There’s something to be said for a go-to brand of disposable masks that you can easily pick up in person when you need to. These masks from ICU Health are widely available at stores like Target and Walmart. These face masks are not winning any points for innovation or comfort, but they do the job, offering three layers of protection, ear loops and an adjustable nose bridge.
Our products are used by dentists, hygienists and other dental professionals. We offer a complete line of high-quality infection control and personal protective equipment, including a wide range of medical grade masks, gloves and apparel. The Medical Devices Bureau of the Therapeutic Products Directorate in Health Canada is the national authority that monitors and evaluates the safety, face mask effectiveness and quality of diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices in Canada. Depending on the class of medical device, certain licensing and authorization to sell in Canada are required. Health Canada recommends looking for a medical mask that has ASTM F2100 or EN on the box label. In healthcare, protects from exposure to biological aerosols including viruses and bacteria.
Some mask makers may decide to attain these specifications; some may not. Those that do would be able to state clearly on their packaging specific breathability and filtration values that can help shoppers make an informed decision . Pleated masks are designed to accommodate different nose-bridge heights and chin depths.
The bacterial filtration efficiency of the mask material is the fractional reduction in the number of colony-forming units when the aerosol is passed through the material. For a Type II mask under this standard, the material must filter enough of the aerosol particles containing the bacteria to achieve a CFU reduction of at least 98%. Healthcare facilitieslicensed or operated by the Commonwealth and healthcare practice locations of any provider licensed by a professional board which sits within the Department of Public Health or the Division of Professional Licensure. These settings include nursing homes, rest homes, emergency medical services, hospitals, physician and other medical and dental offices, urgent care settings, community health centers, vaccination sites, and behavioral health clinics.
New guidance and standards mean that it’s now very hard for me to recommend the cloth face coverings that we recommended earlier in the pandemic. It will take time for every mask manufacturer to get their products tested. In the meantime, make sure your mask follows the recommended guidelines from the CDC, fits well, and is clean. A good reusable mask should completely cover your nose and mouth, use at least two fabric layers, and be washable. When I receive a mask, I first use the light and candle test—can I see light through the weave?
Wearing a loose-fitting respirator will not offer the same level of protection to the wearer as it may allow small particles to get inside the mask where there are gaps, for example through the side. None of these three types of face coverings works as well as a proper face mask. A good mask has a double layer of washable, breathable fabric that helps keep the wearer from spreading potentially infected droplets into the air.
It should be loose enough to allow you to breathe but still secure enough to stay in place. If you don’t have a face mask or yours does not fit properly, we will provide one for you. The CDC does not recommend the use of face shields as substitutes for face masks for protection against COVID-19. Private businesses, organizations, schools and childcares may require you to wear a mask.