Healthcare teams face critical decisions when selecting procedural face masks: filtration efficiency, fluid resistance, comfort, and specialty features all affect patient safety and staff performance. From operating rooms to outpatient care, understanding how different masks perform in real-world clinical settings ensures protection without overspending. In this analysis, we compare Cardinal Health and Medline disposable masks for medical use, providing a structured framework to match each mask type to the right scenario.
Cardinal Health Medical Disposable Masks – Product Line & Specs
Cardinal Health markets its medical disposable masks under the Secure-Gard brand. This product line is FDA-cleared under 21 CFR 878.4040 (product code FXX) with 510(k) clearance K140155. Secure-Gard masks are designed as single-use, non-sterile surgical and procedure masks intended for routine clinical and hospital use.
From a regulatory standpoint, Secure-Gard serves as a reference baseline when comparing alternative options such as Medline Disposable Masks for medical use, particularly in ASTM-rated procedural and surgical environments.
Four-Layer Filter Design
All Secure-Gard masks share a consistent four-layer construction optimized for filtration efficiency and fluid protection:
Layer 1 (inner facing): Nonwoven cellulose material designed for skin contact
Layer 2 (primary filter): Polyolefin melt-blown media for particle filtration
Layer 3 (secondary filter): Polyester-polyethylene blend that enhances overall filtration performance
Layer 4 (outer facing): Polyolefin spunbond layer that provides fluid resistance
The layers are bonded using sonic welding along the edges rather than adhesives. This construction helps prevent delamination during extended wear and supports consistent performance throughout a clinical shift. A flexible nosepiece allows basic contouring at the nasal bridge to improve seal and comfort.
ASTM Performance Testing
Secure-Gard masks are tested against ASTM F2100-11 standards and are available in Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 classifications. Level 3 models meet the highest ASTM performance thresholds:
Filtration performance
BFE (Bacterial Filtration Efficiency): ≥98% at 3.0 µm
PFE (Particle Filtration Efficiency): ≥98% at 0.1 µm
Fluid protection
Synthetic blood resistance: 160 mmHg (maximum ASTM rating)
Breathability
Differential pressure (ΔP): <5.0 mm H₂O/cm², despite the four-layer structure
Safety and material compliance
Class 1 flammability (16 CFR Part 1610)
ISO 10993 biocompatibility approval, including cytotoxicity, irritation, and sensitization testing
These specifications place Secure-Gard firmly within standard surgical mask requirements used as a comparison benchmark for Medline Disposable Face Masks at equivalent ASTM levels.
Product Options & Sizes
The Secure-Gard portfolio includes seven catalog numbers that vary by attachment style and configuration. Two primary mask dimensions are offered:
AT74535: 7.0 in × 4.0 in
AT74635: 7.5 in × 4.125 in
Attachment options include:
Nonwoven polyolefin tie-on straps with four-point adjustability
Polyester-spandex earloops, sonic-welded and latex-free
Select models incorporate integrated eye shields. All attachment points are ultrasonically welded rather than glued, reducing latex exposure risk for clinicians with material sensitivities.
The pleated rectangular design allows vertical expansion from chin to nose bridge, accommodating a range of face shapes while maintaining full coverage during clinical use.
Medline Disposable Masks For Medical Use – Product Portfolio Analysis
Medline Disposable Face Masks for medical use are built around two regulatory frameworks: EN 14683 for European markets and ASTM F2100 for North America. This dual-standard approach gives procurement teams flexibility when sourcing across regions and simplifies SKU alignment for healthcare systems operating in multiple countries.
Rather than limiting its portfolio to a single standard, Medline structures its disposable mask range to cover low-risk outpatient care through high-splash surgical environments.
EN 14683 European Product Range
Within the EN 14683 framework, Medline Disposable Masks are available in three protection levels, each aligned with specific clinical use cases:
Type I – Basic protection
BFE: ≥95% at 3.0 µm
Breathability: <40 Pa/cm² differential pressure
Bioburden: ≤30 CFU/g microbial cleanliness
Typical use: patient isolation, visitor masking, low-risk outpatient settings
Type II – Enhanced filtration
BFE: ≥98% (comparable to ASTM Level 2 and Level 3 benchmarks)
Breathability equivalent to Type I
Suitable for standard surgical and procedural environments
Type IIR – Fluid-resistant surgical masks
BFE: ≥98%
Synthetic blood resistance: ≥16.0 kPa (120 mmHg)
Breathability: <60 Pa/cm²
Intended for operating rooms and procedures with elevated splash exposure
In North American specifications, Medline Disposable Masks are available at 80 mmHg, 120 mmHg, and 160 mmHg fluid resistance levels, allowing facilities to align EN Type IIR products with ASTM Level 1–3 requirements when standardizing globally.
