FAQ's
We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive about our masks, filters, shells, shipping information, warranty information and more.
M1, M2, M2 NYLON, and M2.5 Masks
Is RZ Mask worth the price?
We certainly think so (and so do hundreds of thousands of happy customers)! Beyond the features that make this the most comfortable reusable air filtration mask around, frequent users save on average $550 a year compared to comparable disposable respirators. Plus, it keeps 200 disposable respirators out of landfills. A win, win, win!
What should I use my mask for?
You can find RZ Masks conquering particulates on job sites, woodworking shops, ATV trails, gardening, travel, and so many other uses!
What should I not use my mask for?
Our masks are not recommended for use against silica, asbestos, lead, arsenic, cadmium, 4,4-methylene (MDA), abrasive blasting or any other toxic and/or dangerous substances.
Testing specifications
How are we so confident in the performance of our products? RZ invests significant time and money into third-party testing, to independently validate the effectiveness of our masks and filters.
We chose the world-renowned Nelson Laboratories in Salt Lake City, Utah, to perform the testing of our products. Nelson Labs is known as the industry leader, employing over 500 scientists and staff – performing over 800 different laboratory tests. They serve a wide variety of customers, including medical device, pharmaceutical, and tissue companies. They were founded in 1985 by Dr. Jerry R. Nelson and Lynda S. Nelson, and have grown to 13 global testing sites as of 2020. Nelson Labs facilities are FDA-registered as a GMP, GLP, and GTP testing lab with ISO 17025 accreditation.
Read more about our testing process and standards, Testing Makes a Difference
Will these masks fog my glasses?
No! As long as you have the correct size mask and have adjusted the nose piece to create a seal at the top of the mask, the one-way discharge valves on the front of the mask will allow all the condensation to escape ,which prevents fogging.
Do these masks work with beards?
Though it is impossible to create a full seal in any mask if the user has facial hair, the shape and design of our mask allows the user to create as much of a seal as possible.
Are these masks NIOSH approved?
Currently, our M1, M2, and M2.5 masks are not NIOSH rated.
Our masks/filters have been independently tested at Nelson Laboratories in Salt Lake City, UT and tested at 99.9% efficiency against particulates down to .1 microns is size.
Will these masks protect against viruses/pathogens?
All our filter types block 99.9% of particulates down to .1 micron. This rate is known to be effective toward most airborne pathogens like Influenza and SARS.
Please be aware that our M1, M2, and M2.5 masks only filter the air being breathed in and not the air being breathed out. Because of this, they will only provide filtration for those wearing the mask. If you believe you have been infected, our masks will not protect those around you from the spread of infection. There are multiple ways the COVID-19 virus can be contracted, and we recommend following all prevention measures provided by the CDC and WHO.
If you are using our masks against airborne pathogens, the mask must be washed with a sterilizing soap and filter replaced after each wear in order to prevent exposure and spread.
CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
WHO website: https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
Where are RZ Masks made?
All RZ masks and filters are designed at our headquarters in Burnsville, Minnesota and manufactured in China.
F1 STANDARD AND F3 HIGH AIRFLOW FILTERS
What should I use my filter for?
Our F1 and F3 active carbon filters are very effective towards certain fumes and odors. However, different products can contain varying ingredients that may require different levels of respiratory filtration. We always advise you to follow the manufacturer's safety instructions for the products you are using. RZ Mask should only be used with VOC free or water based products. RZ mask does not protect against toxic fumes.
Particulates: grinding, sweeping, sanding, bagging, mowing
Vapors and contaminants: painting, varnishing, pollution, mechanical work, public safety, medical use
Allergens: gardening, outdoor activities, animal grooming, landscaping
What should I not use my filter for?
Our masks are not recommended for use against silica, asbestos, lead, arsenic, cadmium, 4,4-methylene (MDA), abrasive blasting or any other toxic and/or dangerous substances.
When should I replace my filter?
