Respirator masks labeled N95 or N100 filter out fine particles but not hazardous gases (such as carbon monoxide). These masks can be found at many hardware and home repair stores and pharmacies.

It filters exactly the same stuff – the only difference is, it also filters out oil-based aerosols if you were working with chemicals. A P100 or N100 are both equal in terms of filtering out soot.

Those with higher ratings, such as "P100," "R100" or "N100," filter out even more particles. Scarves, bandannas, tissues, and any mask not marked "N95" or better reportedly do not help.

A N100 filter removes 99.98% of 0.3 micron particles. The 0.3 micron size is used for testing because it is the most difficult particle size to filter.

An N95 mask or N100 filter out most particles. When getting a mask to wear or a respirator, you want to look to see that it has this number on it. Skip Navigation ...