care workers who practice in those settings. That is why there are so many 3M types of masks in health care and similarly in the construction or environmental work settings. Agree , education in wearing , removal and sizing of N95 masks is needed. It’s out there on CDC websites, You- Tube, and 3 M and other web sites of manufactures for those who look. I think the general public should have convenient and affordable and perhaps free use of these N 95 masks. In the Northeast CVS pharmacies has been giving out “ 3 per household “ per recent government supply in Early Feb 2022. “ I’ve seen 3 M Aura, Drager, , Moldex, and Honeywell masks recently on faces. I spread the word to my patients but I haven’t seen one TV AD, yes a few radio shows- yes an early presidential announcement, but that is all. Manufactures need to Keep up the production as well as the National stockpile reserve. We were totally caught off guard at the beginning of this pandemic in the USA in terms of supply. I’ve seen 3 M Aura on the shelves at Lowes and Home Depot. Yes, there are issues in small faces , big faces and more important pediatric N95 masks. Lastly, I think some people wear the N 95 masks incorrectly because of breathability, one strap and not two, half on/ off), claustrophobia , and simply the newness of them in comparison to cloth masks ( also was an adjustment) But IMO this is the direction we need to be going now. Unfortunately, with the lifting of mask mandates ( in some sectors- states ) , mixed messaging , and a craving to return to “ the way we were” there is inconsistency in the general public. I credit my being alive and to writing this to access to these types of NIOSH masks, Vaccination + , testing , altering my habits , and thinking more carefully about calculated risks outside my profession.

[@ptanyuh]

Thanks for this! I LOVE my 3M Aura

[@jiong-tyx]

My mask turned grey after used several times in polluted air some years ago 😵 Because of the air pollution, I knew N95 and KN95 since 2013, when I was in middle school😩 So I definitely like white masks, as it is easy to find out how much pollutants on it 🥺

[@xymzk]

Better in/on your mask then in your lungs. I've experienced the same in China.

[@jiong-tyx]

@@xymzk Yes, we don't want to inhaling those PM2.5😷 “霾头苦干, 共创灰黄”

[@mabryt453]

Aaron, thanks for this interview & all the data & explanations. One question I haven't seen answered that you might have some ideas on: For those that have facial hair (not me, but coworkers - think Tevye from 1971 Fiddler on the Roof), what mask might be best? I would suspect the cup masks are poor as their seal has a small dimension. The boat (3M Aura masks) or bifold masks would seem to have more room to reduce flow through the beard. Not a seal, of course. I also suspect a larger mask is required to fit over the beard in a position somewhat similar to on a shaven position. One could imagine a market for masks that do as well as can be done for bearded individuals, but there are many styles of facial hair.. And of course I'm in a N95, but I worry about transfer to my eyes or hair, or my clothes, where it might be disturbed when I no longer have a mask on.

[@coll0412]

I think this is a great questions that remains somewhat still unanswered. This fellow KZbinr has tried to test some of it, and can grow a beard unlike me. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHbHqmx_nbB5nbc

[@TheVegochka]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@paulhennessy7142]

could we get a review of the FLO mask?

[@johnnypetro9314]

Why doesn't 3M make an 8210 mask without the text printed on the mask ("WARNING") that makes you look like you just left a hazmat site? My son wears the 8210 to school and looks ridiculous. Also, why doesn't 3M make colored masks?

[@vasilis5989]

Actually,there is a 3M Aura slightly different than the others: the 9330+ ffp3 has the 'seams' closer together near the staples which makes it tighter and smaller.Same dimensions like all auras,different placement of the 'seams' makes it a bit smaller.It's also thicker with different media inside.Don't know if this applies to the surgical 1863+ ffp3 model as well.

[@stevekraus1072]

I am trying different N95 respirator masks looking for the best fitting and the most comfortable. I have tried four brands including a 3M. What was here favorite that she talks about ?

[@patrick1020000]

2:12

[@qmechanic]

Nikki's personal favorite 3M N95 respirator is the 3M Aura.

