Face masks, respirators, and other Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), are crucial. They are used in construction, medical, and 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% 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.Consider these things before buying an N99 facemask. The mask’s life expectancy is directly related to its filters. Think about the type, quality, and number filters your N99 mask will use. Carbon filters are the most efficient at 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 a range of sizes. Be sure to choose one that covers your entire mouth, nose, and chin. An unfit face mask is useless. You want to buy certified N99 masks.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. It is best only to use one mask per day. If your N99 mask becomes contaminated or is exposed to harmful particles during the day, you should throw it out. 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. 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
Three ways are most effective in decontaminating N99 masks. These include sweltering heat, vaporous hydroperoxide, and UV radiation. Every mask should be checked for damage and passed a seal-check before it is 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. 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 to sanitize masks up to 20 times without seeing any degradation, but when sterilized with higher doses, the filters become less efficient. Operators must be trained in the use of these machines.
UV Radiation
Using UV radiation stops the viruses related to coronavirus without affecting the masks 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 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 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. Avoid using bleach or alcohol; it can reduce the mask’s effectiveness in filtering toxic materials. Consider it clean after overnight storage. Certain materials can withstand the coronavirus for three to five days. When purchasing an N99 mask washable, it is essential to buy high-quality respirators from a reputable source. Bielcor is a safety industry leader that only offers field-tested and extensively researched products.