Face masks,respirators,and other Personal Protection Equipment (PPE),are crucial. These devices are essential for construction,medicine,and many 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.Here are some things you should consider before purchasing an N99 mask. Filters are essential for any mask to last a long time. Think about the type,quality,and number filters 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. 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. 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

N99 masks are disposable filtering respiratory protectors. Ideally,you only use them once,and only you. Your N99 mask should be thrown away if it is contaminated with dangerous particles or becomes dirty throughout the day. 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. 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

The three most powerful methods to disinfect N99 Masks are moist heat (vaporous hydrogen peroxide),UV radiation,and using moisture. Before being worn again,every mask must be inspected for damage or degrading and a seal checked. 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 viruses and spores of resistant bacteria. 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

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. 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 steam sterilization of masks with liquid hydrogen peroxide and steam. To kill bacteria,they used steam bags in low-power microwaves. The mask was not damaged more than three times. They also noted that soaking an N99 respirator in 6% liquid hydrogen peroxide for half an hour didn’t affect filtration,but they did not test fit integrity 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. 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,a safety industry leader,only sells products that have been field-tested and thoroughly researched.