Dental Face Masks: Level 1 vs Level 3 Masks vs KN95, and Which to Wear for Each Procedure

When comparing Level 1 vs Level 3 masks, the short answer is that Level 1 earloop masks suit low-spray exams and routine tasks, Level 3 masks suit procedures with heavy spray and aerosol, and KN95 masks are a different category: respirators designed to seal to the face. Chase Dental Supply carries MARK3 SurgiCare Level 1 and Level 3 earloop masks, KN95 masks and Nosk nasal filters in our Infection Control and Apparel, Gloves and PPE categories. This guide compares them side by side.

Key Takeaways

• ASTM F2100 sets three mask performance levels; Level 3 has the highest fluid resistance and is the usual pick for aerosol-generating dental procedures.
• MARK3 SurgiCare Level 1 masks are 3-ply and listed with bacterial filtration efficiency above 95%; SurgiCare Level 3 masks are 4-ply, fiberglass free and latex free.
• SurgiCare Level 3 comes in white, pink and blue, plus a blue fog free version and a blue version with dual nose and chin band strips.
• KN95 is a Chinese respirator standard (GB2626). It is not NIOSH approved like an N95, and an earloop respirator only protects as well as it fits.
• Nosk nasal filters are a personal filtration accessory, not a replacement for a mask or respirator.

Level 1 vs Level 3 masks vs KN95 at a glance

The table below uses only what each product listing states. Where a listing does not publish a spec, it says “See product page.”

What do ASTM Level 1, 2 and 3 mean for dental face masks?

ASTM F2100 is the US performance standard for medical face masks, and it sorts masks into Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. The levels are based on fluid resistance to synthetic blood, bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE), sub-micron particle filtration efficiency (PFE), breathability and flammability.

Level 1 is the low barrier tier and Level 3 the high barrier tier. An ASTM level describes the mask material, not a face seal, so a Level 3 earloop mask is still not a respirator.

MARK3 SurgiCare Level 1 Earloop Masks (3-ply)

The MARK3 SurgiCare Blue Earloop Face Masks Level 1 3ply are made from a 3-ply, soft, fluid resistant material that MARK3 describes as cool, non-irritating and highly breathable. The listing states bacterial filtration efficiency above 95% and an adjustable nose strip for a secure fit.

Level 1 is also available as MARK3 SurgiCare White Earloop Face Masks Level 1 3ply. Both come 50 per box.

MARK3 SurgiCare Level 3 Earloop Masks (4-ply)

The MARK3 SurgiCare Blue Earloop Face Masks Level 3 4ply are listed as ASTM Level 3 with 99.98% filtration, a 4-ply build for an extra layer of comfort and protection, and an adjustable nose strip. They are fiberglass free and latex free.

Level 3 also comes in white and pink.

Fog free vs dual band strip: which ASTM Level 3 mask fits better?

Pick the fog free mask if loupes or safety glasses fog during long procedures, and the dual band strip mask if you want a tighter seal along the nose and chin. Both are 4-ply ASTM Level 3 masks in blue, 50 per box.

MARK3 SurgiCare Fog Free Level 3

The MARK3 SurgiCare Blue Earloop Face Masks Fog Free Level 3 4ply keep the same Level 3, 4-ply construction and nose strip as the standard SurgiCare Level 3. Fogging happens when exhaled air escapes over the top edge, so pinching the nose strip snugly still matters.

MARK3 SurgiCare Dual Band Strips Level 3

The MARK3 SurgiCare Blue Earloop Face Masks with Dual Band Strips Level 3 4ply add adjustable strips at both the nose and the chin. MARK3 describes the result as a great seal, which helps clinicians whose masks ride up or gap at the jaw.

KN95 vs surgical mask: what’s the difference?

A surgical or procedure mask is a loose-fitting fluid barrier, while a KN95 is a respirator designed to seal to the face and filter the air you breathe in. KN95 is a Chinese standard (GB2626); it is not the same as a NIOSH-approved N95, so check your state rules and OSHA and CDC guidance before using one as respiratory protection.

