Our mission DMB Supply is to bring Americans the highest quality of disposable face masks at an affordable wholesale prices during these trying times. We're shipping out orders same day or next day in order to get these masks you as quickly as possible to keep communities safe and healthy.

We’ve all seen or heard the PSA’s telling us to wear masks in public. Maybe you don’t have a mask, or you need to get some extra ones to keep in your car, but you aren’t sure which ones are effective in helping prevent the spread of Covid-19. Do you wonder when you should wear a mask? In this article, we will discuss why you should wear a 3-ply mask, when you should wear a mask, how well they work, how long they stay safe, and finally recommend a great 3-ply mask option. 

When Do I Need to Wear a Mask?

When you need a mask will depend a lot on when and where you live and work and if you are showing any symptoms. In some places, masks are mandatory when out in public, meaning you definitely will need one. Many types of business, including restaurants, bars, and retail stores, have mask requirements for employees and clients. Some areas don’t have mandates requiring masks, but individual businesses and organizations still might. The best and safest option is to make sure you always have one if going into a public area. No one wants to have to go all the way back home just for a mask.

The most obvious time you need a mask is if you are showing any Covid-19 symptoms. You shouldn’t go out period in this case, but if you simply must go out, you should absolutely wear a mask around anyone else outside of your household. The rest of your household should do the same when going out. Covid-19 has been very effective at spreading through people who show no symptoms, which is why many countries and states have mask mandates for those in public. Even if you don’t have symptoms, one of the best reasons to wear a mask is that you care about keeping those around you healthy.

There are additional situations in which you should wear a mask. For example, if you aren’t feeling well or have been exposed to Covid-19, you should avoid going out and groups, and if you must be around others, wear a mask. Additionally, wear a mask if you are caring for a sick person, or will be around large groups of people, even if you know them all. The CDC is currently recommending that the public wears a mask of some type in all public spaces and wash or disinfect their hands frequently in order to slow the spread of disease.

How Effective are 3-Ply Masks?

There are many types of masks available, but 3-ply surgical masks are a disposable mask that is easy to keep on hand in case you don’t have a reusable one or forget to bring one with you when running errands.

You may be wondering, “Just how effective can a little paper mask really be?” And that’s a fair question to be asking. Thankfully we do have answers, and the scientific consensus is that they do massively help slow the spread of disease, even if they aren’t a perfect solution

Why do 3-ply masks work, though? As the name implies, there are three layers to a 3-ply mask, each serving a different purpose. The outermost layer is designed to help stop water, body fluids, and other liquids. The middle layer helps to filter out larger pathogens and particles, and the inner layer absorbs and controls breath moisture and sweat. 

One thing to be aware of is that 3-ply surgical masks can still allow pathogens in. Smaller pathogens like Covid-19 can sneak through the middle layer or around the sides where the mask isn’t fully sealed, but the mask will still help to slow or stop the majority of airborne pathogens.

Masks do massively help reduce the risk of a disease like Covid-19 when everyone is wearing them. By containing the breath, coughs, sneezes, and spittle when speaking, they massively decrease the amount of potentially contaminated air. Many estimates say that if just 80 percent of the population wore a mask that the current pandemic could be much more easily contained.

While either cloth or surgical masks are acceptable for most uses, a 3-ply mask can provide a more convenient option for keeping a clean and uncontaminated mask on your face, and is often considered more effective. And since you don’t have to worry about cleaning a mask in between uses, it adds an extra layer of security that cloth masks can’t provide.  

How Often Do I Need to Change My Mask?There is a multitude of factors that influence how long a mask can be worn. For a simple shopping trip or low contact activity, the mask should be good for several hours. However, in tight, crowded places, or when excessive moisture is present (humidity, sweat, tears, etc.), the mask should be changed every 90 minutes or so if possible. If exposed to someone known to have Covid-19 the mask should be immediately changed after leaving and washing of the hands.

A lot of how long a mask lasts depends on the specific situation, and there isn’t an easy answer. The goal is to avoid the spread of disease, so if the mask is damp, torn, or loose, it’s definitely time for a new one. In situations that are higher risk activities, more frequent changes are recommended. Ultimately it comes down to your judgment and the effort you put into keeping those around you safe. Considering the risk of catching something, changing a mask more frequently is certainly a safer practice.

Where Can I Find a Mask?

Once you decide to purchase some 3-ply masks for regular, wholesale, or back up use, you still have to find them. Unfortunately, many supply chain issues came to light during the beginning of the pandemic, and while supply issues have started to equalize, it can still be challenging to find a high-quality surgical mask.

That’s where DMB Supply comes in. Located in Long Island, New York, DMB provides the highest quality PPE available at reasonable prices and with next day shipping. DMB is committed to providing FDA approved and affordable masks and other supplies.