ASTM-Rated North American Options
Medline’s ASTM-rated disposable masks are designed specifically for U.S. clinical workflows. A representative example is the ASTM Level 1 Surgical Face Mask with Ties, which illustrates Medline’s focus on usability as well as compliance.
Core performance specifications
BFE: 97%
PFE: 98% at 0.1 µm
Fluid resistance: 80 mmHg (ASTM Level 1)
Functional design features
Integrated anti-fog film strip positioned across the nose and upper cheek
Reduced eyewear fogging during anesthesia, microscopy, and extended procedures
Pleated construction for full chin-to-nasal bridge coverage
Tie-on attachment with four-point adjustability
Fully latex-free material composition
The built-in anti-fog strip represents a practical differentiation from Cardinal Health’s standard Secure-Gard masks, particularly in clinical settings where clear visibility is critical.
Construction & Attachment Varieties
Most Medline Disposable Surgical Masks use a three-layer construction optimized for a balance between filtration and breathability:
Outer layer: fluid-repellent nonwoven fabric
Middle layer: meltblown polypropylene filter media
Inner layer: soft-touch material designed for prolonged skin contact
Medline offers multiple attachment configurations:
Earloop models with sonic-welded polyester-spandex loops
Horizontal tie-on designs are adjustable at the temple and nape
Headband variants, typically selected for extended wear scenarios
All attachment points rely on ultrasonic welding rather than adhesives, preserving a latex-free status. Standard packaging is configured in 300-unit cases, supporting high-throughput hospital environments.
Specialty Variants Within the Medline Disposable Mask Range
Beyond standard procedural masks, Medline Disposable Masks include several specialty configurations that broaden clinical applicability:
Integrated eye protection
Full-length shields mounted directly to the mask frame
Optional anti-fog coating
Eliminates the need for separate protective eyewear in splash-prone procedures
Pediatric sizing
Reduced mask dimensions tailored for children
EN 14683 Type II and Type IIR performance maintained
Shorter earloops for a secure fit on smaller faces
Respirator-style FFP masks
Not direct N95 equivalents
Cup-shaped design improves facial seal compared to flat masks
Often used as an intermediate option between surgical masks and certified respirators
This breadth of options allows healthcare facilities to source multiple mask types from a single distributor. By comparison, Cardinal Health’s Secure-Gard line remains focused on conventional surgical and procedure masks and does not extend as far into specialty or pediatric segments.
Head-to-Head Performance Comparison: Cardinal Health vs Medline Disposable Masks
Lab data only tells part of the story. Real-world performance of Medline Disposable Masks versus Cardinal Health’s Secure-Gard line shows how product design, manufacturing control, and specialty options impact clinical usability.
Manufacturing & Product Control
Cardinal Health primarily distributes third-party masks. While quality standards are applied, product features and innovation depend on external suppliers.
Medline Disposable Masks are largely produced in-house, giving the company control over material selection, construction quality, and specialty designs. Hospitals sourcing Medline masks benefit from consistent performance and a broader range of mask options.
Filtration & Fluid Protection
Both Medline Disposable Masks and Cardinal Health Secure-Gard masks meet ASTM F2100 and EN 14683 standards. Key differences emerge in specialty features:
Medline Disposable Masks
Options for anti-fog strips, pediatric sizing, integrated eye protection, and respirator-style FFP variants
Multiple fluid resistance levels (80, 120, 160 mmHg) allow alignment with diverse clinical scenarios
Cardinal Health Secure-Gard
Reliable surgical and procedure masks
Fewer specialty variants, mainly flat or pleated styles without integrated eye protection or pediatric sizes
Operational Advantages in Healthcare Settings
Fit & Comfort: Medline offers multiple attachment options (earloops, tie-ons, headbands), helping staff reduce pressure points during long procedures.
Inventory Flexibility: Standardized Medline mask designs simplify stocking across different departments, including pediatric and high-risk areas.
Performance Consistency: In-house production reduces variability between batches, which is critical in surgical and critical care environments.
Cost vs Value Considerations
While unit prices between Medline Disposable Masks and Cardinal Health masks may be similar, total operational value favors Medline in certain scenarios:
Reduced eyewear fogging with anti-fog variants
Fewer returns and quality incidents due to in-house control
Easier adoption of pediatric or specialty variants without separate procurement processes
In practice, both mask lines provide reliable filtration and fluid protection. Medline Disposable Masks offer added functional flexibility, making them advantageous for hospitals that prioritize staff comfort, specialty use, and multi-department standardization.
