14 Tips On How To Wear A Disposable 3 Ply Face Masks

Written by Abhijeet Kaji | Published On | July 14, 2022 | Updated On | July 14, 2022

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Personal protective equipment such as procedural 3 Ply masks, also known as surgical face masks, are used to reduce the transmission of aerosol liquids and airborne particles from infected hosts. They are often worn by first responders and health care workers in hospitals. The 3 ply mask is ideal for professional doctor's offices, hospitals, dental clinics and beauty enhancement clinics and people with allergies to provide the best personal care. A good reusable mask will allow you to inhale clean, fresh air, free of allergens, pollens, germs, bacteria and viruses. This will reduce your chances of getting sick or suffering from allergies and infections.

Most 3 ply masks consist of non-woven skin-friendly fabric. This fabric is soft on the skin and has high breathability for increased comfort, even after long hours of wearing. They provide the most protection against liquid penetration. They have a greater amount of bacterial and particle blocking material than other masks on the market. Besides, properly wearing a three-ply surgical face mask can help prevent the transmission of large-particle microorganisms via droplets, sprays and splashes. It may reduce hand-to-face contact.

Here's a fun fact: A surgical mask can be 13X more effective than standard cloth masks.

A surgical mask must have at least 80% bacteria filtration efficiency. It should be made from at least three layers of material such as polypropylene. For high protection, a 3-ply mask is made with spunbond or meltblown fibre Polypropyle. The Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) is between 98.5% and 99%, while the Particle Filtration Efficiency is (PEE) usually >= 94%. The 3 ply surgical masks are moisture-proof made from environmentally friendly material. They are non-irritating and soft, comfortable, and fluid-resistant.

Further Read: Why Do Doctors Wear White Coats In Hospitals And Clinics?

"Droplets >5 mm tend to remain trapped in the upper respiratory tract (oropharynx -- nose and throat areas), whereas droplets <=5 mm have the potential to be inhaled into the lower respiratory tract (the bronchi and alveoli in the lungs)." - NCBI.

The surgical mask's 3 ply layers work as follows: .

The outer layer repels blood, water, and other fluids.
The middle layer filters different types of pathogens.
The inner layer absorbs sweat and moisture from exhaled air. .

How to put on a surgical 3 ply mask / Steps for wearing a disposable mask

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before you put on the mask. You can also use alcohol-based hand sanitizer to thoroughly clean your hands.
Examine the mask for tears or broken loops.
Place the colored side of your mask in the outward direction.
If the metallic strip is present, ensure it's at the top of your mask and against your nose bridge.
If the mask has:
You can mold the flexible metallic upper strip to your nose by pressing down with your fingers.
Place the bottom of your mask over your mouth, chin, and nose.
Make sure that the mask is a proper fit. Not too lose or tight.
Once the mask is in place, don't touch it.
Replace the mask if it gets wet or becomes damp or if you've worn it for a long time.

Important tips on wearing your medical surgical mask for optimum safety:

Before and after wearing a mask, always wash your face.
Wash your hands often to practice good hand hygiene.
Hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol are ideal
Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or face.
Regularly wash your masks.
Maintain a safe distance between yourself and others.
To avoid ear chaffing, sew buttons to the sides of a scrub cap or headband. Attach the ear loops and buttons together.
Keep masks near your door or key/coat hangers so that you don't forget them on your way out.
Make sure you have extra masks stored in common areas
You can set reminders to change your face every few hours
Make sure the mask covers your nose, mouth, and chin.
If your mask is too loose, it will allow more of your warm breath to escape the top and fog your glasses (if you wear glasses). A mask with adjustable ears loops, a tying in the back or a flexible nose piece will provide a better fit.
You can also use over-the-counter anti-fog sprays on your lenses.

Further Read: Men and Women’s Unisex Medical and Nursing Scrub Set

It's safer to NOT do the following as a medical professional.

Once the mask is secured, you should not touch it to avoid spreading any pathogens.
Hang the disposable mask from one ear
Let the mask hang around the neck
Allow the ties to entangle
reuse single-use masks
As responsible practitioners, one must always wash their hands before and after touching the mask or use hand sanitizer.

It is important to be safe and take precautions. Our handy 3 ply mask will protect you from potential viruses and bacteria from spreading to other rooms and patients. Take a look at our collection of reusable masks too while you're at it. Until next time..