Are Level 3 Surgical Masks ADA-Effective? What the Regulations Say

Since the start of the pandemic, surgical masks have become a staple in healthcare and many public spaces. When the issue is accessibility, especially for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, a common question arises: Are Level 3 surgical masks compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990?

What Are Level 3 Surgical Masks?

Level 3 surgical masks are ASTM-rated masks designed for the highest level of protection in medical environments. They provide:

≥98% bacterial and particle filtration efficiency

160 mmHg fluid resistance for high-risk procedures

Strong breathability and comfort for extended wear

These qualities make Level 3 critical for protecting both patients and healthcare providers in high-exposure settings.

ADA and Communication Access

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires equal access for individuals with disabilities, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. While Level 3 surgical masks meet medical safety standards, traditional opaque masks often block facial expressions and lip movements, creating barriers to communication.

Are Standard Level 3 Surgical Masks ADA-Compliant?

Standard Level 3 surgical masks are not inherently ADA-compliant if they prevent effective communication. The ADA requires organizations—such as hospitals, schools, and businesses—to provide reasonable accommodations. In mask-required settings, this accommodation may include:

Using transparent Level 3 surgical masks that meet safety and accessibility needs.

Providing interpreters or real-time captioning when clear masks are not available or more communication accessibility is needed.

Implementing alternative communication tools to ensure compliance, such as captioned videos, speech to text options, or writing information down on paper.

The Role of Transparent Level 3 Surgical Masks

Transparent ASTM Level 3 surgical masks are specifically designed to balance OSHA, ASTM, and ADA considerations. Communicator™ clear window masks deliver high-level protection while keeping the mouth and facial expressions visible, making them a strong solution for both compliance and inclusivity.

Final Thoughts

In closing, standard opaque versions alone may fall short of enabling healthcare, medical practices, and other organizations to meet the spirit of the law with ADA. To truly meet ADA requirements, organizations can choose transparent Level 3 surgical masks or other accommodations that ensure accessibility. By doing so, they meet both safety regulations and inclusivity standards—protecting health while supporting communication.