The life expectancy of your RZ Filter depends on many variables, such as; particulate exposure density, particulate exposure duration, and user breathing rate. Below are our general guidelines:
20-30 hours of continuous use in heavy dust exposure to things such as; grain bins, off-roading, construction/demolition, etc.
30-40 hours of continuous use in light dust exposure to things such as; grain bins, off-roading, construction/demolition, etc.
50-60 hours of continuous use when protecting against allergens, pollutants, odors, etc.
How do I replace my filter?
The filters can be replaced by turning the inside of each valve, counter-clockwise. Each filter is affixed in between the valves. Once removed, the old filter can be disposed, and the new filter can be placed in between the two valves. Turn the valves clockwise until they are tight.
Read more on our blog post, How to Change RZ Filters & Valves
What is active carbon?
Activated carbon has the ability to absorb almost any type of vapor, organic molecules, solvents, volatiles organic compounds (VOCs), odors, and a very wide variety of chemicals. It also has an extreme ability to catalytically destroy ozone; this is a major component of smog and other air pollution. Activated carbon works well under most temperatures and moisture contents, releasing the attracted moisture to absorb chemicals. This material is inert and safe for use and handling.
Read more on our blog post, What is Active Carbon?
Testing specifications
How are we so confident in the performance of our products? RZ invests significant time and money into third-party testing, to independently validate the effectiveness of our masks and filters.
We chose the world-renowned Nelson Laboratories in Salt Lake City, Utah, to perform the testing of our products. Nelson Labs is known as the industry leader, employing over 500 scientists and staff – performing over 800 different laboratory tests. They serve a wide variety of customers, including medical device, pharmaceutical, and tissue companies. They were founded in 1985 by Dr. Jerry R. Nelson and Lynda S. Nelson, and have grown to 13 global testing sites as of 2020. Nelson Labs facilities are FDA-registered as a GMP, GLP, and GTP testing lab with ISO 17025 accreditation.
Read more about our testing process and standards, Testing Makes a Difference
According to latex particle challenge tests performed by the world renowned, Nelson Laboratories in Salt Lake City, RZ Mask's F1 and F3 Filters, filter 99.9% of all particulates to a size of .1 um.
F1 Standard + Active Carbon Filter: Made with 2 layers of particulate filters Outer layer filters particulates down to .1 micron in size Inner Active Carbon layer effective towards fumes and odors Laboratory tested to be 99.9% effective
Common uses: Low intensity, dust/fumes/odors/smoke/pollen
F3 High Airflow + Active Carbon Filter: Made with 2 layers of particulate filtersOuter layer filters particulates down to .1 micron in sizeInner Active Carbon layer effective towards fumes and odorsLaboratory tested to be 99.9% effectivePromotes 50% better breathability than our standard F1 filter The RZ F3 Filter is above general inhalation standards
Common uses: High intensity, Dust/pollen/smoke/fumes/odors
Can I wash my filters?
No, our filters are not washable.
We recommend replacing your filter for maximum breathing protection when the active carbon has been depleted or visually when the filter is dirty.
Will these filters protect against viruses/pathogens?
All our filter types block 99.9% of particulates down to .1 micron. This rate is known to be effective toward most airborne pathogens like Influenza and SARS.
Please be aware that our M1, M2, and M2.5 masks only filter the air being breathed in and not the air being breathed out. Because of this, they will only provide filtration for those wearing the mask. If you believe you have been infected, our masks will not protect those around you from the spread of infection. There are multiple ways the COVID-19 virus can be contracted, and we recommend following all prevention measures provided by the CDC and WHO.
If you are using our masks against airborne pathogens, the mask must be washed with a sterilizing soap and filter replaced after each wear in order to prevent exposure and spread.
CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
WHO website: https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
Are these filters NIOSH rated?
Currently, our F1 and F3 filters are not NIOSH rated.
Our masks/filters have been independently tested at Nelson Laboratories in Salt Lake City, UT and tested at 99.9% efficiency against particulates down to .1 microns is size.
Where are RZ Filters made?
