Procedure Earloop Mask for Sensitive Skin
Especially made for clinicians with sensitive skin, this Level 3 procedure mask features a unique inner layer and wicking technology for reliable barrier protection without irritation
Dentists and hygienists are accustomed to rescuing their patients from pain and discomfort, but sometimes it’s the practitioner who needs a bit of rescuing—from their own uncomfortable PPE. This is especially true today as many dental practitioners find themselves wearing masks for longer periods of time and to filter smaller particles.
At the end of a long day wearing an N95 mask, Maryann Olmsted, RDH, said the ear straps caused discomfort and a rash around her ears and the back of her neck. Dr. Suzanne Setayesh said her masks had uncomfortable earloops, caused condensation on her eyeglasses, and made breathing difficult.
Thankfully, Patterson Dental has come to the rescue with its new Procedure Earloop Mask for Sensitive Skin, which provides ASTM Level 3 protection without irritating sensitive faces. “It provided the same protection [as my previous mask] but made breathing easier,” said Olmsted. “It had better air flow, I didn’t worry about developing a rash, and it didn’t rub my ears raw.” Dr. Setayesh was also impressed and said the mask “is lightweight with material that made it easy to breathe, has a soft lining that is thick but very comfortable, reduced fog on my eyeglasses, and has earloops that don’t pull on my ears.”
Comfort: Softness, Lack of Irritation, & Fit
Patterson’s Procedure Earloop Mask for Sensitive Skin features a lightweight, breathable cellulose-blend inner layer that softens with wear and remains cool on the skin. A unique wicking technology keeps the face dry and comfortable throughout a procedure.
Hygienist Jori McClure was pleased that the mask “was very gentle on the skin and didn’t cause breakouts.” Karensa Heflin, RDH, enjoyed the “nice feeling of the material,” and Dr. Juan José López was impressed by the softness against his face. “The mask was very durable and comfortable,” remarked Dr. Ted Holubec, and Dr. Chester Klos described it as “pleasant to wear and smelled nice.”
After having skin sensitivity with some other masks, Cathy Hendrickson, RDH, “experienced no sensitivity or redness of my skin/face at all” with the Patterson mask. The same was true for hygienists Linda Bell, who had “no skin irritation or redness on the bridge of my nose,” and Donna Chuchla, who “had no irritation from the lining” and said her ears didn’t hurt at the end of the day. One dentist reported that the material was a bit scratchy, while Maryann Beltz, RDH, said, “The texture felt softer, and my skin was less irritated.”
Searching for “a comfortable, well-fitting mask that doesn’t hurt my nose,” Dr. Klos said the mask fit “great” and “the metal was easy to bend and retained its shape nicely.” He especially liked its “softness and ability to conform to the face.” Bell said it “didn’t slip or move around,” and Chuchla said, “The elastic was a perfect size and the mask fit well around the nose.” Dr. Kirk Melton suggested a secondary piece of metal for the chin area, which would allow the wearer to “pinch fit it to the bottom of the face for a better seal.”
Breathability & Lack of Fogging
Olmsted said the mask’s breathability was “so much better than with my current Level 3 masks,” and Dr. Holubec said, “It was easy to speak clearly while wearing my mask, and I didn’t feel like I was being suffocated.” He reported “no issues with fogging,” and Hendrickson said her eyeglasses “didn’t fog at all; I didn’t have to stop and clear my glasses or rearrange it on my face.” Chuchla explained that “the inside lining made it comfortable and moisture absorbent, which, in turn, helped with anti-fogging,” and Dr. Setayesh said, “It occasionally steams up my glasses.”
Protection
Made in the USA, the Procedure Earloop Mask for Sensitive Skin offers ASTM Level 3 protection and comes in a white color, although several clinicians suggested other colors, especially since white shows stains. “The soft, long wire piece at the nose gives a better fit and seal to the face, with better moisture control inside the mask,” noted Dr. Setayesh. Hendrickson agreed that “it absorbed moisture very well because of the inside lining” and said she “never felt nervous using it because it’s a Level 3.” Linda Bell found it “easier to use with double masking,” and Dr. Klos said he “loved the mask” and suggested “upgrading this comfort level to 95 status.”
Overall Satisfaction
Praising the mask’s comfort, breathability, and overall protection, Dr. Setayesh called it “better than many other Level 3 masks,” and Olmsted said she would “absolutely” purchase the mask in the future. “It exceeded my expectations in providing a barrier to prevent respiratory droplets,” concluded Dr. Holubec.
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"It exceeded my expecations in providing a barrier to prevent respiratory droplets"
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"This mask was very gentle on the skin and didn't cause breakouts."
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"The soft, long wire piece at the nose gives a better fit and seal to the face."
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Ted Holubec, DDS Houston, TX |
Jori McClure, RDH Pittsboro, IN |
Suzanne Setayesh, DDS Elicott City, MD |
"The inside lining made it comfortable and moisture absorbent, which, in turn, helped with anti-fogging.”
- Donna Chuchla, RDH
Maitland, FL
Breathability & Lack of Fogging
Olmsted said the mask’s breathability was “so much better than with my current Level 3 masks,” and Dr. Holubec said, “It was easy to speak clearly while wearing my mask, and I didn’t feel like I was being suffocated.” He reported “no issues with fogging,” and Hendrickson said her eyeglasses “didn’t fog at all; I didn’t have to stop and clear my glasses or rearrange it on my face.” Chuchla explained that “the inside lining made it comfortable and moisture absorbent, which, in turn, helped with anti-fogging,” and Dr. Setayesh said, “It occasionally steams up my glasses.”
Protection
Made in the USA, the Procedure Earloop Mask for Sensitive Skin offers ASTM Level 3 protection and comes in a white color, although several clinicians suggested other colors, especially since white shows stains. “The soft, long wire piece at the nose gives a better fit and seal to the face, with better moisture control inside the mask,” noted Dr. Setayesh. Hendrickson agreed that “it absorbed moisture very well because of the inside lining” and said she “never felt nervous using it because it’s a Level 3.” Linda Bell found it “easier to use with double masking,” and Dr. Klos said he “loved the mask” and suggested “upgrading this comfort level to 95 status.”
Overall Satisfaction
Praising the mask’s comfort, breathability, and overall protection, Dr. Setayesh called it “better than many other Level 3 masks,” and Olmsted said she would “absolutely” purchase the mask in the future. “It exceeded my expectations in providing a barrier to prevent respiratory droplets,” concluded Dr. Holubec.
Takeaways
• ASTM Level 3 procedure mask made especially for sensitive skin
• Provides reliable barrier protection without irritation
• Lightweight, breathable cellulose-blend inner layer softens with wear and remains cool
• Unique wicking technology keeps face dry and comfortable throughout procedure
• Adaptable mask and earloops ensure an optimal fit
