What do you need to know about 3 ply masks?

3 ply surgical mask made in Singapore

 A 3 ply surgical mask consists of three transparent layers. The outermost hydrophobic non-woven layer repels all fluids, including water droplets and blood. The essential mid-layer prevents gems and small particles from entering and exiting the mask in either direction. The inner layer of soft, absorbent non-woven fabric absorbs fluids from the mouth and nose, such as sputum and sweat.

How To Choose A Face Mask?

For greater efficiency, choose face masks with good filtering capacity. When selecting a face mask, look for the following specifications: 

  • Masks with at least 2-3 layers of fabric. As a general rule, the material should not be transparent when held against the light. 
  • The layers should preferably be made of different fabrics, comprising: 
  • Water repellent outer layer 
  • Intermediate filter layer to remove particles - can be disposable filter inserts. 
  • The inner layer absorbs droplets from the wearer's mouth 
  • Fabrics with better filtration efficiency
  • Fabrics with sufficient permeability to allow the formation of breathing around the face and chin, with complete coverage of the nose and mouth, to avoid losses of droplets expired, the failures of droplets do not choose masks with.

Multiple Layers of Fabric:

A 3 ply surgical mask should be made of three layers of fabric: 

  • The inner layer of absorbent material, such as cotton. 
  • Midlayer of non-absorbent non-woven material, such as polypropylene. 
  • The outer layer is non-absorbent material, such as polyester or blend.

 If you buy a cloth mask from a store, ensure it meets national performance standards.

How To Determine The Quality Of 3 Ply Masks?

Do the following steps to check the quality of 3 ply surgical masks made in Singapore.

Visual test: 

If it is a 3-layer mask, logically, it should have 3 layers. Cut out the front, and you should see 3 transparent layers as shown below. The three layers usually consist of a translucent part (top), a white piece (in the centre), and a coloured part (green, blue, or even white). If you don't have these three layers, it is not a 3 layer mask. 

Water Test:

Surgical masks protect others from coughing and sneezing and protect others. The outer layer is designed to be waterproof. Fold the front so that the outer side forms a funnel and pour water into it. You should be able to see that the mask is holding water well. Other than that, touch the bottom of the funnel, make sure it is not wet. 

Fire test:

The middle layer is a filter, not a piece of paper, so if you were to ignite with a flame, it would NOT catch fire. 

Material Of 3 Ply Surgical Masks:

The inner and the most outer layers consist of spun polypropylene and an intermediate filter layer of melt-blown polypropylene.

Effectiveness:

A 3 ply surgical mask effectively removes nearly 95% of pollutants from the air you breathe. However, these masks are short-lived, and you must use a new one every time you leave the house.

Breathability: 

3 ply surgical masks are suitable for breathing and help purify your air. 

Micro-Particle Filtration:  

A  3 ply Surgical masks provide filtration of 455% of aerosol particles.

Conclusion:

A 3 ply Surgical mask made in Singapore provides high filtration efficiency, adequate breathability, and good resistance to fluid penetration.


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