Protective Equipment (PPE) is vital for everyone. 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% 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 offer the best protection by filtering out 99.9% of airborne particles. However, they don`t all provide equal protection.Here are some things you should consider before purchasing an N99 mask. Filters are essential for any mask to last a long time. Consider the quality, type, and a number of filters that your N99 mask will use. Carbon filters filter out bacteria, viruses, and chemicals the best. 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. 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. 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. You should only use them once and only once. Your N99 mask should be thrown away if it is contaminated with dangerous particles or becomes dirty 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. 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 kills both resistant bacteria spores as well as 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. The machines to perform sanitizing are dangerous and require extensive training for the operator.
UV Radiation
The UV radiation kills coronavirus viruses without affecting the ability of the masks to filter out 10-20 sterilizations. UV radiation can damage the face pieces and straps, so it is possible to expose the lower layers of 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 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. They used steam bags in low-powered microwaves to kill bacteria without damaging the face mask up to 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. When sterilizing N99 face masks, do not: Use soapy water; this degrades the masks` materials and impacts their ability to filter small particles properly. Do not use alcohol or bleach. This can affect the mask`s ability efficiently to filter toxic substances. Consider it clean after overnight storage. Certain materials can withstand the coronavirus for three to five days. It is crucial to purchase washable N99 masks from a trusted source. Bielcor is a safety industry leader that only offers field-tested and extensively researched products.