The 7500 series is a half face elastomeric respirator produced by the 3M Company. The respirator face piece is composed of soft silicone rubber and 3M advertises it as their "ultimate comfort" half face respirator. The respirator features a downward-facing exhalation valve designed to reduce moisture and fogging.
The 7500 series comes in three sizes, each denoted by a model number: 7501 (small), 7502 (medium) and 7503 (large).
The 3M 7500 series are NIOSH approved respirators and have approval in a variety of configurations (e.g. with P100 filter cartridges, organic vapor cartridges, etc). The 7500 series uses the 3M Bayonet filter system and any 3M Bayonet filters will be compatible with the unit.
Healthcare worker use during the COVID-19 pandemic
The 3M 7500 respirators, like other reusable elastomeric respirators, have been used by healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. 3M maintains a website with information on usage of 3M elastomeric respirators in healthcare.
Videos & reviews by healthcare workers:
- "3M Respirator review!" and "How to disinfect and how to insert the cartridge/filters properly (3M respirator)"
- "3M 7093 p100 particulate filter review after 6 months." - A review of the 3M 7502 after 6 months of usage in a dental clinic.
- University of Maryland's 3M 7500 guideline videos:
See also
- 3M's official 7500 Series Specifications (PDF)
- 3M's document library & user guide collection for the 7500 series.
- 3M's website about reusable elastomeric respirators for healthcare, which includes some cleaning instructions.