From long hours on their feet to aches and pains from awkward positioning, dentists and hygienists know that sacrifices are part of the job. But when it comes to personal protective equipment (PPE), some sacrifices are simply unacceptable, and exposure to biohazards, chemicals, and aerosols is at the top of that list.
While a face mask helps protect a clinician’s nose and mouth from fluids, microorganisms, and particles, a mask only offers protection if it fits securely to the face while also allowing enough room to breathe comfortably. “So many ASTM Level 3 masks don’t feel secure on my face,” said hygienist Tessa Simpson. “The portion under my chin often doesn’t fit snugly, and that allows potential aerosol exposure.”
Fortunately for Simpson, she recently tested EcoBee’s BeeSure Radiant Face Mask and is thrilled with its Level 3 protection and innovative design that maximizes protection, breathing room, comfort, and fit. “The overall fit is fantastic! It’s similar to an N95 and fits snugly all around the face while still allowing me to breathe comfortably,” Simpson explained. “The material was soft and breathable with no irritation, and I didn’t need to worry about adjusting my mask to feel protected from aerosols.”
The Radiant mask’s wide variety of vibrant colors is a bonus for Simpson, who said the colors “allow healthcare professionals to show a little of their personality.” And, not surprisingly, she decided, “Our office is switching to these masks.”
Design: Breathability & Protection
The Radiant mask’s 3D design creates a non-collapsible space that maximizes breathing room, and the unique shape creates an ergonomic seal around the nose, chin, and cheeks to reduce air leakage. “I really loved these masks,” said Dr. Karen Guo. “I love that the unique design holds the material a little bit away from my face while still sealing well around the mask’s margins, making it feel breathable and not irritating to the skin, even after long wears.” She added, “The design also keeps the mask feeling clean and dry, reducing condensation during long wears,” and said the mask allows her loupes to “sit on my face in just the right way very consistently.”
“The molded part [of the mask] makes it much easier to breathe and speak because it isn’t restrictive,” noted Dr. Mary Gadbois. “It’s a pleasure to not have to breathe differently so I don’t fog my loupes.” Hygienist Frances Tryon especially liked the earloops and durability of the Radiant masks, and Dr. Kane Fulton said, “These masks form a good seal around your nose and face.” Dr. Clara Lee was pleased that “the breathing space inside was sufficient to not feel suffocated and my goggles didn’t fog up during wear.” She also appreciated the earloop comfort and “loved the fun colors; my patients said they were bright and friendly.”
Comfort of Earloops
The latex-free Radiant masks are made with a dye- and lint-free inner layer, ensuring comfort even during extended wear. “At some point in the day I forgot I had it on!” said Dr. Cynthia Leung, explaining that the Radiant mask was comfortable, effective, doesn’t pull on the ears, and “wearing it didn’t interfere with anything throughout the day.” Hygienist Mink Lee, who usually needs to adjust her mask, said, “These masks were comfortable and stayed put, and I didn’t need to touch them while working.”
Dr. Lee found the earloops “comfortable enough to wear for a long time, which was appreciated at the end of the day.” Tryon “loved the comfort and the way it hugged my face” and found the mask especially comfortable around the ears. Dr. Marvin Stern described the mask as “very comfortable and easy to wear,” and Dr. Guo said they were “non-comedogenic, non-irritating, and have a good fit/seal.”
Fit to Face
“Each member of my dental team loved the fit and colors,” said Simpson. While other masks left marks on her face and caused rash flareups and itchiness near the earloops, Mink Lee said the Radiant masks ”fit comfortably without feeling too tight around the nose and didn’t leave marks after wearing them for prolonged periods.” Dr. Guo suggested, “A wire in the lower portion would be a game changer for people with different face shapes.”
Overall Satisfaction
Several evaluators shared the BeeSure Radiant masks with fellow staff members, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. “I personally love them, and many staff members also loved them!” said Dr. Guo, who has already asked her assistant to order the masks. Mink Lee said her colleagues, who asked to try the masks because of their appearance, “all preferred them to our current masks. We will definitely ask our office to order them,” she concluded.
