Buying questions
What are the layers in a medical face mask?
A three ply mask is spunbond outside, meltblown in the middle and a softer spunbond or ES inside. Each layer has one job, and the mask standard measures the assembly, not the fabric.
At a glance
Specification at a glance
| Layer | Typical weight | Job |
|---|---|---|
| Outer spunbond | 25 gsm | Structure, splash, weld strength |
| Middle meltblown | 25 gsm | BFE, the actual filter |
| Inner soft layer | 20 to 25 gsm | Skin comfort, moisture |
| Nose wire and loops | Not fabric | Fit, which drives real performance |
Why fit beats fabric
Filtration measured on a flat sample says little about a mask that gaps at the cheek. Fit testing is a separate exercise, and a 99 percent filter with a leaking edge protects less than a 95 percent filter that seals.
What EN 14683 measures
Bacterial filtration efficiency, pressure drop, splash resistance for Type IIR, and microbial cleanliness. The mask is tested as a product, so the fabric specification is only the input.
Check the claim before it goes on the pack
Send the claim you want to make and the market it sells in. We reply with what the material can support and what it cannot.
Questions
Common questions
Is more meltblown better?
Higher weight raises efficiency and pressure drop together. Beyond a point the wearer cannot breathe comfortably, so the balance is the design.
Do masks need to be sterile?
Surgical masks are usually clean, not sterile. Sterile variants exist for specific clinical settings.
Can masks be reused?
Single use products are designed for single use. Reuse breaks the fit and the charge.