Surgical vs. Non-Medical Masks: What’s the Difference? A Comprehensive Guide

Since 2020, the word “mask” has become part of our daily vocabulary. But walk into any pharmacy in Toronto today, and you’ll see dozens of mask options from surgical masks and medical grade face masks to non-medical face masks made of fabric.

The question many Canadians ask is: What’s the real difference between medical vs. non-medical masks?

This guide cuts through the confusion. We’ll break down the difference in face masks, explore ASTM mask standards, and help you decide which mask is right for your needs whether you’re a healthcare worker, a Toronto commuter, or a parent looking for safe options for your kids.

Why Understanding Mask Types Matters

Not all masks provide the same level of protection. Choosing the wrong one can mean:

• Reduced protection against airborne particles.
• Non-compliance with healthcare or workplace safety standards.
• Unnecessary costs from buying the wrong mask type.

Medical vs. Non-Medical Masks: The Core Difference

At a high level:

• Medical masks (surgical or procedural masks) → Designed, tested, and certified for healthcare use. They protect both the wearer and those around them.
• Non-medical masks (cloth, fabric, or consumer-grade masks) → Designed for general public use, without regulatory standards.

Let’s go deeper.

What is a Medical Mask?

A medical mask sometimes called a surgical mask or medical grade face mask—is a disposable device regulated by standards such as:

• ASTM International (U.S. and Canada)
• Health Canada
• FDA (U.S.)

Features of Medical Masks

• Made of multiple layers (typically 3-ply).
• Include a melt-blown filter layer that blocks droplets and particles.
• Tested for bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE), particle filtration efficiency (PFE), breathability, and fluid resistance.

ASTM Mask Levels

In Canada, ASTM standards are commonly used:

• ASTM Level 1 → Low barrier protection (basic care, low-risk settings).
• ASTM Level 2 → Moderate protection (dental offices, ERs with moderate fluid exposure).
• ASTM Level 3 → Maximum barrier protection (surgical settings, high-risk exposure).

Understanding ASTM Mask Levels in Detail

ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) is the global standard-setting organization that regulates how medical masks are tested for performance. In Canada and Toronto, ASTM standards are the benchmark for hospitals, dental clinics, and other healthcare settings.

Masks are rated into three levels (1, 2, and 3) based on four main factors:

1. Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE)
2. Particle Filtration Efficiency (PFE)
3. Breathability (Delta P)
4. Fluid Resistance (mmHg)

Here’s what each level means in practice:

ASTM Level 1: Low Barrier Protection

Best for: General care and low-risk environments.

Protection level:

• BFE ≥ 95%
• PFE ≥ 95%
• Fluid resistance: 80 mmHg

Use cases:

• Routine check-ups in a family doctor’s office.
• Admin or clerical staff in a healthcare setting.
• Retail or office staff who want extra protection beyond cloth masks.

Why choose Level 1?
It’s comfortable, breathable, and affordable. But it’s not meant for environments with splash or spray risk, like dental cleanings or hospital ERs.

ASTM Level 2: Moderate Barrier Protection

Best for: Moderate-risk environments where there’s occasional fluid exposure.

Protection level:

• BFE ≥ 98%
• PFE ≥ 98%
• Fluid resistance: 120 mmHg

Use cases:

• Dental clinics during patient cleanings.
• Emergency rooms (non-surgical tasks).
• Food prep in kitchens, where splashes or contact with liquids may occur.

Why choose Level 2?
It’s the sweet spot: higher protection than Level 1 but more breathable than Level 3. Many Toronto dental practices standardize Level 2 for daily patient care.

ASTM Level 3: Maximum Barrier Protection

Best for: High-risk and surgical environments.

Protection level:

• BFE ≥ 98%
• PFE ≥ 98%
• Fluid resistance: 160 mmHg (highest level).
  

 

Use cases:

• Operating rooms.
• Dental surgeries involving heavy aerosol generation.
• ER trauma cases with exposure to blood or bodily fluids.

Why choose Level 3?
If there’s any chance of high fluid or aerosol exposure, Level 3 is the gold standard. However, because of their thickness, these masks can feel less breathable for long shifts, so some facilities balance usage between Level 2 and Level 3 depending on the procedure.

Quick Comparison Table

What is a Non-Medical Mask?

A non medical face mask refers to consumer-grade or cloth masks designed for everyday public use.

Features of Non-Medical Masks

• Made from fabric (cotton, polyester, blends) or disposable non-regulated materials.
• May be single-layer or multi-layer but do not include melt-blown filter layers.
• No standardized testing for filtration efficiency or fluid resistance.

Use Cases

• Everyday errands in Toronto (e.g., grocery shopping, transit).
• Community settings with low exposure risk.
• Reusable and washable, making them environmentally friendly.