All RZ masks and filters are designed at our headquarters in Burnsville, Minnesota and manufactured in China.
MASK SHELLS
What comes with a mask shell?
Our mask shells only include the shell. You'll need to purchase filters, valves, and/or valve caps separately.
Why should I buy a mask shell?
Buying a mask shell can allow you to show your style while using any existing RZ Mask filters, valves, or valve caps.
Don't get caught without a mask and keep a shell in your tool bag or workshop.
Can I use filters and valves that I already have?
Yes! All RZ Mask filters and RZ Mask valves/valve caps are interchangeable.
V1 AND V2 VALVES AND VALVE CAPS
Do I need V1 or V2 valves?
You need valves or valve caps to benefit from RZ Mask filters.
V1 valves only come in black while V2 valves come in a variety of colors. Both valves offer the same protection.
Do I need valve caps?
The short answer is no. Valve caps were created to prevent the spread of airborne particulates or germs to those around you by forcing all exhaled air through our F1 or F3 filters.
Do you offer diaphragm replacements?
Unfortunately, we do not offer replacement diaphragms for our valves.
If you lose the plastic diaphragm from your valves, you will need to purchase a new set of valves.
Do I ever need to replace my valves?
No! You will only need to replace your mask valves if there is damage to the valve or if you lose the plastic diaphragm.
How do I install or replace valves?
Valves or valve caps can be replaced by turning the inside of each valve, counter-clockwise.
For more in depth instructions with images, read our blog, How to Change RZ Filters & Valves
WARRANTY INFORMATION
1 Year Factory Defect Warranty
At RZ Industries®, we are proud to provide our customers with the best quality products. We guarantee any product sold by us or any of our authorized resellers to be free of manufacturing defects. If you believe you have received a defective item, please contact our customer service team immediately by email.
If contacted within one year of the original purchase date, we will review the defect and provide either a replacement or refund depending on your preference and item availability. A defective item can be replaced by the same item or an item of the same price level. We do not replace items that reflect the normal wear and tear associated with the use of the mask. Orders must have been placed on RZMask.com for a replacement or refund.
If you purchased through one of our authorized resellers, please contact the seller who you purchased your product through for assistance.
SHIPPING & FULFILLMENT
How does RZ AIRflow ship orders?
Most orders placed at rzmask.com are fulfilled within one to two business days from our warehouse in Burnsville, Minnesota. Once your package has shipped, you will receive a shipping confirmation email with a tracking ID.
General shipping info:
• First Class US Shipping takes approx. 3-7 business days
• Priority US Shipping takes approx. 2-4 business days
• Express US Shipping takes approx. 1-2 business days
• First Class International Standard Shipping is an estimated 10-21 business days
• International Priority Shipping takes approx. 5-7 business days
• UPS Worldwide Economy Shipping takes approx. 8-15 business days
More information on our Shipping & Returns
I live outside of the United States, can I still order from rzmask.com?
Absolutely! You are responsible for overing all duties, fees, and taxes associated with your purchase. We use a third party importer/exporter for international orders. This often adds time to your order being received.
We fulfill all of our orders from our warehouse in Burnsville, Minnesota. Before we ship international orders, your order may sit for up to a week.
You can always reach out to our support team for more information.
What is my order status?
After you placed your order with us from rzmask.com, you should have received a confirmation email from RZ Mask. Check your spam folder, sometimes we get filed away there. If you still can't find your order information please reach out to support@rzmask.com.
You can also login to your RZ Mask account to check your order status.
Does RZ Mask accept returns?
We only accept returns for unopened products. As always, oursupport teamis ready and willing to help you make sure you love your RZ Industries products.
Can I change or cancel my order?
Because all of the orders that are placed on rzmask.com are fulfilled directly from our Burnsville, Minnesota warehouse, changes and cancellations are only able to be made for a short period after you order.
You can try to make a change by logging into your RZ Mask account and navigating to your Order History. If we have not fulfilled your order yet, you will be able to edit or cancel from here.
If you're having issues, our support team is ready to help!

