Update: Because evidence counts more than words: I sent the 9320D+ for testing at the factory of the president of mask manufacturers in America. In tests on a TSI machine, it scored 99.978% effectiveness, as shown in the photo I uploaded. However, the important thing remains the application, as analyzed in the last paragraph below (edit 5).
The purchase of 3M is a one-way street for absolute protection. I will not provide links with the approvals of many 3M models from the FDA and CDC. Many are already aware of these. I will only mention the words of Aaron Collins, a famous engineer specializing in aerosols, who examines hundreds of masks with his machines. When asked which is the gold standard, the FFP2 or FFP3, he replied the 3M... In this specific Aura, he measured the filter efficiency when worn at 99.6%. In a PFE machine, it reaches 99.96%, as shown in a video by Stiftung Warentest.
The first 3M Aura was released in 1996. Now, after many upgrades, it is considered one of the best disposable masks, as it fits many different adult faces. If there were a way to describe the size of the mask, it would be medium.
The metal strip and the sponge material at the nose are from another planet. All 3M Auras are designed in such a way at the upper part (embroidered and embossed top panel) to reduce fogging of glasses. For men, it should be applied to a shaved face, and women should wear minimal to no makeup, so that small gaps do not form. The corresponding model available in America is the 9205+, and of course, it has NIOSH approval. The European 9320+ was authorized imported by the FDA during the period when there was a shortage of filter masks (EUA). For those complaining about putting it on and taking it off, they can search on YouTube 'fitting 3M Aura 9300+ disposable respirators'. It requires a wide opening, the strip to fit high on the nose, stretching during application on the face, otherwise, it will give you the impression that the mask is small. Also, the upper strap should go on the top of the head and the lower strap behind the neck.
Obviously, as a means of protection used in intensive care, it 'suction cups the face' and usually leaves temporary marks, so all inhaled air enters through the mask and provides real safety. Not like the loose cheap FFP2s, where part of the inhaled air comes in from the top, while part of the exhaled air fogs the glasses. It is not a mask to go out with friends, to pull it down and chat. It is for specific dangerous environments, where you know you will be protected from airborne particles, provided it has been worn correctly and at least a seal check has been done, if not a fit test by a professional or DIY. It is recommended, among other things, for visits to hospitals, public transport, and places with large crowds. It is now also made in Germany (9320D+), in addition to England. It has Dutch certification (CE 2797 - BSI Group). 3M has factories in many countries around the world, from America to Europe and Asia.
Edit 1: To avoid confusion between industrial respirator (CDC) vs surgical (FDA). The only difference between an industrial respirator and a surgical respirator is that the latter is intended for use in the operating room with resistance to splashes during surgery. For example, the 3M Aura 1862+ and 1863+ are surgical respirators, meaning they also have EN 14683:2019 certification for surgery, even though they are identical to the models 9320+ and 9330+. For respiratory protection, they are equally effective and are used in reference hospitals.
Edit 2: Purchase only from official resellers of 3mhellas.
Edit 3: Caution: Fogging of glasses in all masks does not necessarily mean a poor fit. Exhaled air passes through the mask. Usually, if the fogging occurs instantly (cold air), there will be gaps, while if it occurs at the end of exhalation, it is air that has passed through the mask.
Edit 4: 3M Aura was used by English healthcare workers even for Ebola, as shown in the photo below.
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