Product Evaluation

360 Face Masks Evaluation

Cranberry’s 360 4-ply ear loop face masks feature a 360-degree, curved-edge design that provides complete full-coverage protection

Protection, fit, comfort, and resistance are all important features when considering what face mask to wear during a dental procedure. But Cranberry has added its own unique feature to the mix—curves. The curved edges and unique shape of the new 360 Face Mask is designed to form a complete 360-degree seal around the nose and mouth.

A group of dentists and hygienists tested that seal for themselves by wearing the Cranberry 360 masks in their practices for several weeks as part of this Dental Product Shopper evaluation. “This mask makes a great seal and is the most comfortable mask I’ve ever worn,” Dr. Robert DeFazio shared. “I’d recommend this to anyone.” Dr. DeFazio praised the mask’s anti-fog properties and said, “It was nice not to have to stop to adjust my mask or move it so my glasses wouldn’t fog. It’s a great mask.”

Available in ASTM levels 2 and 3, this revolutionary mask easily conforms to different face shapes to help ensure that the clinician experiences the proper fit, comfort, protection, and fluid resistance during every procedure. For these reasons, our panel of evaluators deemed the Cranberry 360 masks to be a Recommended Product.

Fit and Face Seal

Available in two sizes (small and regular), the mask forms a V-shape when opened, preventing collapse and providing extra breathing volume. The curvededge design permits the mask to lay flat against the skin, allowing it to conform to different face shapes.

When asked what they liked best about the masks, several evaluators mentioned the fit and tight seal. Dr. Etta Lobel said, “The fit was great and it was not right up against my face. I get claustrophobic in the masks usually, but not this one.” Joseph O’Leary, DDS, called it “very well-fitting” and said it provided the best seal of any mask he has used. “It fit snug,” noted hygienist Corey Skriver, who said she appreciated that the mask eliminated the gap under the chin, but suggested it could be a little baggier in the mouth area. “I love how tightly the mask fits around my face,” shared Jessica Allbritten, who also suggested the ear loops were tight.

Comfort and Breathability

For optimal comfort, the masks are 100% latex-free and fiberglass-free, with an inner layer that’s free of dye, chemicals, and lint. These qualities are very important to Dr. Rachna Surana because she has allergic reactions and sensitive skin. With the 360 masks, she said she felt very comfortable and had no allergic reaction or facial irritation. Dr. Shari Mathew found these masks to be more comfortable than his previous masks, while Patricia Brune said the masks made her face hot while wearing them. Allbritten and Skriver both praised the masks for being breathable, with Allbritten commenting, “It has superior protection and breathability.”

Fluid Resistance and Anti-Fog Properties

The 360 Face Masks are available in ASTM Level 2 (120 mmHg fluid resistance) and ASTM Level 3 (160 mmHg fluid resistance), and offer secure, four-ply protection. For Brune, ”the tight seal and thickness of this mask” kept splatter and vapors out. Sherry Morrissey, RDH, said she felt more protected with this mask design and found it “reassuring to have a mask that’s covering so much more of my face, especially with splatter from the ultrasonic.” Calling it an excellent product, Dr. Surana was pleased that the masks are “protecting us from droplet infections and investing in better health of the practice.” She suggested that Cranberry offer the mask with an added eye visor for complete facial coverage.

Cranberry designed the masks with a unique anti-fog cushion to help absorb moisture and reduce fogging of eyewear. For Dr. Nancy Nehawandian, the anti-fog properties are what she liked best about the masks, and Morrissey said the nose strip on the mask helped prevent fogging. Dr. Surana said the design solved her fog issue effortlessly, while Dr.Kathy Ausman commented, “[It] helped a little compared to other masks, but I still had some fogging.”

"This mask makes a great seal and is the most comfortable mask I've ever worn."
-Robert DeFazio, DMD
Pittsburgh, PA

Overall Satisfaction

Although appearance wasn’t one of the rated criteria in this evaluation, some of the evaluators said they would like the appearance to be improved, which was reflected in their overall satisfaction score.

Dr. Ausman said she would recommend these masks to colleagues and praised them for their “good seal and durability.” Dr. Surana said the masks improved her work experience by offering comfort and anti-fogging properties with an anti-allergenic material that did not cause facial irritation. She concluded, “I have never used a better mask with so many versatile properties.”

Takeaways

•Unique curved-edge design conforms to different face sizes and shapes
•Forms 360-degree seal around nose and mouth
•Comfortable, breathable, anti-fog properties
•Available in ASTM Levels 2 and 3 and in sizes small and regular