Face masks and respirators are essential Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). We use them in construction, the medical field, and various other industries. The n99 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 n99 masks 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 have two principal defining 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 provide the most protection, filtering out 99% of airborne particles, but that doesn’t mean they are all equal. 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 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 are available in a variety of sizes. Make sure that you have enough coverage for your nose, mouth, and chin. An unfit face mask is useless. Use certified N99 masks.Reusable Masks are an eco-friendly and economically sound option. However, there is a higher initial 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 respiratory protectors. Ideally, you only use them once, and only you. Discard your N99 mask whenever it becomes contaminated or exposed to dangerous particles throughout the day. 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. 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. Every mask should be checked for damage and passed a seal-check before it is worn again. 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 up to 20 times to clean masks without any degradation. However, if sterilized with higher amounts, filters lose their effectiveness. Sanitizing machines can be dangerous and require extensive training.
UV RADIATION
The UV radiation kills coronavirus viruses without affecting the ability of the masks to filter out 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. High doses of UV light can break down the material of the mask itself.
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. They sterilized the masks with steam bags using low-power microwaves. 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. When sterilizing N99 face masks, do not: Use soapy water; this degrades the masks’ materials and impacts its ability to filter small particles properly. Avoid using bleach or alcohol; it can reduce the mask’s effectiveness in filtering toxic materials. It’s safe to assume it’s clean from overnight storage. The coronavirus can live for up to three days on some 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.