Description
The 3M 6500 Series Rugged Comfort half facepiece respirator, part numbers 6501 / 6501QL (Small), 6502 / 6502QL (Medium), 6503 / 6503QL (Large), is a reusable half facepiece with the 3M bayonet cartridge connection. Faceseal Silicone rubber; Overmold Nylon; Inhalation valve Polyisoprene; Exhalation valve Nylon/Silicon; Straps Polyester fiber/Polyurethane elastic; Buckles Polypropylene. Ships in 1–2 business days; most orders arrive in 3–7 business days. 6500 Series: every cartridge, filter, part and NIOSH approval on one page.
3M 6500 Series Rugged Comfort half facepiece specifications
| Item | Manufacturer data |
|---|---|
| Facepiece type | Half facepiece, reusable |
| Connection | 3M Bayonet (3M 6500 Series spec sheet (2025); 3M Reusable Respirator Catalog (NIOSH)) |
| Sizes and part numbers | 6501 / 6501QL (Small), 6502 / 6502QL (Medium), 6503 / 6503QL (Large) |
| Materials and weight | Faceseal Silicone rubber; Overmold Nylon; Inhalation valve Polyisoprene; Exhalation valve Nylon/Silicon; Straps Polyester fiber/Polyurethane elastic; Buckles Polypropylene (3M 6500 Series spec sheet (2025)). Approximate Weight: 6500 Series 100 grams; 6500QL Series 110 grams (3M 6500 Series spec sheet (2025)) |
| 6501 stock number | 7000128236 (49487), 10 EA/Case |
| 6502 stock number | 7000128238 (49489) |
| 6503 stock number | 7000128240 (49491) |
| 6501QL stock number | 7000128237 (49488) |
| 6502QL stock number | 7000128239 (49490) |
| 6503QL stock number | 7000128241 (49492) |
| Approval statement | NIOSH approved with 3M Cartridges 6000 Series, 3M Particle Filters 2000, 2200, 7000 or 5000 Series. The 6500 Series is NIOSH approved with 3M Dual Airline supplied air systems. The 6500QL Series is NOT NIOSH approved with supplied air systems. (3M 6500 Series spec sheet (2025)) |
| Use limits (3M) | 3M 6500 Series spec sheet (2025) Use: up to 10 times the PEL with approved 3M cartridges and filters; the 6500 Series (not the 6500QL) may be used up to 50 times the PEL with approved 3M supplied air systems. 3M Reusable Respirator Catalog (NIOSH) "Assigned Protection Factor" table: Half facepiece respirators and full facepiece respirators that have been qualitatively fit tested, have an APF of 10. Full Facepieces respirators, when quantitatively fit tested, have an APF of 50. (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 as quoted by 3M) |
| 3M statement | Designed for comfort, durability, and stability with a firm, lightly textured silicone faceseal. (3M 6500 Series spec sheet (2025)) |
| 3M statement | 3M Cool Flow Exhalation Valve helps release warm and moist exhaled breath from inside the respirator. (3M 6500 Series spec sheet (2025)) |
| 3M statement | Spare parts 6581 head harness, 6582 exhalation valve cover, 6583 exhalation valve, 6893 inhalation valve (3M 6500 Series spec sheet (2025)) |
Source: 3M 6500 Series spec sheet (2025); 3M Reusable Respirator Catalog (NIOSH); 3M.com product listings (November 2026); NIOSH Certified Equipment List (November 2026).
3M stock numbers on this page
| 3M stock number | 3M part number | 3M.com listing name | UPC | Previous stock number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7000128240 | 6503 | 3M Rugged Comfort Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator 6503/49491, Large, 10 EA/Case | 50051131494911 | 70071621851 |
| 7000128238 | 6502 | 3M Rugged Comfort Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator 6502/49489, Medium, 10 EA/Case | 50051131494898 | 70071621836 |
| 7000128237 | 6501QL | 3M Rugged Comfort Quick Latch Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator 6501QL/49488, Small, 10 EA/Case | 50051131494881 | 70071621828 |
| 7000128239 | 6502QL | 3M Rugged Comfort Quick Latch Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator 6502QL/49490, Medium, 10 EA/Case | 50051131494904 | 70071621844 |
| 7000128241 | 6503QL | 3M Rugged Comfort Quick Latch Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator 6503QL/49492, Large, 10 EA/Case | 50051131494928 | 70071621869 |
| 7000128236 | 6501 | 3M Rugged Comfort Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator 6501/49487, Small, 10 EA/Case | 50051131494874 | 70071621810 |
Source: 3M.com product listings (November 2026); distributor product pages where 3M.com returned no card.
