DIFFERENCES BETWEEN 2-PLY AND 3-PLY SURGICAL MASK

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN 2-PLY AND 3-PLY SURGICAL MASK

Surgical mask, which were mostly used by healthcare professionals in the past, have entered our live with the Covid-19 pandemic process. The main purpose of use of surgical masks is to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses in the wearer’s body and infecting the people around him or her. When surgical masks are worn correctly, they help prevent large droplets and splashes that may contain germs. However, surgical masks prevent the transmission of small airborne particles- germs and aerosols produced by breathing, speaking, coughing or sneezing. Generally, 2-layer and 3-layer surgical masks used to provide protection are widely used. And there are important differences between these two masks.

First of all, both masks are actually produced from same fabrics which non-woven spunbond or thermo polypropylene fabric. Basic difference between these two masks meltblown fabric in the middle layer. But before that I would like to explain what the other two layers in both masks are used for. The out layer, which is spunbond or thermo fabric, is generally harder and can be coloured. This layer must be water-repellent or water-proof. Also made of spıunbond or thermo fabric, the inner layer corresponding to the mouth part is generally not subjected to any chemical treatment, is soft and does not irritate the skin. Meltbown or spunlaced non-woven fabric is used in the middle layer, which is only found in the 3-layer mask. The middle layer is a high fiber density and fluffy layer for  better filtration.

Meltblown fabric is antistatic due to its structure, does not mold and is resistant to liquids. Meltbown fabric is obtained by spraying molten polymer and can test by tearing. The man feature of this material is that is easily tearable and does not ignite when exposed to fire.  Meltbown is not a woven fabric, it has a structure that is used to trap and filter viruses and other particles because of its small pores. Thanks to this structure, while passing the air easily, it makes it difficult for the particles to pass.

As can be seen from the things we mentioned above, the main difference between the two masks is the meltblown in the middle layer. 3-layer masks always have more protection than 2 layer masks. Because 3-layer mask has got filtration feature and thanks to this feature prevent bacteria and virus. As Zerkaya Textile Medical, we always take care to use the meltblown layer in all the masks we produce.