Face masks, respirators, and other Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), are crucial. These devices are essential for construction, medicine, and many other industries. The n99mask is used to filter out harmful particles and prevent the spread and contraction of infectious diseases. The n99 mask 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 n99mask 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. These masks share two main characteristics. 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 ensure that the N99 respirator seals tight and has high filtration.
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.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 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 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. Buy certified N99 masks; you want to use one that’s of the highest quality possible.Reusable N99 masks are an environmentally friendly and economical option, but they have a higher up-front 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. 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. But, during times where many people are wearing respirators and masks throughout the day, the CDC has put out information on how to sterilize N99 masks. Although they do not recommend that you reuse masks, you can sterilize N99 masks for reuse in an emergency.
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 methods are showing the most potential to decontaminate N99 masks: using moist heat, vaporous hydrogen peroxide, or exposing the masks to UV radiation. Before being worn again, every mask must be inspected for damage or degrading and a seal checked. To test and explore different methods of cleaning face masks, a group of scientists, doctors, and other professionals created N95DECON. These methods have been thoroughly researched but have not yet been tested extensively.
VAPOROUS HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
This kills both resistant bacteria spores as well as viruses. 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. 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. 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 method is effective for cleaning facemasks. Heating them at 60°C and 80% humidity doesn’t seem to affect their filtration abilities.
Steam and Liquid Hydrogen Peroxide
The CDC also tested steam sterilization of masks with liquid hydrogen peroxide and steam. 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. 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. Assume it’s clean after overnight storage; the coronavirus can survive for three or more days on certain materials. It is crucial to purchase washable N99 masks from a trusted source. Bielcor is a safety leader and only offers products that have been thoroughly researched and field-tested.