[@stevekraus1072]

Now I am looking for a place to order the 3M 9205+ Aura in smaller quantities than 440 respirators at $469.00. I have over a hundred KN95 and N95 respirator masks now. I don’t think I can resell them. I give away packets of unused masks now free. I leave masks out after use in a rotation scheme to dry out the mask, then reuse them storing each mask in a sandwich baggie. Two for the car, one for my biking backpack, one each in a jacket pocket counting total hours of use. Dry out and clip for each use.

[@xymzk]

She showed an Aura. There's the 9205+ with not so great but stretchier straps and the 9210+ with better straps though they don't stretch as much. They should get fit tested or at least do a makeshift test. The Aura fits a range of faces but they are pretty small.

[@GlobalAdventurer]

@@patrick1020000 I don't understand which one she said. What's the name of it?

[@grw110]

Fantastic job Aaron and Nikki! Thank you! By chance are there links to navigate 3M's authenticity and authorized dealer websites? I've wound up on strange 3M web pages when I've tried using my search-fu to find them.

[@xymzk]

If you're in the US, go to the 3M site search for N95 and a lot of models should show up. Click on a model then go to buying options. You can buy directly or go the seller sites to typically see more of a selection. By going through the different mask models, you can make your own list of authorized distributors. 3M used to have one, but they took it down in the name of fighting fraud at the beginning of the pandemic. Moldex has a decent authorized distributor list that you can use to find legit sellers. If you find a seller that's not a buying option for any mask on their site you can ask 3M. I usually find them if a model is harder to find so I use a search engine to find sellers. Use a search engine to search for 3M respirator fraud. The bottom of the page has phone numbers and forms you can use to ask if a seller is authorized or not. Include the seller name and the link to their site. If a phone number is available for your country/region, I recommend using it as they usually pick up right away. I have a doc with more info that I would share but, YT won't let me, perhaps I can add it to my profile somehow.

[@xymzk]

PS I added the link with info incl authorized distributors a few ways to my profile.

[@denniscircawdm]

I will still continue to buy my high-quality KF 94 masks that you tested Aaron, since they are just as good as the 3M masks and quite a bit cheaper.

[@LoveABun]

Which brand(s) of KF94 did he recommend, please? I only recently found his channel.

[@denniscircawdm]

@@LoveABun His Data base shows many that tested well and he recommended them. Same with his videos.

[@Kristina-ek8yt]

I just bought a few 9330+ Aura's in Europe. I heard the straps break very easily. If that happens, can I just staple some DIY straps (right next to the place the red straps are stapled) or would that destory the mask in some way and make it less effective? Thank you!

[@coll0412]

I don't see really any risk there, since the stapled area is "outside" the breathing zone so tearing or damage there won't effect the filtration efficiency.

[@Kristina-ek8yt]

@@coll0412 Thank you very much! I really appreciate your work on this! Have a nice day. 😀

[@jangra07]

Yes, I love the fit of these masks with a great seal around the bridge of the nose, but I really wish they made the straps a bit stronger! Had one snap while in a busy room and instant loose mask 😬

[@Kristina-ek8yt]

@@jangra07 Uff, that sucks, I'm sorry that happened to you! I'm definitely putting a stapler in my bag. Do you have any ideas what would make a good strap? Maybe those elastics that are used in pants?

[@jangra07]

@@Kristina-ek8ytthat's a good idea! You can probably get that at a haberdashery, but any old knickers will now be getting their elastic removed 😄

[@maychmatch9099]

I see costco masks FLTR95(Nose Clip Pinch) are effective 99.9% as per your spreadsheet. Are those N95 masks as the website does not say that it is N95.

[@xymzk]

They are not N95s. They would say N95 and no N95s have ear loops so far. The effectiveness at that point will depend on the seal to your face.

[@lisamarielunt]

I'd say that "Listen to the Mask Nerd" by a 3M respiratory infection expert is a ringing endorsement.

[@xymzk]

Tru, good point

[@michellerogers2166]

Hey Aaron! I've been using your info for a while now to pick my kids masks as they grow. Have you done anything on Airinum? They're marketed as KN95 and have two kids' versions. I'm specifically looking at the Lite Air mask but it looks like they have others. I'm just seeing them for the first time today and would love to know what you think. It's still so hard to find legit stuff.

