Since the onset of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, N95 grade medical protective masks, N95 respirators, and surgical masks have been in high demand. Even after the end of the pandemic, masks remain crucial for individuals who want to keep themselves protected against various infectious diseases.
According to a report by Extrapolate, the global N95 grade medical protective mask market size is expected to reach approximately $2.13 billion by 2030.
These masks are classified as personal protective equipment (PPE), which are leveraged to prevent the wearer’s face from getting contaminated with liquid or air particles. Various regulatory bodies like the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have set guidelines to regulate the production of medical grade N95 respirators. In this blog, let us explore the top 10 N95 grade medical protective mask manufacturers.
Top 10 N95 Grade Medical Protective Mask Manufacturers
Following is the list of the top 10 companies that produce surgical N95 respirators:
1. 3M Company
3M N95 grade medical protective masks are NIOSH certified. Additionally, they meet all the guidelines led by the CDC. 3M N95 masks have United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for use as a surgical mask. They have a high fluid and bacterial resistance efficiency. They can be individually wrapped to ensure the user gets a clean respirator with each breath. Some of these medical protective masks can have a nose clip that adapts to an individual's nose to minimize eyewear fogging and offer a better seal and fit.
2. Honeywell International, Inc.
Honeywell International offers N95 protective masks in universal sizes, which fit most facial shapes and are disposable. They are intentionally designed to reduce the pressure points and fit comfortably. These N95 masks have a humidity and moisture-resistant filter media, which repulses moisture for a long-lasting respirator. These masks have a strong and rigid outer shell that does not allow the mask to collapse in high humidity conditions. One of their significant benefits is that they have latex-free woven head straps that minimize the possibility of breaking.
3. Kimberly-Clark Corporation
Kimberly-Clark’s N95 grade medical protective mask demonstrates a high filtration efficiency. These masks are effective in protecting from airborne contaminants and particles. They are designed in a pouch style that offers the individual a large breathing chamber to enhance comfort. Kimberly-Clark N95 respirator has two comfortable fit headbands and an adjustable nosepiece to personalize fit and provide a consistent seal.
4. Alpha Pro Tech, Ltd.
Alpha Pro Tech’s Positive Facial Lock® (PFL®) N-95 particulate respirator provides protection from many airborne contaminants. These 8” fluid-resistant particulate respiratory protection masks offer a sufficient amount of filtration efficiency. These masks have Magic Arch® technology, which develops breathing chambers within the facemask. It helps hold the mask away from the wearer’s nose and mouth. Additionally, they also have PFL technology with an integrated Twist Seal® chin piece, which offers a custom fitting for the wearer every time.
5. Ansell Limited
N95 grade medical protective masks manufactured by Ansell Limited can be worn by healthcare frontline staff while executing a potentially infectious aerosol-generating procedure. If the patient is a suspect or has a newly identified respiratory virus, these masks can be used for protection. The mask is a duckbill style with headbeads, which offer FFP3 levels of protection. They are resistant to fluid projections and are ISO-certified. These medical protective masks are used to enhance infection control and minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
6. Moldex-Metric, Inc.
Moldex-Metric’s medical-grade protective masks have a bacterial efficiency of almost 99.9%. The company does not use natural rubber latex for manufacturing the masks. The masks have a dura-mesh shell that prevents the masks from collapsing in heat and humidity. The design of the masks is in such a way that straps are securely attached to ensure they don’t break at the seal. These masks are naturally contoured for minimum pressure with molded nose bridges that seal easily without the need for a metal noseband. They have a softspun® lining for enhanced comfort and durability.
7. Prestige Ameritech
Prestige Ameritec’s ProGear N95 particulate filter respirator and surgical mask
are NIOSH- and FDA-approved. They are designed to prevent both patients and healthcare professionals from transferring microorganisms and airborne particulate materials. The masks are manufactured in the U.S. by utilizing locally sourced raw materials. It has a big filter area that makes breathing and speaking easier for the wearer. Moreover, their stretch-knit headband design improves the wearer’s comfort.
8. Makrite Industries Inc.
Makrite Industries’ N95 masks create a formidable barrier against airborne particles and have the capacity to filter 95% of contaminants, such as pollutants and viruses. Studies show that masks are effective in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Along with the effective filtration capacity, their masks offer comfort to the wearer. These N95 grade medical protective masks are perfectly suited for frontline workers who have to wear masks for longer durations. It has an ergonomic fit with minimum breathing resistance, which allows uninterrupted workflows.
9. Owens & Minor, Inc.
Owens & Minor is one of the oldest players manufacturing surgical N95 masks to protect healthcare professionals since 1997. Their masks meet and exceed the NIOSH standards. They offer enhanced comfort, focusing on breathability and fit. The design of these masks has a fluidshield duckbill breathing chamber that is more than twice as big as the leading competitive surgical N95 masks. They have strong elastic straps securely bonded and not stapled to the mask to enhance comfort and durability. The fabric used to manufacture these N95 masks is non-woven fabric.
10. Louis M. Gerson Co., Inc
Louis M. Gerson’s N95 grade medical protective masks have a higher filtration efficiency that prevents penetration of specific non-oil-based particles. The masks have a durable exterior layer and soft internal liner. They are manufactured to withstand extreme working conditions while offering all-day comfort. Their big breathing chambers and electrostatically charged filter media offer lesser breathing resistance. The head straps are made from synthetic rubber to offer durability and comfort.
To Summarize
There are various manufacturers that manufacture N95 respirators that are widely used in construction and other industrial-type jobs that expose the workforce to dust and small particles. Individuals with chronic diseases with transmission risks and healthcare professionals should wear N95 grade medical protective masks to minimize the risk of transmission. Healthcare professionals should look for top-quality medical-grade protective masks to protect themselves from various chronic infections. This list of top 10 N95 grade medical protective masks will help you make the right decision to stay protected.
