3-Ply Surgical Face Masks

What is a 3-ply surgical face mask?

A surgical mask covers the mouth and nose to prevent the access point for a lot of bodily fluids, germs and viruses. You will often see them used in busy and populated areas where the spread of disease is much more likely, as well to prevent the inhalation of dangerous pollution and chemicals. They may also be worn by those who are sick themselves to reduce the risk of spreading the disease by coughing, sneezing and breathing.

These flu masks can protect you from bacteria and viruses that survive within droplets of bodily fluids from an infected individual caused by sneezing and coughing. These are common symptoms of the flu so these masks are therefore effective at helping stop the spread of the flu as well as the common cold.

There is some debate as to the effectiveness of surgical face masks against the spread of disease, but recent evidence done suggest wearing a flu mask can reduce your chances of getting the flu by up to 70% if worn properly and paired with good hygiene and hand washing.

What does 3-ply mean?

3-ply refers to the amount of layers the mask has, more layers means a higher filtration capacity. 3 ply surgical face masks will provide better protection than 2 or 1 ply.

Our 3-ply surgical face masks conform to BFE (Bacterial Filtration Efficiency) 95%.

How does a 3-ply surgical face mask work?

A surgical face mask (unlike a respirator face mask) is reasonably loose fitting and disposable. Surgical face masks are made with non-woven fabric, which has better bacteria filtration and air permeability while remaining less slippery than woven cloth. This protects you from breathing or swallowing any fluid droplets from coughs and sneezes that could contain a flu virus.

It has two elasticated straps on either side that are used to loop over the ears and hold the mask in place. It could cover both your mouth and nose but not feel overly tight. There is a flexible line of metal that runs over the bridge of the nose that can be adjusted for a better fit.

Here are some tips on the best way to use a flu mask:

• Wear a facemask when coming within six feet of a sick person.
• Position the strings to keep the mask firmly in place over the nose, mouth, and chin. Try not to touch the mask again until you remove it.
• Wear a facemask before going near other people if you have the flu.
• If you have the flu and need to see the doctor, wear a facemask to protect others in the waiting area.
• Consider wearing a mask in crowded settings if the flu is widespread in your community or if you are at high risk for flu complications.
• When you’re done wearing the mask, throw it away and wash your hands. Never reuse a facemask.

How effective is a 3-ply surgical face mask?

The International Journal of Infectious Diseases 2008 study concluded that when used correctly flu masks are extremely effective at helping prevent the flu. Multiple studies have found similar results. Overall a flu mask is most effective when used properly in combination with avoiding those who are known to be sick and keeping hands clean.

In areas where there is not known to be a flu or disease outbreak a flu face mask is an unnecessary step, but if you find yourself in a place where the likelihood of catching the flu is high they can be an effective preventative.

Our 3-ply surgical face masks conform to BFE (Bacterial Filtration Efficiency) 95% equivalent to ASTM level 1 protection for medical procedures involving little spray or aerosol. See more on face mask protection levels. 

Will a 3-ply surgical face mask protect me from the recent coronavirus pandemic?

The 2020 virus outbreak has spread much quicker than many viruses before it. Although studies suggest it is not as deadly as some other well known and dangerous viruses (such as Measles and Ebola) it has the ability to infect a person long before they notice any symptoms, meaning they could be infecting others without realising as well as a high level of contagiousness. 

The virus that has caused the 2020 worldwide pandemic is not known to be airborne, meaning that it can only be caught from the bodily fluid droplets from an infected individual. Either from sneezing or coughing, or not washing hands and touching a person/object. Wearing a face mask will help reduce these chances of infection, if paired with vigorous and precise hand washing.

What are the symptoms of Coronavirus?

The main symptoms of the Coronavius are:

• a cough
• a high temperature
• shortness of breath

 

Although it is worth being aware that this a new virus that is still being studied, meaning that we may not be aware of all of the symptoms. They are very similar to that of a regular flu, but are far more likely to progress to more serious breathing issues.

Who is likely to get Coronavirus?

Anyone who lives in or has recently travelled to mainland China, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau, is advised to stay indoors and call the NHS 111 phone service.

The government guidance is constantly changing, but is recommend that everyone in the UK apart from essential workers stays home as much as possible to halt the spread of infection. Wearing 3-ply surgical face masks when leaving the house can help prevent infection as well washing your hands regularly.

How else can I protect myself?

As well as wearing a 3-ply flu mask washing your hands thoroughly and consistently is essential, especially before eating or touching your mouth or eyes. 

You should make sure you cover your mouth and nose when sneezing and make sure to wash your hands after.

If you know someone who is ill, you should maintain a physical distance to decrease the risk of infection. Self isolation and social distancing is required.

How often should I be using a 3-ply surgical face mask?

If you are in an area likely to catch the flu you should wear a flu mask, such as any busy, public space such as shops, hospitals and public transport. If you are in contact with someone who has the flu you should stay six feet apart, or wear a flu mask. For healthcare professionals such as doctors and nurses are required to wear a face mask whilst at work.

How often should I be replacing a 3-ply surgical face mask?

You should replace your 3-ply face mask as soon as it gets moist or each day.

Are these 3-ply surgical face masks recyclable?

They are not currently recyclable, surgical face masks should be put in general waste.

How much do these 3-ply surgical face masks cost?

You can order 3-ply flu masks online from e-Surgery from £11.95. We are trying our best to reduce the prices of our masks, however huge demand worldwide has increased the prices of masks from all our suppliers. 

How will my 3-ply surgical face masks be delivered?

e-Surgery uses Royal Mail delivery with choices starting from Royal Mail 48 tracked delivery, Royal Mail tracked 24 and Royal Mail 1pm special delivery (discover more about e-Surgery delivery). Your 3-ply flu masks will arrive in discreet, recyclable packaging at a delivery address of your choice. Find out to recycle packaging from e-Surgery.