Procurement Cost Analysis of Medline Disposable Masks vs Cardinal Health Alternatives
Bulk unit prices often hide the true cost of disposable masks. Facilities paying for Medline Disposable Masks or Cardinal Health Secure-Gard masks may overlook hidden logistics, quality, and operational expenses. A total cost of ownership (TCO) approach provides a clearer comparison.
Key Cost Components
Top healthcare procurement teams evaluate multiple cost layers beyond unit price:
1. Material & Purchase Costs
Base unit price and volume discounts
Contract rebates and early payment discounts
2. Logistics & Storage
Freight and insurance
Storage, safety stock, and potential expired mask disposal costs
3. Internal Operations
Staff time for order processing and approvals
Incoming inspection and defect handling
4. Risk & Lifecycle Management
Stockout disruption costs and single-source penalties
Training, disposal, and specialty mask adoption (e.g., pediatric or anti-fog Medline masks)
Total Cost of Ownership Comparison (Example: 100,000 Units/Year)
|
Metric |
Cardinal Health Secure-Gard |
Medline Disposable Masks |
|---|---|---|
|
Unit Price |
$0.42 |
$0.45 |
|
Defect Rate |
1.2% |
0.8% |
|
On-Time Delivery |
94% |
97% |
|
Lead Time |
12 days |
9 days |
|
Safety Stock Cost |
$1,750 |
$1,480 |
|
Anti-Fog Savings |
N/A |
-$650/year |
|
Total Annual TCO |
$47,149 |
$48,029 |
Despite a slightly higher unit price, Medline Disposable Masks offer functional benefits (anti-fog strips, pediatric sizes) that partially offset the TCO difference.
Weighted Supplier Scoring Framework
Procurement decisions should balance cost, quality, delivery, and innovation:
|
Criteria |
Weight |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Price & TCO |
50% |
Lowest TCO gets full points; others scored proportionally |
|
Quality |
25% |
Defect rates, ASTM certification consistency |
|
Delivery |
15% |
On-time rate and lead-time reliability |
|
Innovation & Capability |
10% |
Specialty features (pediatric, anti-fog, eye shields), support responsiveness |
Score each supplier quarterly to ensure Medline Disposable Masks continue to meet clinical and operational expectations, especially as hospital needs evolve.
Practical Selection Framework for Choosing Medline Disposable Masks in Clinical Settings
Selecting the right disposable mask requires a structured, defendable process. This framework helps healthcare facilities evaluate Medline Disposable Masks against alternatives like Cardinal Health Secure-Gard, removing guesswork and political bias from procurement decisions.
Four-Question Selection Protocol for Medline Disposable Masks
A simple, step-by-step approach ensures your facility makes data-driven decisions.
1. Identify Clinical Scenarios Driving Mask Volume
Map annual mask usage to actual care settings:
Surgical procedures: Operating room cases × average masks per case (2–4)
Outpatient visits: Clinic visits × masks per provider shift
Emergency department: Patient volume × contact time requiring masks
Isolation protocols: Infectious disease cases × masks per episode
Most hospitals find that 60–75% of consumption comes from two key areas. Focus your evaluation there first.
2. Set Knockout Performance Criteria
Remove any options that fail to meet minimum clinical standards:
Fluid resistance: ≥160 mmHg for OR use; ≥80 mmHg for outpatient
Filtration efficiency: ASTM Level 2 (≥98% BFE)
Attachment style & comfort: Anti-fog strips (Medline Disposable Masks advantage), adjustable tie-on designs
Latex-free compliance: Required for most facilities
Any mask failing these criteria should be excluded from consideration.
3. Evaluate Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Create a weighted scoring matrix:
Cost Factors (50%)
Unit price (Cardinal Health: $0.38–$0.52, Medline Disposable Masks: $0.42–$0.58)
Volume discounts and break-even points
Defect handling and returns
Performance Factors (30%)
On-time delivery and lead-time consistency
Technical support responsiveness
Strategic Factors (20%)
Product range (pediatric, anti-fog, specialty variants)
Supplier financial stability
Contract flexibility
Score each supplier on a 10-point scale and weight accordingly. This removes emotion from the selection process.
4. Plan for Supply Disruption
Single-source contracts carry hidden risks. Mitigation strategies include:
Dual sourcing: Split 70/30 between primary and secondary suppliers
Safety stock: Maintain inventory for (average lead time + 1 standard deviation) × daily usage
Alternative approvals: Pre-qualify equivalent masks for fast substitution
Compare the expected stockout cost against the administrative burden to determine whether dual sourcing is warranted.
