Protecting Your Team and Your Patients From Pathogen Spread
Masks are essential parts of any dental practice, serving to protect the patient and the practitioner alike from the spread of disease. Due to the critical function these masks perform it pays to understand how they perform and what type will best serve your clinic’s needs. Not all masks perform the same, and each mask is rated according to a set of properties and performance ratings.
Table 1: Comparison of Prices and Ratings for Various Dental Masks
| Mask Name | Seller | Price | Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crosstex Earloop Face Mask | MD Supplies | $4.98 | N/A |
| Euronda Monoart Triple Layer Mask | Dentaltix | $5.81 | 5 stars (34) |
| House Brand Premium Earloop Mask | Net32 | $3.99 | 4.3 stars (210) |
| Star Line Blue Rectangular Mask | Dentaltix | $3.55 | 4 stars (42) |
| Dentaflux Green Mask | Dentaltix | $2.84 | 5 stars (8) |
Table 2: Comparison of Features and Specifications for Various Dental Face Masks
| Mask Name | Fluid Resistance | Filter Efficiency | Layers | Latex-Free | Shape |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crosstex Earloop Face Mask | 80mmHg | 98.8% | Multiple layers | Yes | Earloop |
| Euronda Monoart Triple Layer Mask | N/A | 99% | 3 | Yes | Earloop |
| House Brand Premium Earloop Mask | N/A | 95% | 2 | Yes | Earloop |
| Star Line Blue Rectangular Mask | N/A | 98.5% | 2 | Yes | Rectangular |
| Dentaflux Green Mask | N/A | 99% | 3 | No | Flat with Bands |
Establishing the properties of a mask’s performance and how to test it in the United States is the responsibility of the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM). The acronym for this organization’s name is also used to specify the effectiveness of a mask on a rating of 1-3. ASTM 1 indicates the lowest barrier level, with three being the highest rated.
According to Today’s RDH, which mask rating you use will depend on the procedure being performed, with level 1 being appropriate for most standard examinations. Level 2 masks are generally appropriate for cases where aerosols are used or the potential for spatterings exists, such as with periodontal therapy, sealants, and minor oral surgery. Level 3 masks should be used in cases where high amounts of aerosols, splatter, and fluid can occur, such as ultrasonic scalers, complex oral surgery, implant placement, etc.
Mask Protective Properties:
- Fluid Resistance – This property measures how resistant the mask is to being penetrated by fluids such as blood. The rating is determined using synthetic blood delivered under pressure to the mask. Higher ratings represent a better level of protection.
- Bacterial Filtration Efficiency – This value represents the mask’s ability to filter bacteria that pass through it. This value is based on the percentage of 1-5 micron bacteria filtered out.
- Particulate Filtration Efficiency – The percentage of 0.1-1.0 micron particles that get filtered out by the mask. Note that different masks can be rated for different sizes of particles; the above-listed sizes are appropriate for dental offices.
- Differential Pressure, or Delta P – This represents the mask’s resistance to airflow, measured in mmH20/cm2. The higher this value, the better its filtration and the greater level of protection for the wearer.
- Flame Resistance – This rating indicates how quickly flame will spread through the material of the mask.
Sourcing your masks should be a point of some deliberation. We took the time to do our research into the most respected brands and lines to bring you a selection of highly-rated designs. We sourced our information from respected sources, including DentalTown.
Note: N/A means the information was unavailable in the provided data.
Top 10 Dental Infection Control Products – Personal
1. Crosstex Earloop Face Mask, Latex-Free, Blue
MD Supplies Ratings: N/A
The CrossTex Advantage Earloop Face Mask is an ideal face mask for procedures where moderate fluids, sprays, and aerosols are produced. Rated as an ASTM 4 barrier, the mask produces a fluid resistance of 80mmHg, operating at a PFE of 98.8%, and a reinforced edge embossing design for strength and durability. The mask contains layers of fibers intertwined through the combination of their manufacturing equipment and fiber formulation to prevent tearing when worn. By providing a fluid-resistant layer both along the inside and outside of the mask, this mask is a top chosen for more intricate work for dentists.
MD Supplies: $4.98
2. Euronda Monoart Triple Layer Disposable Masks 50pcs.
Dentaltix Ratings: Five stars out of 34 Reviews
The Euronda Monoart Protection 3 masks are disposable, hypo-allergenic face masks with three layers. The first layer consists of a soft, water-repellent non-woven fabric that protects against dust and humidity. In contrast, the second layer is a mixture of a PFE and BFE filter, operating at a rate of 99% per 0.1 microns. Its last layer, a comfortable non-woven cotton lining, helps to absorb sweat and humidity, making it ideal for helping protect against dust and aerosols. This design also features a built-in nose bridge and is classified as a medical device class I.
Dentaltix Price: $5.81
3. House Brand Premium Earloop Face Mask 50pcs.
Net32 Ratings: 4.3 Stars out of 210 Reviews
Net32’s House Brand face masks feature minimal requirements for low fluid, dust, and aerosol resistance. With a BFE resistance of 95%, these masks feature pleated, latex-free fabric interwoven into two layers; these face masks offer an easy function for dentists performing standard procedures and checkups. House Brand standard face masks can range from level 1 to level 3 primary barrier resistance, giving these masks fog resistance ad fluid resistance that’s economical and comfortable to wear.
Net32 Price: $3.99
4. Star Line Blue Rectangular Masks 50pcs.
Dentaltix Ratings: 4 stars out of 42 Reviews
Starline offers disposable and consumer materials for the dental sector and gives a price-quality ratio, giving dentists another alternative to purchasing products in bulk. The Star Line face masks work at a level 3 resistance, containing two facial tissue layers operating at a PFE rate of 98.5% per 0.5 microns. The rectangular shape and soft materials make the masks comfortable for everyday procedures and have an excellent economical rate due to how they’re easily disposable and fit snugly around the face when worn.
Dentaltix Price: $3.55
5. Dentaflux Green Masks with Rubber Bands 50pcs.
Dentaltix Ratings: Five stars out of 8 Reviews
The DentaFlux flat mask contains three layers of non-latex cotton fabric linings. Its inner second layers protect against dust, fluids, and aerosols, up to 99% PFE at 0.5 microns, classifying it as a level 3 mask. The material is extra soft and is resistant to shredding. Its rubber bands help keep the mask securely fit onto the face, and the folds of the mask securely cover the entire surface of the mouth and nose. Overall, the DentaFlux face masks can be used for standard dental procedures and checkups.
Dentaltix Price: $2.84
These mask selections focus on key characteristics, such as the number of layers they hold, how protective they are against bacteria, and their price and bulk. We’d recommend either the Euronda Monoart or the Crosstex Advantage masks, as they will provide the most protection against dust and fluid particles while providing the most in quality and bulk. The Euronda brand manufactures their masks with both PFE and BFE protection at 99%, while the Crosstex brand offers an ASTM 4-layer rating for their masks, along with a wide variety of layer options at their main website. However, Net32’s House Brand face masks will provide minimal protection at the most affordable price for normal checkups.
