Apr 5, 2022
Are N99 Masks Washable?
Face masks, respirators, and other Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), are crucial. 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 n99 mask 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 n99 masks 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 have two principal defining 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 characteristics mean that, unlike ordinary cave coverings, the N99 respirator seals tightly and has a high filtration capacity.
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. Consider the quality, type, and a number of filters that your N99 mask will use. Carbon filters are the most efficient at filtering out viruses, bacteria, and chemicals. 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. An unfit face mask is useless. Buy certified N99 masks; you want to use one that’s of the highest quality possible.Reusable 99 masks can be an economical and environmentally-friendly option. However, they come at a higher upfront cost. For those who are physically active or suffer from breathing problems, N99 masks come with two valves that allow them to breathe more easily.
Extending the Use of N99 Masks
N99 masks are disposable filtering respirators. 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
The three most powerful methods to disinfect N99 Masks are moist heat (vaporous hydrogen peroxide), UV radiation, and using moisture. Every mask should be checked for damage and passed a seal-check before it is worn again. To test and explore different methods of cleaning face masks, a group of scientists, doctors, and other professionals created N95DECON. While these methods have been researched thoroughly, they have not gone through extensive testing yet.
Vaporous Hydrogen Peroxide
This method kills resistant bacteria spores and 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. Operators must be trained in the use of these machines.
UV Radiation
Using UV radiation stops the viruses related to coronavirus without affecting the mask filtering ability for 10-20 sterilizations. However, the UV light can break down the straps and face pieces, and it can be challenging to expose the 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 masks with steam and liquid hydrogen peroxide. To kill bacteria, they used steam bags in low-power microwaves. The mask was not damaged more than three times. The researchers also found that N99 respirators were not affected by a half-hour soak in 6% liquid hydroperoxide. However, they didn’t test the fit of the masks 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. Do not use alcohol or bleach. This can affect the mask’s ability efficiently to filter toxic substances. 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.
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