Cartridges and filters for the 6500 Series
NIOSH approved with 3M Cartridges 6000 Series, 3M Particle Filters 2000, 2200, 7000 or 5000 Series. The 6500 Series is NIOSH approved with 3M Dual Airline supplied air systems. The 6500QL Series is NOT NIOSH approved with supplied air systems. (3M 6500 Series spec sheet (2025))
| Part number | 3M name | NIOSH classes (3M chart) | 3M pack |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6001 | Organic Vapor Cartridge 6001 | Organic Vapor | 60 EA/Case |
| 6002 | Acid Gas Cartridge 6002 | Chlorine Dioxide, Chlorine, Hydrogen Chloride, Hydrogen Sulfide, Sulfur Dioxide | 60 EA/Case |
| 6003 | Organic Vapor/Acid Gas Cartridge 6003 | Organic Vapor, Chlorine, Hydrogen Chloride, Hydrogen Fluoride, Hydrogen Sulfide, Sulfur Dioxide | 60 EA/Case |
| 6004 | Ammonia Methylamine Cartridge 6004 | Ammonia, Methylamine | 60 EA/Case |
| 6005 | Formaldehyde/Organic Vapor Cartridge 6005 | Organic Vapor, Formaldehyde | 60 EA/Case |
| 6006 | Multi Gas/Vapor Cartridge 6006 | Organic Vapor, Chlorine Dioxide, Chlorine, Hydrogen Chloride, Hydrogen Fluoride, Hydrogen Sulfide, Sulfur Dioxide, Ammonia, Methylamine, Formaldehyde | 60 ea/Case |
| 60921 | Organic Vapor Cartridge/Filter 60921, P100 | Organic Vapor, P100 | 60 EA/Case |
| 60922 | Acid Gas Cartridge/Filter 60922, P100 | Chlorine Dioxide, Chlorine, Hydrogen Chloride, Hydrogen Sulfide, Sulfur Dioxide, P100 | 60 EA/Case |
| 60923 | Organic Vapor/Acid Gas Cartridge/Filter 60923, P100 | Organic Vapor, Chlorine, Hydrogen Chloride, Hydrogen Fluoride, Hydrogen Sulfide, Sulfur Dioxide, P100 | 60 EA/Case |
| 60924 | Ammonia/Methylamine/Filter 60924, P100 | Ammonia, Methylamine, P100 | 60 EA/Case |
| 60925 | Formaldehyde Organic Vapor Cartridge/Filter 60925, P100 | Organic Vapor, Formaldehyde, P100 | 60 EA/Case |
| 60926 | Multi Gas/Vapor Cartridge/Filter 60926, P100 | Organic Vapor, Chlorine Dioxide, Chlorine, Hydrogen Chloride, Hydrogen Fluoride, Hydrogen Sulfide, Sulfur Dioxide, Ammonia, Methylamine, Formaldehyde, P100 | 60 EA/Case |
| 60927 | Mercury Vapor/Organic Vapor/Acid Gas Cartridge/Filter 60927, P100 | Organic Vapor, Chlorine, Hydrogen Sulfide, Sulfur Dioxide, Mercury Vapor, P100 | 60 EA/Case |
| 60928 | Organic Vapor/Acid Gas Cartridge/Filter 60928, P100 | Organic Vapor, Sulfur Dioxide, Hydrogen Chloride, Chlorine, Hydrogen Fluoride, Hydrogen Sulfide, P100 | 60 EA/Case |
| 2071 | Particulate Filter 2071, P95 | P95 | 100 EA/Case |
| 2076HF | Particulate Cartridge 2076HF, Hydrogen Fluoride, P95, with Nuisance Level Acid Gas Relief | Hydrogen Fluoride, P95 | 100 EA/Case |
| 2078 | Particulate Filter 2078, P95, with Nuisance Level Organic Vapor/Acid Gas Relief | P95 | 100 EA/Case |
| 2091 | Particulate Filter 2091, P100 | P100 | 100 EA/Case |
| 2291 | Advanced Particulate Filter 2291, P100 | P100 | 100 EA/Case |
| 2096 | Particulate Filter 2096, P100, with Nuisance Level Acid Gas Relief | P100 | 100 EA/Case |
| 2296 | Advanced Particulate Filter 2296, P100, with Nuisance Level Acid Gas Relief | P100 | 100 EA/Case |
| 2097 | Particulate Filter 2097, P100, with Nuisance Level Organic Vapor Relief | P100 | 100 EA/Case |
| 2297 | Advanced Particulate Filter 2297, P100, with Nuisance Level Organic Vapor Relief | P100 | 100 EA/Case |
| 7093 | Particulate Filter 7093, P100 | P100 | 60 EA/Case |
| 7093B | Particulate Filter 7093B, P100 | P100 | 144 EA/Case |
| 7093C | Hydrogen Fluoride Cartridge/Filter 7093C, P100, with Nuisance Level Organic Vapor and Acid Gas Relief | Hydrogen Fluoride, P100 | see the 3M.com listing name on the page |
| 7093CB | Hydrogen Fluoride Cartridge/Filter 7093CB, P100, with Nuisance Level Organic Vapor and Acid Gas Relief | Hydrogen Fluoride, P100 | see the 3M.com listing name on the page |
| 5N11 | Particulate Filter 5N11, N95 | N95 | 100 EA/Case |
| 5P71 | Particulate Filter 5P71, P95 | P95 | 100 EA/Case |
Source: 3M Cartridge and Filter Summary (2024); 3M Reusable Respirator Catalog (NIOSH).
