Crosstex vs. Medicom Mask: Which Should You Choose?

  • , by Marketing SurgiMac
  • 12 min reading time

Find out which Crosstex Medicom mask is best for your dental practice. Compare comfort, protection, and features to choose the right mask for your team.

Finding the right surgical mask is a balancing act between serious protection and all-day comfort. After all, a mask is only effective if your team wears it correctly through every single procedure. Crosstex and Medicom are two of the biggest names in the game, but they approach mask design with different technologies and materials. Whether you need a super secure fit or prioritize maximum breathability, there’s a Crosstex Medicom mask perfect for your practice. We’ll break down the key advantages of each brand to help you find a reliable mask your team will actually be happy to wear.

Two top brands trusted by healthcare providers are Crosstex and Medicom. Both offer a variety of premium surgical masks, each designed to meet the specific needs of dental and medical environments.

At SurgiMac, we take pride in carrying a wide range of Crosstex and Medicom masks and other medical products so that dental and medical professionals have the best options for their practices. Let's compare the key features of both brands to help you make an informed decision about which masks suit your specific needs.

Crosstex: Innovation and Versatility

Crosstex is known for innovation in infection prevention. Therefore, it offers surgical and medical-grade masks manufactured with high-level filtration technologies and comes in different types to meet the varied professional requirements.

Key Features of Crosstex Masks

  1. ASTM Performance Ratings: Crosstex offers Level 1, 2, and 3 surgical masks, catering to varying levels of protection. Their ASTM Level 3 masks are ideal for high-risk procedures requiring maximum fluid resistance.
  2. Comfort and Fit: Crosstex masks prioritize comfort with features like soft ear loops and adjustable nose pieces, ensuring a secure fit for prolonged use.
  3. Variety of Options: From black surgical masks to colorful designs, Crosstex masks allow professionals to combine protection with a touch of personalization.
  4. Specialty Masks: Crosstex also provides specialty options such as the Isolator Plus N95 and Secure Fit™ masks, which are designed for superior respiratory protection in high-contamination environments.

Crosstex Product Lines by ASTM Level

Crosstex makes it simple to find the right mask for any task by organizing their products by ASTM performance levels. They offer a full range of masks rated at Levels 1, 2, and 3, which helps you match your protection to the procedure. For routine check-ups or low-risk scenarios with minimal spray, a Level 1 mask is a great choice. When you anticipate moderate splatter, like during restorative work, a Level 2 mask provides a reliable barrier. For high-risk procedures that involve significant fluid exposure, such as oral surgery, their ASTM Level 3 masks deliver the highest level of fluid resistance and filtration, ensuring maximum protection for you and your patient.

Specialized Features and Construction

Beyond protection levels, Crosstex focuses heavily on comfort and fit, because a mask is only effective if it’s worn correctly and comfortably throughout the day. Their masks are designed with soft ear loops that prevent irritation and an adjustable nose piece to create a secure seal. This attention to detail means less adjusting and a better fit for various face shapes. For environments with higher contamination risks, Crosstex offers specialty options like the Isolator Plus N95 and Secure Fit™ masks. When you're focused on a delicate task, whether it's a complex extraction or suturing with our reliable MacSuture line, having a mask that stays put without compromising on protection is a huge advantage.

Technical Performance and Standards

When you're choosing personal protective equipment, you need to know it meets rigorous safety standards. Crosstex masks are evaluated against globally recognized benchmarks, ensuring they provide reliable protection when it matters most. This commitment to certified performance means you can focus on your patient, confident that your mask is doing its job. These standards aren't just letters and numbers; they represent a promise of safety and quality control, which is crucial in any clinical setting where infection prevention is a top priority.

Level 3 Mask Performance Metrics

Crosstex provides masks across various protection levels, but their ASTM Level 3 masks are engineered for procedures with a high risk of fluid exposure. These masks offer the maximum level of fluid resistance recognized by the ASTM, making them a go-to choice for surgeries or any situation involving significant spray or splatter. This high-performance rating ensures that aerosols and droplets are effectively blocked, protecting both the wearer and the patient. At SurgiMac, we carry a full line of Crosstex surgical masks to ensure you have access to the appropriate level of protection for every procedure.

