Originally Posted By: Arney
The only face masks approved for pandemic use by the public that I am aware of so far are 3M Particulate Respirators 8670F and 8612F. They were approved a few years ago. They are similar to other soft respirators you might see doctors and nurses wearing around sick people, although the packaging and instructions are geared towards the general public.

Seems like the added instructions are really the only thing that differentiates these masks from other N95 masks. If you have something that meets the N95 rating and you know how to wear it, when to replace it and how to dispose of it, that meets your NEED. A WANT may include more comfortable straps, exhaust valve, etc. Anything else is just disposable money.