Are N99 Masks Washable?
Face masks and respirators are essential Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). We use them in construction,the medical field,and various 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. These masks share two main characteristics. 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 features mean that the N99 respirator is more durable than other cave covers and has a higher filtration rate.
What to Consider When Buying an N99 Mask
N99 masks offer the best protection by filtering out 99.9% of airborne particles. However,they don’t all provide equal protection. Filters are essential for any mask to last a long time. Think about the type,quality,and number of filters your N99 mask will use. Carbon filters have the highest efficiency in filtering out viruses,bacteria,and chemicals. N99 masks that have breathing valves or micro ventilators make it easier to talk and breathe. N99 masks come in various sizes; ensure that the one you choose covers your entire mouth,nose,and chin. An unfit face mask is useless. Buy certified N99 masks; you want to use one that’s of the highest quality possible.Reusable N99 masks are an environmentally friendly and economical option,but they have a higher up-front 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
Disposable filtering respirators. Ideally,you only use them once,and only you. Discard your N99 mask whenever it becomes contaminated or exposed to dangerous particles throughout the day. The CDC has information about how to sterilize N99 Masks when many people wear respirators all day. They don’t recommend you reuse masks except in an emergency. However,you can sterilize your N99 face 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
The three most powerful methods to disinfect N99 Masks are moist heat (vaporous hydrogen peroxide),UV radiation,and using moisture. Note that every mask should get inspected for damage or degradation and pass a seal check before being worn again. A group of doctors,scientists,and other professionals formed a group called N95DECON to research and test different sanitizing methods for face masks. These methods have been thoroughly researched but have not yet been tested extensively.
Vaporous Hydrogen Peroxide
This kills both resistant bacteria spores as well as viruses. 3M has used this method to sanitize masks up to 20 times without seeing any degradation,but when sterilized with higher doses,the filters become less efficient. Sanitizing machines can be dangerous and require extensive training.
UV Radiation
Using UV radiation stops the viruses related to coronavirus without affecting the mask filtering ability for 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 doses of UV light can break down the material of the mask itself.
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 method is effective for cleaning facemasks. Heating them at 60°C and 80% humidity doesn’t seem to affect their filtration abilities.
Steam and Liquid Hydrogen Peroxide
The CDC also tested steam sterilization of masks with liquid hydrogen peroxide and steam. 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. Do not use soapy water to sterilize N99 masks. This can cause damage to the mask’s materials and reduce its ability to filter small particles. Use alcohol or bleach; this affects the mask’s ability to filter harmful materials efficiently. It’s safe to assume it’s clean from overnight storage. The coronavirus can live for up to three days on some materials. High-quality respirators should only be bought from trusted sources when purchasing an N99 mask washer. Bielcor is a safety leader and only offers products that have been thoroughly researched and field-tested.
