Face masks are ordered by ASTM level and case count, and the two are independent: a case of level 1 masks and a case of level 3 masks can look identical on a shelf and behave completely differently in a procedure room. In Ontario, clinics buy masks from a medical wholesaler, a dental distributor, or a supplier with Canadian stock, and the ordering mistake that shows up most often is buying one level for every task. A common specification for routine care is a level 2 face mask to ASTM F2100, made in Canada, 50 per pack.
This guide explains what the levels measure, how case sizing works, and what to write on the order so the next case matches the last one.
What does the ASTM F2100 level measure?
The standard tests three performance areas and assigns a level from the results, alongside a flammability class.
| Test | What it measures | Why a clinic notices |
|---|---|---|
| Bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) | How well the mask filters bacteria-sized particles | Relevant to splash and droplet exposure in procedures |
| Particle filtration efficiency (PFE) | Filtration of sub-micron particles at a defined flow | Distinguishes a procedure mask from a dust mask |
| Differential pressure (delta P) | Breathability, measured as resistance to airflow | A mask that resists airflow fogs eyewear and gets pulled down |
| Splash resistance | Resistance to synthetic blood at a defined velocity | The test that separates level 2 and level 3 from level 1 |
| Flammability | Burn behaviour of the material | Class 1 is the normal requirement for clinical masks |
Level 1 is specified for basic care and general use, level 2 for procedures with moderate fluid, and level 3 for situations with more fluid or longer exposure. The numbers behind the levels are set by the standard, so two suppliers quoting level 2 are quoting the same threshold; what differs is fit and the ear loop or tie configuration.
How do case sizes work?
Masks ship in packs of 50 and cases of 10 to 20 packs, so a case is 500 to 1,000 masks. A four-chair dental practice using one mask per appointment uses roughly 400 to 600 a month, which means a case lasts one to two months. Order two cases and hold one, rather than ordering a case a week and paying freight on each shipment.
Check the case configuration before comparing prices: a case of 500 at one price and a case of 1,000 at another are not comparable, and the freight per case is fixed regardless of the count.
What should the purchase order specify?
- ASTM F2100 level, and whether the mask is intended for procedure or general care use.
- Pack count and case count, so the par level matches what arrives.
- Ear loop or tie, and whether the mask has a nose wire and a foam strip.
- Whether the mask is made in Canada, if local supply is part of the clinic policy.
- Lot number on the packing documents.
How should masks be stored?
Dry, out of sunlight, and in the original pack until use. Do not decant masks into an open box on a counter: they pick up dust and moisture and lose the shape that gives the seal. Keep a box at the point of use and the reserve in a closed cupboard.
Related reading
- Exam glove standards in Canada vs the US: ASTM and ISO acceptance compared
- How to build a two-supplier policy for single-use consumables
- Glove sizing for clinical staff: why fit matters more than thickness
Plan your monthly quantities with the clinic supply planner, or print the ordering checklist and keep it with the stock sheets. Ask a Compliance Specialist at the sterilization compliance desk if the product touches reprocessing. Ordering for a clinic, lab or care home? Wholesale and multi-site ordering covers case pricing and account setup, and the B2B wholesale collection lists the lines stocked for institutional buyers. Reselling? become a distributor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a level 1 and level 2 mask?
The levels come from ASTM F2100 test results. Level 2 masks meet higher filtration and splash resistance thresholds than level 1, which is why level 2 suits procedures with moderate fluid exposure and level 1 suits basic care.
How many masks are in a case?
Cases commonly hold 10 to 20 packs of 50, so 500 to 1,000 masks. Confirm the count before comparing case prices, because a case price alone says nothing about the unit cost.
Is a level 3 mask needed for routine dental work?
Routine examinations and most restorative work are covered by level 2. Level 3 is specified where fluid exposure is heavier or longer, and using it everywhere raises cost without changing the risk for routine tasks.
How should masks be stored?
Dry, out of sunlight, in the original pack until use. Decanting into an open box exposes them to dust and moisture and distorts the shape that provides the seal.
CliniEco Medical is a licensed medical device establishment (MDEL #35334).