Face masks, respirators, and other Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), are crucial. These devices are essential for construction, medicine, and many other industries. The - is used to filter out harmful particles and prevent the spread and contraction of infectious diseases. The - 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 - 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. You should consider the quality, type, number, and frequency of filters that your N99 face mask will use. Carbon filters have the highest efficiency in filtering out viruses, bacteria, and chemicals. N99 masks with breathing valves or micro-ventilators make talking and breathing easier. N99 masks come in various sizes; ensure that the one you choose covers your entire mouth, nose, and chin. It is useless to use a face mask that doesn’t fit correctly. You want to buy certified N99 masks.Reusable N99 masks are an environmentally friendly and economical option, but they have a higher up-front cost. If you engage in lots of physical activity or already have breathing difficulties, you can find N99 masks with two breathing valves to help you breathe easier.
Extending the Use of N99 Masks
N99 masks are disposable filtering respiratory protectors. Ideally, you only use them once, and only you. Your N99 mask should be thrown away if it is contaminated with dangerous particles or becomes dirty throughout the day. However, in an era where so many people use respirators and masks all day, the CDC has provided information on how to sterilize N99 face 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. Before being worn again, every mask must be inspected for damage or degradation and a seal check. N95DECON was formed by scientists, doctors, and others to test and evaluate various sanitizing techniques for masks. While these methods have been researched thoroughly, they have not gone through extensive testing yet.
Vaporous Hydrogen Peroxide
This method kills viruses and spores of resistant bacteria. 3M has used this method for fixing masks up 20 times without any degradation. But, when sterilized at higher doses, the filters become less effective. 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. The mask’s material can be damaged by high doses of UV light.
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 excellent way to clean facemasks. They can be heated at 60 degrees C with 80% humidity.
Steam and Liquid Hydrogen Peroxide
The CDC also tested steam sterilization of masks with liquid hydrogen peroxide and steam. They sterilized the masks with steam bags using low-power microwaves. 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. When sterilizing N99 face masks, do not: Use soapy water; this degrades the masks’ materials and impacts their ability to filter small particles properly. Use alcohol or bleach; this affects the mask’s ability to filter harmful materials efficiently. Consider it clean after overnight storage. Certain materials can withstand the coronavirus for three to five days. 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.