Medical Face Masks: Differences, Standards, and Usage in Healthcare

In a healthcare setting, safety is the number one priority. That means anyone in the sector needs to administer the right precautions to ensure complete safety of everyone in the healthcare system. That includes not only patients but also healthcare workers. One of the best ways to ensure the safety of patients and staff is through proper medical face masks. These masks play a frontline role in infection prevention, compliance, and public trust. In Canada, where regulatory standards are clearly defined and accountability is high, understanding the distinctions between different mask types and their approved use can make all the difference for your facility.

Whether you’re a procurement officer managing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) inventory or an operations lead looking to reduce compliance risks, the right knowledge paired with the right supplier, can support both safety and efficiency. Here’s what you need to understand about medical grade face masks, including the type, standards and usage to get well acquainted with these safety tools.

Understanding the Types of Medical Face Masks

Choosing the right medical face mask starts with understanding what’s available and what each option is designed to do. Here’s what these types are and the applications they are most certainly considered for:

1. Surgical Masks (Level 1, 2, and 3)

These masks are designed to protect the wearer from large droplets, splashes, and sprays. They’re also intended to prevent the spread of potentially infectious respiratory secretions. In Canada, surgical masks are categorized by performance levels based on the American Society for Testing and Materials standards (ASTM): These levels are:

• Level 1: Low barrier—ideal for brief procedures and patient exams

• Level 2: Moderate barrier—suitable for tasks with light to moderate fluid exposure

• Level 3: High barrier—used in ORS and critical care units where fluid exposure is high.

Disposable Face Mask are often the first line of defense in these healthcare environments where basic protection and comfort are both required. However, where airborne particles have to be negated, then N95, or their equivalent KN95 masks are to be implemented.

2. KN95 Masks

Often confused with N95S, KN95 masks offer ≥95% filtration efficiency for airborne particles. They’re commonly used when respiratory protection is needed but where Canadian-sourced N95s are limited. The KN95 Face Mask – 5 Layer is available at Young Wave and meets the GB2626-2019 filtration standard and is an excellent fit for dental clinics, long-term care homes, and outpatient facilities.

3. Procedure Masks

While often mistaken for surgical masks, procedure masks lack the same fluid-resistance certification. They’re typically used in lower-risk environments, such as reception areas or administrative zones within healthcare facilities.

Canadian Standards and What They Mean

In Canada, medical face masks must meet one of the following recognized regulatory standards before being implemented in the healthcare setting:

• ASTM F2100: This North American standard evaluates masks for filtration efficiency, breathability, fluid resistance, and flammability. It defines Levels 1 to 3 as mentioned above.

• EN 14683: A European standard used by some Canadian suppliers, particularly for imported masks. It focuses on bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE), differential pressure (Delta P), and microbial cleanliness.

Health Canada mandates that masks used in clinical settings be approved as Class I medical devices. Facilities must ensure that any mask in use is certified and includes either an MDEL (Medical Device Establishment Licence) number or equivalent documentation.

Why the Right Mask Matters to Your Bottom Line

In a clinical setting, poorly selected PPE can increase costs, reduce staff confidence, and potentially compromise patient care. Studies have shown that proper masking can reduce healthcare-associated infection (HAI) rates in high-risk units.

Improved patient outcomes translate directly into lowered liability and improved institutional reputation. By investing in the right medical face masks, you’re not just checking a compliance box—you’re actively improving operational efficiency and minimizing long-term financial risk.

Real-World Usage- Which Mask Fits Your Environment?

Each healthcare environment has specific needs that determine the most appropriate face mask:

• Hospitals: Level 2 and Level 3 surgical masks are standard across most departments. Respirators (like KN95s or N95s) are used in isolation rooms or respiratory wards.

• Dental Clinics: Given the proximity to respiratory zones, higher barrier masks (Level 3 or KN95) are typically preferred during procedures.

• Long-Term Care: Level 1 or 2 masks are often sufficient for daily care, with respirators used during outbreaks or respiratory seasons.

• Mobile Care and Community Outreach: Portability and breathability become essential, making KN95 5-layer masks a reliable choice.

How to Ensure Proper Usage in a Healthcare Setting

Even the best medical face masks are ineffective if used improperly. Staff training and standardized protocols are key, but at a minimum, your team should:

• Inspect each mask before use to ensure structural integrity.

• Don masks using sanitized hands, pressing the nose clip for a proper seal.

• Replace masks as soon as they become damp or after a maximum of 4–6 hours of continuous wear.

• Dispose of single-use masks in biohazard bins as per facility protocol.

Looking Ahead: Strategic Mask Procurement

Post-pandemic, mask procurement strategies have shifted from reactive to proactive. More healthcare leaders are working with suppliers who can not only meet demand but also deliver product transparency and long-term reliability.

At Young Wave, we support this approach by providing certified medical face masks and respirators backed by clear product documentation, competitive pricing, and timely distribution across Canada.

When you know your masks meet the right standards, perform well, and arrive when you need them, your team is free to focus on what truly matters: patient care. Get in touch to learn more about the PPEs we offer.