NIOSH approvals naming the 6500 Series
The NIOSH Certified Equipment List carries 276 current 3M Company approvals whose product line names it: 2 supplied-air (TC-19C), 24 chemical cartridge (TC-23C), 250 air-purifying particulate (TC-84A). The first 12:
| Approval | Product line | For protection against | Facepiece |
|---|---|---|---|
| TC-19C-0503 | 6501, 6502, 6503 Half Mask dual airline with high pressure regulator | — | Half Mask |
| TC-19C-0504 | 6501, 6502, 6503 Half Mask dual airline with low pressure regulator | — | Half Mask |
| TC-23C-2822 | 6500 Half Mask with Chemical Cartridge | — | Half Mask |
| TC-23C-2823 | 6500 Half Mask with Chemical Cartridge | — | Half Mask |
| TC-23C-2824 | 6500 Half Mask with Chemical Cartridge | — | Half Mask |
| TC-23C-2825 | 6500 Half Mask with Chemical Cartridge | — | Half Mask |
| TC-23C-2826 | 6500 Half Mask with Chemical Cartridge | — | Half Mask |
| TC-23C-2827 | 6500 Half Mask with Chemical Cartridge | — | Half Mask |
| TC-23C-2829 | 6500 Half Mask with Chemical Cartridge | — | Half Mask |
| TC-23C-2924 | 6501, 6502, 6503 Half Mask Combination dual airline with Cartridge, High Pressure | Organic Vapor | Half Mask |
| TC-23C-2925 | 6501, 6502, 6503 Half Mask Combination dual airline with Cartridge, High Pressure | Chlorine, Chlorine Dioxide, Hydrogen Chloride, Hydrogen Sulfide, Sulfur Dioxide | Half Mask |
| TC-23C-2926 | 6501, 6502, 6503 Half Mask Combination dual airline with Cartridge, High Pressure | Chlorine, Hydrogen Chloride, Hydrogen Fluoride, Hydrogen Sulfide, Organic Vapor, Sulfur Dioxide | Half Mask |
Source: NIOSH Certified Equipment List (November 2026), manufacturer 3M Company.
CEL product-line groups recorded for this series: TC-23C-2822..2827, 2829 "6500 Half Mask with Chemical Cartridge"; TC-84A-6394.. "6500 Half Mask with Filter" and 6395.. "6500 Half Mask with Combination Cartridge and Filter"; TC-84A-8977 "6500 series (part numbers 6501, 6502, 6203 [sic], 6501QL, 6502QL and 6503QL) halfmask respirator and filter"; TC-23C-3456 "... and cartridge"; TC-19C-0503/0504 dual airline (6501, 6502, 6503 only); TC-21C-1334 / 23C-4021..4027 TR-600; TC-21C-1338 / 23C-4049..4055 TR-800.
Assigned protection factor
| Respirator type (OSHA Table 1) | APF |
|---|---|
| Air-purifying half mask | 10 |
| Powered air-purifying half mask | 50 |
| Supplied-air respirator, continuous flow, half mask | 50 |
Source: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 Table 1 (Assigned Protection Factors). The APF applies only when the respirator is used in a program that meets the standard, including fit testing of tight-fitting facepieces (29 CFR 1910.134(f)) and a cartridge change schedule (29 CFR 1910.134(d)(3)(iii)). 3M catalog APF table: half facepiece and full facepiece respirators that have been qualitatively fit tested have an APF of 10; full facepiece respirators, when quantitatively fit tested, have an APF of 50. The 6500QL Series is not NIOSH approved with supplied air systems (3M 6500 spec sheet).
