Understanding The Difference
- Surgical – loose-fitting, protect against big droplets, designed to protect patient from wearer's respiratory emissions
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- Commonly referred to as medical, procedural, dental, isolation masks
- Manufacturers of surgical masks must demonstrate that their mask is at least as good as a mask currently on the market to obtain FDA clearance
- In the US, each hospital is responsible for vetting and using products that meet their standards following NIOTSH recommended guidelines vs in China where regulations are more stringent
- Respirator – tight-fitting seal, protect against small airborne particles, used in industrial and health care settings
- Commonly referred to as medical, procedural, dental, isolation masks
- Manufacturers of surgical masks must demonstrate that their mask is at least as good as a mask currently on the market to obtain FDA clearance
- In the US, each hospital is responsible for vetting and using products that meet their standards following NIOTSH recommended guidelines vs in China where regulations are more stringent
(Source: CDC)
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 |
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|---|---|---|
| Surgical Mask | Disposable Face Mask | |
| Testing and Approval | Cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) | Not cleared by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) |
| Intended Use and Purpose | Fluid resistant and provides the wearer protection against large droplets, splashes, or sprays of bodily or other hazardous fluids. Protects and patient from the wearer’s respiratory emissions. | Helps protect others from the wearer’s respiratory emissions. Source control in the spread of airborne illnesses. |
| Face Seal Fit | Loose-fitting | Loose-fitting |
| Fit Testing Requirement | No | No |
| User Seal Check Requirement | No | No |
| Filtration | Does Not provide the wearer with a reliable level of protection from inhaling smaller airborne particles and is not considered respiratory protection | Does Not provide the wearer with a reliable level of protection from inhaling smaller airborne particles and is not considered respiratory protection |
| Leakage | Leakage occurs around the edge of the mask when user inhales | Leakage occurs around the edge of the mask when user inhales |
