Restaurant PPE: Cloth Masks vs. 3-Ply Masks

By Michael Caglianone, Contributor

Restaurants and bars are now faced with new regulations requiring kitchen and service staff to wear masks.  Therefore, owners are faced with guiding their teams and choosing among the many suppliers and options available.

For restaurant workers and consumers, both the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that people wear either a cloth mask or a 3-ply disposable mask while practicing social distancing. Both of these types of face coverings will protect those nearby the wearer from possible infection.

So which type of mask is the best choice for your business? Let's examine the possibilities and review the pros and cons of cloth masks and 3-ply masks for restaurants. 

Cloth Masks: Customizable, Washable & Reusable

If your brand’s mission supports sustainability, when it comes to masks, the ethical and sustainable approach is choosing reusable cloth masks rather than using disposable ones.  Most 3-ply single-use face masks are made out of paper that is neither biodegradable nor recyclable.

In selecting a cloth mask, keep in mind that the CDC guidelines recommend they be constructed with multiple layers of fabric that fit securely against the face while allowing for unobstructed breathing. The masks should also hold their shape and resist damage after being washed and dried. Cloth masks meeting these criteria are considered safe and because they can be laundered and reused, they are the best choice for eco-conscious companies.

Most cloth masks are comfortable to wear and come in a variety of colors, with black being the easiest to procure in bulk.  Also, they can be customized with logos or taglines promoting your brand.

The downside of cloth masks is that they can get soiled easily.  Owners may find themselves reminding staff to keep them clean and scrambling to replace those that get lost.

3-Ply Disposable Masks: Safe & Easy to Wear

If relying on your team to keep their cloth masks clean seems daunting, then 3-ply masks may be the best solution for you.  These paper disposable masks are less expensive than cloth masks and are easier to wear.  While servers or kitchen staff might get over-heated in a cloth mask, especially in warmer climates, they’ll find 3-ply masks to be the cooler and lighter option.

3-ply disposable masks have filters and are considered more protective than cloth. Therefore, they’re the best bet for owners who place importance on limiting liability.  Also, with disposable masks, there’s no need to worry that staff will show up with soiled face coverings (or no coverings at all), as a new fresh mask can be worn each day.  Paper masks — which come in black, white, or blue — are a good solution for larger operations that want to maintain consistency and order large quantities.

There are also some strong positive connotations with 3-ply paper masks as they look similar to masks used at medical facilities. So even if you don’t want the medical blue masks, you can give your team a more fashionable color while still cashing in on the protection of the 3-play. Your guests will appreciate that you’re taking their well-being and your staff’s seriously while still delivering an amazing meal.

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