3-Ply vs N-95 Masks: Which Is Right for You?

Did you know that there have been 90.6 million cases of COVID-19 reported in the U.S.? There’s a lot of information on how to help slow the spread, and we are here to help you navigate it.

There are different types of masks, including 3-ply surgical, N-95, cloth masks, and more. Keep reading, and we will guide you through 3-ply vs. N-95 masks and which is suitable for you.

Mask Choice

As COVID-19 has evolved, people are trying to take preventive action to slow the spread and not get sick. You can do this through vaccines, wearing masks, and washing your hands.

People are masking for prevention even with vaccines because of how the variants are spreading. There are multiple types of masks, and it’s hard to know which is the most effective.

As we’ve learned more about COVID-19 being airborne, healthcare experts have urged people to move away from cloth masks. We will walk through a 3-ply mask and an N-95 mask, and you can determine which is right for you.

N-95 Masks

3-Ply Mask

The 3-ply masks are disposable and made for a healthcare environment. They’re typically used as personal protective equipment (PPE) in daily life for nurses, surgeons, and other healthcare workers in hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices.

The 3-ply masks are not made from fabric, but rather made of synthetic materials. This helps protect you from inhaling tiny particles and prevents you from spreading your respiratory droplets.

You can order 3-ply masks from SGP, which distributes high-quality medical products. It would be best if you stocked up, because they’re not reusable; you will want to ensure you get enough.

N-95 Mask

An N-95 mask is an air-filtering and purifying mask that prevents hazardous particles from becoming airborne. It’s called a “respirator” because it’s more of a protective device, more than just a mask. It’s made of synthetic materials and sometimes has a plastic tube that allows people to breathe out of it more easily.

This mask is used in healthcare and surgical settings to keep doctors and their patients safe when performing surgery and other health-related checkups.

Both masks are very protective and used in healthcare settings. In terms of protecting yourself during the pandemic, the 3-ply mask is best to get for day-to-day activities or if you’re traveling.

Healthcare professionals recommend that no one outside of people working in doctor’s offices and hospitals should wear N-95s because they’re the most protective when they’re in health-related, high-risk situations.

3-Ply vs. N-95 Masks

Now that you know the difference between 3-ply vs. N-95 masks, you’re ready to stock up and keep yourself safe from COVID-19.

You can get 3-ply masks in bulk, which are disposable, so you aren’t reusing and needing to wash the same cloth mask. They’re very accessible now, and you can order them online. Or, for those in the medical field, consider getting reliable N-95 masks for your staff.

Contact SGP today with questions about purchasing high-quality medical equipment, including PPE and masks.