European Standard (EN14683) Compliance

In addition to meeting North American ASTM standards, many Crosstex masks also comply with the European EN14683 Rating-Type IIR standard. This dual compliance is a strong indicator of a product's quality and global acceptance. The Type IIR rating specifically signifies that the mask is both splash-resistant and offers excellent bacterial filtration efficiency. For a dental professional, this means you're using a product that has been tested and validated against multiple stringent international benchmarks, providing an extra layer of confidence in its protective capabilities during daily practice.

Versatility in Application: From Dental to Animal Health

A mask's true value is proven by its performance across a range of professional environments. Crosstex has built its reputation on innovation in infection prevention, developing masks with advanced filtration technologies that serve the varied needs of healthcare professionals. While they are a staple in dental offices for protecting against aerosols and fluids, their reliability extends far beyond. This adaptability makes them a practical choice for practices that handle a wide variety of procedures, ensuring consistent protection no matter the task at hand.

The quality of Crosstex masks is so trusted that they are also widely used in other medical fields, including animal health. Veterinarians and their staff rely on these masks to protect against fluids and airborne particles during procedures, demonstrating the product's robust and dependable design. This cross-disciplinary trust speaks volumes. When a single product line, like Crosstex masks or our own reliable MacSuture line, is depended upon by professionals in diverse surgical and dental fields, you know it’s built to perform consistently and effectively.

Medicom: Trusted Quality and Reliability

Medicom has become known for making masks that are protective, comfortable, and breathable. Their masks are trusted by healthcare professionals worldwide and meet stringent quality standards.

Key Features of Medicom Masks

  1. High Filtration Efficiency: Medicom masks feature advanced filtration layers that block particles, bacteria, and fluids, ensuring reliable protection.
  2. Soft and Lightweight: Designed for long-term wear, Medicom masks are lightweight and feature soft materials to reduce irritation.
  3. Wide Range of Products: From medical face masks to surgical face masks, Medicom’s product line includes options for various professional needs.
  4. Innovative Designs: Medicom’s masks include options with anti-fog strips and enhanced fluid resistance, making them particularly useful for dental procedures.

Crosstex vs Medicom - Key Comparisons

Feature Crosstex Medicom
Protection Levels ASTM-rated masks with high filtration efficiency and fluid resistance (e.g., Crosstex Secure Fit™) ASTM-rated masks with high filtration efficiency and fluid resistance (e.g., SafeMask Premier Elite)
Comfort and Fit Secure Fit™ technology for adjustable fit, breathability, and reduced skin irritation Lightweight design with breathability, designed for extended wear
Aesthetic Options Wide variety of colors and designs, including black and patterned masks Focuses on classic, professional styles more about function than form
Specialty Masks Offers Isolator Plus N95 for maximum respiratory protection Features anti-fog and fluid-resistant masks tailored for dental settings

 

Matching the Mask to the Dental Procedure

Not all dental procedures carry the same level of risk, so your choice of mask shouldn't be a one-size-fits-all decision. Selecting the appropriate mask is just as critical as choosing the right gauge of MacSuture for a specific closure; it’s about matching your protective equipment to the task at hand to ensure safety for both you and your patient. The ASTM rating system simplifies this by categorizing masks into three levels based on their fluid resistance and filtration efficiency. By understanding these levels, you can confidently choose the right protection for every appointment on your schedule, from routine check-ups to more involved treatments.

Level 1 Masks: For Exams and Low-Aerosol Tasks

Think of Level 1 masks as your go-to for everyday, low-risk situations. These masks are perfect for procedures where there's minimal exposure to fluids, spray, or aerosols. This includes routine patient exams, consultations, orthodontic adjustments, and taking impressions. Brands like Crosstex offer excellent Level 1 surgical masks that provide basic, reliable protection without compromising on breathability or comfort during these shorter, less intensive interactions. They are an essential component of your daily infection control protocol, offering the right amount of protection for tasks that don't generate significant airborne particles.

