Difference between 2 Ply and 3 Ply Face Mask

Choosing and wearing the right surgical mask is very crucial in our times now. It can protect you from the ills of the surrounding in the world we live in today.

There are surgical masks available that come in 2 ply and 3 ply. How are they different from each other and which one is used where?

To break the confusion on this one, let’s find out what we need to purchase for our specific needs.

What’s a 3 ply face mask?

A 3 ply face mask is the proper surgical or medical that is composed of three layers with each layer has very specific functions. 

The outer layer is a hydrophobic layer that can repel water, blood and body fluids, the middle filter layer is designed to filter bacteria and it’s said to be the most important layer that also filters out the water droplets and lastly, an inner hydrophilic layer which can absorb water, sweat and spit.

The 3-ply surgical mask has been proven to be as effective as an N95 mask in preventing viral infections like influenza.

3 ply face mask also helps to reduce the spread of viruses, germs, and bacteria.

Its three-ply material is made up of a melt-blown material placed between the non-woven fabric. The middle layer contains a high-level static filtration to effectively block micro dust and bacteria.

What is a 2 ply face mask?

The 2 ply face mask is a hygiene face mask that is cheap and made from the same material fabric, polypropylene or another non-woven kind of material.

It doesn’t have a filter layer thus these hygiene masks are useless against haze, viruses, and bacteria. 

They are commonly used in spas and restaurants.

It’s therefore right to conclude that the difference between a 2 ply and 3 ply face mask lies in their function and level of protection. The 3 ply mask is the required mask that has sufficient 3 layers that can protect one from airborne viruses.

On the other hand, the 2 ply face mask is for sanitary and hygienic purposes in a restaurant setting mainly for food handling and for a spa setting.

Depending on where you’ll use them make sure you only purchase the proper 3-layer surgical masks for protection against airborne virues and a 2-ply hygiene masks for its recommended usage.

To this date, a surgical mask is your cheapest protection to shield yourself from getting sick and being exposed to contaminants.