3M Particulate Respirator 8577, P95, NIOSH APPROVED, with Nuisance Level Organic Vapor Relief (Pack of 10)

In my effort to avoid wearing a full on respirator in public here is what I do that I feel offers good protection and is as low profile as I can figure out. 3M 8577 Mask. This is a carbon based mask used for odors specifically. It has a respirator valve. This is my main protection. I have tried other 3M masks but this model is the one is specifically for odors. On the outside of it I put a black basic surgical mask over the outside to make it look less crazy lady like. You can get surgical masks in many colors of course. I just wear black a lot so I am trying to be somewhat stylish when out in public or at work. I also use a carbon mask insert inside the mask when I know where I might be is going to have stronger fragrances. It gets a bit more stuffy when I use the insert but it’s better than dealing with the consequences of being exposed. Since the 3M mask can be tight and I don’t like it going around my head, I cut the elastic band right in the middle and then tie on a short length of elastic from my previous mask so that it fits over my ears instead. You may not need to do this and having the elastic ties going around your head will be fine. Here are the links to what I use: https://a.co/d/06E8XsoT https://a.co/d/0cvA4qbp https://a.co/d/0fMNSpQU I recommend getting the 3M 8577 at Menards or Home Depot as I am hesitant to order these from Amazon as I don’t know how they package them and sometimes their packaging are exposed to fragrances. The other ones come in plastic that seems fine but I leave them out overnight to off gas anyway. One thing to know is that it’s important not to leave a carbon mask just sitting out as it can keep absorbing VOC’s. I keep mine in a paper bag so it can still breathe a little but also be protected. I also have been taping mine at the end of the day over the air outtake (the cleaned air coming out of it) on my air purifier so that clean scrubbed air can freshen it up. I get about a week of use per mask that way. The carbon insert I used can be replaced more frequently and is far less expensive. I do need to off gas the masks before using them as I react to them otherwise. I use my air purifier method but you could leave it out overnight or a day or two in a paper bag. Since we all react differently you will have to experiment to see what works for you. I would post a pic of what mine looks like but we can’t post pics in the comments it seems. If you like I can send you a photo in a message on here so let me know. I also just ordered a couple of Cambridge Masks to try out but am not entirely confident it will work for me but I am trying as many as I can. https://us.cambridgemask.com/blogs/news/where-to-buy-a-mask-a-guide-to-choosing-the-best-face-mask-brands?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21337097504&utm_content=&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21330856782&gbraid=0AAAAADg_Q3l5hdM6EA6RJ8-LNzz1VmRf4&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0JnRBhDJARIsALobnXYckfL4YlQ708wE7tbw-Z2o2oj2qy32YhFn6yl1kQFpEbwzV4pyGQkaAtCAEALw_wcB One more I can add here. I get these at Home Depot. They work well but not as good as the 3M 8577. These I have to off gas for longer before using but do cut odors well enough. They are grey so they match my outfits better 🤣 https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-N95-Disposable-Respirator-3-Pack-H960OV/312050625 I keep about 3-4 levels/combinations of masks with me when I am out and about. This way I can adjust as needed. Sometimes fragrances are minimal and I want to feel less extreme in my masking but sometimes it’s awful and need to level up my protection. Sometimes it’s all too much and I need to leave. I hope some of this is helpful and you can find something that works for you. Edit/add: I also got these inserts but they are small so need to use two. I don’t think I will get them again but do find them helpful as back up. I like the other ones above I shared a link for better. Here is the link to the smaller inserts: https://a.co/d/02wgDYj9 I will share one last thing. I am very seriously considering trying to develop a mask that is specifically for folks who are chemically sensitive. One that is low profile and fashionable. There are a lot of masks out there but most don’t seem to fully be what some of us need. Sure a giant 3M respirator works great but who wants to wear that out in public… I mean some of us don’t care anymore and just want to be safe but why not have something that is efficient and also nice looking!