Are N99 Masks Washable?
Face masks, respirators, and other Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), are crucial. These devices are essential for construction, medicine, and many other industries. The n99 masks is used to filter out harmful particles and prevent the spread and contraction of infectious diseases. The n99mask are the most effective face-covering option available, but many people want to know what to look for when purchasing one and if they can wash and reuse them.
What Are N99 Masks?
N99 masks or a n99mask is a specific type of face-covering to filter what the user is breathing in. N99 Mask is a face-covering designed to filter the air that is being inhaled. Two main characteristics of these masks are: N99 Masks form a tight seal against your face so that when you breathe in, the airflow coming in and out of your nose and mouth passes through the filtration material without leaking from the mask’s edges. N99 mask materials should be capable of capturing at least 99% of particles from the user’s nose and mouth while they breathe. These characteristics ensure that the N99 respirator seals tight and has high filtration.
What to Consider When Buying an N99 Mask
N99 masks provide the most protection, filtering out 99% of airborne particles, but that doesn’t mean they are all equal. The mask’s life expectancy is directly related to its filters. Think about the type, quality, and number of filters your N99 mask will use. Carbon filters filter out bacteria, viruses, and chemicals the best. N99 masks with breathing valves or micro-ventilators make talking and breathing easier. N99 masks come in a range of sizes. Be sure to choose one that covers your entire mouth, nose, and chin. It is useless to use a face mask that doesn’t fit correctly. Use certified N99 masks.Reusable Masks are an eco-friendly and economically sound option. However, there is a higher initial cost. N99 masks can be used to aid in breathing if you are active or have difficulty with your breathing.
Extending the Use of N99 Masks
N99 masks are disposable filtering respiratory protectors. You should only use them once and only once. Discard your N99 mask whenever it becomes contaminated or exposed to dangerous particles throughout the day. But, during times when many people are wearing respirators and masks throughout the day, the CDC has put out information on how to sterilize N99 masks. While they don’t recommend that you reuse masks unless, in an emergency situation, you can sterilize your N99 mask for reuse.
These are the requirements for safe sterilization of an N99 mask washable:
The mask must remain effective against COVID-19. The sterilization must not affect the filtration capabilities. It must not have an impact on the fit of the user’s face. The mask must still be safe for the user.
These methods of decontamination are not recommended for N99 Masks:
Ethylene Oxide causes concerns for off-gassing. Ionizing Radiation can degrade filter performance. The use of microwaves can melt the respirator near metal components and compromise the fit. Autoclaves, high temperatures, and steam can cause filter degradation.
Sterilizing N99 Masks for Reuse
Three methods are showing the most potential to decontaminate N99 masks: using moist heat, vaporous hydrogen peroxide, or exposing the masks to UV radiation. Before being worn again, every mask must be inspected for damage or degradation and a seal check. To test and explore different methods of cleaning face masks, a group of scientists, doctors, and other professionals created N95DECON. Although these methods have been extensively researched, extensive testing has not yet taken place.
Vaporous Hydrogen Peroxide
This kills both resistant bacteria spores as well as viruses. 3M has used this method up to 20 times to clean masks without any degradation. However, if sterilized with higher amounts, filters lose their effectiveness. The machines to perform sanitizing are dangerous and require extensive training for the operator.
UV Radiation
The UV radiation kills coronavirus viruses without affecting the ability of the masks to filter out 10-20 sterilizations. The UV radiation can cause damage to straps and facepieces and make it challenging to expose lower layers to the radiation. High UV light doses can cause the mask to be brittle.
Heat and Humidity
Heating N99 masks at 60-75 degrees C for half an hour can stop viruses related to COVID-19, but it has not been tested on the coronavirus itself.This is an effective method to sanitize facemasks, as heating them at 60 degrees C and 80% humidity does not seem to damage their filtration capabilities.
Steam and Liquid Hydrogen Peroxide
The CDC also tested sterilizing the masks using steam and liquid hydrogen peroxide. They used steam bags in low-powered microwaves to kill bacteria without damaging the face mask up to three times. They found that the N99 respirator could be soaked in 6% liquid hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes, which did not affect its filtration. However, they did not test the fit afterward. Avoid using soapy water when sterilizing N99-face masks. It can degrade the masks’ materials and affect their ability to filter small particles correctly. Do not use alcohol or bleach. This can affect the mask’s ability efficiently to filter toxic substances. Consider it clean after overnight storage. Certain materials can withstand the coronavirus for three to five days. It is crucial to purchase washable N99 masks from a trusted source. Bielcor is a safety leader and only offers products that have been thoroughly researched and field-tested.
