Face masks and respirators are essential Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). 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 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 provide the most protection,filtering out 99% of airborne particles,but that doesn’t mean they are all equal.Here are some things you should consider before purchasing an N99 mask. 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 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. A face mask that doesn’t fit properly is essentially 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. 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
Disposable filtering respirators. Ideally,you only use them once,and only you. 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. Note that every mask should get inspected for damage or degradation and pass a seal check before being worn again. To test and explore different methods of cleaning face masks,a group of scientists,doctors,and other professionals created N95DECON. Although these methods have been extensively researched,extensive testing has not yet taken place.
VAPOROUS HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
This method kills viruses and spores of resistant bacteria. 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
UV radiation can kill coronavirus viruses,but it does not affect the masks’ ability to filter for sterilizations of 10-20. The UV radiation can cause damage to straps and facepieces and make it challenging to expose 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. 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. 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.
