4 ply vs 3 ply surgical mask

One of the most popular personal protective equipment is a surgical mask.  It’s a fluid-resistant, disposable, and has a more comfortable fitting that provides a physical barrier and shield between the mouth and the nose of the user to his or her surroundings.

A surgical mask usually has three layers or 3 ply. There are also that comes with 2 or 4 layers to them. 

If you’re looking for the best surgical mask for your protection and your family as well, choose a good quality surgical mask that has 3 layers or more. Of a flat or pleated non-woven fabric.

Surgical masks are made from non-woven polypropylene fabric and they should have at least a minimum of 80 percent bacteria filtration efficiency.

These masks usually have pleats because it would allow you to expand the mask so that it will cover the area of your nose to the chin. You should always wear the mask with the pleated side facing out.

Surgical masks come with ear loops where a string-like material attached to the mask that is placed behind your ears or with loose tie-on that consists of four straps to tie the mask around your head, or elastic straps that stretch to secure the mask to your head.

What is a 4 ply surgical mask?

A 4 ply surgical mask can give you the highest level of protection with four layers of fabric into it. 

They are high-fluid resistant masks that can ensure you of secure protection and maximum bacterial and particle filtration up to 99%.

It’s almost the same with a 3 ply surgical mask but with an added extra layer.

It consists of the following layers:

1. The outer layer of spunbond polypropylene fabric is water, blood and fluid resistant.
2. The additional layer of activated carbon against gases and organic vapors or any anti-viral filter.
3. The middle layer is the filtering layer against bacteria and germs made from non-woven melt-blown polypropylene fabric.
4. And, the inner layer of spunbond polypropylene fabric for its final barrier that can prevent moisture to come in.

What is a 3 ply surgical mask?

The design of the surgical masks is usually with three-ply or three layers. Its three-ply material is made up of a melt-blown material placed between the non-woven fabric.

A good quality surgical mask generally has a three-ply layer with the following layers:

1. The innermost layer made from spun bond polypropylene used for absorbing moisture and preventing it to come in.
2. The middle layer is a filter layer to block the bacteria and germs made from non-woven melt-blown polypropylene fabric.
3. And the outermost layer that can repel water, blood, and body fluids made from spun bond polypropylene fabric

You can find 4 ply surgical mask and 3 ply surgical mask on Amazon.