[@maychmatch9099]

I ordered from 3m . The box was broken and masks were in a normal plastic bag with a knot. Is that legit?

[@GlobalAdventurer]

Yes. Just run the codes on the box through 3M to verify. They all come on boxes with a clip/tie holding them together.

[@xymzk]

With a few exceptions they usually come in a box stacked in a bag that uses a bread tie (though a knot is possible). The box can get damaged during shipping. If you ordered from the 3M website they are legit. Otherwise, you can find out if a distributor is authorized by calling their fraud link. My prof has more info.

[@xymzk]

@@GlobalAdventurer Only certain models have codes.

[@davidkot3056]

The 9542 is a gray color and a little less medical looking than the white n95s

[@patriotpoliticsresearch]

Didn't ask her whether N95's block airborne pathogens.

[@Uchenna-jd8iy]

(cont) Are earloop n95 effective.

[@Uchenna-jd8iy]

Thanks for the facts!

[@winknudgeable]

Would fluid resistance be beneficial in the event someone spits on your face? 😅

[@robwissmann1756]

Next time talk about elastomerics too! And drink ports!

[@xymzk]

Gas masks have both

[@kevinkopack641]

This is great!

[@MsRedsphere]

What is the standard for the Korean workers as opposed to the public? What is the difference. I have been purchasing BOTN KF94 masks by the case.

[@xymzk]

The professional use ones are 1st class (94%) and special class (99%) under KMOEL which is South Korea's Ministry of Employment and Labor. The general population standard is certified by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in South Korea and includes KF99s, KF94s, and KF80s. There are slightly different test requirements that need to be met. The professional ones often include a clip to connect the earloops at the back to improve the seal. They are generally harder to source. You can improve the seal with certain ear savers such as lanyard ones and stick on nose wires by putting one over the current one and pre-bending it for your nose.

[@MsRedsphere]

@@xymzk Thank you so much for your through answer. I was not aware of the KF99 masks.

[@xymzk]

@@MsRedsphere if you tap on my profile I've included a link to more info though I don't think I've included the full info in my comment above

[@MsRedsphere]

@@xymzk Thank you for sharing the link. Lots of great info.

[@LoveABun]

@@xymzk What is a lanyard style ear saver?

[@utubepunk]

At the end I was really hoping she'd toss out a discount code for everyone. Use *MASKNERD* at checkout & get free shipping & 15% off your first order! 😄😷

[@xymzk]

They use distributors, so that would be hard to do unless there's a way to apply a code to sales made via their website (that are fulfilled by distributors).

[@Heresheis0818]

B2B Vs B2C

[@jameskringlee8974]

I have used 3M products through my working life. Throughout covid times I have worn 3M respirators. DID 3M SHIP MOST ALL THE US STOCK OF 3M N95 PRODUCTS TO CHINA VIA FEDEX OVERNIGHT AIR OR BY OTHER MEANS AT THE START OF THE PANDEMIC ?

[@jameskringlee8974]

40:16 into the video - another point of conformation

[@nomad1517]

Their reusable masks are a mistake to mankind. I have asthma and had a very hard time getting air with those masks.

[@xymzk]

What model/filters? They have filters that are more breathable.

[@nomad1517]

@@xymzk They we're made of a grey cloth, it wasn't HEPA. Very hard to breathe with.

[@xymzk]

@@nomad1517 probably the ones with acid gas or organic vapor protection. There's carbon or something like it in them along with the particulate filtration. That might decrease breathability. The 3M 2291 is designed to be more breathable. The 7093 has folds so it might be more breathable, but I haven't tried it yet. 100 level filtration (N/R/P) is at the HEPA level. Their secure click series is supposed to be their most breathable. They use different filters than most of their re-usable masks. The most breathable and comfortable mask I've tried is the Jackson (/Kimberly Clark) duckbill N95. It's not a good match for large faces and heads though. The 3M Vflex is also a duckbill and relatively breathable, but I didn't really like it (most seem to) and it somewhat failed nebulizer testing on my face. My prof has more info.

[@nomad1517]

@@xymzk nah, it was a cloth mask. You can find them online. They're reusable cloth masks from 3m, try them and you'll see what I mean.