Level 2 Masks: For Fillings and Moderate-Aerosol Tasks

When a procedure involves a greater potential for splashes, spatter, or airborne particles, it's time to use a Level 2 mask. These are ideal for a wide range of common dental work, including composite fillings, prophylaxis, and simple extractions, where moderate amounts of aerosols are generated. Both Crosstex and Medicom provide high-quality Level 2 masks designed with enhanced filtration and fluid resistance to handle these situations. Their construction ensures that you remain protected from moderate levels of spray and particles while maintaining comfort, making them a versatile and indispensable part of your dental supply inventory.

Why Choose SurgiMac for your practices surgical mask needs?

At SurgiMac, we understand that choosing the right protective equipment is vital for the health and safety of your staff and patients. That’s why we offer:

  • Comprehensive Stock: We carry a full range of Crosstex and Medicom masks, ensuring you’ll find the perfect match for your needs.
  • Competitive Prices: SurgiMac’s commitment to affordability allows you to access premium products without compromising your budget.
  • Expert Support: Our team is here to guide you in selecting the best masks for your practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ASTM Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 surgical masks?
ASTM levels categorize surgical masks based on their barrier performance for fluid resistance, bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE), and particulate filtration efficiency (PFE).

  • Level 1: Provides basic protection, suitable for low-fluid exposure environments like general examinations or routine visits.
  • Level 2: Offers moderate protection, ideal for procedures with a moderate risk of fluid splashes, such as cavity fillings or orthodontic adjustments.
  • Level 3: Provides maximum protection for high-risk environments, including surgeries or procedures with heavy fluid exposure.

When should I wear an N95 respirator instead of a surgical mask?
N95 respirators are recommended for use during procedures that generate aerosols, such as ultrasonic scaling or high-speed handpiece operations. These masks filter at least 95% of airborne particles, offering a higher level of respiratory protection compared to surgical masks.

Can surgical masks be reused?
No, surgical masks are single-use devices designed to be disposed of after each patient interaction. Reusing them compromises their filtration efficiency and increases the risk of contamination.

How should I dispose of used surgical masks?
Dispose of used masks in a biohazard container or a waste receptacle designated for medical waste. Proper disposal minimizes the risk of infection and complies with OSHA and CDC guidelines.

Where can I buy surgical masks?
You can purchase premium Crosstex and Medicom surgical masks from SurgiMac, your trusted source for dental and medical supplies. We offer a wide range of ASTM-rated masks to suit every healthcare professional's needs. Visit our Crosstex and Medicom product pages to explore our inventory.

Are surgical masks effective?
Yes, surgical masks are highly effective in protecting against fluid splashes, respiratory droplets, and certain airborne particles. Numerous studies indicate their role in reducing cross-contamination and infection transmission in healthcare settings.

What masks do dentists commonly wear?
Dentists typically wear ASTM Level 2 or Level 3 masks for routine procedures to protect against fluids and particles. For high-risk treatments, such as removing mercury fillings or procedures generating aerosols, N95 respirators or specialized masks with enhanced filtration are recommended.

Useful Resources

Explore Medicom Collection by SurgiMac - Discover high-quality Medicom surgical masks tailored to meet the needs of dental and medical professionals.

Discover Crosstex Collection by SurgiMacBrowse the wide range of Crosstex masks, known for innovation and superior protection, available at SurgiMac.   

Discover our Q1 Promotions - Take advantage of exclusive discounts on dental and medical supplies, with savings of up to 30%.

Key Takeaways

  • Prioritize Your Practice's Needs: Choose Crosstex for its innovative features, secure fit technology, and variety of styles, or select Medicom when lightweight comfort and breathability for extended wear are the top priorities.
  • Match the Mask Level to the Task: Use the ASTM rating system as a simple guide for safety. Level 1 masks are for low-risk exams, Level 2 is ideal for procedures with moderate aerosols like fillings, and Level 3 offers maximum protection for surgeries.
  • Effective Protection Requires the Right Tool: Selecting the appropriate mask is just as critical as choosing the right gauge of MacSuture for a procedure. The correct level and a comfortable fit ensure your team is protected and can focus on patient care without distraction.

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