N95 vs Surgical vs Procedure masks
All three of the common mask types are required to be registered with the FDA before they are sold.
3M N95 particulate respirator mask
N95 masks
N95 masks are primarily for medical and healthcare professionals.
N95 Masks are the only masks in short supply and should be used by healthcare and medical professions only.
What is not widely known is that unless this mask is fitted properly the mask provides very little protection.
- Sterile
- Primarily for healthcare and medical professionals
- Held in place by elastic head and neck bands
- Rigid frame and metal nose piece
Sterile surgical mask
(shown without Secure Fit mask frame)
Surgical Masks
Surgical masks are usually blue and made of three layers.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, these masks sold for about $0.15 each in March – In July 2020, these masks in part because of short supply have been sold as high as $3.00 each. Mask manufacturers pushed up the capacity and raised the mask prices.
- Sterile
- Good for consumers
- Usually held in place with two bands
- Frameless
- May or may not have metal nose piece
Procedure Masks
Available for purchase here.
Procedure Masks
Similar to surgical masks except with different fitting (usually) and are not sterile.
Procedural are roughly identical to surgical masks, but are not sterile.
They come in three levels of protection called ASMT.
When worn snuggly with zero gaps between face and outside air:
Level 1 is not meant for fluid blocking and has 95% efficacy against bacterial spread.
Level 2 is meant to block bodily fluid transmission and has 98% efficacy
Level 3 is meant for aerosol and has 98% efficacy
- Readily available
- Good for consumers
- Held in place with elastic ear loops
- Frameless
The mask frame is designed to wear outside of a standard mask and be used indefinitely. We recommend ASTM level 2 procedural masks which we also offer for sale here.