Masks: Reusing & Cleaning

[Readymom]

Originally posted at FluTrackers

Reusing Masks
http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2802&goto=nextnewest

Can used masks be rendered safe with exposure to several days of sun or saturation in bleach solution?

Short answer - No.

See: : http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5342

Quote:
The effectiveness of a face mask decreases as the mask material becomes saturated, so re-use or extended use is not wise if you are in a contaminated environment. This is exacerbated if you are wearing a mask in a
cold environment as there is increased condensation on the mask material. There are N95 type masks with an exhaust vent that protects the filtering surfaces from compromise by moisture. (I've worn N95 masks outdoors in the Canadian winter and had most of the filter surface blocked by frost in short order)

The WHO recommends changing surgical type masks every two hours and N95 masks every 6-8 hours. (http://www.wpro.who.int/sars/docs/masks/masks_faq.asp)

from thread: http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12144

[Readymom]

Directions for how to properly clean the cartridges for respirator masks that use them can be found here:




Respirator Cleaning Procedures (Mandatory)
https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.134AppB2

These procedures are provided for employer use when cleaning respirators. They are general in nature, and the employer as an alternative may use the cleaning recommendations provided by the manufacturer of the respirators used by their employees, provided such procedures are as effective as those listed here in Appendix B- 2. Equivalent effectiveness simply means that the procedures used must accomplish the objectives set forth in Appendix B-2, i.e., must ensure that the respirator is properly cleaned and disinfected in a manner that prevents damage to the respirator and does not cause harm to the user. ---CONTINUED---

[Readymom]

Maintenance and Care of Respirators
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnF05owDxTI

The manufacturer’s guidance for cleaning and sanitizing a respirator should always be followed and is included with the packaging of all products. If you do not have access to that copy, check the manufacturer’s website. If still not accessible, general cleaning and sanitizing guidanceExternal is provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA also has videos regarding maintenance and care of respiratorsExternal.

[Readymom]

Can you reuse an N95 face mask if using it to protect you from viruses?
https://www.answers.com/Q/Can_you_reuse_an_N95_face_mask_if_using_it_to_protect_you_from_viruses?fbclid=IwAR05zff-wmG7v4-u86wEjs0Kvfj5BvO25uw6zOekg7RoN6gg4REa3S0x3Q0

Not if you are wearing it to protect you from viruses or other sub-microscopic pathogens or pollution/fumes. These N95 masks are more like respirators than a cloth or paper surgical mask. None of these should be reused when used for medical purposes, they should be thrown away after each use since they may harbor some of the filtered particles on the outside that could contaminate people or environments. They can not be washed for reuse, either, this will potentially deform or disintegrate the mask rendering it ineffective. N95 masks must also be medically fit to your face or they will not be effective. They are not recommended for children or those with beards or mustaches because that can allow gaps for particles to enter around the mask. See more in the related questions section.

[Readymom]

Recommended Guidance for Extended Use and Limited Reuse of N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators in Healthcare Settings
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/hcwcontrols/recommendedguidanceextuse.html?fbclid=IwAR2vDmO5jdqjNwlHm-rheNUJ8nQiKyv_FXGo2OZJCfWQpR3emoc7IjhFDWw

This document recommends practices for extended use and limited reuse of NIOSH-certified N95 filtering facepiece respirators (commonly called “N95 respirators”). The recommendations are intended for use by professionals who manage respiratory protection programs in healthcare institutions to protect health care workers from job-related risks of exposure to infectious respiratory illnesses. ---CONTINUED---