What is a 3 ply face mask?

A 3 ply face mask is made from 3 layers of materials that consist of a melt-blown material placed between non-woven fabric. It’s the melt-blown material that acts as the filter that stops the microbes from entering or exiting the mask.

The 3 ply face mask can also greatly help in reducing the spread of viruses, germs, and bacteria as well it’s great in protecting you from inhaling harmful airborne viruses and pollutants.

It’s the recommended and approved face mask that should have 3 ply since it has a higher level of filtration because of its non-woven middle layer that can successfully block those micro-dust and bacteria.

The 3-ply spun-bonded non-woven polypropylene face mask is specifically designed to cover the nose and mouth areas to minimize the occurrence of cross-infection. It’s usually skin-friendly, has high quality material, elastic earloops, Non sterile, lint-free, very comfortable to wear, and has a nose bridge that can be adjusted to conform to the face.

Aside from a very good filter performance, it also offers low breathing resistance and bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) from 80%-99%.

These are the usual materials used in a 3 ply face mask:

First Layer:

It has a Blue Non-woven Fabric which is PP Spunbond which’s usually cut into 170 to 175 MM for adult size. It has a density of 18 GSM to 25 GSM. Other colors could also be used such as blue, green, pink, white, etc.

Second Layer:

The second layer uses a filtering material which’s a melt-blown fabric. It uses 25 GSM for normal,  and it can use one layer or two layers. It can come with a different filtration rate of N95 or N99. Also, to be able to filter gas, active carbon can be added. It’s again cut into 170 to 175 MM for adult size.

Third Layer:

The third layer is the white non-woven fabric that’s cut into 190 to 195 MM for adult size and it has a density from 18 GSM to 25 GSM.

You can find 3 ply face masks on Amazon.