Fit is the deciding factor with any respirator. If air leaks around the edges, filtration on paper does not reach your lungs, so do a user seal check every time you put one on.

Chase Dental Supply KN95 Protective Mask (Powecom)

The Chase Dental Supply KN95 Protective Mask 95% Filtration (Powecom) uses four protection layers of polypropylene nonwoven fabric, melt-blown fabric and filter cotton. The listing says it filters almost 95% of particles in the air, with an adjustable nose bridge, elastic earloops and a 3D shape that increases breathing volume.

KN95 Respirator Masks, 10/pk or 50/pk

The KN95 Respirator Masks 10/pk or 50/pk are single use, rated in the listing at BFE 95%, and intended for use against solid and liquid aerosols. They help protect others from bacteria exhaled by the wearer and reduce the wearer’s exposure to splashes of blood and body fluids.

Nosk Personal Air Filtration

Nosk Personal Air Filtration from Meta Dental Corp is a nasal filter that slips into the nostrils, held by a thin plastic strip. It is designed to reduce inhaled allergens and dust, but it does not replace a mask or respirator.

Which one should you choose?

Match the mask to the procedure, then match the variant to the wearer. Masks are one layer of PPE alongside gloves, eyewear and suction, so pair this guide with our nitrile vs latex vs vinyl gloves comparison and our look at 25K vs 30K ultrasonic scaler inserts.

• Choose SurgiCare Level 1 if you staff the front desk or sterilization area, or perform exams and consults with little spray.
• Choose SurgiCare Level 3 if you are a hygienist doing ultrasonic scaling or a general dentist using high-speed handpieces and air-water syringes.
• Choose the Level 3 Fog Free if you wear loupes or safety glasses for long procedures.
• Choose the Level 3 Dual Band if you are an oral surgeon or clinician who needs the mask to stay sealed at the chin.
• Choose a KN95 if your office protocol calls for a fitted respirator and you can achieve a good seal.
• Add Nosk if you work in a dusty lab or school setting and want extra personal filtration.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 3 masks?

Level 1 and Level 3 are performance levels under the ASTM F2100 standard for medical face masks. Level 3 masks have the highest fluid resistance and are meant for procedures with heavy spray or aerosol, while Level 1 masks are a lighter, more breathable barrier for low-spray tasks. MARK3 SurgiCare Level 1 masks are 3-ply and SurgiCare Level 3 masks are 4-ply.

When should a dental team wear an ASTM Level 3 mask?

An ASTM Level 3 mask is the usual choice for procedures that create heavy spray or aerosol, such as ultrasonic scaling, high-speed handpiece work and air polishing. Follow your office infection control protocol and current CDC and OSHA guidance for your specific procedures.

Is a KN95 the same as an N95?

No. KN95 is a Chinese respirator standard (GB2626), while N95 respirators are approved by NIOSH in the United States. Both are designed to seal to the face, and either one only protects as well as it fits, so perform a seal check every time you put one on.

KN95 vs surgical mask: which is better for dental procedures?

They do different jobs. A surgical or procedure mask is a loose-fitting fluid barrier rated by ASTM level, while a KN95 is a respirator designed to filter inhaled air when it seals well. Many dental teams use Level 3 masks for routine aerosol procedures and a fitted respirator when their protocol calls for respiratory protection.

Do fog free masks stop loupes from fogging?

Fog free masks such as the MARK3 SurgiCare Fog Free Level 3 are designed to reduce fogging of eyewear. A snug fit at the nose still matters, so pinch the adjustable nose strip to your face so exhaled air is not directed up into your loupes or glasses.

The best mask program uses more than one mask: Level 1 for low-spray work, Level 3 for aerosol procedures, and a fitted respirator when your protocol requires one. Chase Dental Supply carries MARK3 SurgiCare masks, KN95 masks and Nosk filters in our Infection Control category, with more protective gear in Apparel, Gloves and PPE. For case quantities or standing orders, email sales@chasedentalsupply.com.