Many well-made, certified respirator masks can protect you from most airborne particles — everything from smoke and dust to pollen, mold spores, and germ-laden droplets. But you’ll be much happier using one that’s designed for the activities you do and the budget you have in mind.After new tests in 2025, incorporating the good (and bad) we’ve learned about masks since the pandemic, we recommend three excellent, distinct respirators for specific real-world use cases.