Many Toronto consumers assumed that a stylish cloth mask offered the same protection as a medical grade mask but in reality, the filtration difference is significant.

Key Differences Between Medical and Non-Medical Masks

Pain Points Businesses in Toronto Face

1. Compliance Confusion

In Toronto and across Ontario employers are expected to provide protective equipment that meets public health and workplace safety standards. The problem is that not every mask labeled as a “medical mask” is actually certified.

For example:

• Some suppliers market “mask medical face” products that look like surgical masks but don’t list ASTM certification on the packaging.
• Without certification, these masks may not meet Canadian safety requirements.
• If used in healthcare, dental, or food-service environments, this can lead to compliance issues, fines, or liability risks.

Why it matters: A Toronto dental clinic using uncertified masks during aerosol procedures may not just put staff at risk it could also fail an inspection and damage patient trust.

2. Cost vs. Safety Trade-Off

Non-medical (cloth or consumer-grade) masks are appealing because they’re reusable and budget-friendly. For businesses with dozens of employees, this can seem like the smarter option.

But here’s the catch:

• In regulated environments (like healthcare, dental, or food service), only medical grade masks are permitted.
• Cloth or non-medical masks may save money upfront, but using them where medical masks are required creates both legal and health risks.

Example: A restaurant might provide cloth masks for servers to save costs. But during a public health inspection, they could be penalized if staff in food-prep areas aren’t wearing medical grade masks.

3. Employee Comfort

Wearing a mask for 8–10 hours a day is no small task. While ASTM Level 3 masks offer the highest protection, they can also feel hotter, heavier, and less breathable than lighter alternatives.

• This discomfort may lead employees to:
  

• Remove masks too often.
• Wear them incorrectly (e.g., under the nose).
• Switch to their own, less protective cloth masks.

Why it matters: If employees in a Toronto hospital or clinic aren’t wearing masks properly because of discomfort, the protective barrier is compromised even if the masks themselves are medical grade.

4. Public Perception

Beyond compliance and comfort, businesses must also think about customer trust.

• Customers in Toronto often perceive staff wearing medical grade masks as safer and more professional.
• Conversely, if employees wear casual cloth masks, clients may question the business’s commitment to safety.

Example: A Toronto dental clinic where staff wear ASTM Level 3 masks signals “we prioritize your health”. A café where baristas wear worn cloth masks may unintentionally signal “we’re cutting corners.”

FAQs: Medical vs. Non-Medical Masks

1. What’s the main difference between medical vs non-medical masks?

Medical masks are certified for healthcare use with tested filtration and fluid resistance, while non-medical masks are for general public use and aren’t regulated.

2. Can non-medical face masks be used in hospitals?

No. Hospitals and clinics require medical grade face masks that meet ASTM standard

3. What is an ASTM Level 3 mask vs Level 1?

Level 3 offers the highest protection against fluids and particles, while Level 1 is only for low-risk environments.

4. Are cloth masks still effective?

They provide basic source control but are less effective than medical grade masks. Multi-layer cloth masks with filters perform better than single-layer fabric masks.

5. How do I know if my mask is medical grade?

Check the packaging for ASTM or Health Canada certification. If it doesn’t list standards, it’s likely a non-medical mask.

Actionable Insights for Canada Businesses and Individuals

1. Healthcare & Dental Clinics → Always use ASTM Level 2 or 3 medical masks for compliance and staff protection.
2. Restaurants & Food Service → Staff should use medical masks in kitchens to meet CFIA and public health standards.
3. Retail & Office Settings → Non-medical masks may be acceptable, but offering medical grade face masks improves both safety and customer trust.
4. Everyday Consumers → If you’re commuting on the TTC during flu season, choose a medical mask over cloth for better protection.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Mask for Safety and Trust

The debate around medical vs non-medical masks isn’t just technical it impacts safety, compliance, comfort, and even how customers perceive your business.

• Medical grade masks (ASTM-certified surgical masks) provide regulated, tested protection and are essential in healthcare, dental, and food-service settings in Toronto.

• Non-medical masks (cloth or consumer-grade face coverings) are better suited for low-risk, everyday use where certified protection isn’t mandatory.

• Within medical masks, ASTM Levels 1, 2, and 3 help you match the mask’s barrier protection to the environment from basic office care to high-risk surgical procedures.

For individuals, the right choice comes down to where you’ll be wearing the mask and how much risk you’re exposed to. For Toronto businesses, the right decision balances compliance, cost, staff comfort, and customer confidence.

Looking for certified medical masks or reliable non-medical masks in Toronto?
Shop our collection of face masks today and choose the right level of protection for your team, your business, and your family.