3M use limitations
may be used in contaminant concentrations up to 10 times the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) with approved 3M cartridges and filters, and up to 50 times the PEL with approved 3M supplied air systems (3M 6000 Series half facepiece user instructions use limitations)
Do not use with beards or other facial hair or other conditions that prevent a good seal between the face and the faceseal of the respirator. (3M 6000 Series half facepiece user instructions)
NOTE: Not NIOSH or Brazil Ministry of Labor approved for use against methylbromide, radioiodine, or ozone. (3M 6000 Series half facepiece user instructions Table 6)
NIOSH Cautions and Limitations letters recorded for 6000 half: A, B, C, D, E, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, O, S (3M 6000 Series half facepiece user instructions)
Source: 3M 6000 Series half facepiece user instructions.
3M catalog comparison: 6500 Series
| Feature | 3M catalog |
|---|---|
| Platform Type | 3M Bayonet |
| Drop-Down Feature | — |
| 3M Cool Flow Valve | yes |
| Silicone Faceseal | yes |
| Lightweight TPE Faceseal | — |
| Speaking Diaphragm | — |
| Seal Check Button | — |
| Compatible with Most Welding Shields | yes |
| Compatible with 3M Supplied Air Systems | yes |
| Compatible with 3M PAPR Systems | yes |
Source: 3M Reusable Respirator Catalog (NIOSH), "Selecting a 3M Reusable Respirator".
Catalog data
| Item | Manufacturer data |
|---|---|
| Material | Silicone faceseal; Nylon harness |
| Harness | 4-point; 4-point Quick Latch drop-down |
| Valve | 3M Cool Flow exhalation valve |
| Packaging | 10/case |
| Type | Half-Facepiece Respirator |
| Color | Gray/Teal; Grey/Teal |
| Body Material | Silicone/Nylon |
| Resistance | Hydrogen Fluoride; Mercury Vapor; Chlorine; Organic Vapor; Acid Gas/Ammonia/Methylamine/Formaldehyde; Organic Vapor/Acid Gas/Ammonia/Methyl |
| Includes | One Mask |
Source: Manufacturer published product data as carried in our catalog.
3M Rugged Comfort half-facepiece respirators use a silicone faceseal and a Cool Flow exhalation valve to reduce heat and fogging, with a 4-point adjustable harness. They accept all 3M bayonet-style cartridges and come in small, medium and large.
- Resilient silicone faceseal provides comfort, durability, and stability with a soft but firm seal
- Proprietary Cool Flow valve helps reduce heat and moisture
- Exhalation valve cover helps direct exhaled breath and moisture downward to reduce fogging of eyewear and grinding and welding shields
- Compatible with all 3M bayonet-style cartridges and filters
- Adjustable head harness assembly offers improved fit and comfort
3M 6500 Series questions
What cartridges fit the 3M 6500 Series? NIOSH approved with 3M Cartridges 6000 Series, 3M Particle Filters 2000, 2200, 7000 or 5000 Series. The 6500 Series is NIOSH approved with 3M Dual Airline supplied air systems. The 6500QL Series is NOT NIOSH approved with supplied air systems. (3M 6500 Series spec sheet (2025))
What sizes does the 6500 Series come in? 6501 / 6501QL (Small), 6502 / 6502QL (Medium), 6503 / 6503QL (Large).
What is the 6500 Series made of? Faceseal Silicone rubber; Overmold Nylon; Inhalation valve Polyisoprene; Exhalation valve Nylon/Silicon; Straps Polyester fiber/Polyurethane elastic; Buckles Polypropylene (3M 6500 Series spec sheet (2025)). Approximate Weight: 6500 Series 100 grams; 6500QL Series 110 grams (3M 6500 Series spec sheet (2025)).
What is the assigned protection factor of a half facepiece? OSHA Table 1 assigns an APF of 10 to an air-purifying half facepiece, 50 in continuous-flow supplied-air mode.
Guides: half mask vs full facepiece · assigned protection factors · what OSHA requires for fit testing · cleaning and storing respirators · cartridge change schedules · P100 vs N95 vs R95 · all respirators by model and hazard.
