Protective apparel

Masks and respirators

Procedure and surgical masks by ASTM level and NIOSH Approved N95 respirators, including surgical N95 models.

11 products

A surgical or procedure mask is a loose-fitting fluid barrier regulated by FDA. An N95 is a tight-fitting respirator approved by NIOSH. They are not substitutes for each other, and this catalog never blurs them. Masks are bought by ASTM F2100 level, attachment and features. Respirators are bought by exact model, because fit testing is model-specific.

Sub-categories

Procedure and surgical masks Ear-loop and tie-on masks by ASTM F2100 level; masks with eye shields; pediatric masks. 5 products N95 respirators NIOSH Approved N95 filtering facepiece respirators, surgical and standard, by shape and size. 6 products

Buyer questions, answered

Do we need a fluid barrier or airborne protection?

A mask protects against splashes and large droplets and is an FDA device under 21 CFR 878.4040. A respirator filters airborne particles and is approved by NIOSH under 42 CFR part 84. The task decides which, and the two are never interchangeable.

Which ASTM level suits which task?

ASTM F2100 rates masks at Level 1, 2 or 3 on bacterial and particulate filtration, breathability and resistance to synthetic blood at 80, 120 or 160 mmHg. Higher fluid resistance suits procedures with splash risk. Each listing shows the level and the test values behind it, as the edition on the manufacturer's test report states them.

Is this respirator NIOSH Approved, and how do we check?

Every respirator listed as N95 holds a current NIOSH approval. The TC approval number is on your quote so you can confirm it on the NIOSH Certified Equipment List. NIOSH treats "N95" and "NIOSH Approved" as registered certification marks, and a product without an approval may not carry them.

Surgical N95 or standard N95?

A surgical N95 is a NIOSH Approved respirator that is also fluid resistant and regulated by FDA as a Class II device. It is unvalved and states its fluid resistance level. A standard N95 is NIOSH Approved only. Sterile fields and procedure rooms call for the surgical version.

Is this the model our staff are fit-tested to?

Fit testing applies to the make, model, style and size tested. Tell us the model your staff are fit-tested to. Your quote confirms that exact model or names an alternative for your approval, and nothing is substituted without it.

What is the shelf life, and how do we rotate a stockpile?

Manufacturers set a shelf life, often about five years. Past its shelf life a respirator is no longer NIOSH Approved. Each listing shows the shelf life as stated, and quotes state the dating at shipment, so a stockpile can be rotated by date.

When is a KN95 acceptable?

A KN95 is made to China's GB 2626 standard and is not NIOSH Approved. It is listed plainly as such and is not for use where a NIOSH Approved respirator is required.

How to choose

Decide mask or respirator by the hazard, then never swap one for the other.
For masks, choose the ASTM level by splash risk, then ear loops or ties, then features such as an anti-fog strip or eye shield.
For respirators, specify the exact model and size your staff are fit-tested to.
For sterile fields, choose a surgical N95, always unvalved.
Check shelf life and dating on the quote, and plan rotation.

Standards this group can show

ASTM F2100 level with test values (F2101, F2299, F1862)
FDA 510(k) cleared surgical and procedure masks (K number on your quote)
NIOSH Approved under 42 CFR part 84 (TC number on your quote)
Surgical N95: FDA Class II under 21 CFR 878.4040
EN 14683 type, where stated
Latex statement

What each comparison table shows

Every sub-category page compares its products side by side on these columns.

Sub-category	Compare columns
Procedure and surgical masks	ASTM level, Attachment, Layers, Features, Fluid resistance, Color, Masks per case
N95 respirators	Surgical or standard, Shape, Exhalation valve, Sizes, Head attachment, Latex statement, Shelf life, Respirators per box and case

Masks and respirators listed today

We list products by specification. Your written quote names the manufacturer, the brand and the item number before you commit to anything.

GTDI item MR-1101