Impact-Effort Quick Filter for Medline Disposable Masks
Prioritize actions by effort and clinical impact:
|
Impact |
Effort |
Example Actions |
|---|---|---|
|
High |
Low |
Switch anesthesia teams to anti-fog Medline Disposable Masks; consolidate mask SKUs from 5+ to 2–3 |
|
High |
High |
System-wide distributor migration; automated mask dispensing |
|
Low |
Low |
Test sample boxes; update manual mask specifications |
|
Low |
High |
Switch suppliers for <5% cost savings; custom mask specs requiring separate production |
This filter ensures resources focus on improvements with meaningful clinical or operational impact.
Document Your Selection Decision
Maintain a concise, one-page record for transparency and audits:
Context: Total mask volume, budget, primary clinical use cases
Options evaluated: Cardinal Health Secure-Gard vs Medline Disposable Masks (specific SKUs)
Scoring results: Include the weighted decision matrix
Final choice + rationale: Selected supplier and top three reasons
Review triggers: Price changes >10%, quality issues, or regulatory updates
Proper documentation speeds future procurement cycles and protects your team during audits.
FAQ: Medline Disposable Masks
Q1: What are Medline Disposable Masks, and what standards do they meet?
Medline Disposable Masks are single-use surgical and procedural masks designed for clinical use. They comply with ASTM F2100 standards for North America and EN 14683 standards for Europe, offering various protection levels (Type I, II, IIR / ASTM Level 1–3) to fit different clinical scenarios.
Q2: How do Medline Disposable Masks differ from Cardinal Health Secure-Gard masks?
While both meet ASTM and EN standards, Medline Disposable Masks offer specialty options such as integrated anti-fog strips, pediatric sizing, eye protection, and respirator-style FFP variants. In-house production also allows consistent quality and flexibility across multiple clinical departments.
Q3: What are the key features of Medline Disposable Masks?
Key features include:
Multi-layer filtration (outer nonwoven, meltblown middle, soft inner layer)
Various attachment types (earloops, tie-ons, headbands)
Latex-free construction
Specialty options: anti-fog strips, pediatric sizing, integrated eye shields, intermediate FFP-style designs
Q4: How should healthcare facilities select the right Medline Disposable Mask?
Use a structured selection framework:
Identify high-use clinical scenarios (OR, outpatient, ED, isolation)
Set knockout performance criteria (ASTM/EN filtration, fluid resistance, attachment, latex-free)
Evaluate total cost of ownership (unit price, defect handling, delivery reliability, specialty features)
Plan for supply disruption (dual sourcing, safety stock, alternative approvals)
Q5: What are the procurement advantages of Medline Disposable Masks?
Facilities benefit from:
Wide range of SKUs for standard and specialty use
Streamlined inventory and consolidated SKU management
Reduced defect rates and returns due to in-house quality control
Optional features (anti-fog, pediatric sizes) improve clinical efficiency
Q6: Are Medline Disposable Masks suitable for pediatric patients?
Yes. Medline offers pediatric-sized masks that maintain EN Type II/IIR or ASTM Level 2 performance, with shorter earloops for proper fit and comfort on smaller faces.
Q7: Can Medline Disposable Masks reduce operational issues like eyewear fogging?
Certain Medline masks have integrated anti-fog strips to improve visibility during anesthesia, microscopy, and extended procedures, enhancing both safety and staff comfort.
Q8: How should facilities plan inventory and usage for Medline Disposable Masks?
Track consumption by department and procedure type, calculate safety stock based on lead time plus variability, and consider dual-sourcing strategies to mitigate supply risks. Automated inventory systems can further optimize ordering and reduce waste.
Q9: Are there future considerations when choosing Medline Disposable Masks?
Hospitals should consider:
Evolving material technologies for improved filtration and comfort
Sustainability initiatives (recyclable packaging, biodegradable mask layers)
Expansion of specialty variants (anti-fog, eye shields, intermediate FFP-style)
Compliance with both EN and ASTM standards for multinational operations
Smart procurement teams make decisions based on data, real-world testing, and total cost of ownership—not brand loyalty. By matching mask performance to specific clinical needs, you protect patients and optimize your budget.
Want to see the difference for yourself? Request sample boxes from both distributors and test them with your staff. Comfort, breathability, and proper fit often determine whether masks are worn consistently.
Ready to stock your facility? Contact your preferred distributor to secure bulk pricing for your next inventory cycle. For custom mask specifications or specialty configurations, reach out to us for a personalized quote tailored to your needs.
